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Make a Minnesota Letterbox! |
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Making a letterbox is fun and very easy. Here's a list of what you will need to put one together: Container. The first thing you have to do is buy a secure closing plastic storage container. I use Rubbermaid. They have a reputation for durability and they fit snuggly into each other if you're a double container boxer like I am. (You can never be too safe!) I use the clear boxes with the blue trim on the edges of the cover because I think the clear plastic helps with the camouflage. Its a small investment for the longevity of your box... Hand carved stamp. This is the fun part. There are many types of carving medium available for carving. My personal favorite is the "Staedtler Mars Plastic" white vinyl erasers. They carve like butter and don't crumble. I've purchased some of the Speedball "Speedy-cut" and had very little luck with it. My first carving with the Speedball was a Lear jet and after a few washings, the thin lines on the plane broke right off, wasting all my time and effort. I find it doesn't hold its shape well either. The Staedtler erasers are available almost everywhere. I've gotten some at Wal-Mart and even Office supply stores. You can also check out their web site for locations... Just play around and see what you like the best. Some boxers love their Speedball medium...Carving tools are also found at most craft and discount stores. I recommend getting several number "1" blades because you will use them the most. I also use a flat valley blade to clean up the edge of the stamp. This stamping is a lot of fun, fast and very satisfying....so enjoy! To carve your stamp, just draw an image onto white paper or outline a copy of a favorite clip art image with a number "2" pencil onto tracing paper. Then, turn the graphite side of your image onto your eraser and simply rub over the image to transfer the image. This works like a dream and makes the carving much easier... Log book. These can really be anything from a .69 cent spiral notebook to a nice bound acid free log book. You decide. Personally, I've only used the cheapies because I can't afford to replace the expensive ones if they get lost or damaged... Ziploc freezer bags. These are a must if you want to protect your log book and stamp from possible water damage. Minnesota winters can be pretty harsh and any extra protection is recommended... Information sheet. This is a must for your letterbox. Hopefully, the box will be hidden well enough each time its found and non-boxers will not find them. If they do, on the other hand, you will want to explain what it is and hopefully they'll respect the box and not swipe it or damage it. Besides, its a great way to advertise letterboxing and bring more into the flock... |
