Letters For Santa 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"

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.