How to Create Easy and Elegant Graduation Invitations
Designer: Marcia Izabel Marchiori
YouTube: MarciaBel Vlog
Instagram: @marciabel
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Level: Beginner
Graduation is a beautiful milestone, filled with pride, reflection, and hope for the future. It deserves to be celebrated with love and style.
One simple way to make the occasion feel extra special is by planning a meaningful gathering with friends and family, and creating your own invitations is a lovely way to set the tone from the start. simple way to make the occasion feel extra special is by creating your own invitations!
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make graduation invitations that are both elegant and easy to create. You won’t need any complicated tools or design experience. I’m using the classic graduation colors, black and gold yellow, but you can easily customize yours with the colors that match the graduate’s profession or personal style. With just a few basic supplies, you can craft invitations that feel thoughtful, personal, and refined.
Whether you're hosting a formal gathering or a simple celebration, these DIY invitations will add a lovely handmade touch your guests will appreciate.
Tools & Supplies Needed
• OLFA FCM-12x17 12" x 17" Folding Cutting Mat
• OLFA 5-Inch SCS-4 Precision Appliqué Scissors
• OLFA AK-5 Designer Graphic Art Knife
• OLFA QR-6x12 6" x 12" Frosted Acrylic Ruler
• Black cardstock, letter size (or any color of your choice)
• White cardstock, letter size, suitable for printing
• Embroidery floss (any color you like, used here: Aurifil 2134 Spun Gold)
• Coordinating round split pins to match the floss color (used: yellow or gold)
• 11/4" double-sided tape
• White glue
• Envelope
• Printer
Instructions
1. Print the background template to scale. I printed it directly onto black cardstock but, if the lines are too hard to see, print it on white paper first, then place it on top of the black cardstock and use it as a guide.
2. Use OLFA art knife and ruler to carefully cut the black background following the template.
3. Use the ruler as a guide and the tapered base of the OLFA art knife handle to gently score two fold lines on the black card.
4. Fold and set the card aside when done.
5. Open the editable PDF file here and update it with your event information. Then, print the file on white cardstock.
6. Use the OLFA art knife and ruler to cut each printed card to size.
Adding gold borders to the printed card:
7. Add double-sided tape to the top and bottom edges of the white card. Let the tape go a little past the paper edges. Then, use OLFA appliqué scissors to trim the tape exactly to the edge.
8. Carefully place gold foil on the tape to both top and bottom edges. Rub it with your finger or a tool until the foil sticks.
9. Repeat this process for the left and right sides, always lining up the tape carefully with the edges.
10. Use double-sided tape to attach the finished white card to the center of the black background.
To make the tassel:
11. Cut four pieces of embroidery floss, each 2 inches long.
12. Cut one 4-inch piece of floss.
13. Use the 4-inch piece to tie a knot around the middle of the three short pieces together.
14. Brush the top of the tassel gently using a tool or your hands to help shape it.
15. Add a small dot of white glue to stick the two hanging floss ends together to look like a cord. Let it dry.
16. Trim any extra floss to neaten the tassel.
17. Use the needle tip of the OLFA art knife to make a small puncture in middle of the black card square where the tassel will go.
18. Insert the tassel through the hole securing it with a round split pin.
19. On the back of the card, use double-sided tape to hold down the extra floss and hide the split pin.
Your invitation is now ready! It has a handmade, elegant look that will make your celebration feel extra special.
I’d love to see your finished work! Tag me @marciabel and @OLFA_craft so we can admire your beautiful invitations.
Marcia
