Hi Everyone!
In the first chapter of "Distance Loving"; I am going to tell you all about "Open When" envelopes.
So, I have now created a bunch of these on two separate occasions. They are a
perfect gift as they are thoughtful, creative and personal. Not to mention the fact that once you have bought the envelopes that is pretty much the only
essential purchase that you must make in order to make them special. You can of course spend money on a few special things to pop in the envelopes, but like I said, it's not essential.
The first time I made a set of these, it became a very fun project for myself and my lovely friend Rosie. At the time, we were both caught in the "Long Distance Relationship" trap, with my Euan living in Scotland, and her man in Paris. Together, we decided to make a set of Open When Envelopes for each of our men as a little reminder of us whenever they needed it. So, we set off on our efforts of envelope making and managed to get together a list of "Open When's" which I have listed below. I have also listed what I put in to some of the envelopes- but some are pretty self explanatory and others just had a wee note from me in it.
1. THE RULES
- Never open more than one per day
- Make them last
- Makesure you feel like the one you chose to open
- Let me know which envelope you open and when you open it
- Don't rush them away, save them for a day when they will mean something.
2. Open when we have just said goodbye
I'm a strong believer of looking on the bright side of every situation, hence the note in this envelope:
3. Open when you don't know what to eat
I went through loads of magazines and ripped out recipes that I thought Euan would enjoy making/eating in order to give him inspiration for something nice to eat.
4. You hurt yourself at rugby or the gym
I used a permanent marker and drew flowers and kisses all over some teeny tiny plasters, and then also wrote a note.
5. Open when you need some fun
6. Open when you're thinking about us
Photos- lots of photos of some of the fun times we have shared.
7. Open when you're in need of a laugh
A silly photo
8. Open when you are bored
For this envelope I made him a wordsearch, and a puzzle (I did the puzzle by cutting up an old card so that the picture was nice and the paper was strong enough!)
Whether he actually ever did either of these I will never know!
9. Open when you're hungover and tired
In this one I put a packet of paracetamol.
10. Open when you're short of change
This one consisted of lots of really small change.
11. Open when you feel like winding someone up
I bought some water balloons for this one.
12. Open when you've run out of teabags
Pretty obvious- this one had some tea bags in!
13. Open when you're thinking about what to get me for Christmas
This one was probably the thickest envelope out of the whole bunch. Here I went through tonnes of magazines and just ripped out anything that I fancied for Christmas, ranging from Lindor chocolates to a brand new Range Rover (which I stuck a personalised number plate on)!!
14. Open when you want to see a really cute face
I printed off a really cute picture of Euan's cat as a kitten.
15. Open when it's Halloween
For this one I drew a picture:
16. Open when you're on your way to work
17. Open when you are seeing me soon
18. Open when you're supposed to be revising
19. Open when you want to read something interesting
20. Open when you can't sleep
This one had lavender oil for his pillow and a packet of hot chocolate in it.
The second time I made a set, was actually for my lovely friend Rosie, when she moved to Paris earlier this year. Obviously the list was slightly different, because this time it included ones such as "When you are missing home". It was such a special present to give as she had said to me when we made the envelopes for our men that she would "absolutely love someone to do that for [her]". I was thrilled when I thought of it.
I think that they are a fantastic idea and they can be adapted to any for of distance loving. Be it your best friend moving to Paris; your boyfriend living far too many miles away or just for your mum because you don't have the chance to see her nearly as often as you would like to,
Why don't you make a set for someone as a Christmas present? Or just a "just because gift"- they are the best after all!
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the read. Let me know if you make any yourself!
Jessie x
