Recycled Cardboard Invitations

October 20, 2011

Whether you’re hosting a housewarming party or an open house, these clever repurposed cardboard invitations are simple to make and can also be used as decorations. Not throwing a party? Use the template and our thought-starters to create welcome gifts and more.

MATERIALS
4x5” pieces of corrugated cardboard
House stencil
Colored paper
Scissors
Pencil
Glue

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Print and cut out our house stencil.
2. Trace the stencil onto the cardboard and cut out.
3. Peel off the top layer of cardboard to expose the corrugated texture underneath.
4. Write or print the invite details on the colored strips of paper, then cut bands long enough to fit around the house shape.
5. Wrap colored strips of paper around the cardboard house, starting with your first invite detail. Glue together where the pieces meet in the back to secure.

Tip: If you have a large amount of invitations going out, buy clear adhesive labels from your local office supply store. Instead of handwriting the party details on each invite, follow the directions for printing on the labels, then attach them to the front of the colored paper strips.

More Cardboard Invitation Ideas
These unique invitations are perfect for a housewarming party, block party or open house, but can be tailored to any event or used as gift embellishments:

Not having a housewarming party? Use cookie cutters as stencils for any occasion.
Use the cardboard cutouts as beautifully textured tags for presents, or attach them to hostess gifts and homemade gift baskets.
Instead of writing party details on the strips of colored paper, write on your guests’ names and use as inviting place cards.
With a small piece of tape, attach a gift card from one of your favorite local restaurants to the front of the cardboard cutout as an extra special gift for new neighbors.
With a few house shapes, use the strips of paper to list details about neighborhood spots and happenings—think local restaurants, sightseeing, parks, yearly events and shops. Punch holes in the top of the cutouts and tie them together with a ribbon. Add it to a hometown welcome kit to help new neighbors get acquainted with the area.
String a bunch of the shapes together to create festive garlands to use as party decorations.

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