Set a playful tone for summer parties with lantern-themed invitations. Start by penciling lines for "ropes" on plain cards. Punch holes with a tack every 1/2 inch; erase lines. Using knotted embroidery floss, sew running stitches along each line, then double back, filling in spaces between stitches. With pinking shears, cut "lanterns" from wide-striped grosgrain ribbon. Cut "tassels" from colored paper; fold in half. Affix lanterns and tassels with a glue stick; write message.
Bright Invites
Martha Stewart Living, August 2006

i would just buy white folding cards and round the corners then ink the sides to match the hue of the lanterns!
The instructions say "Start by penciling lines for "ropes" on plain cards." Those are NOT "plain" cards! Inquiring minds need to know where those "plain" cards can be bought!
Where did MS get the great blank cards? Kate's Paperie?
I am adding butterflies to these lanterns to go with the butterfly chinese lantern decoration to keep the theme going!