• Make your own invitations with a flip flop theme.flip-flop on the sand beach image by Andrew Buckin from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Party planning has many components to consider. Once you decide on a party theme, such as "flip flops," your mind may turn next to invitations. Although you could purchase premade invitations at your local party supply store, making your own invitations is inexpensive and simple.
  
  

Notepad Invitations

• Many party or paper supply stores carry notepads in different shapes and sizes. Look for a flip flop-shaped notepad and handwrite your party details on individual sheets. Or, if you can find inexpensive notepads, send one notepad to each guest with the top page containing the party invitation. If you want to add a little fun, enclose flip flop-shaped confetti in the envelopes with the invitations.
  
  

3-D Flip Flops

• Create your own flip flops out of colored cardstock and ribbon. Draw the body of the flip flop on a piece of cardboard and cut it out. Use the cardboard cutout as a template to draw your flip flop shape on pieces of cardstock. Cut out the shapes. To make the strap, punch a hole where the strap would go between the toes. Feed the end of a colored ribbon through the hole from the bottom, then over one side of the shoe, back up through the hole, and over the other side, weaving a figure eight. Tape the ribbon ends to the bottom of the flip flop. Add details such as beads or silk flowers to decorate the flip flop before writing party details on the the sole below the strap. Websites such as The Find show different styles of flip flops you can use for inspiration.
  
  

The Real Thing

• If you prefer not to make your own flip flops, write party details on purchased sandals. One option is to shop dollar stores for inexpensive flip flops. They're heavy for mailing, though, so probably you will want to hand-deliver the invitations. If you want mailable invitations, check beauty supply stores for flip flops used for pedicures. Such flip flops are thin, foldable and fairly inexpensive. Write the party details on one flip flop, then mail it in a standard business-size envelope.