Thanks to the availability of home computers, the simplicity of software programs, and the brilliant images and text that are available, anyone can design and print one-of-a-kind birth announcements. The tough part isn't doing it, it's deciding on what to do.
A birth announcement heralds the arrival of a newborn into the world. The traditional image of a stork delivering a baby comes to mind, but it's just one of many possible themes that can be used as a basis for your project. Some themes that may reflect your passions or secret hopes for the future of your baby are worth consideration.
Contemporary themes for boys and girls that you may never have considered before include:
- Vehicles -- bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, boats, airplanes, hot air balloons, hang gliders
- Sports -- baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, football, skiing, tennis, cheerleading
- Military -- Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines
- Books -- famous quotes, favorite authors, memorable characters
- Movies -- genres, movie stars, movie quotes, movie cameras, film
- Newspaper -- front page, classifieds, advertisements
- Magazine cover -- 'Baby Times', 'The Milky Way', 'Snooze Day'
- Travel -- luggage stickers, maps, train tickets
Once you have an announcement theme and images are clear in your mind, it's time to think about the items you will need for your project. If you don't have any of these items on hand or readily available, don't give up! The costs associated with this project are not prohibitive and a lovely design can come out of the process for hundreds less than a professional would charge you to produce the same thing. Ask friends and family for access to a computer or supplies if you need them. They'll undoubtedly love being asked to be a part of such a special project.
Items you will need for a printable birth announcement:
- Computer -- desktop or laptop, with required software installed.
- Software -- basic publishing, greeting card, photo editing, or word processing.
- Printer -- inkjet or laser, or save and take to local printer on disk.
- Printer Ink -- make sure your inkjet cartridges are fresh for a sharp look.
- Clipart and Borders -- essential elements to the theme and overall look of the birth announcements.
- Paper -- available at local office store; for invitations or greeting cards.
- Vellum or Cardstock Paper -- if you wish to add to your printed design, or want to print your announcements on a patterned or colored paper.
- Envelopes -- make sure the finished product fits inside.
- Stamps -- if your design has added embellishments, weigh the finished product to make sure you are using enough postage when you mail them.
- Embellishments -- optional additional design elements; rubber stamps, stickers, ribbon, glitter, charms; all available at your local craft store.
- Ruler
- Scissors -- optional; needed only if you are adding to printed design.
- Photo Spray Adhesive or Glue -- also optional.
If you will be adding embellishments, print a test announcement and play with it a bit. Get the design, colors, and feel of the paper just the way you want it, and then use that invitation as a guide to constructing the remaining birth announcements. The process goes much faster when you can quickly test your ideas!
Once your lovely creation is complete, make sure it has your baby's full name, date of birth, time of birth, length, and weight somewhere on the birth announcement. You may also choose to add a personal message, or parents' and grandparents' names, but be sure you allow room for all of this in your design. Use a smudge-free, acid-free pen if you choose to handwrite this part of your project.
For a memorable, personalized, creative expression of joy to friends and family, consider designing your own printable birth announcement. It's an exciting and fun way to share your wonderful news in a unique way.