How to Create Your Own 1st Birthday Invitations

Homemade birthday invitations double as keepsakes.

Even people who don't consider themselves overly creative can make their own homemade birthday invitations. For a simple-yet-eye-catching 1st birthday invitation, consider making a postcard-style card with an image of the birthday girl on the cover and pertinent information on the back. Not only will your guests appreciate the time you spent creating them, but they will make a great keepsake to remember your child's first birthday.

Things You'll Need

• Word processing program
• Printer
• 4x6 cardstock
• 4x6 photos
• Double-sided tape

Instructions

1. Open your word processing program.

2. Type any important information your guests will need to know, such as the date, time and address of the party. There are several ways to do this. One idea is to simply write headings with the information beside it. For example:

   Date: December 10th

   Time: 3 p.m.

   Address: 55 Park Drive

   Alternativly, you could write this information in a paragraph form. For example:

   "Join us as we celebrate Emily's first birthday! The party will be held at 55 Park Drive on December 10th at 3 p.m. We hope to see you there!"

   If you would like to write something a little more creative, consider writing a short rhyme. For example:

   "Emily's is turning one, join us as we have some fun!" End this by simply adding the important information or find a way to add it to the rhyme.

3. Play around with the font's style, size and color. You may also want to bold or underline certain words to make them stand out.

4. Add clip art around the text, such as balloons or anything else that matches the theme of your party.

5. Place light-colored, 4x6 pieces of cardstock in your printer. Avoid dark colors as it will make the invitations difficult to read.

6. Adjust your printing settings to "4x6" paper size and "fit document to page." These options will be available in the main menu of your word processing program, under "print."

7. Print as many invitations as you need.

8. Use double-sided tape to attach a 4x6 picture of the birthday girl to the front of the card. Avoid using glue as this can create a messy, textured appearance along the edges of the picture. If you prefer some of the cardstock to show around the edges of the picture, trim the sides of the picture before attaching it.