Sea Tow Foundation’s DIY Craft Time: Nautical Mailbox

Everyone gets mail and wouldn’t it be great to think about your boating adventures the next time you walk out to your mailbox? In this month’s craft project, we’ll be making a nautical mailbox.

Thank you to Holly Willis of Water Way Marina in Indiana for submitting her craft idea and sending in the photos and directions!

Materials to Make a Nautical Mailbox:

• A large mailbox
• 100% silicone clear caulking tubes
• Spray paint
• Clear varnish spray
• Screws
• Mounting post
• 5 gallon bucket of seashells
• Metal decoration such as an anchor

Directions for How to Make a Nautical Mailbox:

1. Begin by collecting your seashells. Get rid of any broken pieces and then rinse them off and allow to dry completely.

    

   

    

2. Cover an entire mailbox with spray paint to prevent rust. This will also provide a good surface for adhering the seashells. Let dry completely before moving to the next step.
   
   
   
   
3. Use the silicone clear caulk to adhere the metal decoration to the mailbox first and allow to completely dry.
   
   
   
   
4. Starting with the larger shells as the base, glue the seashells to the mailbox as close to each other as possible and then fill I the gaps with the smaller ones. Put the glue around the back edge of the shells only and glue on one shell at a time.

   

5. When all of the seashells and decorations have been glued on, allow the glue to dry completely. Make sure that none of the seashells are falling off or loose before the next step.

    

6. Apply a layer of clear varnish spray to seal everything and ensure it will be okay once it is mounted outside and exposed to the elements. Make sure to use the spray outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

    

7. Attach the mailbox to the support post or bracket and enjoy using it to get your daily mail!
   Please note that you’ll want to add another coat of spray about once a year to make sure the shells stay in good condition.

Congratulations on making a Nautical Mailbox! Share your creations with us on Facebook and Instagram by tagging @SeaTowFoundation and using the #DIYNauticalCraftTime

If you found this article helpful or entertaining, please consider a donation to the Sea Tow Foundation today to help us continue our efforts to educate boaters and keep them safe on the water. You can donate securely online at www.boatingsafety.com/donatetoday or by clicking on the DONATE tab at the top of the page.

The Sea Tow Foundation has created monthly nautical crafts to help bring those boating memories home. These crafts are easy for anyone to make and require limited tools and materials. In fact, all of the tools and materials are available at online retailers, or at a local craft store if you don’t already have the items lying around your house. Younger children may need the help of an adult for some portions of the craft project, but they can help with most of the personalization of the crafts. And many of these crafts make great homemade gifts or home décor.