Better than the Victorian Puzzle Purse? How to Make a Renaissance DIAMOND LETTER

[@Yesica1993]

Am I the only one feeling sad about letters that never made it to where they were supposed to go? Who knows how many lives went on different paths because it. These are amazing! And I love the term, "letterlocking."

[@LeslieStroz]

I feel sad about it too. It’s so tragic! 💔

[@DeeFay-fl1hs]

As an aside. There is a lovely fairly recent fictional series from America about a lost letter department and tracking down their recipients.

[@Yesica1993]

@@DeeFay-fl1hs Do you know the name of it?

[@jacquelinerobert3648]

​@@DeeFay-fl1hss sounds like a wonderful premise! What is it called?

[@PetroicaRodinogaster264]

therevare a lot of things far worse. You would curl up in a ball if I told you by the sound of things, if letters that didn’t make it upset you.

[@Renbabe37]

Reminds me of writing notes in high school and middle school. We had all sorts of shapes we used- footballs, triangles, frogs, etc. ❤

[@Slowly_silent_vlog]

This kind of secret letters were used also in ancient Japan. They were called tato origami. All the work you made is such a treasure! Thanks for this video, it's really inspiring!

[@LeslieStroz]

Thank you! Yes, I love all of these historical paper foldings! What treasures they are. 😊

[@DabblersJourney]

This is adorable! I loved folding notes as a kid, and this brings that task to a whole new level while also being incredibly nostalgic. Thank you for sharing!

[@LeslieStroz]

You’re welcome! ☺️

[@elainerankin9781]

I teach world history to 6th graders. This is so neat how it dates back to the 1300’s! I am going to show them how to make these when we go back to school after the holidays! Thank you so much for sharing! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@LeslieStroz]

It will be a fun project to share with your students. Ancient history is always so fascinating. 😊

[@katberinger2049]

I remember paper crafts were "in" when I was in middle school. We were constantly folding notes into shapes. This is inspiring me to do more with my writing. TY!

[@mariejarreau7251]

Each year one of my grandchildren (started with my daughters when they were young) is chosen for the "Christmas Hunt." Clues are handwritten and hidden throughout the house, on the tree, even in the garden, sometimes in deep snow! The first clue is in a carefully wrapped Christmas "present" under the tree or maybe desguised as an ornament ON the tree. I am already looking forward to incorporating this lovely "secret letter" into our favorite Christmas gift activity next year, but will also use in birthday greetings and those "just because . . . notes" thru the year! Thank you Leslie. Your work is so beautiful! I'm subscribing for sure!

[@janetnash]

Your letter is absolutely adorable, so delicately decorated. Love the history too. Thank you for a very clear tutorial.

[@martinarosenberger2525]

It is so nice of you to encourage people to be creative- in real time! Literally.... Thank you

[@nalissa77]

I definitely prefer this locked letter design. The purse is also lovely, but being a bit dyslexic it kind of lost me quickly. ;) I might try this one to include with some gifts instead of a gift tag. Thanks again for the inspiration they are always so unusual and unique.

[@LeslieStroz]

I think it would be wonderful to receive one of these! I’ve thought about getting double sided copies made so I can mass produce the same design for friends. 😊

[@brigitte-rx3bx]

diese Anleitung ist mein schönstes Weihnachtsgeschenk und ich freue mich sehr es heute entdeckt zu haben! Vielen lieben Dank und alle guten Wünsche zum Weihnachtsfest !

[@LeslieStroz]

Yay! I’m glad you saw this video at the right time. 😊

[@kellywilson2147]

This is the most charming piece of artwork I've seen in ages! Thank you so much for showing us how to create one of our own! Merry Christmas, Leslie!

[@blueviolets2022]

Love it!! The beginning reminds me of the little hats and boats we made as children, fold in half then turn corners in, but then it turns into a beautiful card. Beautiful work, and precious idea! Thank you!

[@LeslieStroz]

You’re welcome! 😊

[@nancyskinner5207]

I use notebooks too for sketches and even for writing notes and letters. I did five Victorian puzzle valentines for my grand children last year. It was very challenging but each one taught me something new. I just don’t want to do them again this year. Well, this looks like fun! Thank you!

[@ChantelleArts]

this design is so pretty!! happy christmas everyone 🥰

[@TSS161]

I've been doing a lot of different types of paper ornaments this year, and this would make such a charming ornament! Also very fun to have a little message inside for next year!

[@LeslieStroz]

That’s a fun idea. 😊

[@mariejarreau7251]

​@@LeslieStroz Each year one of my grandchildren (started with my daughters when they were young) is chosen for the "Christmas Hunt." Clues are handwritten and hidden throughout the house, on the tree, even in the garden, sometimes in deep snow! The first clue is in a carefully wrapped Christmas "present" under the tree or maybe desguised as an ornament ON the tree. I am already looking forward to incorporating this lovely "secret letter" into our favorite Christmas gift activity next year, but will also use in birthday greetings and those "just because . . . notes" thru the year! Thank you Leslie. Your work is so beautiful! I'm subscribing for sure!

[@leafandyard7943]

This is beautiful! I love the puzzle purse but I think I will make a bunch of these too!

[@deekang6244]

I love that first design!

[@griseldis]

What a lovely idea to bring back these pretty folded letters!

[@LeslieStroz]

They are a joy to make and receive! ❤

[@AthenasOjosDeLechuza]

❤ I love the love with which you capture the animals. Everything you do is wonderful. Happy new year 🎉

[@ellenpayson3104]

I’m so in love with this secret letter and have just now subscribed to your channel because of it and taking a moment to look at your other content. ❤️ A tiny couple of notes re. concerns over crinkled paper resulting from the buildup of thickness that occurs with folding crafts. You might consider using true origami-weight paper. (White on both sides.) Additionally, in origami we “teach” the paper where we will be folding it eventually. We do this early on because sometimes the fold we will want to make will be in a difficult or hard to reach place when it is actually time for that fold to be made. “Teaching” a fold to a paper just means we are pre-creasing it … folding and then unfolding it. Hope this helps! Happy New Year!

[@mariejarreau7251]

@Ellenpayson3104 your own attention to detail is lovely and as inspiring as is Leslie's beautiful "locked letter." Thank you both. I love fine paper and origami and will enjoy joining these two in my paper stash!

[@JeannetteK]

A great Puzzle from the ancient time and love to see how it was made. Also a very special idea for Valentines day, 💌❤💌❤💌💘💌💘💌❤💌❤💌 PS. I live in The Hague - Netherlands 😊😀

[@pennyvae]

What a fabulous idea! Thank you for sharing this, your videos are always so inspiring and informative.

[@HiranJayawardena]

Oh my god I love this soo much !! The art and lettering on yours is just magnifique❤❤

[@LeslieStroz]

Thank you! I love this design too. 😊

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

These are so cute! I have never heard of these. The only thing that I can say they remind me of is the Cootie Catchers that we made out of folded paper as children. I need to try this. To think that maybe our ancestors used this method for mail is fascinating. Thank you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🎊❤😊

[@LeslieStroz]

It would be such a joy to receive a folded letter like this. 😊

[@mandylavida]

I am thinking of making one of these for my best friend whose mother is close to dying, with photos of our childhood on the different panels.

[@ChelleLlewes]

This is fast becoming one of my favorite new playthings! I have several different kinds of paper, and I started folding and tucking immediately. I found out two things almost at once -- a lighter weight paper works better than heavy. My first try was a brown kraft paper, 68 lbs. 98 gsm. That's as heavy as is practical. Letter paper is much better. And the second thing I found out is that a perfectly square piece of paper will not work at all, at all.

[@lisaturner2871]

Thank you for sharing this cute piece with us. Your art is amazing...the frames details, animals, birds, so great. Have a blessed holiday season! 🎄🌟🎄

[@LeslieStroz]

Thanks so much. Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@AKpaperpirates]

So cool! History and art

[@LeslieStroz]

My favourites ❤

[@ankeschultz3404]

Wow, what a gorgeous creation. Love it. Have a wonderful chrismastime🎄 and a healthy and paeceful New Year. Kind regards from Hamburg/Germany Anke

[@LeslieStroz]

Merry Christmas to you too. 🎄

[@retrochristmaschic]

I love this so much! Thanks for sharing! It's beautiful! Merry Christmas!

[@LeslieStroz]

Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@annak1371]

I love this so much. I can't wait to do this with my 9 year old. We are going to have so much fun. Thank you for this great idea.

[@LeslieStroz]

My pleasure! It’s a great project for a 9-year-old. 😊

[@ellenjampole1905]

Even your 1st one is lovely. These are beautiful and I can't wait to make one! I feel so sorry those people who did not get their letters. But, i guess it is our gain, since we can make .etters like these now. Thank you for sharing.

[@natashafranko4951]

That's really wonderful. You explain it so well as well. Thank you for demonstrating this .😊

[@jewelinlotusdesigns]

I love this little form, I will definitely try it, thank you!

[@jonaskollmer89]

schaut echt sehr kunstvoll und elegant aus. mit sehr viel Mühe und Kraft gemacht

[@debbie115]

Absolutely love these secret letters. Will be making a few. Have a blessed new year!

[@FalballaGéométricus]

I love these tank you so much for sharing !

[@LeslieStroz]

My pleasure! 😊

[@lorrie6736]

Beautiful! I will be making one, Thanks for sharing !

[@nanaged]

Lovely artistry, thank you. I almost feel I could do this project.

[@sherricarneal4986]

You should turn these into sellable kits that kids can make, some for those small kids with your drawings to color and some for tweens and up.

[@rachelabrams9209]

Thank you so much for this! And thank you for making such a clear, easy to follow video. I will be trying this later today.

[@marjoriepark1198]

Opps am giving it a go step by step- I think I started with the second measurement that you ( said”) and didn’t see the over typed correction. Likely that’s why I never got a boat or hat. Will retry now- did the other “puzzle and finally got that crazy box fold when I relaxed into it. Will definitely be trying more of these along with watercolor and doodle designs👩🏼‍🎨👍🌻

[@maramakesjournals2319]

Amazing! ❤❤❤

[@spotterofgold]

I love this and I think I will have a go at making one! Thank you for all the background and history and for the excellent tutorial. Can't wait to see the Victorian Puzzle Purse video now!

[@LeslieStroz]

You’re welcome! They are both fun designs. 😊

[@tineb.5403]

So cute 🥰🥰🥰!

[@crystalheart9]

So pretty, thank you for sharing.🥰

[@isabellalucia7820]

Hundreds of medieval letters? What a treasure trove? Have they been compiled? Digitised? Translated?

[@LeslieStroz]

They have been scanning them slowly and having people work to discover the folding methods. The letters are called The Brienne Collection… check them out! 😊

[@MaxineBotts]

Just to let you know…..masking fluid working great after your suggestions of heavier coverage and a natural rubber eraser! Thank you!

[@Artisan_Drae]

I love the intricate designs on yours it's amazing. ❤❤

[@LeslieStroz]

Thank you! 😊

[@lesfleursbuissonnieres]

thank you for your sharing! happy new year from France

[@NiharikaSarma-zt9qn]

Thank you so much and Merry Christmas...❤💚🌲🌟⛄🔔🫂

[@agnespeterse2529]

Soooo lovely ❤

[@Irem-kx9pw]

So wonderful!

[@leoniemaier4109]

I was just thinking about writing a love letter today, now this was absolutely inspiring and enchanting! I‘ll give it a try tomorrow❤

[@LeslieStroz]

It’s a sign! ❤

[@carolpeterhans1560]

Very cute!

[@greenspiritarts]

What a delightful little project! Thank you for sharing the process and design ideas. definitely going not make some of these!!!! 💖

[@normakeeley5084]

Cool!

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

This is really adorable 😉🥰 Thank you Leslie for sharing so much beautiful things you made with talent and passion 🙏😊 Merry Christmas ❤

[@LeslieStroz]

You’re so welcome. Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

😊🙏☃️

[@deborahpercell321]

Thank you, Leslie! Your videos are always so inspiring. I think I’ll spend some time on Christmas Day making one or two of these! I’m imagining a wax seal on the outside. Not that it’s needed but, oh my, why not? 😊 Happy Holidays to you and yours!

[@LeslieStroz]

Many of these letters did use wax seals, so it would definitely add to the authenticity! 😊

[@debieharobed]

I love it❤

[@lourdeschinchilla815]

Thank youuuuu ❤

[@glimmerxnc3]

lovely

[@janegeorge-john854]

Beautiful❤

[@kathryngabig8141]

Maybe insert a credit card into the crease and then fold it to prevent the wrinkles?

[@LeslieStroz]

I’ll try it! 😊

[@jodieholley627]

Love this! I would also love to possibly make the Victorian Puzzle Purse one too but I didn't see the link. Thank you for sharing!

[@LeslieStroz]

Oops! It’s up now! 😊

[@jodieholley627]

@@LeslieStroz thank you!

[@Lalikaki-es7ug]

These are the things that make me want to fall in love once in my life.

[@nicolemarieab]

I Love Your videos Me encantan tus videos

[@silverleafmaple]

Oh my, it is so lovely! I also appreciate the historical aspect ❤ Thanks so much for your posts. We look forward to them all.

[@LeslieStroz]

You’re welcome! ☺️

[@susangodier7156]

Leslie, on an entirely different subject, could you tell me what size Lihit Lab pencil case you bought. Was it the small or the medium with two zip i am totally confused as to which size would be best for my art supplies. Thank you soo much. Regards, Sue 😊

[@Boogeyman1435]

I think that the ancient art of 'origami' may have pre-dated 'letter-locking'

[@clc3897]

I wonder if a different kind of paper would be better suited for these many folds? I’m also thinking that a larger paper would help as well.

[@LeslieStroz]

I got the same creases with larger sizes, but a few have recommended using a credit card underneath, so I’ll try that. 😊

[@TheSwissy4me]

What paper did you end up using for the final diamond letter?

[@kathryngabig8141]

What if you inserted a credit card where those wrinkles are before you fold?

[@debieharobed]

❤

[@MommyOfZoeAndLiam]

Is your bone folder real bone? I've never seen one that size and shape so just wondering if it is maybe an antique?

[@emdeerdash5525]

Very nice and inspiring, thank you. I'm going to try and make one of these as part of a Secret Santa Challenge at work :-). But where did you find this from? Or do you have other inspirations? Because when I try to Google 'Renaissance Diamond Lettter' I don't seem to get other examples as oppose to when I Google the Victorian Puzzle Purse or Letters. Good for you for being this original! But I'm still curious to more examples of it. So thank you for showing me the way.

[@LeslieStroz]

Try the Brianne Diamond Letter, or letterlocking and it should lead you in the right direction. I did hours of research. 😊

[@emdeerdash5525]

@@LeslieStroz Thank you 🙏

[@agnetacamling1401]

Please, what paper are you using?

[@LeslieStroz]

I just used printer paper for the demo and a 60lbs drawing paper for the final design.

[@mysticmoth1111]

@@LeslieStrozWhat size? 😍

[@jonimitchell6962]

Try scoring the last two folds first

[@idlewildwind]

This is super pretty! Lovely artwork! The folding is kind of a complex and square version of this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXjImYp3mZydiMU Not sure which I like best; yours for style or Dennis' for simplicity...

[@monicapolelli4059]

Peccato che il doppiaggio automatico sia pessimo perché il lavoro è interessante.

[@donnaharrison8475]

You’re too ld for the silly cuffs dragging across things. Very distracting on a lovely tutorial

[@LeslieStroz]

You’re too old to make mean comments to people who are offering helpful, FREE tutorials. 🤷‍♀️😊

[@mysticmoth1111]

Your inner child is calling. Answer them