It may seem funny to have an entire party based around a race that lasts only a couple of minutes, but this week, I'm planning a Kentucky Derby party. The Kentucky Derby is a famous horse race that takes place on the first Saturday of every May. At the party bets will be placed, delicious Southern-inspired cuisine will be consumed, and the race will be watched. To get everyone excited for the event, I'm sending an invite with a horse-race collage. The collage evokes the momentum and speed of the race while showing the grace and strength of the horses. The text includes phrases that are commonly used at the track.

To see how I made it, read more.

To make an invite similar to the one seen here you will need the following supplies:

• white cardstock
• images of race horses, printed or ripped from the pages of a sports magazine
• scissors
• glue
• computer and printer

To assemble the invite:

1. Open a new document in Microsoft word. Drag a simple horse race image into the document. Insert a text box — with the line and fill removed — on top of the image. Write the details to the party in the text box. I used the font Ayuthaya in size 10 bold to write the following message:
   

   And they’re off!
   Please join me at
   A Kentucky Derby Party
   Saturday, May 3rd, 2008
   Post time: 11 am

   Track location:
   PartySugar’s House,
   San Francisco

   Scratches only:
   415.555.5555

   Print out on plain paper and check for mistakes. Once satisfied with the text and look of the invite, print on the white cardstock. Cut down to size.

2. Cut out single shapes from the horse-race images. Use these to create a layered collage on the back of the invite. Trim off any excess.
3. Slide into an envelope and send.