Tutorial Tuesday-Christmas Countdown

OK, I know we are still in Fall but I really wanted to get this done so we could start counting down!! 


Supplies:
Wood-I used a 4x4x8
Scrapbook Paper-I bought a Christmas/Winter pack
Mod Podge
Paint-I always use spray paint, much easier
Sponge Brush
Something for the words and numbers-I LOVE my vinyl


Start off by cutting down the wood. My local Home Depot cut it for me, note Lowes could not due to how small I needed them. I wanted them to be exact squares so I asked for them to be cut 4inches each and 8 inches. This is where I learned 4x4s aren't actually 4inches, since they are pressed(?) it shrinks them down to about 3.5x3.5, so I asked for it to be 3.5, again perfect square. Well, then he explained that due do to the blade size they will probably be about 3.25-WHATEVER-just cut it!! : ) I had the larger block cut down to 7 inches instead of the 8 due to the above reasons. I do not have a picture of them cutting it. The employee actually told me they are not supposed to cut things that small since they have to remove a guard, so I was on watch for his boss     : ) I had him cut a few of these sets so I could make a few countdowns. I think I need a saw.

Ok time to paint the blocks, again I love spray paint it goes so fast. Remember to either get paint with the primer in it or prime your blocks first. I picked red to go with my Christmas theme. 

I then went and cut out my paper, I didn't want any two pieces alike, and didn't want anything the red numbers would blend into. I cut it down to 3 inch squares so a little red would be exposed. I laid it down with the mod podge and sponge brush. 

I went ahead and did this with all sides, and the larger bottom block, and left them to dry...for a few days because I started a different project..NO SURPRISE!

After drying for a few days I used my Cricut to cut out the words and numbers. My bottom block originally said "Days Till Christmas" but Christmas was too long for the block so we switched it to Santa. I mod podged over the letters once they were down so they don't peel in the future. For the blocks use these numbers:
*Block 1 - 0,1,2,3,4,5
*Block 2 - 0,1,2,6,7,8-the 6 will flip for a 9

I went ahead and put the rest of the words and numbers on, sealed them and TADA!!

What I would do different:

• Only mod podge the wood, not the paper when laying it down. If there is too much mod podge it will ripple.
• Sand the blocks a lot better. The rough edges from where it was cut was difficult to get the paper to stick because of all the divits.

Linking up to:

The Kurtz Corner
A Diamond In The Stuff 
Funky Polkadot Giraffe 
Topsy Turvy 
Sugar Bee Crafts 
The Sasse Life 
Creations By Kara 
The Trendy Treehouse 
Nap Time Crafters 
Tatertots and Jello