Continuing work on the mail wagon. Here's a reminder of the mail wagon from the Galloway House and Village in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. Since its interior is the only one I've been able to photograph up close, I'm modeling many of my details after it.

I chose Deep Midnight Blue by Americana for the exterior. I sealed the paint first with a satin spray sealer that must have been old, because it would not dry. I followed that up with a semi-gloss sealer, which ended up looking better overall. I had to wait a few days for it to full cure before I felt comfortable taping or clamping the surface.

The interior of my inspiration has interesting hardware details.

In the beginning, postal carriers were photographed with satchels, but I've always liked the look of the sorters inside some mail wagons I've seen, including my inspiration. There wasn't a lot of room, but I was able to add a few cubbyholes. These wouldn't necessarily be reserved as one per household on the route but a way to sort along the way.

I added a window lock from my stash of interesting hardware (not sure where I even got them or the manufacturer). The lock bar actually slides, though it doesn't matter much for my non-working window. I'm thinking the hook on the top would hold the window open, maybe? I'll definitely add small hinges to complete the look of my non-operating front window.

Next up, a comfortable bench seat. This had to be built with the doors held in place to make sure there was clearance for the doors on either side. I'll make a padded cushion for a softer ride. :D

We have to receive our mail in bulk at the tiny post office, mostly likely by rail. I printed and sewed a simple mailbag design.

It's one thing to put actual letters in tiny envelopes that will never be opened; it's entirely different to hide all that work away in a mailbag that will never be opened. But, I needed to be mindful of the weight and shape overall. I started with faux letter bundles.

I then made wood parcels.

I arranged the parcels in the middle and bottom, filling in the letter bundles around them.

I used a double layer of regular sewing thread to draw the bag closed and tied a bow.

Though it's hard to tell in the photo, the fabric is just thin enough that the colors and patterns of the faux mail add to the realism of what's inside.

You'll be happy to know I am not making dolls in satchels to represent the children sent parcel post (article one, article two). haaaaa!

A sneak peek of the interior trims being put in place. The roof (and ceiling beam) will remain removable to better access the interior. It's a little hard to see, but I used wood flooring sheets to make the ceiling, then painted the surface vintage white.

I made a gate from scrap wood and Tiny Turnings, making it up as I went along.

I thought the spindles probably could have been closer together, but it turned out well so I went with it.

The stain is Minwax Dark Walnut. I used brass Houseworks hinges to make it operational.

Right now, I have it propped in place with wax. Once I have the final layout, I'll add a stop on the side of the counter to keep the gate from swinging too far.

In the end, I like that the spindles are sparse - allows more to be seen through it. :]

Continuing work on the tree. I have the tree painted and detailed, and I separated the foliage branches from two bundles of candytuft. Too bad I can't just say "alakazam" and have the foliage appear on the tree. :\

The trunk is somewhere between grey and brown. I mix at random and fine-tune until I get there since there isn't a good color straight out of the bottle.

The foliage branches next need to have their stem portions painted to match - or relatively close.