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One of the first things I really wanted to do after we moved is send out super cute moving announcements. I mean, that’s what you do, right? Plus, it’s always nice to let friends and family know if they do ever decide to send you a Christmas card, and it’s so much better than a boring email or Facebook message.
But after checking the prices of various printing websites to see what they would actually cost, I was shocked at at the price. There was no way I would be spending $50-$60 for a mere 20 pieces of card stock, cute or not!
I searched around on Pinterest for ideas on how to make my own, but everything I came across was a customized printable that you had to run through your printer. There was no way I was messing with that. I may enjoy crafty projects but I simply do not get along with electronics that require some sort of customization. My husband can certainly attest to that.
So I dug through my craft supplies and put together a little card made from a free Home Depot paint swatch. I loved the results. It also gave me an excuse to use my new self-inking stamper from a Pick Your Plum daily deal, and of course, my paper scrap stash!
Supplies Needed:
- Paint swatches – any color
- Scrap paper
- Scalloped paper punch
- Circle cutter that is smaller than scallop
- Address stamp {Check Etsy!}
- Letter and embellishment stamps
- Glue or Zots
The Project:
Step 1: Pick up a handful of Behr paint swatches from Home Depot — the lighter, the better.
Step 2: Use a scallop or circle punch on a coordinating paper scrap. Do you recognize that other shape?
Step 3: Grab another coordinating scrap of paper to write or stamp your new address onto it.
Step 4: Cut out with a circle punch or cutter. I tried looking to see if they still sell these ones from Creative Memories, but couldn’t find a link. You should be able to find something in the craft store though.
Step 5: Attach paper to each other with Zots or glue, then attach to the paint swatch card.
Step 6: Create your special phrase out of clear letter stamps. I personally like using these the best, because you can customize them to say just about anything without going out and buying a completely new stamp!
Step 7: Add another stamped embellishment to the top and bottom of the paint swatch. Can you tell I’m a big swirly fan?
Step 8: Let dry for a good 10-15 minutes before placing inside an envelope. Otherwise you will have a inky mess!
I also created one with black ink just to see what it looked like. What do you think? Pink or black?
Total Cost: $.60/card
arrow stamp package $6.00 | other supplies I already had
If you buy a self-inking stamp specifically for this project, your price will radically go up, but I actually bought it before I knew I would even use it on these announcements {which is why I didn’t include it in the cost.} The only other expense was an arrow stamp that came in a multi-package, but the rest of the supplies were either free or already in my stash.
Remember too that the cost will go down the more cards you make. I only made 10, but I still think $.60 per card is a steal. It definitely beats all those other {expensive} announcements, and is way cuter!
Let me know if you decide to tackle this project and share a picture of your moving announcements to my Facebook page. I’d love to see them!
Do you send out moving announcements?
Tweetables:
- These DIY moving announcements are easy to make and a great way to let friends and family know about your new place! <– {Click to Tweet}
- Skip expensive moving announcements and make your own with FREE paint swatches from Home Depot! <– {Click to Tweet}
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Laurie says
While this is a very cute idea, I would suggest anyone planning to make these ask the store manager for discontinued paint samples or permission to take them seeing as they will not be used for the intended purpose. Stealing is indeed a creative way to save!
Kalyn Brooke says
Thanks for your comment Laurie! I understand the concern of how taking a few paint swatches could be thought of as stealing. Amanda over at Craft Gossip actually reached out to paint manufactures to get their opinion on the matter. Responses ranged from manufacturers who aren’t a fan of the process to those who seem to support the idea because it puts their colors in your home (and if you’re a blogger or Pinterest pinner, it underhandedly advertises the brand on the internet). Your note of asking permission from the store manager is ABSOLUTELY a good one. Especially if you are planning on a craft that requires dozens of paint chips!
Noah BoardwalkSavers says
DIY definitely adds a personal touch. But I personally prefer to use promos to make letters or send email to my friends and family announcing my new home. I guess this really depends on what’s more valuable for you: the cost of time vs. the cost of letters. Another great alternative would be sending video messages showing the new place. You can always share it with cloud or through mobile device to keep it private and doesn’t cost a cent. This is definitely a more creative online alternative than e-mails or Facebook announcement.
Jennie says
This is adorable!!
I would love if you would come linkup and share on Friday Favorites!
http://thediaryofarealhousewife.blogspot.com
Jess White says
I personally loved seeing them in the mail! I received 2 on the same day, and amidst our own moving chaos…I’m not sure where either were put 😉
Kalyn Brooke says
LOL – I definitely know what you mean! 🙂
Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says
These are ADORABLE, Kalyn! Such a creative use of paint swatches and so perfect for moving announcements. I’m pinning this for the one-day when we’ll need to do the same! Congrats on the new digs. Sounds like you’ll have a lot of fun DIY projects coming down the pike! {And thanks for sharing this on my FB page…just HAD to stop by to check ’em out. You *may be seeing a feature on my page later this weekend…wink wink.}
Kalyn Brooke says
Thanks, Lauren! Your blog is totally going to be my inspiration for all those future projects! 🙂
Hilda Rice says
Your moving announcements look so cool! I moved to my first house and I want to make such announcements too. Incredible idea! I will definitely try to make my own cards! Keep going with the incredible ideas!
Kalyn Brooke says
Thanks, Hilda! So glad you like them. 🙂