I LOVE pocket letters. I love making them, I love following #PocketLetter on Instagram, and I DEFINITELY love opening up my mailbox to find one inside.
I’ve posted some PL’s on the blog before, but today I thought I’d show you an easy way to dip your toes in the water of this particular paper-craftin’ phenomenon. This method is especially fun if you have a pen pal and you want to send something new their way.
So, for a more in-depth tutorial, and links to buy the pocket sheets, check out this post. But a quick run-down on the basics —
* each sheet comes with 9 “pockets”
* use your stationary stash to decorate each pocket to your heart’s content
* throw in some goodies for the recipient
* give the whole thing a theme or don’t — this is YOUR creation
Let’s take a look at this super simple pocket letter I created for a pen pal —
When you’re just starting out, it can help to give each pocket a “role” to guide the decorations and goodies. This one includes pockets for —
* TAGS
* TEA
* STICKERS
* LETTER
* EPHEMERA
*MAIL TAG
* HOLIDAY
* WASHI
* and more stickers! 😉
And here’s a look at the goodies I included in the back…
If you’re sending to a pen pal, the most important components are your letter and mail tag. But isn’t it fun to include some other surprises?!
The best part about pocket letter creation is digging deep into your stash and sharing with a friend. Think about the kinds of things your pen pal likes, their favorite colors, what they might appreciate. (For example, I’m pretty sure those vintage V-day stickers and macaron page flags will be a hit with mine!)
You don’t have to go out and buy a bunch of supplies to deliver these mailbox treats either. I happen to be a bit of a washi and sticker collector. But if you’re not, use what you have on hand. Use up old wrapping paper, cut images out of a magazine, hand letter a sweet mantra. You get the picture!
Do you love sending and receiving snail mail? Tell me what you like to send in the comments below!
P.S. When I’m not making pocket letters, I help busy authors and entrepreneurs communicate what matters most to them. Learn more!
Finding delight. 
I’m interested in any kind of snail mail stuff. I’m an old man who grew up when first class mail was king. And my mother always had a few pen pals writing to her. Later after she retired and my father passed she became serious about the pen pals and round Robins. She even participated in a hankerchief exchange. My latest discovery is Mail Tag.
I’ve been hammering computers for 35 years, authoring magazine articles and such. I’d like to slow down and correspond with a few smail mail-ers.
Best wishes on this blog. I think it’s a worthwhile project. Stick with it. The has to be others of like mind, tired of passwords, usernames.
Scott
Thank you for the wonderful comment, Scott! Sending and receiving mail is one of my favorite things in the world. Good luck on your snail mail journey!
I just saw this, Scott, and I have to agree with you. There is nothing like getting a personal message via snail mail that you can read, tuck in your mirror or notebook and go back to when you want . Not the same as an email or text, is it? I’ve been making cards for a couple years now, but the pocket letter idea is new to me, so I’ll be trying to line up folks to send some of those to. I remember being a young girl and having pen pals all around the world. Uniquely special. I hope you have found some folks to correspond with, and if you are looking for one more, let me know!
Oooh! Your pocket letter looks so pretty & thanks for the tips on what to put in them! 💞 I’ve always liked the idea of a pocket letter but have never actually made one – I’m very tempted to try now, thanks for the inspiration! Great post, Autumn x
Thank you! You should definitely give it a go. They are so much fun to make and send! ❤
awww too cute!
I just saw a thing on pocket letter and I would like to start doing them but I don’t have a pen pal I dont even know how to do it but looks fun
Hi Heather,
Yes Heather, I will enjoy exchanging snail mail with you. I shy away from politics and religion. My postal address is: Scott Laughlin, 2310 Main Street, Apt. 3, Crossett, AR 71635.
Couldn’t agree more about leaving religion and politics off the table. There are so many more things to talk about anyway. You will get a note from me soon, and I look forward to hearing from you, too.
Great. Anxious to start. Today I’m working on a blog concerning my mother and her streetcar diner during World War II. Memories are illusive.