Here are some of my experiences to help you make party invitations pop - literally. If you end up with an unique party invitation design and how-to tips to share, send them over via this form.

You can win an iPod Touch - but more importantly, you'll be taking part in creating the Web's ultimate party community that's ALWAYS FREE for everyone to enjoy!

Ok, let's begin!

Use a small piece of foam or a tiny spring to bring a cut-out image to life right on the front of the card. The goal is to make it look like part of your invitation is floating above the rest of it with no visible means of support.

You can purchase these tools in the scrapbook supply section of many stores, or simply make your own with a small, thick piece of cardboard or plastic. (Make sure you can still get the finished piece into an envelope if you plan to mail them out).

By adding visual relief to an important part of your invitation, you'll create an eye-catching display that will keep your audience captivated.

Here are some examples:

Birthday party invitation

A colorful cutout of birthday cake is perfect for a birthday party invitation. You can personalize it by writing a name on it or be a bit more subtle by adding the correct number of candles.

Another idea that will grab guests' attention is to use a photo of the guest of honor. Baby pictures - especially of adult birthday "kids" - are not only great for invitations, but they make for wonderful conversation starters as well!

The example above is a typical design of my football party invitations.

Here are some creative boys birthday invitation, girls birthday invite and gender neutral party cards.

More birthday party invitation ideas.

Graduations invitations

Graduates traditionally toss their mortarboards at the end of the graduation ceremony, so carry this age-old tradition to your invitation by flinging that familiar hat from the front of the card. Go with a generic black or make it your own by matching school colors.

More graduation party invitations.

Holiday party invitations

Almost all holidays have familiar associations, so take advantage of these mental pictures when planning your invitations.

For a Valentine's Party, use hearts. Easter may bring to mind a cross or Easter eggs, while a patriotic bash is the perfect chance to show off the nation's flag.

For Halloween party, there are unlimited ideas for you to make spooky kids Halloween party invitations with cardboard cut out for ghost, pumpkin, spider web and witch.