Today I've got a project to share with you. I know, normally I post projects on Wednesdays but I didn't get this one done in time for Wednesday. I didn't think you'd mind too much. I've got a tutorial for it, too!
Today's project is... All-Occasion Countdown Blocks!
I've seen a lot of countdown blocks for Christmas and I think they are awesome! I wanted to make some, but I didn't want to just limit them to Christmas. After all that work, why put them away for most of the year! These are All-Occasion Countdown Blocks. I made them black and white so there wouldn't be any particular event or holiday associated with the color scheme. I added the words "Day's until..." on the base block. Then I glued a small $1 drawer pull from the hardware store next to it. A tag with the word Christmas is hung it from the drawer pull! Easy and cute. Plus it uses Mod Podge which I'm slightly addicted to.
I'm seeing countdowns to birthdays, summer vacation, other holidays, visits from Grandma, etc. in our future!
All-Occasion Countdown Blocks
Materials:
2 - 2" Wooden Cubes
1 - 2"x4"x1" Wooden Block
Paint
Mod Podge
Patterned Paper
Die cut letters and numbers or stickers
Directions:
1. First, paint your blocks. If you want, you can just paint the outside edges of the cubes. The paper is going to cover the rest, so you can save some paint. The base piece will need to be painted all over.
3. Mod Podge the paper on to each side.
One cube will have the following numbers on it:
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
The other cube will have these numbers on it:
0, 1, 2, 6, 7, 8
Note: Make sure your number 6 can double as a 9 when it's turned upside down.
6. Finish off all the blocks with a thin coat of Mod Podge.
7. Glue a small drawer pull on next to the letters on the base.
8. Create tags to hang off the drawer pull for your favorite holidays, events, birthdays, etc.
Here's a portable version of this tutorial for you. Hope you enjoyed it!
Don't go yet! There's still a chance to win free stuff! I've decided to give away more copies of my complete set of 12 Days of Christmas Tags. Be sure and enter by commenting on each day!
Here are the prizes:
1) Three Prizes: The whole set of 12 Days of Christmas Tags
2) $10 gift code to Sam & Hailey Designs
3) $10 Michaels Gift Card
4) The December VDBC Grab Bag (or a $7 gift code to Sam & Hailey Designs if you have already purchased it)
How can you win them? On the 12th Day (that will be the 23rd for our little blog-fest) I'll hold a drawing for each one of the prizes (that's
Today's comment requirement:
Leave a comment with an idea of how to countdown to Christmas Day! It can be something you do each year or just something you've seen.
Be sure to include some way to contact you in case you win the drawing (for example, your VDBC forum name, your email address, etc.). If you don't, I might not be able to get your prize to you!
Check back tomorrow to see what we have in store for you on the 7th day. I'm hosting and it will be right here! And yes, you'll definitely be able to download some swans a-swimming!
Time to get crafty, people!
14 comments:
Ooh, I'm the first one to comment! Many years ago, I made a countdown quilt/wall hanging--it was a pre-printed piece of fabric with all the numbers, there is a "frame" that fits around each number and there are snaps to put it in place. We've used this for years--and my son is the one who changes it each day--we never catch him moving it, but each day it magically is moved! I think I made this when my daughter was around 2, she just finished her Master'degree this week--so it has been hanging around a very long time!
great project
Love the idea that you did this.
I have never done a count down.
I don't know why, it just was never part of our growing up or a tradition.
But, I love the one you did.
It could be used for other things too.
Have a hang tag that say "Sue's Birthday" or "Thanksgiving" or Easter.........
So many things.
I will have to try this.
Thanks.
**U**
Nance
Putting ctton balls on Santa's beard.
Salleys@yahoo.com
Hang cute christmasy socks from a string with something fun to do tucked in each one until Christmas.
This is a great idea... we have advent calendars that contain little goodies in each pocket... the kids love this :)
Love your project, Jan! I made a countdown calendar using a cookie sheet and magnets. You can see it on my blog (the post from Dec 1st).
Kelly
http://kellyscraftylife.blogspot.com
We have a little tree that you add stars to with numbers to countdown. We also count down via our nativity scene. Each advent Sunday,we add certain items.
rpcrafter at gmail dot com
What a great idea! You always have the best ideas. I've always used a calendar that had pockets for goodies.
Hmmmm...those look slightly familiar! Hahaha, very cute Jan. I love black and white. I love the knob/tag addition! You might want to mention the top coat of acrylic sealer to keep the modpodge on the blocks from sticking to itself and peeling up the paper on the blocks. (that happened with my picture blocks that I modpodged. Grrrr.). And to go along with the comments... we have a fabric Christmas tree on the wall that has little pockets underneath with mini ornaments. Each day the kids get the one out of the appropriately numbered pocket and hang it on the tree.
This year I won an Advent Calendar...the first one I've seen and I am having a blast open each little box and seeing what is it them. So that is how I'm counting down the days of CHRISTmas this year. I love you blocks. Awesome!!!
I am counting down the days of Christmas with You, Ileana and Chris. I love how you each have a project, freebie or tutorial. Thanks.
Now my grandchildren get an advent calendar that I made for each of them with a goodie or toy in each day (all 25 days). They love opening each stocking to see what they get for that day.
I think this is a terrific idea and would like to make it for my granddaughters for Countdown to their birthdays....they are always on pins and needles wondering how many days until their big day. Terrific project. Thanks.
The contrast of black and white together is always dramatic, and that's what makes these so beautiful! Well, of course your talent takes it to a height I've never reached.
Post a Comment