Christmas Countdown and a Festive Page

Hi Everyone! Lisa here and I am so excited to be sharing my first designs for Fotobella!! I have been creating some lovely projects with the gorgeous Christmas Cottage 12x12 Bundle #2 by Teresa Collins and I am very excited to share  them with you today!

I want to start by sharing an advent countdown calendar I created using this collection.

 

Here are some basic steps so you can create a calendar just like this.

Step One: Cut the patterned paper in any size and patterns you wish to create a base design. I chose three patterns for the base that would fit nicely on a 10x10 magnetic whiteboard easel which I describe in my video below. You could also make this any size you wish to place on your refrigerator. I then cut four triangles that will be used for the tree on my calendar. I decided to use only the green patterns for the tree to keep it as "real" as I could.

Step 2: Next, I stitched my base pieces together. I stitched the first two together, the smaller paper on top of the larger, then added the smallest piece to one side. This is where your numbers will be added to the design.

Step 3: Next I decorated the tree. I started by added some brown ink (from the marker, not included in the kit) around the edges of each of the triangles. I layered the four triangles, the smallest at the top working the way down to the largest on the bottom. I added bits of washi and stitched across each of them. Lastly, I added pearls and gems here and there on the tree, creating little decorations.

Step 4: I added magnets to the back of the chipboard element numbers one through twenty-five, with the adhesive paper still on them. Next, I punched them out of the board and placed them on my design. 

Step 5: Now you can count the days down together. You can decorate your little tree with the numbers as the days pass, or place them on the back of the whiteboard (or side of the refrigerator). So fun, huh? It is so pretty, yet so simple to create!

for more detailed description and more views of the project here is a video I created for you, too:

Next, I was able to use my leftovers (this kit is very large and I am still planning to create a few tags and cards).

"Celebrate December"

 everything is from the kit, except the gesso and these epoxies punched with the Epiphany Crafts shape makers found in the store

Are you planning to do a countdown? I would love to see your countdown calendar, so if you make one leave a comment and I will come see what you have made. Make sure you check out this kit if you would like to make one like I have shown today!

Have a great day! Happy Crafting!