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 There's no denying that our Graduation Party Printables package is the most popular client request. We've brought it back once again this year, updated for the Class of 2018 and added a few new items including buffet labels and signs for "Cards" and "Advice for the future". 

Labor day is right around the corner, and for most that means the last BBQ of the summer. Back by popular demand is our free printable BBQ/Cookout Party Invitation. This simple design is a print-and-fill-in format. Simpy download the file, print on 8.5x11 inch cardstock, trim to 5x7 inch invitations and fill out with your party details! Alternatively, you can open the file in a photo editing program and add your text on top of the file. 

I paired the invite with typical red and blue party decor and burlap placemats for a fun 4th of July party as well, but this invitation freebie can be used throughout the summer, not just for holiday gatherings!

Download the free printable BBQ party invitation. 

Last year our 10 year old son was chosen by lottery to attend the week-long Camp North Woods in Maine. Although he'd  done plenty of day camps over the past 5 years, the overnight part was a whole new ball game and it was the longest that we'd ever been away from each other. There were no phone calls to parents, no texting or electronics (every kid needs a break from these!), so writing via old fashioned snail mail was encouraged. Like most 10 year old boys, getting him to write a letter home was not too appealing so I worked with him to design some camp stationery that he would actually use.

 We sent him with extra envelopes, a book of stamps, and a sheet of paper with addresses. In hindsight, I highly recommend pre-addressing and stamping at least some of the envelopes ahead of time. We also learned some other valuable overnight camp tips that I'll share at the bottom of this post. 

The camp note cards measure 4x5.5 inches when folded and fit perfectly in an A2 sized envelope, which are pretty easy to find at office supply or craft stores. The files are formatted to be printed on standard 8.5x11 inch sized cardstock and can then be cut in half and folded. I highly recommend printing at Staples or Office Depot in-store using their laser printers. They'll print a sheet of cardstock for around .69 each, making each note card roughly .35 each. What makes these note cards great is that they can be used for any age and for summer camp or family camping trips. 

While the note card files are free, no commercial use without permission please. Download the free summer camp note card. 

Overnight Summer Camp Tips

1. Let your child practice applying sunscreen BEFORE they get to camp. This particular camp did not allow spray sunscreen (we only use lotion sunscreen anyway), but teaching them to apply properly in advance will ensure that they are properly protected from sunburns while away.

2. Send them with a few pairs of GOOD socks. The moisture-wicking type that are made for hiking... you know, the ones that cost $10 a pair and can only be found at specialty stores? They're worth it to save your kids feet from blisters and sweat.

3. Include a quick-dry camp towel in addition to the regular towels. Depending on the weather, the typical beach towels can take a LONG time to dry and a camp towel is great for the shower. It's compact and dries quickly.  

4. Pack extra batteries for the flashlight. Just in case.

5. Place outfits for each day of summer camp in a gallon sized plastic baggie. There are also 2 gallon sized baggies if you need something bigger. Then your child can just grab their toiletries, towel, and the plastic baggie and head to the shower! The bags can later be used to store wet or dirty clothing if necessary.

6. Take flat-lay photos of what you're packing so when it comes time to pick up your child at camp you can go through their bags and see if anything is missing. In my experience it's inevitable that SOMETHING will be lost or left behind. I'd rather have it be a t-shirt or towel instead of an expensive flashlight or pair of shoes!

These are only a few tips that we found were the most useful. Our son had the best time at camp and learned so much. It was an experience of a lifetime and something that he'll never forget!

Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2015! With graduations in full swing, thank you notes are at the top of many to-do lists. Our free printable graduation thank you card will save you time searching for proper thank you cards. 

Formatted as 2 thank you notes per 8.5x11 inch sheet, the file simply needs to be printed on cardstock, cut in half and folded to create two thank you notes that measure 4.25x5.5 inches each. Wondering where to print? We formatted these cards with a white/gray-stripe background so that you can print easily at home without using vast amounts of ink, or we highly recommend printing in-store at your local Staples or Office Depot. You can either upload the files to their print center online or save the file to a flash drive and take in store for printing on their laser printers. At roughly .67 per sheet of cardstock, that's less than .34 per card!

So, what about envelopes? These notes will require A2 (4 3/8"x5 3/4") envelopes. A2 envelopes are normally available in-store and can also be found at craft stores such as Michael's and A.C. Moore for around $5/pack 50. Ready? Download the graduation printable thank you note.

With graduation season upon us AND the launch of the new (and improved) website, what better time to offer free graduation printables?

Your Open House celebration can still be simple with the free printable graduation banner and cupcake toppers. The files are formatted for printing on standard 8.5x11 inch sheets of cardstock and can be printed at home or your local Staples, Office Depot or Staples. Simply upload the files to their copy and print services online or save to flash drive or memory card and take in-store to print on their laser printers. I was able to print the entire banner and a page of 12 cupcake toppers at Office Depot for under $5 and they were ready to pick up in under 45 minutes!

Assembly is just as simple. The cupcake toppers require a 2" circular scrapbook punch, which can be found at a craft store and either toothpicks, wooden skewers or lollipop sticks to insert them into your cupcakes. If you're really feeling creative, the toppers can also be printed on full-sheet adhesive sticker paper and used as envelope seals for your invitations and thank you notes. 

The banner contains 5x7 inch panels to spell "Class of 2015". The panels print 2-per 8.5x11 inch sheet. Banner assembly is easy: cut out the panels, punch holes in the upper left and right sides of each panel, and string them together. In this case, I used some raw twine that I had lying around, but ribbon also works well. If you're in a rush, you can also use clothespins to pin the panels to a piece of string or tape them to a wall.

The banner panels can be strung together into one long banner (gold end panels are included but not shown) or you can create a two-tiered banner as I have done above. This is great for smaller spaces or taking up empty space behind the buffet. 

Ready to get started? Download your free graduation banner & cupcake toppers.

If you're in need of graduation announcements, be sure to visit the shop where you'll find a variety of designs, all offered in a print your own, photo paper or cardstock printed format. 

Can someone please tell me where the month of December has gone? Seriously...I swore last December when I was sitting in a hospital bed working on holiday card orders while recovering from a sudden appendicitis that this year would be different-- that I would be organized, on top of my game, and have plenty of free time to do all of those fun holiday things that we've missed during the past few years. Has it happened? Nope. There's always next year. In the mean time, while I was tackling the pile of gifts to be wrapped I realized that I failed to stock up on gift tags. Since I'm too lazy to drive to the store for just tags, why not just print some that I had created last year? And of course I have to share. These bright and colorful tags are a fun addition to any package! Click on the image below to download and print on standard 8.5x11 inch stock.  

Happy holidays!

Our "Keep Calm and Jingle On" download is the first of several free downloads to come this holiday season. This 8x10 sign can be downloaded in three different color schemes. Print and frame for a fun addition to your Christmas decor!



Download your "Jingle on" freebies here. (Note: these items are for personal use only. Please do not redistribute or sell. Feel free to share news of the freebie, but please provide a link back to our blog so people can download the file from us.)