A Special Gift for Earlybird*

*From the heart and hands of his Nana ...

I have been dying to tell you all about this project, a birthday gift for Earlybird from my mum (and to a much smaller degree me)! This is a mailbox, as you can see, but a very special mailbox ~ one that will bring Earlybird tiny notes and treasures from the woods ...

Let me back up a bit. A few months ago I came across an unfinished mailbox at AC Moore. Though it was quite inexpensive ($5), it was well made and sturdy. The door worked with a magnetic catch, the flag moved up and down smoothly. I immediately thought this could make a nice toy for Earlybird, so I purchased it on the spot.

Back at home, I started imagining how we could use it, and of course my mind wandered to nature study. You all know how much we love nature, well, what else could this mailbox bring but news from our woods?

So the next thing I did was to ask my mum (who paints beautifully) to help me with this project, and we hoped to have it done in time for EB's birthday. About a week ago, I gave her the mailbox and some vague indications of what I envisioned ("red squirrels, acorns, pine boughs and birds"), and from these sketchy ideas, she made this ...

I am just overwhelmed. It's too lovely for words!

Bill is going to build a special corner shelf in the learning room for our mailbox. And every few days, EB will see that little flag sticking up and that will mean ... MAIL!

And that's where I come in! I bought some rubber stamps, ink pads and some natural colored paper and tiny envelopes. Using these supplies I will pen little notes "from the woods." They will be delivered to EB's mailbox, naturally, by Chickadee Post. :)

And some days EB might find a tiny treat or treasure inside too! A spruce cone, a leaf, a feather, a ripe berry, a rock ... those simple, yet magical, kinds of things. Everything will have a story to it, of course. :)

My mum gave Earlybird (and me!) this lovely gift today, at EB's birthday party. Before I go, I'd like to share just a few pictures from our day ~ and you can be sure you'll be hearing more about (and from) the Chickadee Post before long!

EB helped me set the table. Everyone got at least one fork, and, possibly, a spoon. ;) Our theme was snowflakes, so Bookworm made lots for the windows, and I made a batch of snowy cupcakes for dessert ...

EB and his family!

Well, thanks for stopping by this evening and letting me gush share! It's now getting late, and we're hunkering in, waiting for that Nor'easter to hit sometime before dawn ~ now wouldn't that make a good story? :)

Have a good night!

Comments

[Louise]

How enchanting! This is so perfectly lovely! Your mother is incredibly gifted! I am sharing your son’s anticipation for the treasures he is sure to find in this precious mailbox.

[stef]

Wow, so beautiful, Dawn! Your mom's so talented. And what a lovely present from you and her to EB. Happy Birthday, EB!

[Rachel]

I too thought "Tasha Tudor"... although wasn't her's "Sparrow Post"? :) What a wonderful idea. What a lucky, lucky boy!

[Jennifer]

I love this idea Dawn!!! What a treasure for our nature shelf - thanks so much for sharing!

[Rebecca]

Your mom is so talented! EB must be thrilled to have received such a beautiful gift!

[Lisa]

What a lucky boy! And what a terrific idea! You'll all have so much fun with this; I can wait to see some of the chickadee posts!

[Stacy]

Chiming in late, here (had a good bit of snow here in MI this weekend...but) Oh, Dawn, how absolutely lovely...all I can think is how EB will love it forever, because it was from his dear (and extremely talented) Grandmother, and it will be bearing him joyful surprises! A precious and beautiful gift.

[JC]

WOW! I can't believe your mother painted those adorable squirrels! They're professional! No, wait, I can. After all, she's YOUR mother! LOL!

[Chrissy]

That is just beautiful.

[Angel]

What a gorgeous mailbox... and a great idea! Katydid would have absolutely loved this when she was little.

[Mamom]

Dawn, that mailbox and chickadee post are so very Tasha Tudor--LOVE it!!

How's the weather up there on the North Shore? Rainy, snowy freezing mess down here on the South Shore! Good day to stay in and be withthe ones we love.

[Marianna]

What a wonderful gift for your little boy. He will treasure that always.

[Karen]

http://www.1stopsquare.com/tag.html

Oh, here is a better link. ARen't they adorable???? Look around on the site - there are also these really cute stackable stamps.

Karen

[Karen]

http://search.ebay.com/mcgill-punches
I don't think the link is clickable, but just scroll down to see them. I bought mine at AC Moore with the coupon that they have every week. I have the mini envelope, the mini file folder, the mini library pocket and one that makes three different tags (one fits perfectly into the mini library pocket). These are SO Durn cute and I am a sucker for cuteness :0)

Now, since I have both the hole punch AND the mailbox, the envelope is positively too small by comparison but maybe you can think of something (but then of course you have to share ;0) ). Or, maybe a little sprite or fairy sends the mail, in which case that would be perfect!
Karen

[Nori Coleman]

I love the painting your mom did. The squirrels look so harry and friendly. I can't wait to see continued posts! Great idea.

[Ruth]

Love it, love it, love it!!!

[Dawn]

Karen, I love this idea! I will have to look for one on my next craft store run (which would be today except for this snow!).

Has anyone seen an envelope craft punch? Or can anyone direct me to one online?

Thanks everyone for so many nice comments!

:)

[KatieButler]

I'm of to Mass, but didn't want to read without commenting--what a gorgeous mailbox! Your mother is quite talented. :)

[karen]

I bought one of these mailboxes over a year ago - I loved it on the spot too, but haven't known what to do with it. Maybe your Mum will have to take painting orders :0)
There is a darling giant hole punch that makes a teeny tiny envelope template that you just fold with a bit of glue. Did you see that??? Then you could use scrapbooking paper to make different envelopes once you use yours up. Just a thought :0)
Karen

[Theresa]

Gorgeous!!!!!I absolutely love it!!!

[Colleen]

What a beautiful mailbox...my Brendan LOVES to play mail...I may just have to make a copycat version.

[aussieannie]

That is a simply perfect idea you have with the mailbox and your mum has done a beautiful job painting it - what an artist!

[Elaine]

That is a sweet gift that I am sure will be cherished. Your Mom painted that mailbox so beautifully ... WOW!

Happy Birthday to your little man.

[Angel]

What a beautiful mailbox...I'm sure it will be treasured by earlybird...

[Maria]

What a great mom and nana!

Awesome!

[joann10]

What a wonderful idea...and a very beautiful mailbox!! Earlybird is a very lucky boy to be blessed with such a great mother and grandmother.

[Cheryl M.]

That is one magnificent mailbox!!! :)