Beyond the copper in our wedding, Mr. Pineapple and I really love the use of copper in other elements in our home. Someday we are going to be billionaires and have copper all throughout our fabulous kitchen. When it came to the card box, I thought it would be cool to use a copper mailbox that we could then use for real mail. Once I began searching though, reality hit. Copper mailboxes are crazy expensive. So, I made one for $15.
As you can see, I used an inexpensive black metal mailbox and copper metallic spray paint. The paint actually covered pretty nicely. I used many many very light layers to make sure there were no drips.
There was one mishap during the painting process.
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After some deliberation, I’ve decided how to use the vintage mailbox that I purchased in Kalispell.
First, I was considering using it as a card box. Then, I was considering using it as an alternative to a guest book. Then, I realized I could just as well do both!
What we’ll do is set the mailbox on a table or secure it near a table on a post, with a sign that says something like “for your cards and well-wishes.” Near the mailbox, we’ll place a nice, fine-tipped pen and stacks of these…

I have a couple of these boxes in my office. I think they’d make excellent card boxes and they’re 2 for $3.99 at Ikea!
My Mom has special powers. Whenever I have something really specific in mind that I want, she inevitably finds that exact thing when we’re shopping. But not only does she find that must-have item, she almost always finds it for a deep, deep discount. There are countless stories of her stopping in front of a rack or a shelf, rummaging around, and pulling out whatever you’re looking for with a big red “clearance” sticker slapped on the front of it. My friends used to recruit her to go shopping with them.
So, a few months ago I put her powers to work for me yet again. I wanted an antique looking wire birdcage to use as a card box. (Yes, I realize this is a little overdone these days, but I love it and I want one.) We went to a store near where my parents live and we split up, me moving faster through the aisles than she was, and I got to the end thinking we struck out. But then here she came, holding this birdcage with a big yellow “clearance” sticker on the front of it: