Paper Source (www.paper-source.com)

I bought the bookbinding supplies I used for the invitation boxes at Paper Source.  Some (only some) of the prices were pretty reasonable.  The quality of the bookcloth was great and their PVA glue has better adhesive strength than the others I’ve tried.  However, the bookboards were a little frayed on the sides.
~ Recommend

Paper Presentation (www.paperpresentation.com)

I bought my paper supplies from Paper Presentation.  I was able to find cheaper paper supplies online, but it was nice to be able to see the papers in person.  I also got the bookboards cut there and the guy was awesome.  I bought a luggage-ful of bookboard and he finished it quickly so we didn’t have to come back.  He even charged me less than I was supposed to pay.
~ Recommend

All of our guests including us are from out of town.  So in the guest welcome bags, we decided to include a map of key places including room blocks and where we’re staying.  The rehearsal dinner location will only be included on maps for those who are invited to the rehearsal dinner.

Our wedding map

As we get closer to the wedding, I will be adding places/sites to see in Newport.  If you have any suggestions of nice places/sites to see, please leave a comment.

Now, on to the template…

Template
The Newport map template measures 8.5″ x 11″ and can be reduced.  It is in PDF format and can be used with image/graphic editors such as Photoshop and Illustrator. The basic template (see image below) is $10.  To purchase, click Buy Now below.

Basic Newport Map template (no additional streets):

Click image to enlarge

For additional streets or customized map, please contact me.  Click here for instructions on how to create your own map.

The template in Word (doc) format will be available soon. But note that it won’t be as crisp as the PDF above. Stay tuned…

How I Did It

Materials (per set)
1 80lb (or heavier) coverstock 8.5×11
belly wrap or 1 36lb (or close) vellum 8.5×11 – creates 5 belly wraps
1 envelope A2 (4 3/8″ x 5 3/4″)

For stores, click here

Tools
cutter, X-acto knife (to cut inner rectangles), adhesive, computer, printer

Recommended
Rotary Paper Trimmer (cutter), X-Acto Knife, Classic Crest Solar White 80lb (paper), Classic Crest Recycled Bright White 80lb (recycled paper)

Fonts Used
Sloop Script Two, AvantGarde Gothic

Template
The card measures 4″ x 5.5″ and contains 4 pieces wrapped together with the belly wrap.

Click image below to download template

Directions
Print and cut on solid lines.  Assemble with top-left card at the top, then the top-right card right below, then the bottom-left card, then the bottom-right card at the very bottom.  Wrap them together with the belly wrap.

If you want a crisper image (bridesmaid), print this file first on paper that you plan to use for your card.  Personalize this 2nd file, then print it using the paper you’ve printed the first file on.  Make sure you print on the side  where the image is printed.

Insert assembled card into envelope and you’re all set!

I actually don’t have bridesmaids, only two maids-of-honor. And I asked them both in different ways.

I. Maid-of-Honor M is getting married in February 2011 and her colors are black and white with deep red roses. When I saw these organizers, I thought it would be perfect for her planning…

To use it, I decided to label the hanging folders with bridesmaid stuff: Attire, Checklist, and Timeline. But I placed a different type of checklist in the Checklist folder.

II. Maid-of-Honor K loves giving and receiving cards. So I decided to ask her with a card…

I decided to create a 4-part card to slowly reveal my intent of asking her to be one of my maids-of-honor. Of course I won’t make a card without creating a template too for everyone! So stay tuned for instructions and template.

How did you ask your bridal party?

How I Did It

Materials (per set)
1 80lb (or heavier) coverstock 8.5×11 – creates 4
1 36lb (or close) vellum 8.5×11 – creates 2
knot
1 envelope A2 (4 3/8″ x 5 3/4″)

For stores, click here

Tools
cutter, scorer, 1/4″ hole-puncher, lighter or gas stove top, computer, printer

Recommended
Rotary Paper Trimmer (cutter), Fiskars Scoring Blade (scoring blade to be used with Fiskars rotary trimmer), Fiskars hand punch (hole puncher), Classic Crest Solar White 80lb (paper), Classic Crest Recycled Bright White 80lb (recycled paper)

Fonts Used
Sloop Script Two, AvantGarde Gothic

Template
The save-the-date measures 4″ x 5.5″.  Page 2 and 3 contains the main save-the-date template that creates 4 save-the-dates.  Page contains the vellum wrap template that creates 2 vellum wraps.  Blue sailboat image is included in the template.

Click image below to download template

Directions
Print page 3 on the back of page 2.  Cut on gray solid lines.  Print page 4 on vellum.  Cut on gray solid lines.  Score vellum in the middle.  Wrap vellum on save-the-date.  Hole punch on gray circles.

Cut 11″ of knot.  Using a lighter or stove top, melt the ends of the knot to avoid fraying.  Insert knot into the holes and make a square knot.  Click here for instructions on how to make a square knot.

Insert completed save-the-date into envelope and you’re all set!

I finally finished making our save-the-dates!  It was easy making them except writing the addresses.  I’m not good at calligraphy so I decided to just use my own everyday handwriting.  I saved by writing the addresses myself, using coverstock that I already have and printing the save-the-dates in my home printer.

Keeping up with the theme of the wedding, I used knots and sailboat images.  I’m sorry I forgot to take a photo of the back which has the travel info.  The vellum wraps around the save-the-date covering both the front and back.

Overall, I spent a little more than $20 for 25 of these save-the-dates:

7 coverstock 8.5×11 = free (I have in stock)
13 vellum 8.5×11 = $10.50 (50 pack)
41′ knot = $3.77
25 envelopes = $6.25

TOTAL = $20.52 + tax

Stay tuned tomorrow for template and instructions on making them.

In addition to John moving in and our wedding planning, I’ve also been busy with my friend’s invitation to her Fall wedding.  I finally finished creating a mock-up…

Jasmine bought top-open envelopes and I’m afraid that the RSVP card and envelope will remain in the envelope when guests take the invitation out.  So I decided to use a gold spiral paper clip to attach them all together.

Kate’s Paperie Bridal Brunches are back! Let Kate’s wedding professionals give you the inside scoop on designing the perfect wedding invitation, from the type of paper to the method of printing. Plus, you’ll receive a special discount just for stopping by!

Here’s a list of the dates and locations:

Each session is from 10am – 11:30am.
March 22nd – Soho
April 19th – 3rd Ave
May 3rd – Greenwich
May 17th – 57th St
June 14th – Soho
July 12th – 3rd Ave
August 9th – 57th St

Admission to this event is $10 per attendee. Each person will receive a $10 Kate’s gift card.

In addition, whether you are ordering your wedding suite, business cards or social stationery through Kate’s Custom Printing Department, you will receive a Kate’s Paperie Giftcard for 15% of your total (custom printing) purchase through May 7th. It’s Kate’s way of celebrating the New Year and thanking you for your custom stationery purchase. *Note: This gift card cannot be used toward initial purchase.

Reservations required. To reserve a space, please call Judy at 212.630.0710 ext. 304.

Paper Source Exclusive Event: The Wedding Suite
March 19, 2009, 6:30-9pm
$35 per person

Sip sparkling champagne and enjoy chocolate dipped strawberries while you create a full suite of wedding samples — including a select group of letterpress invitations, escort cards, favors and table accents. Registration is required to attend this special event. Seats are limited to 15, so don’t delay.

Sign up with a friend and receive $5 off each seat!

The passport invitation template is now available (passpost save-the-date coming soon)!  The basic template is free while the pre-designed one is available for a fee.  Click here to purchase the pre-designed template.  Passport size is 3.5″x5″.

Basic template (DOC) 304kb – free
Pre-designed template (DOC & PDF) 5.36mb – $10 forever! until 3/12/09, $20 after that
     ** Click here to purchase **
Custom passport invitation/save-the-date – $50

The pre-designed template is based on the passport invitation below that I created before.

Click here to purchase the pre-designed template.