countdown to christmas...

Such a fun post today...all about Christmas, with ways to make it even more memorable.  Today's Papertrey Ink group project focuses on the new Countdown to Christmas and Countdown Details stamp sets.  I've created a December Daily type of project but with a slightly different twist.  For each day in December, I've created a pocket, tag, envelope, pillow box, and even a wooden spool with an act of service or kindness, or a simple Christmas activity to be done and enjoyed together as a family.  I'll list a few of the ideas I have for each daily act at the end of this post.

What you're left with after the activity is completed, is a memory, so take along  your camera, and you've got a tag and embellishments already created for you to add to your December Daily journal, all that's missing is your journaling.

Here are a few examples of how I created my tags and such for each day.  This first tag was created using the Tag Sale #6.  The date is mounted on a snowflake cut using the Snowflake Medley die, and the handmade felt embellishment you see here and on a few of the other dates was cut using the Love Lives Here:  Holiday die collection.  The mitten was cut from Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream, and Limeade Ice felt.  I used Aqua Mist, Simply Chartreuse, Berry Sorbet, and Pure Poppy ink on each of these tags.

The inside tag uses stamps from these new releases...so many cute and fun images and sentiments ready and waiting to be used.  This tag and the following are attached to a small glassine bag and used as a pocket of sorts where the fun awaits!

My December 2nd tag uses the Damask Snowflakes die collection as my base and decorative washi tape across the bottom from Freckled Fawn...the wide, red polka dot washi used on the 1st tag is also from Freckled Fawn.  I love how washi looks on glassine.

Once again I used the Love Lives Here:  Holiday die collection for my embellishments and used Melon Berry, Vintage Cream, Limeade Ice, and Simply Chartreuse felt.  It's attached to the tag using a Maya Road trinket pin.

For December 3rd, I used the Seed Packet die and It's Official Patterned Paper to form my pocket.  I used the By the Numbers die collection for my number and mounted it onto a frame cut from Fine Linen cardstock and the Fillable Frames #10 die and using the Fillable Frames #10 stamp set and Fresh Snow ink.  

The felt embellishment on this pocket was cut from Limeade Ice using the Holly Jolly die and a bit of cream tulle.

Next up, I used the Essential Pillow Box die...just the right size for this project.  

Once again I used the Holly Jolly die along with the Peace Be Still die collection and Winter Penguin die collection.  The felt used is Aqua Mist, Limeade Ice, and Pure Poppy.

My last idea uses a wooden spool with paper wrapped around its center that contains the act of kindness of activity...just unravel to discover what it is and enjoy!  My felt mitten was made from Limeade Ice, Vintage Cream, and Pure Poppy felt.  A strip of Sweet Blush twill secures the paper around the spool.

I used a small, wire basket to hold each of these items throughout December, but you could use a small Christmas tree and hang each from it, a small, wooden drawer, make it into a garland, etc.

A few ideas I have for the Daily Acts are:

1. Decorate the tree
2. Sing carols at a nursing home
3. Cut out paper snowflakes
4. Pick out a toy for Toys for Tots
5. Have hot cocoa with marshmallows
6. Make a card for someone and mail it
7. Watch a Christmas movie together
8. Decorate a gingerbread house
9. Draw Grandma a picture and mail it
10. Sting together popcorn and cranberries for the Christmas tree
11. Make a pinecone bird feeder
12. Read a Christmas story
13. Bake Christmas cookies
14. Take a ride to see the Christmas lights
15. Make a snowman
16. Create a handmade ornament
17. Take cinnamon rolls to a neighbor
18. Pick out a special gift for someone, wrap it, and deliver it secretly
19. Fill a stocking for someone in need
20. Make cinnamon rolls and share them

We were also asked to create a card using these new sets to show their versatility.  This card came together very simply, using the same elements as on the previous project.  I used the calendar stamp as a background along the bottom edge of the card, stamped the sentiment vertically, and highlighted the number "25" but using dimensional adhesive.  Just a few strips of washi tape, Aqua Mist Saddle Stitch ribbon, and Raspberry Fizz and Aqua Mist buttons, and I was done.

Thanks so much for visiting!  I can't wait to see what the other girls have created to share:

• Dawn McVey
• Betsy Veldman
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Danielle Flanders
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Erin Lincoln

 

Comments

[maria f.]

Has anyone told you yet today that you are a genius? And such a sweet one at that!

[Holly Saveur]

GORGEOUS!!LOVE the colors!

[Leigh Penner]

Awesome tags, cards and list of ideas, Melis!

[Ольга]

Oh!It is amazing! You are very popular in Russia!!Do you know that?))

[Jennifer]

Everything is beautiful! Your creativity is amazing and I thank you once again for the inspiration!!!

[Emily D]

What a wonderful idea to share the holiday spirit every day! My favorite is the spool...I recently finished a project that used up a whole bunch of thread from my stash and I've been waiting for a great idea to use the spools. I may have to try an advent calendar with them...so cute!Pinned it.

[Cindy H.]

What a beautiful and creative Christmas project and card! It's all very inspiring.

[Nancy Guse]

Everything is SO breathtakingly made!! You are amazing!! I love all of them!!

[jan m]

Sweet fun! The colors and pretty elements all blend together seamlessly! Your little details make your projects stand out!! The only thing you left out was inviting Jan over to read a bedtime Christmas story.... :)

[Nancy Penir]

Melissa, you're just a standout in the creative dept. each and every piece worthy of lauding. Loving the sweet colors too!

[Diane Jaquay]

Melissa, this is just FABULOUS! It looks amazing, but what I love most is how you included ways to serve and give, which is what this holiday is all about after all :)

[Connie C.]

These are, well, just bee-u-tee-ful! Thanks for being so darned inspirational!
-- Connie C.

[Bev]

Wow, the details, details, details. So many ideas for a variety of projects. How I love your blog and the wonderful projects to share.

[Gigi]

Your Christmas countdown idea is a fabulous one! I look at your blog every available chance and am never disappointed with your ideas or projects.

[Pat Kinkaid]

All of your projects are very beautiful!

[dee]

awesome projects today. That little spool stole my heart LOL. really sweet items.

[Melissa Hungria]

I really wish Pinterest would allow me to pin this to multiple boards: color love, Christmas, PTI, packaging, my list could go on and on. Thank you for inspiring me!

[Vicki]

Oh Melissa, your projects are all SO BEAUTIFUL...the colors, the layers, the details. I'm going to save your list of ideas as well. I am blessed to have an 8 yr old son, thru adoption. I look forward to every Chrismas season with him :)

[Keri]

This project is to DIE for! :) I love the talent/ability you have to mix and match different dies/stamps and they look like they were meant to go together all along. I always save your blog for last during release month...You NEVER disappoint! My wallet is screaming right now, lol.

[Diana K]

Your countdown project is exqusitely gorgeous! Love the colours and each and every detail.

[Suzanne Watanabe]

OMG Melissa!
Your idea is so FABULOUS & BEAUTIFUL! I love your style....I'm always inspired by the projects you create! Looking at your beautiful creations always makes me smile Thank you for sharing :)

Suzanne
[email protected]

[Deborah R.]

I never make out my PTI list until I've checked all your new release projects. You are such as inspiration to me!

[Linda]

Such a beautiful post Melissa! I feel li,e I've been transported to a land with sugar plum fairies and magical creatures! You are such an inspiration!

Did you hand cut the little decorative details on the stocking and mittens (ie the stocking toe and heel)? They are so perfect!

Linda

[Patty O'Malley]

What a fantastic idea! Everything is so sweet and pretty. Love that tiny little stocking!

[Karen Letchworth]

just darling, melissa!