No fucking way my baby is turning one. But just in case, we're planning a little shindig at our house. And since red is Alliclaus' signature color, we decided to go ladybugs.
I don't know what particular brand of crazy I was subscribing to when I had this idea, but I decided to make her invitations. Because I couldn't find anything I like and it would obviously be cheaper. (Don't laugh. Why are you laughing?)
Anyway, I started the invitations while my mom was still in town and am just now getting them in the mail. Since this is - by far - the most creative thing I have EVER done, I thought I would share them with you.
I used standard scrapbook supplies to make the invitations, and confirmed that fact that I am not missing my true calling as a scapper. (Hey, Sarah! Don't you totally want round wedding invitations? Because I am not cutting another damn circle in my life. You can have my circle cutter! It's a win-win.)
I used a different combination of red and green paper so that each invitation is unique. It is also unique in that each invitation has unique gluestick fingerprints all over it. Bonus picture of my jeans because my photography skills? They are awesome.
On the back, we used grass patterned paper and ladybug stickers to make the background for the invitation text.
I went back and forth about whether to leave Alliclaus' name visible in this picture, since it wouldn't be Google-able. But I could hear Andiclaus' lecture in the back of my mind, so I didn't. If you're a regular commenter here, there's a good chance you already know it. I'm really good at typing "Alliclaus" in a blog entry, but really bad in email.
We did vellum envelopes for the invitations to go along with the vellum text. I wouldn't have done that a couple years ago, mostly because I would think it was likely illegal to mail something wrapped in only vellum, but Sarah did my baby shower invitations that way, so I figured they probably would make it. And I only used one regular stamp even though it is a square envelope. I wonder if they'll make it.
So those are the invitations.
In other crafty news: Holy Hell! I'm knitting!
This is the back of a little cardigan I'm making for Alliclaus. In spite of the fact that I am a very tight crocheter and have been told I knit tightly as well and I'm using a 12 month pattern, I'm fairly certain Alliclaus will be able to wear this sweater to her first day of kindergarten. We shall see.
The invitations are great! Good job. I'm also really impressed on the knitting. I can knit a scarf, but have a hard time following patterns. Maybe now that I'm doing more crocheting I'll be able to do a better job.
Posted by: Jessie at February 17, 2007 01:34 PM
I am SO impressed with your knitting. Seriously.
Also, being a tight knitter is common for newbies (although, IMO you are an experienced newbie since you came from crochet). Even if you stay a tight knitter, it doesn't really mean anything bad OR good - it's just nice to know when you are trying to figure out your gauge.
Posted by: Cagey at February 17, 2007 02:14 PM
Those 1st b-days creep up fast :-) your invites are very cool, I have a knack for the "wanna be scrapper" in making b-day cards but thats about it LOL. I'm betting your sweater will turn out great, hey even if it does make it for the 1st day of kindergarden ;-)
Posted by: Jacquie at February 17, 2007 02:18 PM
I just love those invitations, althought I must admit I did chuckle when you said making them would be cheaper. ;-) It is amazing that she is going to be 1 yr old! How time flies when you are chasing a baby around!
Posted by: Jennifer at February 17, 2007 02:54 PM
I LOVE the invitations! They are so creative and definitely one to keep for the scrapbooks. I like to think I'm crafty but I don't think I would even try doing that.
Also, great job on the knitting. I've just started knitting myself and seem to be a tight knitter as well. I'm wanting to either knit or crochet my sister a baby blanket but am trying to decide which would be faster since the baby is coming in April.
Posted by: dee at February 17, 2007 03:25 PM
dang, girl - you are so crafty and awesome! and a bit insane, but still awesome. ;)
Posted by: lara at February 17, 2007 05:39 PM
I think they look great. I keep telling myself I'm going to make our wedding invitations, but then I start laughing. Reality, it's such a bummer. ; )
Posted by: kerrianne at February 18, 2007 04:40 PM
OMG - a year? That was way too quick!
Those invitations are incredible.
Posted by: DrinkJack at February 18, 2007 08:37 PM
I LOVE the ladybigs! I am partial to them because they are the good luck symbol for those of us who have adopted chiildren from China! You're ladybugs are beautiful!
Posted by: PunditMom at February 18, 2007 09:31 PM
You girls are so cute with your scrapbooking. :)
PS: send me some ladies bugs...my girls love em.
Posted by: Mitch McDad at February 20, 2007 04:44 PM
Adorable! I'm going to call you Marthaclaus from now on.
Posted by: Liz at February 21, 2007 07:49 AM
I just got mine and it is even better in person than in pictures. I will so be RSVPing to this shindig!
Posted by: Sarah at February 21, 2007 02:23 PM
That first sentence is the funniest thing I've read in a while. Happy Birthday Alliclaus!
Posted by: Sara at February 21, 2007 06:51 PM
Those are awesome! Really really beautiful Beth!
I've been an awful blogger lately, it is so hard with a baby! I can't believe she is turning one! EEK!
Posted by: halloweenlover at February 23, 2007 05:07 PM
Long time lurker, first time commenter.
Those are so, so , so cute. I am so impressed. I always order my invitations, but I'm also a knitter!
Congrats on your baby's 1st birthday. My little one is turning two next week and I can hardly believe it.
Posted by: jodi at February 17, 2007 12:55 PM