Letters For Santa Mailbox

By At Charlotte's House
diy-letters-to-santa-4
diy-letters-to-santa-3
diy-letters-to-santa-2
diy-letters-to-santa
Kreg Academy Kreg Academy

This mailbox will be the hit of your holiday season! What better way for your kids to leave a message for Santa then in their very own wooden mailbox with Letters To Santa label. Modeled after a vintage letter box, this is a fun project for season!

Difficulty easy

Tools

Kreg Tools

Other Tools

  • Circular Saw (corded)
    Circular Saw (corded)
  • Jigsaw
    Jigsaw
  • Miter Saw
    Miter Saw
  • Table Saw
    Table Saw
  • Tape Measure
    Tape Measure
  • Clamps
    Clamps
  • Drill (cordless)
    Drill (cordless)
  • Router
    Router
  • Sander
    Sander

Materials

Wood Products

  • 1 Board , 1x12 , 72"
  • 1 Board , 1x4 , 48"

Hardware & Supplies

  • 2 1 1/2" hinges
  • 12 1 1/4" kreg pocket screws
  • 1 Small hobby hook and eye
See All Tools & Materials

Cut List & Parts

  • 1 Front , 3/4" x 11 1/4" x 12 3/4"
  • 1 Back , 3/4" x 11 1/4" x 17 7/8"
  • 2 Sides , 3/4" x 3 1/2" x 14 7/8"
  • 1 Bottom , 3/4" x 3 1/2" x 9 3/4"
  • 1 Top , 3/4" x 5 3/8" x 11 1/4"
diy-letters-to-santa-6
See Full Cut List & Parts

Directions

  • Cut Back and Front of Mailbox

    Cut the 1x12 into two pieces for the front and back of the mailbox. Cut the back to 17 7/8" and the front to 12 3/4".*

    *One end of the front piece should be cut at a 30-degree beveled angle; the long side will be 12 3/4"

    Step 1

  • Cut Sides of the Mailbox

    Cut 1x4s for sides of the mailbox. The sides should be cut at 90 degrees on one end and then at a 30-degree miter at the other end. The length at the longest side should be 14 7/8".

    Step 2

  • Attach Sides to Back of Mailbox

    Using a Kreg jig, drill pocket holes and then attach the two sides of the mailbox to the back. Align the 90-degree ends with the bottom of the mailbox as shown in Step 2.

    Step 3

  • Measure and Cut Bottom of Mailbox

    In order to ensure a tight fit, I wait to measure and cut the bottom portion of the mailbox until after I'd assembled the sides.

    Using pocket holes through the long edge and wood glue on the ends, attach the bottom to the mailbox as shown.

    Step 4

  • Cut Out Top of Mailbox

    Cut the top of the mailbox out of the 1x12. Either side should be parallel 30-degree beveled edges and 5 inches.

    Use a router to carve out a 7 1/2" x 3/8" mail slot in the middle of the board.

    Step 5

  • Assemble Top of Mailbox

    Using wood glue and clamps, glue the top of the mailbox in place being careful to align the 30-beveled edge with the 30 mitered sides.

    Step 6

  • Drill Holes for Door Hanger

    With 5/8" forstner bit, drill 2 holes through the back piece of wood. Make sure each hole is centered and equidistant from the board edge.

    Step 7

  • Optional: Shape Top of Mailbox Back

    Make a template out of paper to ensure symmetry, and then use your jigsaw to careful cut an angle into the back of the mailbox.

    Step 8

  • Add Letters

    Glue wooden letters in place, centered and equidistant from each other.

    Step 9

  • Sand

    Using fine grit sandpaper, sand the mailbox and the mailbox top.

    Step 10

  • Paint

    Give the mailbox and the top of the mailbox a coat of paint. Note: If unable to paint the entire inside of the mailbox, then consider painting before you assemble.

    Step 11

  • Add Ribbon or Rope

    To hang the mailbox onto a doorknob or hook, thread ribbon or rope through the holes and secure with knots.

    Step 12

  • Attach Hinged Lid

    Screw one side of each hinge into angled edge of the mailbox top. Line it up, and secure in place with painter's tape before you go back and screw in the opposite side of the hinges.

    Step 13