The theme to our wedding is PLAYFUL, so I wanted to create an invite that was both heart-warming and fun, while still being affordable. My solution was a wheel chart. What's more FUN then a wheel chart?!
The top circle invites our guests to the wedding, while the bottom circle contains all of the information. There are two corresponding windows to show event details, that change as you spin the circle behind. I decorated the invite with a quick sketch of the treehouse we'll be staying in for the weekend at our wedding (complete with our names carved into the tree, as per a friend's brill suggestion!)
D.I.Y. Wheel Chart Invites
You will need:
Your invite graphics (two circles) printed to cardstock
Circle cutter (I used a compass style)
Cutting Board
Hammer
Snaps & Setter
Pencil
(optional: regular x-acto knife & scissors)
1.) Create the graphic of your invite on the computer as two circles the same size and be sure your windows match up to the information behind. I made both circles on the same layout as layers to be able to check this, but I'm sure many methods would work. TIP: be sure to make a small dot in the center of both circles, this will make placing the snap much easier!
2.) Print a mock-up on your home printer to be sure your design functions the way you'd like. This also prime time to have someone else go over all the text to be sure you haven't missed anything or made any typos.
3.) Have your invites printed. I choose HIP Printing to keep things local in NW Portland. (Unfortunately this place has since closed!) :( But, 150 invites cost me $37.50 & the guys there were SUPER friendly! I also used the spare space on the 8.5x11" page to print up some cute little cards for other uses at the wedding with the same treehouse design & colors.
4.) Using your compass cutter & other tools, cut out the shapes and windows in your invites.
5.) Assemble the invite. I used the sharp end of my compass to make the center hole a bit bigger, and then pushed the tip of a pencil through until it was the desired size. Be sure to cut off some of the excess paper on the back. Then, place your snap through both pieces of paper. Turn it over and place it on your cutting mat. Hammer away using your setting tool, and TA-DAA! Invite! You did it! *high five*
I had never used snaps before, and I think I'm addicted to them now! They're so neat & come in a HUGE variety of colors too. I scored mine locally at Paper Source on NW 23rd Avenue.
Also, I've had a couple requests to customize the design, and I'm totally up for that. Please e-mail me at SoManyMoments@gmail.com for more info on what I'll need to make it perfect for your unique celebration! :)
Wow!! I think these are amazing and such a fantastic idea!! I have a question though, how did you fit all your information on to the wheel? I have loads to give to people and I don't think it would all fit on! Also what size dd you make them?
I actually had a surprising amount of room on the wheel! There are 12 "categories", for instance- at the bottom is says "Location" and in the window pops up the address.
The size is a little under 5.5" across. They sit into 5.5" square envelopes perfectly (it was worth the extra 20 cents to send the squares). Thanks for the feedback fellow brides-to-be!
I think these are AMAZING! I don't suppose you would mind sharing the template or taking a closer up pic of the yellow wheel so I can get an idea? They're by far the best most creative invites I've seen. Well done you!!
This is amazing! I am trying to do all sorts of different things for the wedding and the invites were one place where I couldnt find something out of the norm for a southern wedding. Could you please post the template for the wheel and cover or email it to me? dane.jen.wedding@gmail.com
Hey everybody! Thanks for the super lovely feedback! I'm glad you guys dig what I did, it was a lot of fun! Unfortunately, I didn't think this far ahead when I made it and I deleted my guidelines when I flatted it for print. I don't have a template to share. However, if someone really wants one, I can make you a custom one for $50 (for my time). Otherwise, maybe you have a friend who does graphic design who can make it for you too? Sorry again I don't have one to just share! If you want a custom one, e-mail me at SoManyMoments@gmail.com with the specifics (how many slots you want for information, size, etc.) and the graphic/color scheme you want to use. Thanks and HAPPY planning fellow-brides! :) *high five*
these are amazing! and would work well with my eternity "circle" theme. it is so difficult to find circle shaped pre-made invitations online! seeing this makes me realize i'm wasting my time!
absolutely love it!
would you be able to share with me your "categories" on the yellow back piece or a more up close pic???
The top circle invites our guests to the wedding, while the bottom circle contains all of the information. There are two corresponding windows to show event details, that change as you spin the circle behind. I decorated the invite with a quick sketch of the treehouse we'll be staying in for the weekend at our wedding (complete with our names carved into the tree, as per a friend's brill suggestion!)
3.) Have your invites printed. I choose HIP Printing to keep things local in NW Portland. (Unfortunately this place has since closed!) :( But, 150 invites cost me $37.50 & the guys there were SUPER friendly! I also used the spare space on the 8.5x11" page to print up some cute little cards for other uses at the wedding with the same treehouse design & colors.
4.) Using your compass cutter & other tools, cut out the shapes and windows in your invites.
5.) Assemble the invite. I used the sharp end of my compass to make the center hole a bit bigger, and then pushed the tip of a pencil through until it was the desired size. Be sure to cut off some of the excess paper on the back. Then, place your snap through both pieces of paper. Turn it over and place it on your cutting mat. Hammer away using your setting tool, and TA-DAA! Invite! You did it! *high five*
I had never used snaps before, and I think I'm addicted to them now! They're so neat & come in a HUGE variety of colors too. I scored mine locally at Paper Source on NW 23rd Avenue.
I'm a wedding photographer that's also a bride-to-be! This post and more on my blog http://www.SoManyMoments.com/blog
Also, I've had a couple requests to customize the design, and I'm totally up for that. Please e-mail me at SoManyMoments@gmail.com for more info on what I'll need to make it perfect for your unique celebration! :)
HAPPY PLANNING, LADIES!
posted by Treehouse 1 year agohow fun and cute!! I've never seen an invite like them. I love that the leaves are hearts!!!
posted by crystalirene 1 year agoWow!! I think these are amazing and such a fantastic idea!! I have a question though, how did you fit all your information on to the wheel? I have loads to give to people and I don't think it would all fit on! Also what size dd you make them?
Fab!!!
posted by QuirkyBride11 1 year agoso cute and original, I've never seen anything like it before!
posted by bells 1 year agoI actually had a surprising amount of room on the wheel! There are 12 "categories", for instance- at the bottom is says "Location" and in the window pops up the address.
The size is a little under 5.5" across. They sit into 5.5" square envelopes perfectly (it was worth the extra 20 cents to send the squares). Thanks for the feedback fellow brides-to-be!
posted by Treehouse 1 year agoWOW!!
posted by OurWedding 1 year agoI think these are AMAZING! I don't suppose you would mind sharing the template or taking a closer up pic of the yellow wheel so I can get an idea? They're by far the best most creative invites I've seen. Well done you!!
posted by QuirkyBride11 1 year agoFabulous!!!!!!!! Absolutely Brilliant! for sure!!!!!!
posted by amnystik 1 year agoThis is amazing! I am trying to do all sorts of different things for the wedding and the invites were one place where I couldnt find something out of the norm for a southern wedding. Could you please post the template for the wheel and cover or email it to me? dane.jen.wedding@gmail.com
posted by jenbob207 1 year ago
posted by Treehouse 1 year agoThese are truly amazing!! Well done!!
posted by -female- 1 year agothese are amazing! and would work well with my eternity "circle" theme. it is so difficult to find circle shaped pre-made invitations online! seeing this makes me realize i'm wasting my time!
absolutely love it!
would you be able to share with me your "categories" on the yellow back piece or a more up close pic???
posted by diederich.10.1.11 1 year ago