Christmas Countdown Calendar
Supplies:
12 sheets of 8 1/2 x 11" creme cardstock
black Staz-On ink pad
Step 1- Print out the 12 PDF files on creme colored cardstock (send me an email me if you would like the number files. The files will print best using Adobe Acrobat Reader to print correctly).
Step 2 - Cut cardstock down the center (5 1/2"). I use a rotary cutter for all my paper cutting because I get a good straight cut and I can cut in multiples. Depending on the weight of the cardstock, I can cut about 4-7 sheets at a time. I also cut book board using this tool (but only one sheet at a time). This technique isn't for everyone but if you come from a sewing background like do you may already have the skill.
NOTE: To use this cutting technique you need a ruler that has a lip edge so that it will align with
the edge of the self healing mat board.
Step 3 - Cut off the bottom of each number so each card is 5 1/2 x 7". Use a corner rounder on the bottom two corners of the number card.
Step 4 - Cut 24 (5 1/2 x 7") pieces of patterned paper for the back of each of the number cards. This is a great place to dig out all you red and green scraps. I even used old sheets of music and some black and white polka dot just to mix it up.
Step 5 - Adhere the cut papers to the back of each number card.
Step 6 - Cut 24 (1 x 5 1/2") strips of polka dot paper for the top of each card. Adhere to card before you punch the holes.
Step 7 - I used my 7gypsies Binderie to punch the holes in this project. Remember, by now each number card has paper on the back and a small strip on the front. The Binderie will still punch at least 4 cards at the time, even at this thickness (and the holes will be in the right place every time). Fast and easy.
(yes, this is the same Binderie punch I decorated for CHA)
Step 8 - Use black Staz On Ink to stamp the large swirl along the polka dot edge as well as the bottom.
NOTE: I use Staz On ink with all my clear stamps because it doesn't stain. After I stamp I use a baby wipe to quickly wipe away any left over ink and it never stains the stamp. Never wipe on the cling side of the stamp.
Step 9 - Cut 2 pieces of Chipboard 5 1/2 x 7" for the cover. Round bottoms the corners. Cover with paper on both sides. On a recent trip to Kansas City I bought a piece of Cavallini wrapping paper at Paper Source. I used that paper on the cover. I use red polka dot paper from on the inside. Punch both covers with the Binderie.
Step 10 - Punch two small holes in the cover for ribbon. Fold about 24" of ribbon in half and thread through holes in the cover. A tip I learned from Deb is to use a piece of wire to pull the ribbon through a small hole. Works every time.
Step 11- Gather up pages and both covers into a stack and used two LARGE binding rings. I used black but this would look great with red.
Step 12- I punched two sizes of stars from a sheet of glitter wrapping paper (I got that at Paper Source too) and glued them to chipboard then cut them out. I added another glitter star on the back to make it two sided. Of course can use real glitter if you don't have glitter paper. Punch a hole at the top of the star with a paper piercer and add a large jump ring. I used one package of Princesca hardware for all the crystal drops. I just took apart the crystal links to create the hanging stars. Add stars and crystals to random pages of the book.
Step 13 - Hang one large crystal from the ribbon on the cover. I added a rubbing to the crystal (that's a vintage 7gypsies initial rubbing from my stash).
Thanks for looking... email me if you have any questions, paula
