The excitement of Mardi Gras is evident to your guest when a homemade invitation is sent. These easy to make invitations are easy to personalize and make each guest feel special. Cut down on the cost by recycling empty cereal boxes (stiff cardboard) as the covers for the invitations. Allow approximately 5 minutes per invitation to complete.
Things You’ll Need:
8-by 8-inch squares of paper (5 per invitation)
Stiff cardboard
Ruler
Pencil
Scissors or craft knife
Green, purple and gold paper
White glue
Green, purple and gold glitter
Green, purple and gold ¼-inch satin ribbon
Instructions:
Step 1 – For each invitation, fold five 8-by 8-inch sheets of paper into 4-by 4-inch squares. Set the folded squares aside.
Step 2 – Measure, mark and cut two 4 ½- by 4 ½-inch squares of stiff cardboard for each invitation. Cover the front and back of each square with green, purple or gold paper. Set aside to dry.
Step 3 – Place one folded 4-inch square on a flat work surface so the folded point is at the bottom right hand corner. Squeeze a zigzag line of glue over the surface of the square. Turn a second folded 4-inch square so the folded point is in the upper left hand corner. Center the square over the first and glue into place. Repeat the process with the remaining three squares making sure to alternate the folded point from the bottom right hand corner to the upper left. This creates a stack of paper five squares high. Repeat Step 3 for the remainder of the invitation centers.
Step 4 – Squeeze a zigzag line of glue across the top 4-inch square. Center a covered stiff cardboard square over the top of the paper stack. Press the cardboard in place. Flip the stack and repeat the gluing process on the opposite side. Continue with the step until all invitations have a front and back cover.
Step 5 – Decorate the front of the invitation with glitter. Squeeze a line of glue to create a border, words, date or design on the cover. Sprinkle with glitter. Allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding.
Step 6 – Open the invitation to the first place. Write the pertinent Mardi Gras party information on the page. Repeat the process with each invitation.
Step 7 – Tie the invitation closed with a piece of purple, green or gold ribbon.
Step 8 – Hand deliver the invitations to the recipients.
The five page invitation turns into a keepsake that the recipient is able to use to place pictures, notes or memorabilia from your fantastic Mardi Gras party!