Did you know that the Pony Express was only in existence for 18 months? It was so expensive that it was mainly used for business purposes. So, if you ever imagined Laura Ingalls waiting at Oleson’s Mercantile for a love letter being delivered by horseback from Almanzo you can kiss that thought goodbye. It cost $5 per ounce to even think of putting something on the wagon. That’s about four day’s wages back then. Thank goodness things have changed and it’s a lot easier to send our love. Just a click of a button on the computer and everyone in the world can know what’s on your mind.

But Valentine’s Day is coming and if you want to be a little more personal than a Facebook blast or an Instagram smile then it’s the perfect time to “send” a little love in an adorable mailbox full of goodies, notes, or other trinkets.

There are lots of mailboxes on various sites to choose from but I got my eye on this new SVG file from Lori Whitlock and just had to make one. I am always talking about Lori Whitlock so it’s probably a good time to mention that I do not receive any payment from Lori for promoting her products. I just really like them and have never had a problem with any of them not going together well or having folds not marked properly. So, even though I don’t get paid, I enjoy promoting her products because they are a superb quality!

For this mailbox I selected a gray cardstock with peach colored patterned paper and some silver paper for the trim. I cut all of the pieces and laid them out to be sure everything was there.

I added the patterned pieces to the cardstock and then placed double-sided tape to all of the tabs so that I could assemble the mailbox all in one sitting.

It’s hard to know whether to use glue, a tape runner, or a roll of double-sided tape that you peel away the paper coating as you go. For this project I used the peel-away tape but used a tape runner on another mailbox I made last week with just as much ease. When there are a lot of narrow pieces I often use glue. I think the rule is probably “to each his own”.

To assemble the door bend the tab forward, remove the adhesive paper, then slip it behind the door opening until the crease is even with the edge of the base opening.

As I was working I decided I wanted a cellophane window in the door so someone could open the mailbox and not have all of the candy come falling out. I cut a piece of transparency film to size then glued it on the inside panel of the mailbox. I purchased transparencies at Office Depot but they are also available on Amazon (I got a package of 50 as an add-on purchase for $3.50).

Attach the mailbox top to the top flat edge base and bend the pointed notches to the inside. I placed tape (the kind with a paper cover) along the curved top base being careful to measure how much I would need by forming the curved top along the base for guidance.

I folded the bottom of the mailbox tabs up and formed the mailbox around the bottom. Finally, I closed the last side of the mailbox by folding the tab in and securing it.

I added the handle to the mailbox by slipping each end through the slits and securing them on the inside portion of the mail shoot. The additional piece of rectangle cardstock is used to support the mail shoot so it doesn’t fall into the mailbox. Insert it by folding the sides up and adhering them to the inside of the mailbox.

Remove the paper from the double-sided tape and curve the mailbox top around the top of the mailbox base, pressing the tabs as you go to secure them to the base. Be careful when you get close to the end that you push the top even with the base for a secure fit. Push the mail shoot in and your mailbox is ready to receive notes, candy, or treats!

I have actually made several of these mailboxes because they are so cute and they are pretty easy to put together too.I would love to hear what you think of my  color choices and would love to see you comments on my blog. If you make any of these mailboxes I would love to see them. You can visit my Facebook Page and share them there. While you’re there be sure to Follow my page so that you’ll see any posts I might make. If you want to know when I make a new blog post just click the Subscribe button below and you won’t miss another See you next time!