Description
The pillar box beaded box is my first beaded box of 2019. Although, technically, I made it in 2018! It also happens to be one of the three mystery projects I promised you in my blog. I think you can probably work out which one!
Materials
I made my pillar box beaded box with size 10 Delicas – 43g in red and 17g in black. This will work with size 11 (you will need about 2/3 the quantity), but it will be fiddlier to make.
With the size 10, the finished height is 4″ (10cm) and width is 2″ (5cm). You get storage space inside that is about 3″ x 1.5″.
Naturally, if you choose to make this with size 11, it will be smaller. So, I’m guessing at a height of between 2″ and 3″.
You also need whatever beading thread will help you to get a good tension.
If you are looking for supplies for this project, don’t forget, I sell size 10 Delicas in 50g packs as well as 10g packs.
Experience and techniques
This is an advanced project. You are going to be working primarily in Peyote stitch. So, I have assumed you are already familiar with the following:
- Increasing
- Decreasing
- Tubular
- Circular
- Odd count
- Even count
You are also going to use a tiny bit of basic square stitch, basic brick stitch and basic Right Angle Weave.
If you need any help with any of these techniques, you can download free tutorials from this website. And if you want a little more information about any of the techniques, check out this blog>>
About the Pillar box beaded box
I like to give you a little bit of information about where my design inspiration has come from. Well, for this project, it was a very strange connection…
I was making the boots and legs for my Santa box and there is a particular point in this process where I was just reminded of a traditional red pillar box. So, I knew I had to make one!
The challenges came from working out how to add the letter hole – so yes, you can actually post letters in this! Also, from how to make the door. I thought about several options, but decided to stick with reality and make a proper door that will open to allow you to empty the pillar box. Or, to reveal the storage space.
This box has fairly generous storage space – I can fit three 7.2g tubes of beads in it!
Then, you can use any label you want for the front. So, you could theme it for Christmas with ‘Letters for Santa’. Or turn it into a Valentine’s gift with ‘Love Letters’. Perhaps just personalise it for someone with ‘Letters for…’ I’m sure you will have more ideas as well.
So, this should be perfect for all year round and it certainly captures a British icon!
