Thursday, November 20, 2014

12 Days of Christmas, Day 5, Advent Calendar

Okay, at the risk of being obnoxious ;) BEFORE you see day 5 PLEASE take 30 seconds to go vote for my pallet potting bench.  I am closing in on first place, but need your help to take the lead.  THANKS SO MUCH!!

12 days of Christmas, day 5 Advent calendar http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/11/12-days-of-christmas-day-5-advent.html
On the fifth day of Christmas
Beyond The Picket Fence gave to me
An advent calendar that is bright & cheery.
12 days of Christmas, day 5 Advent calendar http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/11/12-days-of-christmas-day-5-advent.html
For this advent calendar I started with a bunch of "branch rounds".  However, these really aren't from a branch because I didn't have one.  I did have some wood tree stake poles so I cut one of them up on the chop saw. You could also buy round, wood circles at the craft store. 
12 days of Christmas, day 5 Advent calendar http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/11/12-days-of-christmas-day-5-advent.html
After a light sanding of each round, I stained one side and painted chalkboard paint on the other.  My plan was to leave the stained side that way, but it was so dark and not very cheery so instead I painted the one side with red, green, and blue.  
12 days of Christmas, day 5 Advent calendar http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/11/12-days-of-christmas-day-5-advent.html
I then painted numbers on them with white paint, drilled a small hole in the top and added an eye hook and some baker's twine.
12 days of Christmas, day 5 Advent calendar http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/11/12-days-of-christmas-day-5-advent.html
I grabbed apiece of plywood and laid the number rounds out.  If you are particular, you can use a yardstick to get everything even--me, I am an eyeballer.  
12 days of Christmas, day 5 Advent calendar http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/11/12-days-of-christmas-day-5-advent.html
I added screws above each round.
12 days of Christmas, day 5 Advent calendar http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/11/12-days-of-christmas-day-5-advent.html
I painted the board white
12 days of Christmas, day 5 Advent calendar http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/11/12-days-of-christmas-day-5-advent.html
and then I added a 1"x 2" wood frame.
12 days of Christmas, day 5 Advent calendar http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/11/12-days-of-christmas-day-5-advent.html
Now, as my hubby so gently pointed out, these are pretty small to write on with chalk.  But, you can buy a fine tip chalk pen (which I plan to do) or sharpen chalk with a handheld pencil sharpener or draw pictures for the activities that you will include for each day or use a paint pen if you want permanent activities.  
12 days of Christmas, day 5 Advent calendar http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/11/12-days-of-christmas-day-5-advent.html

12 days of Christmas, day 5 Advent calendar http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/11/12-days-of-christmas-day-5-advent.html
Remember to include lots of community activities like visiting a nursing home or baking for the local fire department.
12 days of Christmas, day 5 Advent calendar http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2014/11/12-days-of-christmas-day-5-advent.html

8 comments:

  1. this is so unique and so crafty. I am pinning for next year. love it. going to vote now.

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  2. This is so fun, I love the bright and cheery colors! And such a great idea to do activities on the back! Love, pinned. Oh and I voted, good luck!

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  3. This is very cute. I've been voting everyday & I'm pulling for you to win. I really think your work bench deserves to win. It's so functional & colorful & unique. Good luck Becky.

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  4. Your talent amazes me! You make such wonderful and unique things. I've been voting for your potting bench. :)

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  5. Such a cute idea! I love it!
    Kim

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  6. It is so miceeeeee! I just love it

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate your kind words!