Create DIY invitations at planting paperIt's like inviting your friends to a party and giving them a souvenir that blooms! Imagine your guests' surprise and delight when they discover that their invitation can be transformed into pretty flowers or aromatic herbs. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of creating personalised invitations using planting paper. Whether you're planning a wedding, a birthday or a garden party, these unique, eco-friendly invitations are sure to be a hit. So get your scissors ready, your creativity at the ready, and let's dive into the fantastic world of DIY planting paper invitations!

Materials and tools required

someone who draws a line with a ruler

Planting paper, the ecological hero

Before you start creating your DIY invitations, it's vital to understand what the planting paper. This special paper is made from recycled fibres and incorporates plant seeds, which means it can be planted after use. Not only is this paper environmentally friendly, it also adds a magical touch to your invitations. Imagine your guests' surprise when they learn that their invitation will turn into colourful flowers or tasty herbs. This innovative paper is not only a symbol of sustainability, but also a testament to your creativity and concern for the environment.

The essentials for your creations

To make your DIY invitations, you'll need a number of materials and tools:

  • Planting paper : The star of our project, available in different textures and colours.
  • Scissors For cutting creative shapes and edges, such as scalloped patterns or waves.
  • Ecological glue To assemble the different parts of the invitation without harming the environment.
  • Pens and felt-tips To write your personalised messages using non-toxic, long-lasting inks.
  • Embellishments Like ribbons, biodegradable sequins, ink pads and beads.
  • Ruler and pencil For drawing straight lines and precise patterns.
  • Punch To add decorative holes or attach additional elements.

Choosing the right seeds

The choice of seeds is just as important as the choice of paper. You can opt for wildflower seeds, aromatic herbs such as basil or mint, or even vegetables such as cherry tomatoes. Make sure you choose seeds suited to your guests' climate to ensure successful germination. There's nothing worse than sending invitations that don't flower! Check the seed specifications to make sure they will thrive in local conditions.

Preparation of materials

Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need to hand. Cut your planting paper to fit your invitations, prepare your embellishments, and test your pens and markers. Good preparation is the key to a successful craft session! Also prepare a clean, well-lit work area with a flat surface to work on comfortably. Don't forget to protect your work surface with newspaper or a cutting mat to avoid damage.

Steps for creating DIY invitations

DIY invitations

Designing your invitations

Now that you have all the materials, it's time to come up with the design for your DIY invitations. Let your imagination run wild! Think of themes that correspond to the event: flowers for a wedding, aromatic herbs for a gourmet dinner, or vegetables for a barbecue. The design should reflect the spirit of the event and add a personal touch that will make your guests smile as soon as they open the envelope.

Cutting and assembly

Start by cutting the planting paper to size. You can choose classic shapes like rectangles or squares, or opt for more original shapes like hearts or stars. Once cut, assemble the different parts of the invitation. For example, you could glue a strip of planting paper onto coloured cardboard for extra rigidity. Remember to add a layer of translucent paper for a more sophisticated effect. Use eco-friendly glue sparingly to avoid soaking the paper.

Adding custom elements

Nothing beats a personal touch! Use your pens and markers to write personalised messages. Think about adding drawings, patterns or even calligraphy if you're good at it. Embellishments like ribbons or biodegradable sequins add a festive touch. You can also add ink pads to create repetitive, elegant designs. Let the seasons or the host's favourite colours inspire you. Feel free to experiment with different writing styles and use stencils for more complex designs.

Planting instructions

Don't forget to include planting instructions for your guests. You can write them directly on the invitation or print separate cards. Make sure the instructions are clear and easy to follow: "Plant this paper in a pot of potting soil, water regularly and put it in the light. In a few weeks, you'll see little shoots appear." You can even add a small explanatory drawing for novice gardeners. For an even more playful effect, you can print the instructions in comic strip form.

The finishing touch

To give your DIY invitations a professional look, add a suitable envelope. You can also seal the envelope with a wax seal for an elegant touch. And that's it, your invitations are ready to send! If you want to go one step further, add a light perfume to the inside of the envelope for a pleasant olfactory surprise. You can also personalise the envelopes with motifs or monograms for a consistent, sophisticated look.

Tips and creative ideas for your DIY invitations

stamp on a blue base

Themes and inspirations

Choosing a theme can really help guide your design. For a wedding, think soft colours and floral motifs. For a birthday, opt for bright colours and fun designs. Every occasion can have its own style, and planting paper adapts to every need. For a summer party, why not use fruit motifs or tropical vegetation? You can also take inspiration from current events or trends to create invitations that are modern and relevant.

Playing with textures and colours

Planting paper can go wonderfully well with other types of recycled paper. Play with textures by combining kraft paper, tissue paper or even fabric. Contrasting colours and textures will give your invitations a unique and sophisticated dimension. Add embossed elements such as dried flowers or pressed leaves for an even more impressive effect. Don't hesitate to experiment with cutting and folding techniques for unexpected shapes and effects.

Using stamps and stencils

Stamps and stencils are perfect for adding detailed designs without too much effort. You can find a multitude of designs to suit any occasion. Think florals for a wedding, stars for a party or leaves for a nature event. Stencils allow you to create precise designs and can be reused for other creative projects. Explore the different inks available to add different touches of colour and texture.

Recycling for better DIY

In the spirit of sustainability, why not use recycled materials for your DIY invitations? Scraps of fabric, recycled buttons or even pages from old books can add a vintage, eco-friendly touch to your creations. Not only is it good for the planet, it's also good for your wallet! Look in your drawers and attics for objects that can be reused creatively. For example, bits of string or wool can be used to tie up your invitations, while pieces of lace or ribbon add a touch of rustic elegance.

Edible invitations?

Why not combine planting paper with edible elements? Add seeds from edible plants such as basil or coriander, and your guests will not only have a beautiful plant, but also fresh herbs to use in cooking. You can even include a small recipe using these herbs in the invitation. It's a delicious and innovative way to surprise your guests! For those with a sweet tooth, you could even attach a small sachet of biscuit seeds or personalised tea.

A multi-sensory experience

As well as the visual and tactile elements, think about incorporating olfactory elements. A few drops of essential oil on paper or a small sachet of lavender attached to the invitation can create an unforgettable multi-sensory experience. Your guests will remember your event every time they smell it. A musical touch, such as a small bell attached, can also add a sonic dimension to your invitation. You can also include a playlist of your favourite songs so that your guests can get into the party mood before they even get there.

Tips for finishing

To give your DIY invitations a professional look, the finishing touches are essential. Use a die-cutter for clean, even edges, and remember to perforate the corners for a decorative effect. Another tip is to lightly run the edges over a flame (carefully!) for an original antique look. You can also use eco-friendly varnishes to protect your creations and give them a subtle shine.

Fast printing with an office printer

For those who want to save time while retaining a personalised touch, it's perfectly possible to print invitations on planting paper using an ordinary office printer. Here's how:

  1. Digital design : Use word processing or graphic design software to create the template for your invitations. You can include text, images and motifs to match the theme of your event. Make sure the design is suitable for the size of planting paper you will be using.

  2. Preparing the printer : Check that your printer is compatible with planting paper. This paper is generally thicker than standard paper, so make sure you adjust the printer settings accordingly. Use the setting for thick or card stock if available.

  3. Printed by : Place the paper to be planted in the printer's feed tray. Print a test page to check that everything lines up correctly and that the colours come out well. Once you're happy with the result, print all your invitations.

  4. Customisation : After printing, you can add finishing touches by hand, such as embellishments or personalised notes, to give each invitation an even more unique look.

  5. Planting instructions : Also print the planting instructions on the back of the invitation or on a separate card. Make sure the instructions are clear and easy to follow to ensure a successful planting.

 

DIY plantable paper invitations are more than just an invitation: they're a creative, eco-friendly experience. By making your own invitations, you can give your guests a lasting, personalised gift. From selecting the materials to adding the finishing touches, every step helps to create something unique and memorable. So let your creativity run wild and have fun crafting invitations that will bring smiles to your loved ones' faces. And remember, every invitation planted is one more flower for the planet!

DIY invitations in planting paper are not only a fun project, they also convey a strong message about the importance of sustainability and creativity in our daily lives. Whether it's for a wedding, a birthday or any other event, your invitations won't go unnoticed and will leave a lasting impression.