Plastic Pockets

I love pockets! Something about the feeling I get when I find that $5.00 bill I forgot was in my purse, or the movie ticket stub I find in my pants pocket when doing the laundry makes me happy. My affection for these little pouches of joy has manifested itself on many a layout over the years, with pockets holding cards, photos, and memorabilia. But what if I want to include a pocket on a page, without concealing the contents? That query led me to the concept of plastic pockets.

Store-bought Plastic Pockets:

Several manufacturers, such as Fiskars and EK Success, offer plastic pockets for scrapbookers. These vary from envelope-style pockets (which can hold dimensional items) to slip-in photo/postcard sleeves (best used for flat images). Some are clear and some are printed with designs. Often these store-bought pockets offer the added benefit of adhesive already affixed for quick mounting.

Important note: Always check the packaging on plastic products intended for your scrapbook to confirm they are acid and PVC-free.

Handmade Plastic Pockets:

Creating handmade plastic pockets is easy, and gives you flexibility in the size and shape of your pockets. For my layout "Us Time" I created four sets of plastic pockets to hold movie tickets and assorted embellishments. To do this, I:

• Purchased 8.5" x 11" sheets of business card holders at the office supply store. (You could also use a page protector cut to size.)
  
  
• Cut out four holders, just outside the connecting sides, creating four pockets.
  
  
• Insert embellishments or photos.
  
  
• Adhere the pockets to layout with stitching, staples, brads, eyelets, etc. (I adhered my embellishments to the inside of the pockets first so they wouldn't slip while I was hand-sewing the pockets down.)

Take Your Plastic Pockets out of the Scrapbooking Room:

For a fun and personal outfit, try this project, courtesy of Family Fun Magazine -

• Purchase a solid-colored t-shirt and wash.
  
  
• Once dry, cut a plastic pocket out of a page protector (or use a business card holder).
  
  
• Center on t-shirt and use masking tape to hold it in place as you sew around three sides, leaving the top of the pocket open.
  
  
• Insert a flat embellishment, such as a diecut or picture, into the pocket. If you'd like, leave the top open, making this a customizable t-shirt, or simply sew along the top to finish off your plastic pocket shirt.
  
  Important Note: If you wash the shirt after creating it, be sure to hang it to dry.

Plastic pockets are a fabulous way to add a custom dimensional flair to your scrapbook layouts and wardrobe! Don't hide those memories behind layers of paper, bring them out in the open with plastic pockets!