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TopAfter hours of searching the net for a Karen Foster countdown calendar and having no success I decided I would have to improvise. I thought of using small matchboxes, which would have been ok if I wanted to load them with tic tacs. I studied those large household matchboxes (Yes! the lady in the shop did think I was off my trolley) and they were ideal because they are nice and deep. But 24 of them stacked up would be a bit bulky. So I decided that 12 of them would be ideal because if I accessed them from both sides, that would make 24 as they have those little dividers halfway in the little drawers. So I stacked them up and glued the cases all together. Then to make it nice and sturdy I cut 2mm chipboard covered it in paper and glued it to the sides, top and bottom.
Then I printed the numbers onto matching patterned papers, cut them down to size and added them to the drawer fronts and inked the edges.Next I added eyelets to the drawer fronts to thread the ribbon through, so the drawers could be pulled open. Decorated them with brads, flowers etc... and added lots of little treats.
You may think this is for Poppi and Riley, but its for my mum and dad (who says Christmas is just for children, eh?). Mum opens it on odd days and dad on even. I hope they enjoy their little surprises!!!
I really enjoyed making this, at first I thought it might be a complete disaster, but I am really pleased with how it turned out, mainly because, adding the chipboard has made it really strong and sturdy. I hope that it will remain in the family for a few years at least, so I can see it looking all old and tatty.
So Ms Foster, if you are reading this (highly unlikely) thank you for the inspiration and making me think outside the box. Not only that, my idea comes with a lifetime supply of matches, 2880 to be precise - which reminds me, anyone got any suggestions what I can do with them all??? lol.
Thanks for looking, have a great evening.
Supplies are: yummy Fancy pants - Happy holidays papers
Brads,eyelets,flowers - Poppicrafts
17 comments:
Michelle - that is absolutely brilliant!!! I love EVERYTHING about it!
I love this idea and all the colours and papers you've put together - did you get your chipboard from a DIY store please?
I got the chipboard from hobbycraft. Its thicker than normal chipboard and only around £3 for A2 size sheet.
Wow!!! This is gorgeous,so nice!!!
You should have a belated bonfire/inferno with your matches,lol!!! :o)x
Dear Michelle....Dad and I thank you for this perfect treasure.......I havn't stopped looking at it since you gave it to us........It will be kept indefinately
......firstly because I love it
......and secondly you made it and I shall treasure it for always.....
Love you loads......
This is beautiful Michelle...Great for putting little treats in for the little ones at Christmas..TFS:)~X~
This is fabulous Mich. I am sooo loving it (clever girl you are xx) and your mum and dad will be chuffed to little mint balls with it xxxxx
what a gorgeous advent calander, it is fab :)
great idea, might have to pinch, I mean borrow it lol
lotsalove
Amanda xxx
Well done - This is fantastic! I have also been looking for the Karen Foster 3d countdown calendar with no success.
Oh wow this sis fabulous what a work of art .love it ,Dawnxx
Brilliant idea!...and I love the finishing touches.
this is so amazing , your mom talks about how talented you are and it is so true. this would sell anywhere. cute advents are so are to find. i absolutely love it.!!!!
Oh this is beautiful and such a great idea. Your mum and dad will treaure it
Juliexx
Brilliant, what a great fun idea.
Love it.
Sally. x
`Hi` Michelle...
Delighted:) to hear from you...Love to you Poppi and Ryly bet it`s getting exiting this time of Year again!!!(((hugs)))~X~
Michelle I absolutely adore this, it is FABULOUS!!
xx
Oh wow this is absolutely fabby! I am totally inspired to have a go at a version of this once my demos are all finished. Thank you for the wonderful inspiration.
Anice xx
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