The "Open When" Letters

I watched a TikTok the other day about people bringing back the "Open When" letters. I did this activity damn near 10 years ago for a friend I truly admired. I kind of hope she still has them, I poured hours into making them for her. I brought it up to my partner and I decided to create him a set for his birthday that is rapidly approaching next month.

What are "Open When" letters?

They are a very personalized gift for someone you love. A box filled with letters and specific instructions on how/when to open them. A gift truly from the heart.

Here is what I learned during the second process of this.

Trust it. Trust the process. Creating a set of letters for someone you love takes plenty of time. Work on one a day, hell, even work on a couple, just don't expect to finish the entire project in a night. I used some of my art journaling supplies to help me create these letters for my partner.

Here is what you need for this activity:

•blank paper (can be any kind you like)

•pens/markers

•tape (I used washi tape)

•envelopes (I just folded the letters up and taped the edge instead of using envelopes as I did not have them at the time)

Create 5-20 envelopes for your person of interest.

Some examples include:

Open when you need a laugh

Open when you had a bad day

Open when you feel sexy

Open when you need a good cry

Open when you want a good homecooked meal

Open when you're feeling anxious

Open when you need caffeine

Open when you are feeling lonely

Open when we have had an argument

Open when we buy our own home

Open when you're sick

Open when you can't sleep

Open when you're bored

Open when you need inspiration

Open when you're happy

Open when you want to read a letter

Open when you receive this gift

A list of rules that also need to be included with your letters:

Rule #1: No peeking! Kind of like Santa and Christmas presents-no peeking under the wrapping paper or I'll take it back. Pretty simple rule in my mind.

Rule #2: Only open the letter you need. You might take the wrong one for the situation. And only open two letters a week.

Rule #3: Tell me when you Open one. Show me a picture, call me, text me, or even just show me.

Rule #4: Don't throw them away. Please keep them. Especially in case you open the wrong one first.

Ideas for a "Open When" letters for a friend

Open when you need inspiration

Open when you need a hug

Open when you're sad

Open when you're lonely

Open when you need a pick-me-up

Open when we get into an argument

Open when you need new music

Open when you need caffeine

Open when you have a big decision to make

Open when you are bored

Open when you're happy

Open when you are feeling anxious

Open when you are feeling depressed

Open when you want to talk to me but cannot

Open when you want to read a letter

Open when you receive this gift

__________________________

These are just some of the ideas that I have come up with. There are COUNTLESS articles out there filled with more inspirational ideas.

It just has to be from the heart and personalized for that specific person.

I hope you guys enjoyed this creative post of mine.

Chloe Rose Violet 🌹

Feel free to check out my post about "Art Journaling" down below.