Sundays With Lorraine

Hello my creative friends, and welcome back to Stamp & Scrapbook Expo’s blog.  It makes my heart sing knowing that you were able to carve out a little “me time” from your busy weekend to be creative, so sit back, relax, and enjoy today’s creative therapy; you deserve it!.

Tim Holtz-Themed Pocket Letter by Tracy

Pocket letters are a fun and creative way to send a letter to those special people in your life. You fill the pockets with anything you like (stickers, tea bags, treats, notes, washi tape samples, favorite quotes, pictures, etc.).  A short note or letter is included and tucked into one of the pockets. The pocket petter is then folded up and sent in a standard 10 size envelope. It’s the perfect way to send and collect letters from other pocket letter pals (i.e., people who are sending mail in this format) around the world and a convenient way to store them. They fit perfectly in a binder.

Many people use regular trading card sheets.  They typically have nine pockets on each page and are perfect for pocket letters. I have seen the trading card sheets at Walmart and last I checked you can get 100 for under $20 – that’s a lot of pocket letters!  I hope you’ve been inspired to send out some happy mail. If you’re new to pocket letters, I highly recommend checking out Tracy’s short video as she shares just how easily this pocket letter came together. You’re going to love all of her great ideas.

I’m Sorry by Nichol Spohr

Who could stay mad at you once they’ve opened the mailbox to discover this adorable “I’m Sorry” card?  Let’s face it, we all lose it on occasion and do and or say things we wish we could take back.  I can’t think of a better way to express your heartfelt apologies than to send off a handmade card acknowledging that you’re sorry.  I love how Nichol created the fun die cut scene using Lawn Fawn’s brand new Bayou Backdrop and paired it up with the Bayou Backdrop die Wild For You and Critters Down Under stamp sets.  Creating scenes by mixing and matching your stamps and dies really takes your stamping to the next level.  Big hugs to Nichol for showing us how it’s done.

I hope you’ve been inspired to create one of your handmade treasures and mail it out to someone special. Receiving one of your handmade cards is like receiving a hug in the mail and is sure to brighten up anyone’s day.  I almost forgot that Nichol has made a video so you can watch the creation of this bayou backdrop scene card from start to finish, so be sure to check it out.  Kudos to you for sharing those smiles one handmade card at a time.

Coin Purse by Lizzie Jones

How very cute is this coin purse designed by Lizzy Jones?  I’m always on the lookout for creative ways to pass the time while traveling.  Many of you know that I host the Creativity Center at the Stamp & Scrapbook Expos and that means I typically fly to work which means many hours on a plane. I can’t think of a better way to pass the time than to create something beautiful.  I’m thinking I can finish one or two of these little cuties on my way to Orlando next week.  😉

Just thinking out loud here, but wouldn’t this be a perfect gift to give to Mom on Mother’s Day? You could include a piece of jewelry or a gift card to her favorite store  It’s not only a handmade keepsake, but it’s functional, too.  She’s going to love it!  You can find the Coin Purse II Die at Papertrey Ink; click here and I’ll take you over for a visit.

Healthy Kung Pao Chicken By Lee

This recipe might look intimidating, but it’s really not.  With a little help from our friend Lee you, too, can have this yummy meal on the table in under 30 minutes. 

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you have a wonderfully creative week and I’ll see you next Sunday.  Hugs to all and be sure to check out our show schedule.  With 19 shows all over the country, I’m thinking there’s an amazing weekend waiting for you and your creative peeps at the Stamp & Scrapbook Expo!