So, hilariously, until last week, I’d forgotten that place cards were such a hot topic of debate in wedding land. So, before we dive into our crafty watercolor place cards (a super easy technique you could totally use on anything from save the dates to invites to programs), let me give you my thoughts on place cards. Basically, If you’re having a seated meal reception, I’m pro assigning seats (or at least tables). Yes, yes, it seems all fussy and impractical, but that’s till you imagine yourself as a guest who knows four people at the wedding, walking into a reception and realizing you have to pick your own seat. Social Anxiety, welcome. So, for sit down meals, I think place cards are an only-slightly-pain-in-the-ass way to take care of your guests. But only you know for sure if you need them. Mix and mingle receptions? Bar receptions? Receptions where everyone knows each other really well? Probably not needed. But it hardly matters, because you can watercolor it up on just about any kind of paper good.
And with that, let’s get crafty.
To get this going, tape a piece of watercolor paper to a hard flat surface. Seriously. You’re going to want to buy regular paper to save money. This will seem like a good idea till you realize that the non-watercolor paper warps, and then you have to iron it. This is only entertaining when it’s not happening to you. So buy water color paper.
Then, draw a grid on paper for place cards (or whatever size stationery you’re creating). Wet paper all over with plain water, using a brush. Then, starting with watercolor on one edge of each place card, fade outwards. Feel free to use plain water from the other edge, to really feather out the color.
Let the cards dry. If you were idiots like us and didn’t buy watercolor paper, iron your paper. (I know.) Then write names on each card and sit back and accept compliments. This is one of those brilliant craft projects that looks way way harder than it is. Which is basically the APW specialty. Lazy girl crafting, that’s us.
Photos by Emily Takes Photos, Crafting by Elizabeth of Lowe House Events, Graphic Design by Michelle Edgemont
