Whether you want to create fun children's party invitations to invite your child's kindergarten class to a birthday party or you need to create more formal invitations for your daughter's sweet sixteen party, the process of creating your own homemade party invitations doesn't have to be intimidating. In fact, creating homemade cards can really be enjoyable allowing you to create uniquely personalized invitations for your child's upcoming party.
Brainstorm
Use a sketchbook and colored pencils to develop your invitation's rudimentary design on paper. Decide on the style of your invitations. Create a list of the information your invitations must including a salutation requesting the presence of the recipient at the upcoming party, who the party is for, the time and date of the party, the party's location and the email address or phone number for the RSVP.
Choose Your Software
Create your invitations in a graphics program like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP (freeware). If you only need a basic invitation then you can also use Microsoft's Paint program or even Microsoft Word if you will only be including text. If you want to add graphics or photos or want to combine text with graphics you're better option is to use Photoshop or GIMP. Choose the program that best fits your goals.
Create the Design
Click on "File" and select "New" to create a new document. Next, choose your background type which normally white for this type of design. Enter in the width and height requirements for your invitations. Enter in the desired resolution for your document, normally 300 pixels for any document that will be printed. Name your document whatever you like and save it as a high resolution JPEG.
Use the layers panel to save any external graphics and any new graphics you create to incorporate in your invitations design. By doing so you make your job much easier since you can make changes to each element (text, graphics, photos) within your overall image without effecting other elements. Experiment with font styles to select the perfect match for your card's design. For example, for a formal design you might want to use Monotype Corsiva, but for a an invitation design that lends itself more toward a fun kids' party, a font like Kristen ITC might be a better choice. Arrange your text and graphics using your sketched out design as your guide.
Consider using filters, color variations and the various tools and adjustments within the program to create and fine tune your design as you work. Once you're finished with your design save it. If you will be having your invitations printed, you should also save a copy to a CD or USB drive. Print your invitations yourself using the appropriate card stock paper or have your invitations printed professionally.
Tags: your invitations, graphics photos, invitations printed, invitations your, party invitations, party party, Photoshop GIMP