Invitation Assembly Tips

Tricks of the trade for assembling invitations and other stationery items

General
* Ensure your work surface is clean and tidy.
* Wash your hands before commencing and on a regular basis.

* Materials should be handled as little as possible to avoid marking.  If you are assembling multiple layers to a base layer which may be prone to mark, it is preferable to assemble all the upper layers first before adding them to the base layer.

* Clean the blades of scissors and knives regularly, particularly if using vellum tape.

Methods of Attachment

Glue tape
* Glue tape is the most frequently used method for joining non-translucent paper/board layers.

* In most cases, glue tape can applied to any of the layers being assembled.  However where one of the paper layers is a delicate fabric/embossed paper, do not to apply the glue tape directly to this layer as it may cause the backing to peel off.  In this instance, it is best to apply the glue tape to the other layer first.
* Place the glue tape close to the edge of the paper.  Ensure that the tape does not run over the edge as it may leave marks on the other layer.  It can also litter the assembly area resulting in dirty marks on subsequent papers.
* Glue tape should be avoided on translucent papers as it will be visible.

Vellum tape
* Vellum tape is the best used on translucent papers.  It is virtually invisible when placed against most light coloured backing materials.  It is likely to be visible when used against darker backing colours – unfortunately this is unavoidable.
* To minimise the visibility, the tape should be cut into small squares no more than 10mm.  Try to place tape behind some wording or graphic if possible.
* Be sure to remove any excess vellum tape from your work area as small balls may form and appear on your job.

Double-sided tape 
* This is the traditional method for assembling most paper/board layers.
* It is stronger than glue tape, but slower to dispense and will often leave gaps between the layers.  The minimum amount of tape used is usually one piece (10–15mm) in each corner.
* Double-sided tape should be avoided on translucent papers as it will be visible.

Embellishments

Ribbons and Buckles 
* Ribbons may be attached using glue tape along the complete length.  This ensures that the ribbon is neat and securely held.  Run the tape along the ribbon, being careful not to go over the edge.
* The ends of the ribbon should either be hidden or made as inconspicuous as possible.  Here’s how:
     - If multiple paper layers are used, tuck the ends of the ribbon under one of the upper layers, or
     - Wrap ribbon completely around all paper layers (front and back).  Cut the ribbon ensuring that the ends overlap slightly before being attached with glue tape, or
     - Extend ribbon around the back by approximately 15-20mm the back and attach with double-sided tape.
* When placing ribbons on patterned paper, it may be possible to ensure that the ribbon is straight by lining it up with the pattern.  Where plain paper is used, it is best to use a marked template to ensure that ribbons are straight.
* Where the ends of a ribbon are exposed, some fraying is likely to occur.  To minimise this, after placing tape on the ends of the ribbon, trim the ribbon through the tape. 
* A buckle mounted on a ribbon can usually be held in place by placing some glue tape or double-sided tape between the buckle and the ribbon or by sticking a small amount of double-sided tape beneath the buckle once it has been positioned on the ribbon.  Then lay glue tape on the remainder of the ribbon, being careful not to go over the edge.

Fasteners
* Use a needle or thumbtack to make a hole in the layers which helps when pushing fasteners through paper or board.  Do NOT use a hole punch. 
* Where a number of layers are being joined, it may be possible to hide the legs of fasteners being used.  A fastener is passed through the top layers and then these layers are attached to the base layer with glue tape or double-sided tape. 
* When a fastener is to be pushed through a ribbon, the fastener may catch on a thread and pull the ribbon.  A thick needle pushed through the ribbon may separate the threads sufficiently to allow the fastener to pass through.
 

Questions?
Give our production team a call - 07 3118 5347

Information contained in this publication has been provided as a guide only.  Products should be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.  Individual results may vary - it is recommended that these tips be trialled prior to commencing full scale production.  © 2009 My Big Event