I have a dear crafty friend (YT: Marie Howsie) who loves the Gorjuss Girls. So I created a pocket letter pal (a crafty pen pal letter using the plastic sleeves usually used for storing baseball trading cards; each pocket fits a 2.5″ x 3.5″ card (same size as an ATC)) using my treasured Gorjuss Girl decoupage kit (yes, I’ve been hoarding it). 🙂
These Gorjuss Girl 3D decoupage kits are fantastic. The kit that I have has 2 of each of 4 images. Each image has 6 layers to combine together to create a very dimensional final 3D image. For this pocket letter pal, however, I wanted to keep the dimension down a bit so that they would fit into the pockets better. So I split each 6-layer image into two, 3-layer images. There was still plenty of dimension, and each 3-layer image fit really well into the pockets. What a great way to stretch the use of these decoupage kits, right?!
I popped out each image layer, trimmed off any stubs from where the cut outs were held onto the background sheet, and used a black PITT Pen marker to ink the edges of the cut outs. I also rolled some of the layers around the barrel of the marker to create a more realistic, rounded dimensional look before adhering them down with 1 or 2 layers of foam adhesive (on the higher middle areas) and Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue (on the edges). This is very time consuming, detailed work but these steps really make a difference in the finished look of each 3D image.
I used the images for The Fox, The Collector, and The Black Star for the 3 pocket inserts. For the tag that I attached with some Martha Stewart black and white polka dot ribbon tied in a double loop bow, I used an image of The Runaway that was on the packaging of the decoupage kit. I inked the edges of the tag with Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Black Soot, and I backed it with the same pale aqua paper that I used on the cards in the pocket letter so that I could write my info and the date on the tag.
For the background papers, I used a few pages of the coordinating paper from the kit. For the embellishments/gifts in the other pockets, I used metal stickers and a few Tim Holtz alphabet cards for my friend’s initials and to send hugs and kisses with O’s and X’s. To fill the center shaker pocket (which I made by melting closed the top opening with the metal nozzle of my glue gun), I used color coordinated sequins and Bead Landing word beads for “friend”, “heart” and “always”. For the pocket that houses my letter, I used a die cut bag decorated with some “special delivery” washi, and a die cut poodle (to represent me and my Biscuit). I inked the poodle to create some visual dimension with shading. Along the 3-holed edge of the pocket letter, I used some black and white lace-patterned washi tape from the Dollar Tree that I thought coordinated nicely with the Gorjuss Girl style.
I included lots of little die cuts, embellies and crafty gifts in the back of each of the pockets, but I am keeping all of that a secret so that my friend will have some fun surprises when she receives this pocket letter.
The following is a video share of this project:
This pocket letter pal is being entered into the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday X, Y, Z Challenge
Naughty or Nice Friends Challenge
Craft-Dee BowZ Anything Goes with a Handmade Bow May Challenge
Thanks for stopping by and have a gorjuss crafty day! WOOF
This is lovely! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous Gorjuss creation with us at Naughty Or Nice Challenges, Jo x
Thanks Dotty! It was fun to make for my deer friend who loves the Gorjuss Girls. 😀
What an amazing project, and generous gift! The Gorjuss Girls are beautiful, and I really like what you added to the other pockets as well. Thanks for joining us at Naughty or Nice Challenges!
Aww thanks Lindsey! These pocket letters take me an inordinate amount of time, but I think it is a great way to share lots of crafty yummies with friends. 🙂
What a clever and unique gift you’ve created! I’m sure your friend will love it and I like the pocket structure so much! You also did a great job of mixing elements so that each pocket is a work of art all by itself. I like the sequins and I also like how you made so many of the elements personalized. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us for this week’s Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge!
Thanks so much Andrea! These pocket letters take me an inordinate amount of time, but I think it is a great way to share lots of crafty yummies with friends. tf stopping by! Big hugs, Kristina
what a fab idea and a great gift
Thanks for joining us at Craft-Dee BowZ AND GOOD LUCK
Tracey x
Thanks so much Tracey! These pocket letters take me an inordinate amount of time, but I think it is a great way to share lots of crafty yummies with friends. tf stopping by! Big hugs, Kristina
So cute!
Thanks so much! 😀
Fantastic!!
Aww thanks so much for leaving me a comment here too Roz! xoxo
Absolutely fantastic… I am amazed by these I keep seeing. Haven’t yet tried to make one myself !!!! You made a super job of this 😀
Hugz
IKE in Greece xx