Days Until...

As anyone knows with children that waiting, for anything, is such anguish for our little dears. Actually, it is more anguish for us answering the question of 'How long 'til...?' This has been especially a challenge for our daughter who is trying to learn the concept of time, dates, days, etc. So I saw this little sign at this blog: http://www.myrepurposedlife.net/2011/10/chalkboard-days-until-sign-dremel.html and decided to create our own.

I used a scrap piece of 2 x 4 we already had. It is a little over 24" long. I painted it with flat black enamel paint, 3 coats. Next you must wait three days before you can write on it with chalk. While waiting three days for the paint to cure, I added these brackets spaced evenly across to give it a decorative touch.

I then used my Cricut to create my little 'days until' sign out of vinyl. Once your paint has cured, rub then entire surface with the side of chalk.

It is important to note, do not use clay chalk. I believe this is the outdoor chalk. If you have ever gotten it wet, it gets really clumpy like clay. The chalkboard paint that you buy at the store gives this advice on the instructions. I sat our chunky Days Until sign atop our refrigerator for all to take note of the impending holiday ahead!

Flip for Advent

I have been contemplating my advent countdown this year for a few weeks. I've never really done it, but felt like it was important for my daughter this year. There are so many creative ideas out there on Pinterest and blog land. The problem is so many of them either require a lot of space or a treat. I really wanted our advent to create family time together and also help me schedule activites to celebrate the holiday. As I was contemplating everything, I noticed in the corner, this little photo flipper I have. One of the kids found it somewhere and brought it out.

It was pretty easy to take apart. I just had to push off the metal bracket on it.

I then spray painted the wood base red.

I used leftover scrapbook paper and cut 25 rectangles 5.5" x 6.5". I 'scrapped' each page with a number for our countdown.

I then put an envelope on the back of each page.

In each envelope I put a different activity we will do each day. Some are already on our calendar, going to different Christmas celebrations, looking at lights, etc. Others are baking Christmas cookies, delivering Toys for Tots, watching Christmas movies, etc. I then loaded all of the pages onto the bracket and put the bracket back on the wooden base.

I didn't do very fancy pages. I didn't want to embellish them to much, I was afraid it would get too thick. I am considering adding Christmas pictures each year to a page or two. I used only things I had around the house. I didn't go out and purchase anything for it. I am really pleased with the results. And I like that it is easy to use for the kids and nice & tidy.