Toddler Letters – “O” is for “Open”

Brittney
Letter O Craft - Toddler/Preshooler letter of the week craft O is for Open with related craft, tracing sheets and fruits/vegetables.

Supplies Needed:

  • 2 Pieces of Colored Craft Paper
  • Letter “O” Cutout
  • Glue Stick
  • Scissors
  • Markers

Toddler/Preshooler letter of the week craft O is for Open with related craft, tracing sheets and fruits/vegetables.

Set Up:

We started with a cut out letter “O” then I showed my son how to trace the inside of the “O” on another craft paper.  I cut out the inner “O” leaving a tab on the left side then my son helped me glue the tab to the “O” creating a door.  Then we glued the “O” to our craft paper being careful not to glue our door closed in the process.  When we were finished we colored inside our door so that we could open it and see our drawing or close it and hide them.

We finished by talking about why some things have doors.  Our fridge has a door to keep the cold air in so that our food stays good, our oven has a door so that we can cook food in it without making the whole house hot, our cupboards have doors to hide things in so we don’t have to see them, etc.

Toddler/Preshooler letter of the week craft O is for Open with related craft, tracing sheets and fruits/vegetables.

Tracing Letters:

Have you made this craft?  What was your experience like and do you have an suggestions to make it better?  I’d love to hear about them in the comments section below.

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Touring Boston – What to Know About Visiting Castle Island

Brittney
Because Boston is so far north a lot of the beaches have freezing cold water, even during the hottest summer months.  The water temperature doesn’t really matter if you just want some sandy space to layout in, but ice cold water is a lot less fun when you have young children who want to play in it, yet can hardly stand to keep their toes in the water.  Not that I blame them… we went to Revere Beach in late June and the water was so cold it was taking my breath away at calf deep.

Touring Boston - What to Know About Visiting Castle Island

We finally found a beach that works really well for both adults and children.  Castle Island (it’s no longer an actual island) is perfect!  There is free parking, a long winding beach, delicious food (see my post about Sullivan’s), a cool fort to walk around, lots of green space, a playground, and because the water here is in a bay, by mid summer the water is warm enough to actually get into.

We came enjoyed the fort and playground and ended up playing in the little beach near the playground.  It was shallow, warm and my son and I loved it!

Things to Note:

1) Transportation
Parking is free.  Castle Island is not super close to the “T” but there are bus lines that go to it. Also once you get there parking runs right along the ocean or if you end up parking in the lot it’s a short walking (minutes) to the fort or playground.

Fort Independence - touring Castle Island with kids

2) Water
The water here is in a big bay and tends to be a fair amount warmer that most of the other beaches in the area.  However like most of the other beaches around here the shells and rocks right at the shoreline are super rough and if you actually want to get into the water you and your kids will probably want water shoes.  I feel like I have fairly tough feet and I can hardly make it to swimming level.  Also there are pretty much no waves here, which is great for kids but lame for body surfing or boogie boarding.

3) Food
The only vendor really close to the water is Sullivan’s.  They sell classic American fair, hamburgers, hotdogs and the like at a fair price and they are delicious!  Also they are not open during the winter.

4) Fort
Fort Independence is a great big pentagon shaped fort with an awesome walking path around it.  It’s open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day for both guided and self guided tours. Note that guided tours are only available on the weekends.

5) Bathrooms
Yes, there are bathrooms on Castle Island with running water and flushing toilets.  The first few times I went all I saw were port-a-potties and I was not impressed.  Then I realized the actual bathroom are close the playground and they are much nicer and cleaner.

Summary and Rating ★★★★★

Five Stars.  I think this is a great beach and it’s half way between a commercial and a rural beach.  Castle Island is a state park, but you still have the benefit of being close to the city and having a food option near you.  I love that the water is a little bit warmer here and that there are so many things to do in addition to going to the beach (which is my main drive)  the park is a blast and walking around the fort is really interesting with a great view.  Also you can’t complain about free parking!

Have you been here before?  If so I’d love to know more about your experience and any tips or tricks you have in the comments section below. 

Castle Island
Castle Island
Boston, MA 02127

Phone: 617-727-5290
Website: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-boston/castle-island-pleasure-bay-m-street-and-carson-beach.html 

Toddler A-Z – 100 Objects That Start with the Letter “R”

Brittney 6 Comments
Big list of objects that start with letter R
A group of my friends started doing something we are calling Toddler Time and each week we choose a letter to focus on.  I realized that finding objects that start with the letter of the week can be a challenge and I thought it might be helpful to have a long list of “R” letter objects them on hand.  If I’ve missed something drop me a note in the comments, I would be thrilled to add even more letter “R” objects.

Disclosure: I want to give you a heads up that this blog does use affiliate links (which means I make a percentage of the sale if you buy something) and this post might be sponsored or contain affiliate links. In either case please know all opinions are my own.

  1. Rabbit: A small mammal with long ears and a fluffy tail.
  2. Raccoon: A medium-sized nocturnal mammal with a distinctive black mask around its eyes.
  3. Race Car: A specially-designed car used in competitive racing.
  4. Race Track: A circular or oval-shaped track where races, such as horse races or car races, take place.
  5. Racehorse: A horse bred and trained for racing purposes.
  6. Rack: A framework or shelf used for holding or displaying things.
  7. Racket: A tool used for hitting a ball in sports such as tennis or badminton.
  8. Radar: A system that uses radio waves to detect objects and determine their position or speed.
  9. Radicchio: A type of leafy vegetable with a bitter taste, often used in salads.
  10. Radio: A device that receives and plays radio broadcasts.
  11. Radish: A small, edible root vegetable with a sharp, peppery flavor.
  12. Raft: A flat, buoyant platform used for floating on water.
  13. Rafter: A wooden beam that supports the roof of a building.
  14. Rag: A small piece of cloth used for cleaning or wiping.
  15. Rag Doll: A soft toy made from cloth and stuffed with filling.
  16. Rail: A bar or track used for support or guidance, or as part of a transportation system.
  17. Railroad: A system of tracks and trains used for transporting goods or passengers.
  18. Railroad Track: The metal or wooden structure that trains run on.
  19. Railway Station: A building or area where trains stop for passengers to get on or off.
  20. Rain: Moisture that falls from the atmosphere in the form of water droplets.
  21. Rain Cloud: A cloud that contains water droplets and produces rain.
  22. Rain Coat: A waterproof coat worn to protect against rain.
  23. Rainbow: A colorful arc that appears in the sky when sunlight is refracted by raindrops.
  24. Rainforest: A dense forest with a high amount of rainfall, typically found in tropical regions.
  25. Raisins: Dried grapes, often used in baking or as a snack.
  26. Rake: A garden tool with a long handle and a row of teeth used for gathering leaves or smoothing soil.
  27. Ram: A male sheep.
  28. Ramen: A Japanese noodle dish usually served in a broth.
  29. Ramp: An inclined surface or slope used for entering or exiting a higher or lower level.
  30. Ramparts: Defensive walls or embankments used to protect a castle or fortress.
  31. Ranch: A large farm used for raising livestock, especially cattle.
  32. Raspberry: A small, sweet fruit that grows on a bramble bush.
  33. Rat: A small rodent with a long tail, often considered a pest.
  34. Ratchet: A device with teeth or pawls that allows motion in only one direction.
  35. Ratchet Strap: A strap with a ratcheting mechanism used for securing cargo or objects.
  36. Ratchet Wrench: A wrench that allows for continuous rotation in one direction.
  37. Rattle: A noise-making toy or instrument that produces a shaking or rattling sound.
  38. Rattle Drum: A percussion instrument that produces a rattling sound when shaken or struck.
  39. Rattlesnake: A venomous snake known for its distinctive rattling noise.
  40. Rattles: The noise-making objects inside a rattlesnake’s tail.
  41. Raven: A large, black bird known for its intelligence and loud croaking sounds.
  42. Ravine: A deep, narrow valley with steep sides, often created by erosion.
  43. Ravioli: A type of pasta filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
  44. Razor: A sharp tool used for shaving or cutting.
  45. Razor Blade: A thin, sharp blade used in razors.
  46. Realtor: A real estate agent who helps people buy and sell properties.
  47. Rear Window: a window located at the back of a building or vehicle.
  48. Rebel: a person who resists or defies authority, control, or tradition.
  49. Receipt: a written acknowledgment that a specified amount of money or goods has been received.
  50. Receptionist: a person employed in an office or other establishment to answer the telephone, deal with clients, and perform general administrative tasks.
  51. Recess Bell: a bell that signals the end or start of a recess or break period.
  52. Reclaimed Wood: wood that has been salvaged or reused from old structures or furniture.
  53. Recliner: a type of chair that can be adjusted to a reclining position, typically with a footrest and a backrest that can be tilted backward.
  54. Recorder: a musical instrument of the woodwind family, typically made of plastic or wood, and played by blowing into a mouthpiece and covering and uncovering finger holes.
  55. Rectangle: a four-sided geometric shape with opposite sides that are equal in length and four right angles.
  56. Recycling Bin: a container specifically designed for collecting recyclable materials.
  57. Red: the color that is typically associated with fire, anger, and intensity.
  58. Red Pepper: a spicy fruit, typically red in color, that is often used in cooking to add flavor and heat to dishes.
  59. Redhead: a person with red hair.
  60. Redwood Tree: a type of large, evergreen tree that is native to North America and known for its durable, red-toned wood.
  61. Reed: a tall, slender grass that grows in wetlands, typically used for thatching or making musical instruments such as clarinets or oboes.
  62. Reef: a ridge of rocks or sand near the surface of the water, often found in oceans and serving as a hazard to navigation.
  63. Reel: a cylindrical device used for winding and unwinding something, often tape or film.
  64. Reindeer: a large species of deer native to the Arctic and Subarctic regions, known for their antlers, which are typically found on males.
  65. Reindeer Antlers: the branched horns or antlers that adorn the head of a reindeer.
  66. Reins: the straps or lines used to control a horse or other animal by attaching them to a bridle or harness.
  67. Relative: a person connected by blood or marriage, such as a family member.
  68. Relish: a condiment or topping added to food to enhance its flavor, often made from pickled vegetables or fruits.
  69. Remote: a handheld device used to control electronic devices, such as a television or DVD player, from a distance.
  70. Reptile: a cold-blooded vertebrate animal of the class Reptilia, which includes snakes, turtles, and crocodiles.
  71. Reptile Terrarium: a glass or plastic enclosure used for housing reptiles, providing them with a suitable habitat.
  72. Reservoir: a large natural or artificial lake used to store water for supply to an area.
  73. Retriever (dog breed): a type of dog breed known for their ability to retrieve objects, often used for hunting or as assistance dogs.
  74. Rhinestone Jewelry: jewelry adorned with imitation gemstones made of glass or plastic, often used to add sparkle and glamour.
  75. Rhino Beetle: a large beetle with a horn-like structure on its head, often found in tropical regions.
  76. Rhinoceros: a large, thick-skinned mammal with one or two horns on its nose, native to Africa and Asia.
  77. Rhododendron: a flowering shrub or small tree with large, showy flowers, typically found in temperate regions.
  78. Rhubarb: a tart-tasting vegetable with thick, red or green stalks that are often used in cooking and baking.
  79. Ribbon: a narrow strip of fabric, often used for decoration or tying things together.
  80. Ribs: the bones that form the sides of the chest, typically associated with the rib cage and protection of vital organs.
  81. Ribs Barbecue: a style of cooking meat, particularly pork or beef ribs, using smoke, heat, and flavoring sauces.
  82. Rice: A staple grain that is the seed of the grass species Oryza sativa or Oryza glaberrima.
  83. Rice Cake: A type of cake made from rice that is usually steamed or baked.
  84. Rice Cooker: A kitchen appliance specifically designed for cooking rice.
  85. Rice Pudding: A dessert made from rice cooked in milk or water, often sweetened and flavored.
  86. Ricotta Cheese: A type of Italian whey cheese made from the whey left over from the production of other cheeses.
  87. Rigatoni Pasta: A type of tube-shaped pasta with ridges on the outside.
  88. Rigging: In sailing, it refers to the system of ropes, cables, and chains that support and control the sails and masts of a sailboat.
  89. Ring: A circular band, typically made of metal, worn as an ornament on a finger.
  90. Ringlet: A small ring or curl of hair.
  91. Riser: A vertical part of a step or staircase that facilitates moving from one level to another.
  92. River: A natural flowing watercourse, usually freshwater, that is larger than a stream.
  93. Road: A wide way or passage used for traveling by vehicles, typically paved or made of gravel.
  94. Roadrunner: A fast-running bird known for its ability to run at high speeds.
  95. Robe: A loose-fitting garment, typically worn as a dressing gown or for lounging.
  96. Robin: A small bird with a red breast, typically found in gardens and forests.
  97. Robot: A machine capable of carrying out complex actions automatically, usually programmed by a computer.
  98. Rock: A natural solid substance composed of minerals.
  99. Rocket: A projectile or vehicle propelled by reaction propulsion systems, typically used for space exploration.
  100. Rocking Chair: A chair mounted on rockers, which allows it to move back and forth in a gentle rocking motion.
  101. Rocking Horse: A child’s toy horse mounted on rockers, also allowing for a rocking motion.
  102. Rod: A thin straight bar, typically made of metal, used for various purposes such as support, measurement, or control.
  103. Rodent: A small mammal belonging to the order Rodentia, such as mice, rats, or squirrels.
  104. Rodeo: A sporting event that involves various rodeo skills and competitions, often associated with cowboy culture.
  105. Rodeo Clown: A performer in a rodeo who entertains the audience and helps protect bull riders from danger.
  106. Roller Blades: Inline skates with wheels arranged in a single line rather than in pairs.
  107. Roller Coaster: An amusement ride consisting of a track with steep slopes and sharp curves, on which cars travel at high speeds.
  108. Roller Skates: Shoes or boots with small wheels attached that allow for movement on a smooth surface.
  109. Rolling Pin: A cylindrical tool used in baking to flatten and shape dough.
  110. Rolls: Small individual bread portions often served with meals.
  111. Rolo (Chocolate Candy): A brand of milk chocolate and caramel candy in a rolled cylinder shape.
  112. Roof: The top covering of a building that provides protection from weather elements.
  113. Rookie Player: A sports player in their first season or year of professional play.
  114. Room: A space or area that can be occupied or used for a specific purpose, such as living, working, or sleeping.
  115. Roomba (robot vacuum cleaner): A brand of autonomous robotic vacuum cleaners that can automatically clean floors.
  116. Rooster: An adult male chicken or cock, known for its crowing sound.
  117. Root Beer: A carbonated soft drink flavored with extracts from the root or bark of the sassafras tree or similar plants.
  118. Roots: The part of a plant that typically lies below the ground, absorbing water and nutrients for growth.
  119. Rope: A thick cord or twine made by twisting or braiding together strands of natural or synthetic fibers.
  120. Rope Swing: A swing made by attaching a rope to a high point and allowing it to swing freely.
  121. Rose: A flowering plant of the genus Rosa, known for its fragrant blossoms and attractive appearance.
  122. Rosebud: The bud of a rose flower just before it opens.
  123. Rosemary: An aromatic herb with needle-like leaves, commonly used in cooking.
  124. Rowboat: A small, narrow boat designed to be propelled by oars.
  125. Rubber Ball: A ball made of rubber or a similar elastic material.
  126. Rubber Band: A loop of rubber used to hold things together or as a makeshift fastener.
  127. Rubber Boots: Waterproof boots made from rubber or a similar synthetic material.
  128. Rubber Cement: A type of adhesive made from rubber latex, commonly used for crafts and repairs.
  129. Rubber Ducky: A small toy duck made of rubber or plastic, typically used for bath time fun.
  130. Rubbish: Waste material or trash that is no longer needed or useful.
  131. Rubik’s Cube: A three-dimensional puzzle cube invented by Ernő Rubik, consisting of smaller cubes and requiring manipulation to align the colors on each face.
  132. Ruby: A precious gemstone, typically red in color, known for its beauty and rarity.
  133. Rucksack: A large bag with shoulder straps used for carrying belongings on the back, often used for hiking or travelling.
  134. Rudder: A flat piece of wood or metal at the rear of a boat or aircraft, used for steering and controlling its direction.
  135. Rug: A floor covering made of thick woven fabric, typically used to warm up a room or protect the flooring.
  136. Rugby Ball: An oval-shaped ball used in the game of rugby, a contact sport similar to football.
  137. Ruler: A straight measuring device marked with units of length, commonly used in mathematics and for drawing straight lines.
  138. Rungs: The horizontal steps or bars on a ladder that provide footing for climbing up or down.
  139. Runner: A person who participates in races or marathons.
  140. Running Shoes: Specialized footwear designed for running or jogging, providing cushioning and support to the feet and legs.
  141. Runway: A long strip or paved path on which aircraft take off or land at an airport.
  142. Russian Nesting Doll: A set of wooden dolls of decreasing size, each fitting inside the larger one, typically decorated with traditional Russian designs.
  143. Rust: A reddish-brown coating or corrosion that forms on iron or steel due to exposure to moisture and air.
  144. Rye: A type of grain commonly used in bread production and known for its distinctive flavor.
  145. Rye Bread: Bread made from rye flour, often dense and dark in color, with a unique taste.

 

Can you think of any other letter “R” words?  If so please comment and let me know, I’d love to get them added to the list.

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Big List of Objects That Start with the Letter “Q”

Brittney

Big list of objects that start with letter Q

A group of my friends started doing something we are calling Toddler Time and each week we choose a letter to focus on.  I realized that finding objects that start with the letter of the week can be a challenge and I thought it might be helpful to have a long list of “Q” letter objects them on hand.  If I’ve missed something drop me a note in the comments, I would be thrilled to add even more letter “Q” objects.
  1. Q-Tip: A cotton swab used for cleaning delicate areas, such as ears or applying makeup.
  2. Quack grass: A creeping perennial grass that is considered a weed, often found in lawns and fields.
  3. Quadriceps: A group of four muscles located in the front of the thigh that are responsible for extending the leg.
  4. Quadruplets: A set of four siblings born from the same pregnancy, often referred to as “quads.”
  5. Quads: Short for quadriceps, referring to the group of four muscles in the front of the thigh.
  6. Quagga: An extinct subspecies of zebra, characterized by its reduced striping and resemblance to a horse.
  7. Quagmire: A difficult or precarious situation, often involving complex problems or moral dilemmas.
  8. Quail: A small, ground-dwelling bird known for its distinct call and often hunted for sport or food.
  9. Quail eggs: The small eggs laid by quail, often considered a delicacy and used in various culinary dishes.
  10. Quaker Oats: A brand of oats and oat-based products, often associated with the Quaker religious imagery on their packaging.
  11. Quaker parrot: A species of parrot known for its ability to mimic human speech and often kept as a pet.
  12. Quark: A type of subatomic particle that makes up protons and neutrons, among other particles.
  13. Quarter: A unit of measurement equivalent to one-fourth or 25% of a whole.
  14. Quarter horse: A breed of horse known for its speed and agility in short-distance races and working on ranches.
  15. Quartz: A mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms, commonly found in many types of rocks and used in jewelry and electronics.
  16. Quartz crystal: A clear or translucent variety of quartz that is often used in crystal healing or for metaphysical purposes.
  17. Quasar: An extremely luminous celestial object that emits large amounts of energy and appears as a distant, star-like point of light.
  18. Quaver: A musical note with half the duration of a quarter note, often represented with a solid notehead and a stem with a flag.
  19. Quebec (city): The capital city of Quebec, Canada, known for its historic architecture and French-speaking culture.
  20. Queen: A female ruler or monarch, typically holding the highest position of power in a monarchy.
  21. Queen Anne’s Lace: A flowering plant with delicate white flowers, often referred to as a wild carrot.
  22. Queen Sized Bed: A bed size larger than a full-size/double bed and smaller than a king-size bed, typically providing enough space for two adults.
  23. Quern: A simple stone tool used for grinding grains or other materials, consisting of a flat base and a rotary grinder.
  24. Quesadilla: A Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla filled with cheese (and often other ingredients) and grilled or fried until the cheese melts.
  25. Question Mark: The punctuation symbol “?” used to indicate that a sentence is a question or to express uncertainty.
  26. Quetzal: A colorful bird found in Central and South America, known for its distinctive long tail feathers and vibrant plumage.
  27. Quiche: A savory baked dish consisting of a pastry crust filled with a mixture of eggs, milk or cream, and various ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or meat.
  28. Quick Sand: A type of sand or sediment that appears solid but can become highly fluid when disturbed, making it difficult to escape.
  29. Quicklime: A white, caustic, alkaline powder obtained by heating limestone, used in industries such as construction, agriculture, and water treatment.
  30. Quicksilver: Another term for the chemical element mercury, characterized by its liquid state at room temperature and its high toxicity.
  31. Quiffed hairstyle: Referring to a hairstyle that features a quiff, with hair brushed upward and forward from the forehead.
  32. Quill: A writing instrument made from the feather of a bird, used in earlier times before pens were developed.
  33. Quilt: A warm bed covering made of layers of fabric stitched together, often with a decorative pattern.
  34. Quilt cover: A removable protective cover for a quilt, usually made of fabric and used to keep the quilt clean.
  35. Quilt patterns: Designs or templates used as a guide for creating a quilt, helping to determine the arrangement and shape of the fabric pieces.
  36. Quince: A fruit that resembles a large pear, with a tough outer skin and tart flavor, often used in cooking and preserves.
  37. Quincunx (geometric pattern): A pattern consisting of a central element surrounded by four others, forming a square or diamond-shaped arrangement.
  38. Quinoa: A grain-like crop containing high levels of protein and nutrients, often used as a healthy alternative to rice or couscous.
  39. Quinoa bread: Bread made with quinoa flour or mixed with quinoa grains, offering a nutritious and gluten-free option.
  40. Quinoa salad: A salad made primarily with quinoa, usually mixed with various vegetables, herbs, and dressing.
  41. Quiver (archery accessory): A container, typically made of leather or synthetic material, used to hold arrows for archery.
  42. Quiver tree: A distinctive succulent tree indigenous to southern Africa, known for its cylindrical trunk and distinctive crown of leaves.
  43. Quiz: A brief test or examination that assesses knowledge, often involving questions to be answered or problems to be solved.
  44. Quoits (game): A traditional throwing game in which players attempt to throw rings over a target, often played on a lawn or sandpit.
  45. Quokka (marsupial): A small herbivorous marsupial with a stocky build, short tail, and rounded ears, found on Rottnest Island.
  46. Quokka Island: An alternate name for Rottnest Island, a popular tourist destination in Western Australia known for its quokka population.
  47. Quoll: A carnivorous marsupial native to Australia and New Guinea, resembling a small cat with spotted or striped fur.

Can you think of any other letter “Q” words?  If so please comment and let me know, I’d love to get them added to the list.

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Cardboard Creations – DIY How to Make a Big Blue Mailbox

Brittney
Step by step instructions for creating a big blue cardboard mailbox (DIY) Cardboard Creations

My son has been really into Daniel Tiger lately and we recently watched an episode where they send a letter in the mail, then go the post office and learn about how mail is processed and the like.

Since we made personal mailboxes last month I thought it would be fun to make a big mailbox this month.  Now my son can pretend to be a mail carrier and writing letters to each other has gotten to be even more fun.

Step by step instructions for creating a big blue cardboard mailbox (DIY) Cardboard Creations

Supplies Needed: 

  • A big, thick, rectangular cardboard box.  I chose one that was about two and a half feet tall. 
  • 2 smaller thick cardboard boxes
  • A thin cardboard box (like a cereal box)
  • A hot glue gun
  • Paint
  • Foam paint brush
  • Exacto Knife 
  • Ruler
  • Scissors 
  • 2 toilet paper rolls

Steps to Create A Large Cardboard Mailbox

Step by step instructions for creating a big blue cardboard mailbox (DIY) Cardboard CreationsStep by step instructions for creating a big blue cardboard mailbox (DIY) Cardboard Creations Step by step instructions for creating a big blue cardboard mailbox (DIY) Cardboard Creations

  1. I started by creating the feet of my mailbox.  I took a small thick cardboard box and measured out a square in each corner of the box.  Then I made a slight inward triangle on the side perpendicular to the square I just measured making sure that the triangle line didn’t quite reach the corner.  Make four of these and cut them out.
  2. Next take a long piece of thick cardboard, at least as wide as the wide side of your main rectangular box, and run it along the edge of a counter or table to break apart the ridging of the cardboard so that it will bend to form an arch.  Once it’s flexible enough to bend in a semi arch (it doesn’t need to be perfect at this point, you’ll fix it later) glue the arch to the top of your main box.
     
  3. Now lay the arch part of your box down on a piece of thin cardboard (like a cereal box).  Use your hands to push the cardboard arch around until it forms the curve you want for your mailbox then trace the curve on your cereal box.  (Make sure the printed side of the cereal box is facing your mailbox.)
  4. Remove your mailbox and make another arch about an inch above the arch you just traced. Cut out your traced arch leaving a thick tab at the bottom so you have something to glue to your mailbox.
  5. Now cut small lines in your cereal box from the outer arch to the inner arch.  Space each cut out about an inch.
  6. Bend each of these cuts inward so they form a curve.
  7. Glue the bottom tab of your traced arch to your main rectangular box and bend all your folded pieced into the boxes main arch. This should force the main arch of your mailbox into the shape your formed.  When you have it in place run a line of hot glue along all your tabs and push them into your mailbox securing the side.
  8. Repeat this process for the other side.
  9. Draw a small rectangle on the front of your box where you want the letter shoot to be. Use your Exacto knife to cut out the top three sides of it and press your ruler along the bottom of it when you pull it open so your box will crease in the proper place.
  10. Turn your box over and cut another rectangle in the back with the same process so letters can be retrieved.
  11. Trace a small plate on a piece of thin cardboard and cut it out, then cut strait through the middle of it.  Glue these two pieces to the sides of the open slot at the top of your mailbox to form the shoot.
  12. Take a toilet paper roll and smash is flat, then bend it in a “C’ shape.  Glue one edge of it to the top mail slot to form a handle.
  13. Repeat that process with a second toilet paper roll to create a handle on the bottom mail slot.
  14. Glue the four “feet” of your mailbox to the bottom of your rectangle.
  15. Finish by painting it and you’re ready to go. 

 Thanks for reading!

Have you tried to make a cardboard mailbox?  I would love to see the mailboxes you’ve created or hear about any of your experiences or thoughts to make it better in the comments section.