How to make a cute Countdown Calendar

Once a month my sisters and I try to get together and make some sort of craft or do something fun! This month we made advent calendars for Christmas! These turned out way cute and I hope you enjoy them.
First what you need:
2 4x4 blocks cut to be squared
1 2x4 cut 8 inches long block

paint
sandpaper (if you have an electric sander that is super handy)
2 sponge paint brushes
mod podge
12 scrapbook paper squares 3inches x 3 inches (you can have as much variety in this as you choose)
Also coordinating paper to go around bottom rectangle
Coordinating paper or vinyl with the words you want on the block and the following numbers: 001122345678
brown ink pad or coordinating color if you want to distress your blocks

Step 1: Sand down your blocks to get rid of all rough edges. I highly recommend wearing safety goggles while doing this step.

Step 2: Get your paint and your blocks out. Paint 1 to 2 coats of paint on your blocks. This all depends on how dark you want your color and how much of the wood you want to show. ALLOW PAINT TO DRY BETWEEN COATS

Step 3: While the paint is drying cut out your paper.
12- 3"x3" squares
2- 1"x 7 3/4" rectangles
2- 1"x 3" rectangles
Step 4: you can either purchase vinyl numbers and letters that are pre-cut. The numbers should be no larger than 3 inches we used 1 1/2 inch tall numbers. The letters should be no larger than 1 inch, we used 3/4inches. We used a cricut to cut out our numbers and letters. You could also do this on your computer or as a freehand.

Step 5: Modpodge your squares onto the blocks. You can either paint the modpodge onto the block or the paper. Then let the modpodge dry.
Step 6: After all of your paper squares are dry you can take an ink pad and gently brush it along the edges of the block to create a distressed look.

Step 7: Mod podge your numbers and letters onto the blocks. On one block put the following numbers: 012345
On the second block: 012678
Notes: the 6 doubles as your 9 so be careful to choose a paper that will look good right side up and up side down ie. stripes, solid, etc.
Place modpodge on the back of the number and then all over the face of the block. By putting modpodge all over the face of the block it creates a seal.

After this let it dry and you are done!
Let me know if you have questions.

Something New

We are going to be adding a new section to our blog. We will be adding a how to. I know how much I enjoy learning how to make something for free! So as often as we can we will add a how to on a recipe, a craft or anything we think is fun to do!