Fuse Tool: Pocket Letter | How To

Supplies:
-Fuse Tool
-3 ring page protector
-Cutting mat or glass to protect table
-Graph paper
-Ruler, pencil, scissors, tape runner
-Decorative card stock
-A variety of embellishments and gifts like:
washi tape, twine, buttons, sequins, paper clips
stickers, ribbon, gum, tea bag, etc
Directions:
-Plug in Fuse tool with cutting tip in place (needs to heat for about 15 minutes).
-We are going to draw lines on graph paper for a guide to use when cutting slits and lines to seal pocket edges. Start by drawing a 2 sided frame on the left and bottom edge of the page protector so that you can always line up your edges for accuracy. Lets start with the perpendicular lines (those going across:)
-Start from bottom of your page protector:
Mark a cut line just above 3 5/8”
Mark a fuse line at 3 7/8” ( Fuse tool will go along bottom edge of ruler)
Cut line 7 1/2” mark
Fuse line at 7 3/4”
-With these dimensions you'll be able to fold your pocket letter in thirds and put into a legal size envelope to mail. Be sure to check at post office for correct postage.
-*If you are going to make the standard 9 pockets you'll want to mark on your graph paper at 3 7/8" from the left sealed edge and then 5 3/4" from the left sealed edge.
-Now use a few pieces of washi tape to tape your page protector in place matching edges with the 2 sided frame you drew earlier and you area ready to start cutting and sealing.
-IMPORTANT - Be sure to put a piece of card stock inside your page protector so that the Fuse tool doesn't cut the back of the page protector; you just want the front piece cut.
-Using the cut line mark lay your ruler in place as your guide. Use Fuse tool with cutting tip and slowly drag across the line from one side to the other.
-Repeat along the second cut line. Gently put your hand inside the page protector to be sure the 2 slits have been cut. If so remove the cardstoack.
-Unplug fuse tool, remove cutting tip and replace with the seal tip. Fuse tool will be VERY HOT so be sure to allow to cool or use pliers. Keep away from children.
-Plug Fuse tool in to re-heat.
-While heating you can begin to plan your pockets, cut card stock, write notes etc. and set them aside. (IF you are using 9 pockets as described above your inserts will need to be 2 ¾ x 3 5/8”.)
-When Fuse tool is heated you will put your ruler at the 3 7/8” line and run the Fuse tool below that edge and go all the way across the page starting at the fused edge (where the 3 holes are).
-Repeat at the 7 3/4” line.
-Now you should have 3 large pockets so you are going to make your little pockets by using the Fuse tool along the vertical lines starting at the bottom of the page. (Put the ruler in place and slowly go up the right side of the ruler). Repeat along the second line.
-Now your pockets are in place and you are ready to fill with notes and all the embellishments you are using.
*-You may want to make pockets that are not the standard size for chewing gum or other items so here are a few tips:
-you'll want to keep the measurements for the cuts and seals going across the page so that it will fold into thirds and go in the mail easily
-to make your pockets slide item into large pocket and line up along the left original seal
-allow a little wiggle room and make a mark on the graph paper, remove item.
-use that mark, put ruler in place and seal along the right edge up to the seal line above
-measure the space between the 2 seals and cut cardstock
-continue across the page until all desired pockets have sealed sides
-continue in the same manner working up the page (it's best to leave items out of pockets until all sealed edges have been made.
-Now fill up all your pockets with notes, embellishments, tiny gifts etc, fold and send to a friend!

[@strandnixe1]

Thanks for this great little tutorial. HUgs Beate

[@craftsbypwilli2664]

I'm curious as to why you didn't use the ruler that comes with the fuse tool? I have a bit of a struggle using it because I can't see how much space I have, maybe I just don't know how to use it thats why I'm looking at fuse tool videos. TFS!