Make An Ornament Advent Calendar

I posted this little project last year...
about 5 days before Christmas...
A little late for starting an advent calendar, eh?
So, this year, I am so "on it"...here is is again!
Right before Thanksgiving!

Maybe a little project to play with this weekend?
I have made a few little updates/tweaks.

First off, I must tell you that I am not a

crazy-freaky-everything-has-its-place tree person...

if you are, I still love you...but I am not.

Generally, after the kids attack the tree, I add my touches, the garland, crystals, gems, and snowflakes. My fondest memories are of decorating our tree and my mom let us do pretty much whatever we want.
I have adopted that attitude...for now.
One day these kids will have their own tree and then it is my turn!

So, our family has one advent calendar - for a long while that was enough...

Problem #1...
the little one wants her own calendar.

Problem #2...
the kids are infatuated with decorating the tree.
The little one take ornaments off just so she can put them back on.

Solution...
A new advent calendar that involves hanging things on the tree for 25 days!

SUPPLIES

• Basswood boards, 3" x 24"
• DecoArt American Acrylic in Ebony...OR...UPDATE: If I was making these again, I would now use DecoArt Chalkboard Paint.
• DecoArt Glamour Dust in Ice Crystal
• DecoArt, DecouPage, matte
• Rockler, Norton Sanding Bug
• Rockler foam brush
• Dremel Multi-Max with cutting blade or Saw - hand, electric - whatever you prefer
• Drill (I need a new one my rechargeable one is on its last leg- Santa are you listening? Santa did not hear me last year...so I make one more plea...)
• Paint pen, white or white paint and small brush
• Pencil
• Print out of the numbers in font of your choosing
• Ribbon, twine, cord, wire for hanging
• Distress Ink, Frayed Burlap
• Vintage Christmas Images from The Graphics Fairy (the first time I made these I did not use images on the reverse - this is how I am updating them for 2011!)

There are so many ways to personalize this and adapt this project to your liking. Use different images, different colors - you name it!

DIY IT!

1.  Paint each basswood Board with the ebony/chalkboard paint.
UPDATE: If using chalkboard paint, paint; Let dry and cure according to the directions; rub chalk all over; wipe off; prep for numbers.

(My original tutorial used black stencil paint) 

2.  Measure out the squares for the numbers - I made my numbers 3" x 3" - that yielded 8 numbers per board - and cut into equal pieces. This process leaves rough edges - the Basswood is so light and thin that it tends to crack when cut. This was not my intention, but it also did not bother me - Rough and distressed makes me smile.

3.  Sand all edges with the Sanding Bug to remove sharp edges and rough patches. This also gives the edges a distressed look, which I ended up loving. (NOTE: You can cute the boards first and then paint for a less distressed look).

4.  Drill 2 holes in each pieces about 3/4" in and 3/4" down on the top. This also splits the boards a little (NOTE: If you choose to cut your board prior to painting, drill holes then as well)

5.  Print out your font in a size that you prefer (one that fits on the 3x3 square).

6.  For the numbers, now, we go old school...
A. Cut out the numbers/dates.
B. Take a pencil and on the back side of the print out, rub pencil lead using the side of the pencil on the lines of the font.
C.  Then flip over position on the square, correct side up.
D.  Using the pencil trace the lines of the numbers/date. You get a faint outline of the date in the font you desire.
E.  Then use the paint pen or you paint and a paintbrush and go over the numbers. Let dry.

7. Once this is all dry, glam it up a little with some DecoArt Glamour Dust. I am so in love with this paint...it creates a subtle sparkling finish...beautiful. I just paint all over the front

 

8. Once dry, distress the edges of the numbers by running them through the ink.

(my ribbon is already on the numbers, because in this tutorial I am adding to last years project...if you are starting fresh add the ribbon at the end)

9. Once the number side is dry, add the image to the back. Cut/trim/tear image to size; apply a thin layer of decoupage to the back using a foam brush; apply image; apply another layer of Decoupage over the image and let dry.

8. Once dry cut ribbon into lengths of about 10" (it can be longer or shorter). Thread through, from the back side, into each hole. Knot on the front side and you have your hanger.

 

So, you can leave these little guys "plain" -
meaning just the numbers on one side or you can add a touch of vintage magic.
I know Jules will love this new "flip-flop" addition!

I was also thinking that one day my kids will grow up, and I won't l need an advent calendar, but then I can just flip these guys around and still have those memories too.

Do you use an advent calendar?

Any special traditions that go with it?

Happy Thanksgiving!
I am taking a few days off!
I'll be back for Tickled pink on Friday!