I have a dear crafty friend (YT: Marie Howsie) who loves the Gorjuss Girls. \u00a0So 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). \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

<\/a>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\u00a0together 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. \u00a0So I split each 6-layer image\u00a0into two, 3-layer images. \u00a0There was still plenty of dimension, and each 3-layer image fit really well into the\u00a0pockets. What a great way to stretch the use of these decoupage kits, right?!<\/p>\n

I popped out each image layer, trimmed off any stubs from where the cut outs were\u00a0held 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). \u00a0This is very time consuming, detailed work but these steps really make a difference in the finished look of each 3D image.<\/p>\n

<\/a>I used the images for The Fox, The Collector, and The Black Star for the 3 pocket inserts. \u00a0For 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s initials and to send hugs and kisses with O’s and X’s. To fill\u00a0the center shaker\u00a0pocket (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”. \u00a0For the pocket that houses my letter, I used a die cut bag decorated with some \u201cspecial delivery\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The following is a video share of this project:<\/p>\n