Every Princess needs a crown

Well, it’s been a hectic few weeks here as preparations are underway for our daughter, Paris’s 21st birthday party at the end of this month.  I’ve spent a good part of the past two weeks making party invitations for our family… okay… so maybe it was only three days but they were three very LONG days.  I have to admit, I took a few short cuts and combined a few family members on the one invitation because I just couldn’t face making 60 invitations.  Yes, I said 60. I’ve managed to get it down to 25 handmade invites.(Thank goodness for Facebook events invites.)

Why so many invitations? Although Paris is an only child, she has around 25 cousins (and their partners), 15 aunts and uncles, plus step cousins and close family friends. So with just family, it is quite a big event.

The Crown Design Brief

Paris gave me a very specific design brief.  It had be pale aqua (aka pool party), colourful, boho and have flowers, ribbon, a crown and bling.

Why a crown? When Paris was tiny, we called her Princess Paris as she was our princess. The name stuck! Even when she was Model Student Ambassador Studios for Meloo Studios at 17, the photographer, Mel knew she was a princess so included a princess photo in the photo shoots. Here it is:

I LOVE this photo. It’s one my absolute favourites! Look at those eye lashes!!!!  Mel captured a moment of bliss before the crown tumbled! (If you want to see more from Paris’s Photo shoots, visit the Meloo Model student Facebook page. Mel’s photography work is showcased on the Meloo studio’s Facebook page)

Anyway, as I was saying every princess needs a crown.

In the case of these invitations, it’s a boho crown of flowers with bling centers. Oh and… I wasn’t allowed to stamp any writing on the front!  (WHAT!!!!) So here’s what I came up with.

What do you think?

The Creative Process

This project was a great way to use up the scraps of card stock left over from classes. I’ve included a list of projects at the end of this post.  Because each invitation has at least 17 flowers, I got three flower punches and the bird builder punch out of retirement and punched away while watching TV.  If I had only been making a few invitations, I would have dragged out my Big Shot and used the Seasonal Layers Thinlits dies. But when making a big batch, you have to do what is most time efficient.

As you know, I have lots of stamps. Interestingly, among my current stamp collection, I did not have any stars suitable for the flower crown background. Wow would have thought that possible? Unbelievable? I know I was shocked too!  Luckily my elder sister, Deb came to the rescue with the retired Perpetual Birthday Calendar Stamp Set. The stars in that set were perfect!

Someone mentioned the eyelashes are just like Paris’s and asked me what stamp I used.  There is no stamp. No they aren’t printed on the computer.  They are all hand drawn!  Yes, you heard right. They’re hand drawn! I drew the eyes with journalling pens and used scallop edge Seasonal Layers Thinlits die as a template.  It worked perfectly! (The retired Large Scallop edgelit die or some punched circles would work perfectly as a template too).  I made Paris add the eye lashes. They look pretty impressive don’t you think?

Anyway, they are all finished and ready to be mailed out.  Paris loves them! I’m hoping her guests will love them too and be inspired to RSVP early. Who wouldn’t love to receive a gorgeous hand stamped invitation to this event?

Make your own invitations

If you have a special event coming up and want hand made invitations, ask me about what coordinated supplies you will need to get started.  I can help you plan your project, supply the materials and give you tips to make your creative experience easy and fun.  Remember invitations can be tailored to suit your style – sleek and elegant, boho chic, industrial grunge, shabby sheik, retro, vintage, steampunk, quirky, whimsical or bright and bold. Anything is possible!

If you don’t think you can make your own invites, talk to me about my specialized custom invitation making services. Options can be tailored to suit your budget. Don’t delay contact me today!

The Crown Jewels (aka products used)