Creating Rustic Torn Paper For Wedding Invites

Handmade wedding invitations are a great way to add a unique and romantic touch to your special day. If you're looking for a DIY way to create elegant invites on a budget, then hand-torn paper, also known as deckle edge paper, is a popular choice. This style of invitation has a soft, organic texture and a timeless look that will impress your guests. You can achieve this look yourself with a good quality, heavy paper and a few simple tools. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making your own hand-torn wedding invitations, from choosing the right paper to the tearing technique, so you can create one-of-a-kind invites that will be cherished by your guests.

Using a ruler to tear the paper

• Start by printing your invitation design on heavy paper with a bit of texture. You can use cardstock for a more luxurious feel. Don't forget to include trim marks on your print, which will serve as guidelines when tearing.
• Place your ruler on one side of the invitation, pressing down firmly to keep it in place. Make sure the ruler is slightly longer than the paper's edge to ensure a straight tear.
• Slowly start tearing the paper against the straight edge of the ruler, using short little tears. For variation, change the direction of your tears slightly as you go.
• Repeat this process for all sides of your invitation card. You can also do the right and left sides first, followed by the top and bottom, as suggested by The Cultivated Creative.
• For added variation, use a paintbrush to add a light line of water along your trim lines before tearing. This will help the cardstock tear unevenly, creating more texture and uniqueness to your paper's edges.
• Finish off your invitations with coordinating envelopes and accessories, such as envelope liners and wax seals.

Remember, each invitation will be unique due to variations and imperfections in the tearing process, so don't stress about creating identical tears. This technique may be time-consuming, but the results will be worth it!

Choosing the right paper weight

When it comes to wedding invitations, the paper weight you choose will depend on several factors, including your printing process, invitation style, postage costs, and personal preference. Here are some tips to help you choose the right paper weight for your DIY torn paper wedding invitations:

Printing Process:

• If you plan to print your invitations at home, check your printer's specifications to determine its maximum paper weight capacity. Most home printers can handle 80lb to 100lb cardstock, but it's essential to consult your specific printer manual for recommendations.
• If you intend to use a professional print shop, inquire about their equipment and capabilities beforehand. Offset printing, thermography, letterpress printing, and digital printing are some common methods offered by print shops, each with its own weight and paper type considerations.

Invitation Style:

• Flat invitation cards typically use heavier cardstock, starting from 80lb cover weight and above.
• Folding invitation cards are usually made with lighter cardstock, as they will be twice as thick after folding. A range of 65lb to 100lb cover weight is commonly used for this style.
• Layered invitation cards or those inside pockets or wraps can vary in weight. It's recommended to keep the top layer light (80lb cover and under) and attach it to a heavier card.

Postage:

Keep in mind that heavier cardstock will require additional postage. If you want to minimise postage costs, opt for a lighter weight cardstock for your invitations.

Preference:

Ultimately, the choice of paper weight depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others opt for lighter, thinner stock. Select the weight that aligns with your desired look and feel for your invitations.

Using a paintbrush to add water

To create a soft, organic, and unique look for your wedding invitations, you can use a paintbrush to add water to the cardstock paper to help it tear unevenly and create variation.

Firstly, ensure you are using a good quality, heavy paper with some texture. This will help the paper withstand the water and create a more interesting effect.

Next, print your invitation design, making sure to include trim marks to guide you when tearing. Line up your ruler along these trim lines and press down firmly.

Now, use a paintbrush to add a light line of water along the trim lines. You can add more or less water, depending on how uneven you want the edges to be. The water will help weaken the fibres of the paper, making it easier to tear and creating a more natural, deckled edge.

Once you have added the water, slowly start tearing the paper against the straight edge of the ruler, making short little tears. Vary the direction that you rip to create an interesting, organic texture.

Repeat this process for all sides of the invitation, and remember that each invitation will be unique, with its own variations and imperfections. This technique is a simple and effective way to add a handmade, romantic touch to your wedding invitations.

Printing your design on oversized paper

Choose the Right Paper:

Start by selecting a heavy paper with a bit of texture, such as cardstock. This type of paper will give your invitations a luxurious feel and provide a good base for tearing. You can opt for something like Snow White cardstock or explore other textured options such as linen or felt finishes. If you want to showcase the paper's texture, consider using a matte finish.

Prepare Your Design:

Create your invitation design digitally, ensuring it is slightly larger than the final cut size. This will allow for a "full bleed" effect, where the design reaches the edge of the paper with no white margins. Center your design on the oversized paper, leaving space for margins and trimming. Remember to include trim marks in your design, which will guide you during the tearing process.

Test and Adjust:

Before printing, take a few paper samples and test them on your printer to ensure compatibility. Adjust your printer settings as needed to achieve the desired colors. If you're using colorful designs or backgrounds, keep in mind that they may use a lot of ink, so consider the cost of ink cartridges. White font on invitations can also be ink-intensive, so you may want to use a print shop for this.

Print Your Design:

Once you're happy with the paper choice and your printer settings, it's time to print your invitations. Make sure to print a few extras in case of mistakes. After printing, carefully inspect each invitation for any errors or imperfections. Remember, each torn invitation will be unique, so don't stress about creating identical tears.

Trim and Tear:

Using a ruler, line up one side of the invitation and press down firmly to keep it in place. Slowly start tearing the paper against the straight edge of the ruler, making short tears. Change the direction slightly for variation. Repeat this process for all sides of the invitation. For added texture, you can also use a paintbrush to apply a light line of water along the trim lines before tearing.

Remember, creating DIY torn paper wedding invitations takes time and patience, but the results will be worth it! Each invitation will be one-of-a-kind, reflecting the organic texture and unique style you desire.

Selecting the right paper type

Paper Weight and Thickness

The weight and thickness of the paper, or cardstock, are important considerations. The standard weight for wedding invitation paper ranges from 80 lbs to 120 lbs, with heavier weights giving a more luxurious feel. If you're printing at home, start with 80 lbs cardstock and increase the weight gradually, as some desktop printers have limitations on the thickness of paper they can handle. For a more professional look, aim for cardstock weighing 100 lbs or more.

Paper Texture

Using paper with a bit of texture can add a unique style and soft, organic feel to your invitations. A textured cardstock can also help hide imperfections, especially if you're using an inkjet printer, which can sometimes produce a "fuzzy" look. Linen cardstock, for example, has a delicate woven texture that adds visual interest and elegance to your invitations.

Paper Colour

The colour of the paper will depend on your personal preference and the overall style or theme of your wedding. Solid white cardstock is a popular choice as it comes in a variety of weights and is perfect for printing at home. For a modern and clean look, cotton cardstock is a great option as it is relatively smooth and highly absorbent, making it suitable for both laser and inkjet printing.

Eco-Friendly Options

If you're environmentally conscious, consider using recycled paper for your invitations. Repurposed materials, such as kraft cardstock or pulpy, handmade papers, offer a rustic and unique look while being kind to the planet.

Paper Finish

The finish of the paper can add a touch of luxury or elegance to your invitations. A smooth matte finish is a popular choice for brides, but you can also add textures like linen or opt for a pearlescent or metallic finish for a bit of sparkle and shine. Cotton fibre paper, with its soft feel and durability, is the most costly option but provides a rich canvas for your invitations.

Remember, when selecting the right paper type, it's important to consider the printing method you'll be using. Home printers may have limitations on paper thickness, so be sure to review your printer's instructions and do a test print before committing to a large quantity.

Frequently asked questions