I recently learned about this new trend called “Pocket Letter Pals.” Have you heard of it? Well, it’s essentially a modern day twist on what we used to call “Pen Pals,” the twist being that this form of snail mail is done with participants who not only share a liking of regular mail but are also creative! Janette Lane, a blogger and paper crafter, came up with this idea earlier this year and it has really taken off.

So, what is a “Pocket Letter”? Well, it is an 8 1/2″ by 11″ nine-pocket page protector that’s filled with fun crafty things like pretty paper, artwork, treats, and trinkets such as craft and planner supplies. There is usually at least one pocket that will hold a fun or inspirational quote and another that has some information about the sender (if you’re exchanging Pocket Letters with someone you’ve never met before). Another pocket may have a card with questions to the recipient asking simple things like “Do you have a favorite color?” or “What is your favorite movie?”

The intention behind this type of pen pal letter exchange is to take the time to create something cute and creative for someone else, as well as to share something about your life with a friend (or stranger) through regular ol’ snail mail. It’s a good way to really connect with people personally rather than remotely through technology. (Mind you, this concept is generating a lot of traffic on the internet and creating a lot of interest in social media, so I guess it works on both levels!)

Once I understood the concept of Pocket Letter Pals, I said to myself “This sounds like fun!” followed by “As if I need another project!” 😉 Anyway, I am totally hooked. I’m exchanging these kinds of letters with some new-found friends and I love it.

Now that I’ve discovered Pocket Letter Pals, my goal is to show others how they too can take part in this craft in a thrifty way. After all, the inspiration for Pocket Letters was the idea of creating a less expensive way to do something similar to “Project Life” (those scrapbook-type photo pages that a lot of people are into.) From my own experience, I can definitely see how this hobby can become expensive, but it doesn’t have to be that way!

Related: 17 Handmade Cards for Cheapskates

How to Make Fun Pocket Letters
(Without Breaking the Bank)

1. Search online for ideas. They’re all free! (I am even sharing content over at my own blog, all FREE!) I am finding that the community of “Pals” is a relatively friendly one. If you find a design or layout that you like, try to recreate it with your own flair.

2. Set yourself some ground rules. If you want to swap letters with strangers, decide if you wish to exchange with someone in your own country or go international. A lot of people choose to stay in their own area to lessen the mailing fees. If you wish to find a group where others are interested in the same thing you can check out the original blogger’s site at PocketLettersPals.com. There are also groups (some private) on Facebook.

3. Find a friend to exchange with who also wants to be budget-conscious. The beauty of this hobby is that you can do a one-time exchange or do it several times. There are no rules. Ask your new or existing friend a few questions and lay down some parameters such as a theme, a color scheme, type (handmade or a mixture of handmade and manufactured treats), and budget. Work out something that both of you can be happy about.

4. Shop around for the best price on pocket page protector pages. These are available through a variety of sellers online as well as “brick and mortar” crafting stores. You may even find them in a nearby dollar store! Just check where paper goods are sold, stores that sell trading cards, office supply stores, and major department stores.

5. Get creative with paper!  If you are already a paper crafter, then you may already have a lot to fill those pockets with. For the nine pocket inserts, simply cut up a sheet of paper, or several scrap pieces of paper into playing card sizes (2.5 ” x 3.75″).  Some people even use their own drawings and artwork to cut up. Other sources of paper include junk mail, magazines, wrapping papers, calendars, greeting cards, ledger papers, photos, and playing cards.

6. Fill your pockets with small personal touches. Include a cute quote, saying, or even a poem in one of the pockets. I like to stamp or write a quote on one piece and use that as my insert. You can also tuck in a small note with some facts about yourself, a business card (if you’re exchanging with a stranger), or a card/note that asks the recipient questions like “Do you have a favorite color?” and “Do you like chocolate?” Another cute (and cheap) thing you can include is a tea bag because it fits so nicely and weighs very little. Other ideas for Pocket Letter Pals trinkets include:

• Washi tape pieces wrapped around a plastic coated card
• Colorful paperclips
• Tiny clothespins
• Colorful little buttons
• Sequins
• Pieces of trim, yarn, and/or ribbons
• Stickers
• Die cuts
• Images cut from magazines
• Stamps

The possibilities are nearly endless!

7. Once your pockets are filled, they’re easy to fold up and insert into an envelope. If you’d like to be crafty, you can wrap the page with tissue paper, a doily, and some twine before putting it into the envelope. If you’re trying to be extra thrifty, keep your letter light and not overly bulky so you are not charged extra at the post office.

That’s all there is to joining the Pocket Letter Pals community! It’s so fun and easy! Just don’t forget, once you receive a letter, to acknowledge that you got the letter. You don’t want your pal to worry!

If you’re looking for more Pocket Letter Pals how to’s and tips, check out my blog, Annmakes!

What trinkets would you send to your Pocket Letter Pals?

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