Have you heard about Pocket Letter Pals™? They are really popular with paper enthusiasts! A twist on a traditional pen pal, it's a super fun way to use up all the bits and baubles crafters have left over after creating a scrapbook page or other project. It's also fun to shop for goodies specifically for a Pocket Letter so even if you don't have a large stash to pull from, don't let that stop you from joining in!
Basically, you create a "letter" within a trading card protector. You can fill each pocket with decorative paper, embellishments, and extra goodies. Here is a handy guide with ideas for each one, but there really aren't any hard and fast "rules". You can decorate the front, either within or on top of the pockets, and add goodies as part of the front or on the back. Or you can skip sending little extras entirely and focus on the design. A lot of the pockets have a theme of some sort, that's usually agreed upon by the swappers. You can learn more about this phenomenon and get lots of ideas, tips, and inspiration from the creator of this concept Janette Lane. Her links are below.
Facebook Group, it's private & you need to request to join
I first heard of Pocket Letters on YouTube and quickly went to check out the Facebook group. I'll admit to just admiring and gathering ideas for quite awhile. I was a bit hesitant to start swapping because I already have a lot of scrappy projects I'm working on. Then a couple weeks ago I was at my local scrapbook store and overheard some employees talking to another customer about them.
I joined in on the conversation and before I knew it, I had agreed to swap my very first Pocket Letter! This is a nice way to ease into the process because I already sort of know my swap partner from seeing her at the store. Plus I wouldn't have to worry about extra shipping charges, should my Pocket Letter end up being bulky and heavy, because we could simply swap at the store. Perfect!
After discussing our likes and preferences, Kelli made this really fun and colorful Pocket Letter for me! I just love it! It's so bright and cheerful!
I just love all the fun details Kelli put into it. This paper bow is so cool! She also made me an embellished paper clip with aqua ribbon on a gold paper clip, eek - can't stand the cuteness! You can spy it at the very bottom of the image above. I'm torn between using it as a bookmark for my planner or keeping it just where it is.
She also MADE this awesome quilled camera!!! It's my very favorite part! I tried to photograph is from the side so you can see how dimensional it is. It's just perfect attached to the Polaroid style frame that highlights the colorful sequin shaker pocket. Love how the echo the shape of the polka dots on the paper. There's also a really cool banner clipped with mini clothespins!
It's not a requirement, but many Pocket Letter Pals also send little goodies with their letters. Kelli and I discussed the tea that Janette Lane suggests, it really does fit perfectly into the sleeves! Kelli mentioned she had some yummy tea to include and that got me thinking...I had some that would be perfect too! After all who doesn't like vanilla and caramel? This is too funny but we ended up swapping the exact same flavor and brand of tea!
Besides the actual letter from Kelli, she included a fun little Currently list so I could get to know a little bit more about her. She also gifted me little stickers and a die cut plus some more ribbon paperclips. I thought these were really fun! That yellow one with the stars {heart}.
She also sent me some washi tape, that I don't actually have! I am super tempted to use it up, those polka dots!!! I wanted to send her some but had thrown away all my extra clear sticker sheets, you know the backing stickers come on? I sent her some twine instead but never thought to use a playing card! That's a perfect fit and I like how it adds and extra layer and interest to the pockets. I'm totally going to use that idea!
I'm so thrilled with the very first Pocket Letter I've received! So much so that I've already agreed to swap a Disney themed one with another employee at the store. Very excited for that because I just love Disney! I will share the one I gave Kelli soon. I hope she loves it as much as I love the one she made me!
This is a really cute pocket letter. I got a few & sent a few. If you are looking for pen pals, I'd love to be pals with you. I'm not doing pocket letters anymore though.
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