For this years Christmas Party invite I revisited my life as a second grader.  I remember making prints in art class using a Styrofoam meat tray.  I thought it could be a unique way to be creative this year.

I started by buying a small pack of Styrofoam plates from Target.  They were around $2.  

If you prepare ahead you could find the sturdier meat trays or I found another nice option listed in the supply list at the end of this post - they would probably give a better print just because they are thicker.  This worked for my very elementary tree that I drew along with a few simple words from a Christmas song.  Other than Styrofoam you will need a thick pencil to carve out your design, paint, a paintbrush, paper, paper towels and a brayer.  I will list everything I used with links at the bottom of this post.

Place your print on top of paper towels and lightly paint over your entire design.  Make it as smooth as you can, but your brush strokes can go any which way.  Just don't have the paint gloppy - and make sure your carved area isn't overly filled with paint.  As you make more and more you will get the hang of it.  Have a piece of scrap paper at the beginning so you can make a few prints before you start using your good paper.

Place your design on top of your already cut to size invite paper.

I placed a clean paper towel over my print and then rolled over the design with the brayer tool.

This is the brayer and paint I used.

Here is a finished card. The bright envelopes are from Walmart.

The green paint color is 18038 harlequin.

The pink paint color is 18023 peony.

I'm really happy with the final results - each one unique and imperfect because the paint acts differently on each print.  I made about 60 of them and it was enjoyable the entire time.  The holiday music probably helped.

Next I am thinking of making holiday gift tags.  They would be so pretty and have endless possibilities.

Supply list:

My Go-to Invite and Crafting Paper

Paper Trimmer - I have been using this same paper trimmer for over 20 years - It's the only one you will ever need.

My Very Favorite Pencils

Harlequin and Peony Watercolor Paint

Brayer Tool

Bright Envelopes

Foam Boards - looks like a great alternative to plates

Paint Brush - had at the house

I think that is all the supplies.  This project of print making can be used in so many ways - great project for the kids - make ornaments, place cards for the table, art prints for gifts, tags, and so much more.

Hopefully this project will inspire you - happy crafting!

*this post does contain affiliate links :)