DIY Quinceanera Scroll Invitation

Scroll invitations have a classic, weathered look.

A quinceañera is a traditional celebration, celebrated by many Hispanic families, marking a 15-year-old girl's birthday. This event symbolizes her passage into adulthood. For invitations to the quinceañera, many families use an elegant scroll style that conveys the grown-up theme of the occasion. Although many online companies offer customized scroll invitations, these can be expensive, especially when ordered in large quantities. Making homemade scroll invitations can be economical, as well as an entertaining craft activity.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden scroll rollers
• Wood stain
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Multi-purpose glue
• Computer paper
• Ribbon
• Decorative items

Instructions

1. Look in hobby or craft stores for thin wooden rods that can serve as rollers for the scroll. Many have an acorn-like shape on both ends, which will be convenient when you roll them. The rods should be 12 inches or a bit longer. Purchase two rods per invitation you are planning to send.

2. Purchase fabric in your chosen color. Craft stores usually carry a variety of fabrics. Purchase enough fabric so that you can have a 10- by 16-inch piece for each invitation. Cut the fabric into 10- by 16-inch rectangles.

3. Stain the wooden rollers with wood stain, if they are unfinished. This makes them look more professional and also seals the wood. Allow the stained rods dry in open air for the time recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Apply glue along the middle 10 inches of a rod. Affix a fabric rectangle to the rod, then roll the rod slightly so that the wood is completely covered by the fabric.

5. Apply glue to the fabric right before the rolled portion, then roll it a bit more so that this glue holds the fabric to itself. Repeat this process with another roller on the other end of the fabric. Glue two rollers to each pice of fabric.

6. Create an invitation on the computer in the page-design or word processing application of your choice. Be sure to include all the event details. Print out the invitations.

7. Glue each printed invitation in the center of the fabric of the scrolls. Decorate the invitation with glitter or other bits of flair to brighten it and customize it further.

8. Roll up the invitation so that both rollers meet in the middle and the fabric rolls tightly. You might need a partner to help with this. The paper will crinkle when you roll it.

9. Store the rolled invitations in a dry room overnight. Unroll and check the scrolls in the morning, and re-glue any areas as necessary. Re-roll the scrolls, and tie them closed with ribbon. At this point, add any exterior decorations.

Tips & Warnings

• Always purchase more supplies than necessary to allow for mistakes.

• Use high-quality paper to give your invitations a more professional look and feel.

• Do not inhale fumes from the wood stain or any glues that you use.

References

• About Quinceañeras