Preparation:

i) Print your invitation onto an A4 (single) sheet of paper (free Word templates downloadable from the top of this page).

ii) Print your reply so that 2 fit onto 1 sheet of A4 paper (free Word templates downloadable from the top of this page).

iii) Cut the replies in half so each one is A5 in size (a guillotine provides the best finish - but scissors are fine if you're careful!)

iv) If you want to use the beeswax - rub the top middle section of each wooden box with the wax stick - this should cover the area where your rubber stamp will be.

v) Cut your ribbon into the following lengths:
- For the invitation scroll 20 x 30cms
- For the reply scroll 20 x 25cms
- For the box 20 x 61cms

vi) Assemble the postal boxes if you are using them.

vii) Tie the invitation ribbon lengths around something like a broom handle - or something with a diameter of about 22mm. Trim the ends at an angle.

Fiddly Bits :

i) Stamp the rubber stamp motif onto the top centre of your invitation and reply scrolls - practice first to make sure you know where the middle is - how much ink to use, and how hard to press.

ii) Do the same as i) but on the lid of the wooden box.

Leave these to dry for about an hour....the lid of the box will remain slightly tacky if you used the beeswax - don't worry about it - just don't smudge them!

iii) Roll each invitation scroll (start rolling from the bottom of the invitation with it face up) so that it's small enough to slide into your ties - it will expand to fit the tie as you let go.

iv) Now roll up the replies as above - but as tight as you can. You'll need a friend here - so get someone to hold each reply scroll as you tie the ribbon around it. Try one first - when you've done it - it should slide inside the invitation scroll. If it didn't - do it again - but roll tighter!

v) Place a scroll set into a wooden box along the top edge with the ribbon ties lying along the top of the scroll. Add a pinch of rose petals - enough to fill the space left in the box. Put the lid on the box. Now do the others.

vi) Take a length of box ribbon. Place one end where the centre of the wooden box is - along the join of the base and the lid. Use a piece of tape to secure it about an inch from the end. Keep it taut and wrap it around the box so that the other end overlaps the start point slightly. Use another piece of tape to secure this side. Do this with all of them.

vii) Practice a couple of times lighting the wax stick - drip about 10 drips, then take the wax seal (make sure it's the right way up) impress the left side of the seal into the left edge of the melted wax - roll it to the right. Practice will result in the best seals! NOTE - you will never get a perfect seal - this is done by hand and you will always have a wobbly, unsymmetrical finish - this is normal and authentic.

viii) Now do it for real on top of the ribbon joins. TIP - when you finish each one - place the wax seal on top of your ice cube - this will keep it cool and stop it sticking. As you take it off the ice cube - dab it on some tissue to take off any excess water.

ix) Remove the pieces of tape.

x) Insert into your postal boxes and write the addresses.

Hey presto - fabulous invitations that you did yourself - and you will not believe the number of compliments you will get about them!

Other things you can do with this invitation:

	1) Silk paintings look amazing - they do take time but if you're an arty type, give it a go. You can buy silk, gutta, pins, brushes, silk paint and frames from most art shops. Set up a frame and draw hearts or stars with the gutta, leave to dry, then paint. Cut the silk into mini pictures and use double sided tape to stick them to the top of the boxes, then outline with gutta.
	2) Colour the wooden boxes - from top to bottom: White - use liming wax then buff Gold - spray with gold spray paint Pink/Peach, Blue, Lilac - stain the box with a coloured wood dye (Liberon brand recommended). Leave to dry then apply a top coat of liming wax and buff for a soft pastel finish.
	3) Use different fillings: i) add star confetti in with the rose petals. ii) use gold/silver sugared almonds, chocolate dragees or hearts. iii) for Christmas themes, fill with mini gold bells, cloves, cinnamon sticks & baby fir cones. iv) for Halloween use plastic spiders with orange & black jelly beans.
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