DIY Network

Mystery Party: Invitation Booklets From "Weekend Entertaining" episode WKE-204

This party is rated 3 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult, and is geared toward the skills of a frequent entertainer.

Hourly Breakdown

Total Prep Time -- 17 hours
Invitation Booklets -- 3 hours

Booklets filled with party details for each guest at your Mystery Party also serve as the invitation.

Materials for Invitation Booklets --

Small 5 x 7 3-ring binder (cover measures 9"x7: with 1" ring) for each guest
23" x 15" cut of faux leather fabric
Two 8" x 6" cuts of faux leather fabric
Ruler
Pencil
Scissors
4 antiqued gold brads
Burgundy cardstock
Large decorative corner punch
1/8" hole punch
Spray adhesive (permanent bond)
Gold pen
Brown permanent marker

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Invitation Booklets

1. The mystery that the guests will solve was purchased on the Internet. It includes character information and clues for guests that are packaged in each character's individual booklet. All the written specifics needed for everyone to participate in the acting out of the script are in the kit. The booklets not only include information that helps each participant act out their character, it reveals important clues about the other party guests. Clues that will eventually lead someone to the necklace thief. It is important that the guests keep these booklets with them throughout the party.

2. These booklets need to made a few weeks before the party. Open the binder and center it on the wrong side of the large cut of fabric. Trace around the cover side of the binder with a pencil. Make two marks at the edges of the spine at the top and at the bottom of binder (figure A). Leave about 3" of fabric around the perimeter of the binder.

3. Remove the binder. Cut slits from the top edge of the fabric to the spine marks. Cut between spine marks to remove the rectangle of fabric (approximately a 1" x 3" rectangle) between the cuts. Repeat for the bottom edge of the fabric (figure B).

4. Draw a 2-1/2" x 4" rectangle on the traced cover side of the fabric. The rectangle should be centered on the cover and should be approximately 2" below the top edge of the traced cover. Trace around the rectangle -- line up the card on the backside first, because you need to know where to place the brads.

5. The label for the front of the cover is made from color coordinated card stock. Cut card stock to a 2-1/2" x 4" rectangle. Use decorative corner punch on all corners of the rectangle (figure C) to give it some personality. Punch a 1/8" hole in each corner of the label. Place the label on the traced rectangle on the fabric and mark hole positions on the fabric.

6. Fold the fabric up and give the punched holes a tiny snip at each corner hole mark. These are where the brads will be placed.

7. Insert a brad into each hole in the card and press brads through holes in the fabric, from right side to wrong side. Bend the brad prongs, affixing the card to the right side of the fabric.

8. In a well-ventilated and covered area, spray the wrong side of the fabric with spray adhesive (be sure to follow package directions for a permanent bond). Carefully place the opened binder on the fabric, matching the traced cover and spine notches. Press firmly and smooth out all the wrinkles.

   Expert Tip: When you work with spray adhesive, it is important to cover your entire surface with a disposable sheet so you can replace it when it gets too sticky.
   
   

9. Fold top and bottom edges over the edge of the binder to the inside of the front and back covers. Press firmly and smooth out all the wrinkles.

10. Fold side edges over the sides of the binder and press in place on the inside of the front and back covers. Close and open binder several times to ensure the fabric is not too loose, but not too tight to allow the binder to close neatly. Press and smooth the fabric again to secure.

11. Apply spray adhesive to the two smaller pieces of cut fabric. Apply these to the inside of the front and back cover, covering the folded edges of fabric (figure D). Press and smooth fabric. Close the binder and allow the adhesive to cure for approximately an hour.

12. Use the gold pen to write the title of your mystery on the burgundy card on the front of the binder.

13. Use the brown permanent marker to write the invitation information on the inside cover of the binder. You may also wish to write the guest's costume suggestions inside the back cover of the binder (figure E).

RESOURCES :

Tool, Equipment and Special Event Rental (HSS RentX)
HSS RentX
Denver, CO 80222
Website: www.hss.com/usa.shtml

Create for Less
Website: www.createforless.com

Fabric.com
Website: www.fabric.com

Fresh Market
802 Green Valley Rd.
Greensboro, NC 27408-7041
Toll-free: 800-520-1556
Website: www.freshmarket.com

Mysteries and More
54 N. Big Oak Dr.
Fletcher, NC 28732
Toll-free: 888-346-0777
E-mail: customerservice@murdermysterygames.com
Website: www.murdermysterygames.com

After Hours Formalwear
700 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: 865-693-7490
E-mail: store733@afterhours.com
Website: www.afterhours.com

GUESTS :

Harry Schwartz
Culinary Expert
PO Box 1320
Yarmouth, ME 04096
Phone: 207-846-8881
E-mail: chefharry@chefharry.com
Website: www.chefharry.com

Debbie Lee
Culinary Expert
President
Paragon Events and Catering
1620 Broadway #H
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: 310-453-8023
E-mail: debbielee@paragoncatering.com