I figured that by making them myself it would give us the chance to save a little money too! I had most of the supplies already on hand, being a CTMH consultant was a big plus! With the few other products needed, photo paper and ink to print at home and postage stamps to mail them, my total cost was under $70! {I made 35 announcements} They included the graduation ceremony announcement as well as party invitation for the celebration to follow.
Once I had my idea and one test announcement created, I gathered everything I would need and formed an assembly line. My first tip~ have lots of adhesive ready to roll! {a little bit of chocolate nearby your workstation helps too!}
Don't panic when you don't have enough supplies, just get creative!! I selected some corrugated chipboard stars to use on the front of the announcement. I had about half of what I would need, but this was an older supply item and was no longer available. My solution was to cut the same size stars on Kraft cardstock using the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge. Then I ran them through a Cuttlebug embossing folder to give them the same texture as the original stars. Worked perfectly!
Forming assembly lines is the easiest way to complete a big project like this. Cut all your cardstocks, stamp everything together, sand all your paper, cut out shapes on your Cricut, thread your twine and tie, glue, etc. etc.!! I worked on the announcements in blocks of time over the course of a couple days. I would run loads of laundry in between or get the oven warming before starting dinner. {always something else to be done right moms?!} In all, I logged 14.5 hours to complete them and get them all to the post office.
I loved the idea of a pocket on the inside. It would provide a little spot for the announcement as well as the party invite. I created the announcement using the PicMonkey photo editing online. I simply chose the fonts and colors and played around until I liked it and was able to print it at home.
For the party invitation I got to play with a brand new stamp set called Fancy Fair. I chose a chalkboard look which will later coordinate with some party decorations I plan to create. Combined with the ruby red and twilight blue, it represents our all American son and his graduation BBQ celebration!
I knew this would be a big project to tackle, but I really wanted to do it. It would have been much easier to just purchase the generic school ones, but that would not represent my son or myself. He is a one of a kind kid and deserved a one of a kind announcement. And even though it took many hours to complete, each hour was a moment for me to contemplate on his childhood, remember some cherished moments and think about how he has grown into a wonderful young man. It also helped me to let go a little bit more, accepting that he will begin his own journey soon. If you can make your child's announcements yourself, I say "do it"! It is truly a rewarding experience!
