Reusable "mail" pattern or ideas?

[zmom]

We made my daughter a play mailbox and used just some paper envelopes as the letters. She's already starting to ask if she can open the letters and I was thinking about making some that could be reusable. Maybe using felt and a backing of some sort for an envelope? Anyone have any tips or other ideas? I've never worked with felt before! What kind of backing would work and I would I attach it? Any links to "tutorials" for felt work?

Thanks so much!

Oh, and if you're interested in the mailbox/letters as they are, you can see them on my blog!

[JennP]

I would try using some vinyl cloth, like for a table top, soft on one side and vinyl on the other. If you can find some that is a little smooth you will be able to use a vis-a-vis marker (like for overhead projectors) for addresses. Another idea, Hancock Fabrics have a vinyl that is 'chalkboard' fabric so you can write on it with chalk, she might like these too.

Here are a couple of envelope patterns:
http://www.dickblick.com/zz556/27/
http://www.papervalentines.com/envelopes.htm

For the closure you might use velcro or button if you are comfortable with them.

Hope you can use these ideas. I really like your mail box and I think I will get one made up. DD would love it.

[zmom]

Whoops! I thought I replied to this. Thanks so much for the ideas. I didn't think of looking up paper patterns.

I can't wait to try these out but I'll have to wait until payday!