Semi-DIY Scratch-off STD Tutorial!

Hi everyone,

I thought I’d share instructions on how I made my semi-DIY scratch-off Save the Dates! These were a huge hit with my friends and family and many thought I ordered them as-is from a vendor and just mailed them out. When I explained how I thought of the idea and put all the pieces together they were super impressed!

First, here are the pics. Info on where to purchase supplies is below. Enjoy!

Supplies all gathered up and ready for assembly.

Printed card, pre-DIY.

With scratch-off sticker cut to size and applied.

All wrapped up and ready for envelopes.

In the envelope!

And here's one with the scratch-off scratched, if you're interested!

1. I knew I wanted to do a scratch-off STD after seeing this cute design on Martha Stewart Weddings. http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/226949/scratch-save-date-how Bonus: I knew the idea would be perfect for a destination wedding since I could incorporate the coin needed to scratch-off the card with reminding guests to save their pennies for the wedding.

2. I had a picture in my mind of a layout and rough idea of what I wanted the card to look like. I’m pretty much a design idiot so I sent a very crude drawing to Ten Eight Ink http://www.etsy.com/shop/teneightyinkdesigns?ref=seller_info, an Etsy stationery designer who worked with me until we had something I liked. This only cost me $24 for the custom design.

3. I printed 100 postcard sized cards of the design on Vista Print. Cost: $21.82

4. I purchased 100 2” scratch-offs from http://www.easyscratchoffs.com/ (the reviews on the Martha Stewart craft mentioned that the paint was tricky to get right, so this was a much faster/easier method).  These were a bit too big for the space I had, so I cut each one to fit. Cost: $9.34

5. I purchased a large roll of baker’s twine from Amazon in a color that coordinated with the STD cards. Cost: $10.71

6. I purchased two rolls of shiny new 2012 pennies from an Ebay seller. (I wanted to be sure the pennies were brand new and I wasn’t sure the bank could give me that, so when in doubt I went to the internet!) Cost: $6 (shipping and handling account for the extra cost).

7. I purchased 100 small vellum envelopes from Amazon for the pennies. Cost: $18.03

8. I purchased 100 kraft paper envelopes from Amazon. Cost: $25.73

9. The stamps are from Zazzle.com http://www.zazzle.com/heartfelt_love_blue_postage-172887160673223512 I bought 300 of these since I also plan to use them for invites and RSVP cards. Cost (for all 300):  $283.51

10. The wrap-around labels were another custom Etsy purchase, from seller Modern Moments. http://www.etsy.com/shop/modernmoments Cost: $24 (I plan to use these on my invitations too).

This is a great idea! I'm sure they were a huge hit! Nice work!

I love this idea...I didn't even know those scratch off stickers existed...brilliant!

Very clever, thanks for sharing!

Damn you're good at this. You should be a wedding planner. 

Originally Posted by jreist 

 

Damn you're good at this. You should be a wedding planner. 

Haha I think once is enough for me! It's been fun so far but I've seen enough episodes of Bridezillas to know I wouldn't last long if I had to deal with any terrible brides!! But that is so nice of you to say, thanks!

Super cute and creative!!! Thanks for sharing!! )

Wow, very creative! Another great idea for STD's how is a bride supposed to decide ?! Thanks for sharing

Great execution! I may have done something different for my save the dates had I seen this sooner! I think I might incorporate this at the actual wedding though, myabe some type of scavenger hunt game for the adults & kids. Hmmm....Thanks for the inspiration!

I have to say... Your STD cards Are amazing. The creativity with the scratch off is so fun and unique! Thank you for sharing and you make it look so easy!