If you get the Two Peas newsletter, you might have seen my Christmas Countdown calendar earlier this week:
Supplies: Patterned Paper, Chipboard Accents, Die-cuts, Stickpins: Making Memories; Punch: EK Success; Digi Overlays: Roughed Up 2 Tool Kit by Rhonna Farrer; Die-cutting Machine: Silhouette; Stickles: Ranger
I don't normally "specialize" in home decor projects, but I make exceptions sometimes. Especially where Christmas is concerned.
As you can see in the detail shot, the countdown includes 24 days, and if you lift each flap, there is a different Christmas prompt. A little something fun and festive to help you and your family get in the holiday mood. Someone emailed me about a list of Christmas prompts. I borrowed a few from Kate Teague's Advent Fun Kit and the rest, I just made up as I went along. I used things that we do as a family like "bake Christmas cupcakes," and things that I would like to do, "wear Christmas pajamas all day." And just a little fyi, if you like the idea but aren't thrilled about the time to make a countdown calendar, give Kate's kit a peek because it is a cute, quick way to do exactly the same thing!
When I started the calendar, I had a completely different look in mind, but as I started working on it, I realized I could simplify a lot of the process by creating portions of it digitally. So that's what I did. Hybrid scrapbooking is really growing on me. The paper base is Die Cut Icon Stripe from Making Memories Mistletoe line (I was sad to cover up those cute little deer, but then, I guess I should have bought two sheets!) and then I created the overlying green paper and numbers in Photoshop. It's really easy to create your own grungy paper with digital overlays (I used Rhonna's Roughed Up 2 Tool Kit). It's a new technique for me, but one I'll be using again, for sure. You can read more about the creative process here.
To answer a few questions I've received:1. Do you have a list of the Christmas prompts? No, but you can find a good list of Advent Activities by searching google.com. Here is one that looks promising: Advent Activity Chain. It's for a printable activity chain, but it gives you some good ideas.
2. What font did you use for your numbers? The font is Rosewood.
Very fun project Mary! Love the idea!
Posted by: Sara Rossi | November 13, 2009 at 03:04 PM
Mary,
This is gorgeous, I love it so!
:)
Posted by: Jody | November 13, 2009 at 04:23 PM
you know i loved this! definitely need to put this on the to-do list for the holidays!
Posted by: melanie | November 13, 2009 at 06:13 PM
Great project Mary! I love the folded prompts.
Posted by: Cheryl | November 14, 2009 at 08:24 AM
AMAZING!
Posted by: jennifer mcguire | November 14, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Saw it and it's totally cute!!!!! You did GREAT!
Posted by: Rhonda Steed | November 14, 2009 at 08:42 PM
such a gorgeous project mary! and i love that this advent calendar can just be slipped in your scrapbook albums after the holiday!
Posted by: laura vegas | November 14, 2009 at 10:42 PM