Valentine Mailbox DIY Craft with Cricut + Free SVG File
Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays, filled with love, creativity, and lots of fun things like making cute crafts. One of the best ways to celebrate is by creating a Valentine mailbox DIY project. This 3D paper craft is the perfect way to collect lovely cards, small gifts, and love notes from family members or classmates during a class party. With a free SVG file for your cutting machine and some paper, this easy project will become a fun addition to your Valentine’s Day celebrations.
What You Need for This Valentine Mailbox DIY
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To get started on your Valentine’s mailbox, gather the following craft supplies:
- Cutting machine: Cricut or Silhouette, the download is in SVG format for ease of use.
- Cardstock paper: Choose vibrant colors or themed patterns, I went with a textured 80 pound cardstock.
- Craft glue or hot glue gun: for 3D paper craft projects like this Valentine box, I prefer to use craft glue because I find it less bulky.
- Optional bone tool: For crisp folds
- A Brad prong: To attach the mailbox flag
Step-by-Step Instructions
Download the Free SVG File
The first step is to download the free SVG file provided in this tutorial. You can find the free SVG file in my community vault. (Design Numbers: #161 & #162) This is a password-protected part of my website but the best part about it is the password is free. Sign up for my newsletter below to receive the welcome letter. The delivery time is usually less than 5 minutes. Please find download instructions for all of my freebies here. This SVG file contains all the base pieces needed to craft your Valentine mailbox, including the body of the mailbox, the top flaps, and the mailbox door. Once downloaded, upload the file into Cricut Design Space or Silhouette Studio.
Find more Valentine’s Day crafts here to try out! Some of my favorites are: DIY Class Pinatas, playdough class cards where you can use your Cricut pens, and these cute printable Childrens card. Looking for just some fun Valentines Day SVG files? I have those here for you as well!
Resize and Adjust in Cricut Design Space
After downloading the free DIY Valentines mail box file, you can upload it into your design software. To start you will want to resize the design to your desired dimensions.
Please resize the entire file so that everything stays proportional. The size is totally up to you and this is a great way to customize your Valentine’s day mailbox to fit valentine cards or small gifts. I made my whole file just about 21 inches wide. My final project ended up being about 3.5 inches wide, 5 inches long, and 4.5 inches tall. Perfect size for classroom cards or even as a DIY Valentine’s gift box!
You can also adjust the colors of the pieces to match your theme. I went with classic pink, red, and a little white.
This file does include score lines, over on the side layers panel you can see these lines easily. I have grouped them together with the piece they should be attached to. If you do not have a scoring stylist or wheel for your machine then please delete these. If you do, change them from basic cut to score – or adjust to score in Silhouette studio. For Cricut users, make sure to attach back to the correct piece.
Cut Out the Cardstock for your DIY Valentine Mailbox
Once the design is set, it’s time to cut out the cardstock. Use your cutting machine to cut the layers. I used the medium cardstock setting on my Cricut machine but please adjust to your needs. My suggestion is always to text your materials before cutting an entire project.
Assemble the Back of the Box
To begin assembly, start with the back of the box. Fold along the score lines using a bone tool for precision.
Apply craft glue or a hot glue gun to attach the bottom piece (long rectangle with arch) to the long top of the mailbox to create the arch. I glued my flaps on the bottom of the base first and created the arched shape.
Then I proceeded to glue the back flap shut. Ensure the glue dries before moving to the next step. This forms the structure for the inside of the mailbox.
Create the Front of the Box and Mailbox Door
Next, work on the front of the box, or the mailbox door. Fold the front flap along the score lines and glue it to the front of the mailbox piece (there is a small heart cut out here. Make sure the seam line aligns nicely for a clean look.
Next, glue the bottom fold to the base of the mailbox you had created previously to create a hinge. This is a nice interactive part of the box, think of it like the lid!
Attach the Mailbox Flag
No mailbox is complete without a mailbox flag! Glue the paper hearts to the long small rectangle with the hole. Then attach it to the side of the mailbox using a brad prong. The flag is both decorative and functional, letting everyone know when there’s mail to deliver.
Fun Ways to Customize Your Valentine’s Mailbox
One of the best parts about this Valentine’s day box craft is how customizable it is. Here are some fabulous ideas to make your Valentine’s mailbox unique:
- Add paper flowers or glitter accents for a festive touch. You can write a name on the side or a cute little love quote.
- Use patterned paper for a really unique look or even just line the inside of the mailbox with decorative paper for a polished look.
- Add on gems or other embellishments to add a bit of sparkle.
- Leave the mailbox blank and give your kids free reign to color the mailbox as they would like!
Why This Valentine Mailbox DIY is Perfect for St. Valentine’s Day Crafts
This Valentine mailbox DIY is not just an easy project; it’s also a great way to involve kids and family members in crafting. Whether you’re preparing for a class party or setting up a surprise for your loved ones, this mailbox is a fun addition to your Valentine’s Day traditions. Plus, the 3D design makes it durable enough to hold all your Valentine’s cards and small gifts.
Tips for Success
- Double-check that all pieces are cut clean and the right sides of the cardstock face outward.
- Allow ample drying time after each step to ensure your Valentine’s mailbox stays sturdy.
- Test the mailbox door and flag mechanism before finalizing to make sure everything functions smoothly.
Final Thoughts on Valentine’s Mailboxes
Crafting a Valentine’s mailbox DIY is a fun way to celebrate love but also, creativity. This project combines functionality and charm, making it the perfect centerpiece for collecting Valentine’s Day cards, small gifts, and love notes. Whether you’re crafting with kids, surprising a special someone, or simply enjoying some creative time, this Valentine’s day mailbox will bring joy to everyone involved.
