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SWL - Intro to Pocket Letters

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SWL - Intro to Pocket Letters
Group:Sealed with love
Swap Coordinator:chelle523 (contact)
Swap categories: Letters & Writing 
Number of people in swap:56
Location:International
Type:Type 3: Package or craft
Last day to signup/drop:April 17, 2015
Date items must be sent by:May 15, 2015
Number of swap partners:1
Description:

Chances are, you've either never heard of pocket letters or haven't made one, but here's your chance to try your hand at one in the safe confines of our happy, non-judgmental group!!!

So what ARE pocket letters? Simply put, they are sort of like mini Project Life pages put in those 9-pocket clear plastic sleeves that kids use for baseball or Pokemon cards, or lots of ATCers use to save their ATCs in. Only instead of just making a scrapbook page for yourself, you're making one and including a letter to send to a penpal! When it's done, you fold it in thirds and put it in a business size envie and mail it off! NOTE: 10-pocket sleeves are acceptable as well.

The idea for pocket letters came from Janette Lane's Blog

She also has some videos on Youtube to further explain the concept and give some ideas. Here's a good one:Pocket Letters Video

Or you can just do a search on Google or Pinterest for inspiration.

For this swap,you're going to have 9 pockets to fill (yes, all 9 MUST be filled with something!). You MUST fill one pocket with a letter from you (be sure to include the name of the swap and your swap ID). I'm not going to be a stickler on the length of the letter, but I'd aim for 1/2 sheet size (A5) paper front and back.

Fill the other 8 pockets as you wish. Remember, everything has to be 2.5" x 3.5" or less to fit in the pockets, just like ATCs. Some ideas:

A teabag or drink packet A quote on a card or piece of paper A washi tape sampler with at least 3 washi samples An ATC ATC supplies A lovely photo trimmed to fit the pocket A journal card Flat or mostly flat decorative items (please be sure to put them in a baggie or envie so they don't get lost) Fortunes from fortune cookies Postage stamps Journal cards with writing prompts on them Funny comics Mini postcards Mini envelopes Sticky note or page flag samplers Cardstock or scrapbook paper trimmed to fit

Really, the sky is the limit! Try for a good variety to send to your partner, not just 8 pockets of stickers and a note, for instance. When you're finished, fold the pocket letter into thirds, put it into an envelope and send it off! This is not profile specific so you can start working on it before partners are assigned.

I'm leaving plenty of lead time on this swap so that everyone can get a chance to get a feel for what the Pocket Letters are about. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask!

Have fun and happy swapping!!!

Discussion

priscilla 03/14/2015 #

i like this idea, so i'm watching swap so i can look for the pockets

ktina 03/14/2015 #

So sad, we don't have these plastic sleeves in my country :(

cutesygirlynai 03/16/2015 #

I wish so bad I could do this =[ it is my kinda thing, but just like tina, i can't find any of those plastic sleeves with the pockets. i found some on amazon and they're SO expensive. :(

chelle523 03/16/2015 #

Well, I tell you what - @ktina - give me your address and I'll be glad to send you some. @cutesygirlnai - I already know yours. I'll send you guys some to get you started! :) I don't want anyone to have to miss this because I think it's going to be so much fun!!!

chelle523 03/16/2015 #

We have them in our $1 stores here - they're kept in the hobby section usually - with baseball, Pokemon, Magic the Gathering cards, etc. - for anyone in the US who's trying to find them. Also, any hobby store, most Targets and Walmarts will carry them! :)

principeta 03/17/2015 #

chelle523 You Rock!!!!!

cutesygirlynai 03/20/2015 #

I FOUND SOME!!! chelle - don't send me some! i found some on ebay! if you already sent me some - thank you!! anyone else - LOOK ON EBAY! :) i got a set of 10 for only £2 with free delivery!! there are so many on ebay! :)

cutesygirlynai 03/20/2015 #

how long should the letter be for one of the pockets?

chelle523 03/20/2015 #

Thank you @principeta :)

chelle523 03/20/2015 #

As far as the length of the letter, I'd say maybe a 1/2 sheet page front and back. Maybe if it's someone you don't know very well, introduce yourself a bit. If not, just get chatty and let your partner know what you've been doing, what you're looking forward to, what's new in your life, etc. :)

Duckygirl 03/20/2015 #

I just did one of these. Pictures are on my flickr. I have been googling to find out more. It seems there is no right or wrong way to stuff the pocket or decorate the pocket?

cutesygirlynai 03/21/2015 #

I found this guide really helpful; click here

I loved this one; here

cutesygirlynai 03/21/2015 #

Super artistic pocket letter; here

ktina 03/22/2015 #

Thank you everyone who offered help! :)

PrairieKittin 03/23/2015 #

They sell them here in comic book stores. They put baseball cards in them, so card stores like that would probably have them, too.

chelle523 03/25/2015 #

@Duckygirl - I think you're absolutely right: there's no right way or wrong way! That's why I love these projects!!! :)

chelle523 03/25/2015 #

@cutesygirlnai - Thanks for posting the tips and photos!

chelle523 03/25/2015 #

@PrairieKittin - Exactly right!

owlsinathens 03/28/2015 #

I only found sleeves with 10 pockets... -.-

cutesygirlynai 03/28/2015 #

@owlsinathens how big are the pockets? x

owlsinathens 03/28/2015 #

they're about 2,3x3,6 inches

chelle523 03/31/2015 #

I think the ten pocket sleeves would be just fine, @owlsinathens I know other groups are using those as an alternative. I'm going to change the wording of the swap to include that.

owlsinathens 04/ 1/2015 #

Thanks :D

chelle523 04/13/2015 #

Just a note: I have extended the swap due date because several people were having trouble finding pockets. The swap is now due May 15. :)

art3osb 04/14/2015 #

I just started doing this and it is fun.

chelle523 04/22/2015 #

I've had several people ask if both sides of the stuff in the pockets must be decorated. It's up to the sender. The only steadfast rules are that you must include a letter in one of the pockets (or more if you write a really long one!) and every pocket must have something in it. As long as your partner does those two things, they should be rated well. Thank you!

art3osb 04/24/2015 #

What is the rate requirement for this swap. Pocket letters are time consuming and fear flakers. Are bad rates and newbies allowed. I ask because you only have rules for the pocket letters and not who can join in the fun. WARNING: pocket letters are addicting :)

CayleighTheShell 05/ 9/2015 #

Pocket Letter for my partner is done. Sadly, the post office is now closed. It will be sent out on Tuesday next week. = D

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