DIY: Birthday Countdown

December is a BUSY month for my family.  In ONE WEEK we have

• my son's birthday
• my birthday
• my wedding anniversary

Because of the cluster of celebrations, we really try to make my son's birthday special.  December is a hard time to have a birthday.  Christmas is flooding the stores and people have a tendency to clump your birthday and Christmas together as one - if they don't overlook it totally.

This year, I've started a new tradition with my son's birthday by making him a birthday countdown calendar.  Similar to an advent calendar, this countdown will feature a small trinket every day for one week before his birthday.

This is an adaptation of an holiday countdown seen by Family Fun magazine.  Here's how I did it:

First, you should decide on how big your number will be.  This will depend on how many trinkets you're trying to include.  Mine was over 2 feet.

I started with 2 pieces of felt.  With one large piece, I cut out the number.  My son is turning 4!

Next, I edged the 4 in rainbow ribbon.  Important:  No Christmas related ribbon.

I had these cardboard house letters I had scored at Goodwill.  They were about 2 inches long.  I had no idea what I'd use them when I bought them, but liked how they looked.  They were perfect for this project!  You can use puffy paint, letters from a Cricut, stickers, etc.

Next, cut a strip to tape the toys onto.  I wanted the numbers to run down the middle of the 4, so I cut a strip of felt to fit on top of the 4, but between the striped ribbon.  After you're sure it fits, hot glue numbers onto the strip.  Make sure you space them out because one trinket will be taped behind each number.  You want to give enough room between numbers.

When it's dry, flip the strip over and tape trinkets behind each number.  I used items from the dollar store.  A yo yo, a truck, a ring pop, a top, etc. You can use packaging tape or painters tape.

Next, hot glue the top of the strip to the felt number.  Only glue the top down.  You want it to hang and be easily accessible.  For each day, you cut that day off and give the toy to the child. So make sure the bottom is left hanging.

To hang it, I created a loop out of scrap felt. You'll also have to tape the sides to get it to lay flat against the wall.

In the end... here it is!  Ready to go!  

Comments

[Staci]

What a great idea!

[Nicole-Lynn]

How cute! :)

[Aprille]

That is sooo cool and, I love the way you put extra emphasis into making his birthday special even though it's in the midst of a whole bunch of other celebrations!

[Patti Davis]

So adorable and I imagine it cuts down the "Is it time yet" factor of birthday anticipation. lol

[Kristen]

what a great idea!! Especially when kids keep asking! Come link up tomorrow @ Ladybug Blessings Handmade Tuesdays www.ladybug-blessings.com

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