Chalkboard Countdown Calendar Using a Dollar Frame from Michaels

 This $1 picture frame turned countdown calendar was born from my love of making new uses out of everyday items.  In my house, we are always counting down to *something* whether it be our next Disney World vacation or a birthday.  This countdown calendar is inexpensive to make and so much fun to embellish to your personal taste.  

Here is what you'll need to create this adorable project:

~ 3.7" X 3.7" unfinished wooden frame from Michaels ($1)

~chalkboard paint

~Mod Podge

~2 foam brushes

~ a piece of scrap Fabric

~white fabric Puff Paint

~wax paper

~ "Days Until" template ~Download HERE or make your own using MS Word (change font    size to 100).  The Font I used of the "girls weekend" countdown calendar is called AR Bonnie in MS Word.

~ embellishments

 Paint the frame with the chalkboard paint.  The chalkboard paint I used needed 3 coats.  Let the paint dry in between coats.

Tape the "days until" template (download above) to the table and put the sheet of wax paper over it.  Trace the letters using the puff paint.  I have been itching to use this technique from the moment I saw it on Pinterest!   This idea is from the blog Virginia and Charlie.  

 The puff paint has a lot of bubbles in it so if you make a mistake, just move the wax paper over and try again.  Let dry for at least an hour.  You might want to do this step the night before you plan on starting this project to insure it is completely dry.

Using the Mod Podge, glue the scrap fabric to the cardboard square that came with the frame.

  

 Put a layer of Mod Podge over the front of the fabric and let dry.

 Once everything is dry, you're ready to assemble your countdown calendar.  Carefully peel the puff paint from the wax paper.  Add another layer of Mod Podge to adhere the letters to the scrap fabric.  

 Once the lettering is in place, Mod Podge over everything to seal it all together.  Trust me, this is an important step if you have a toddler since I found my daughter trying to (unsuccessfully) pick the letters off of it when I was done.  Once the Mod Podge is dry, trim the edges of the fabric and place back into the frame.  

Now, have fun embellishing!  Don't forget to pay attention to where the hole in the back is to stand up the frame (I didn't do this and now I can't use that little wooden dowel that comes with the frame to stand it up!  You live and learn, right?)

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Minnie Mouse Inspired Sneakers

Minnie Mouse Inspired Sneakers

Like I said in my "welcome" post,  my family is Disney World obsessed!  I LOVE creating unique items for my kids to wear to the theme parks.  These sneakers, that I made for my 2 year old daughter, Lilianna, seemed to catch everyone's eye... especially Disney cast members.  For me, when a cast member asked about them it was the greatest compliment! They see some of the best Disney inspired creations on the planet!

What you'll need:

Pair of canvas sneakers ~ I bought mine at Walmart for $5

Swarovski crystal stones  ~ I used size 16ss but you can use whatever size you have on hand

Mickey head template ~ I have a Mickey head paper punch but you can find Mickey head templates online like this one from Milliepie's Musings 

E-6000 glue 

1/8" Red Ribbon (for Minnie sneakers only)

a jewel setter tool (with a wax tip so stones can stick to it for easy placement)

a pencil and a scissor 

Let's get started!  First you trace the Mickey/Minnie head with a pencil wherever you want the Minnie head:

Next, in small sections use the E-6000 to glue the stones to the sneaker using the Mickey/Minnie head as your guide.  Use the jewel setter tool to help with placement of the stones.  You'll have to move the stones around to get the shape you want.  The glue doesn't dry right away which is helpful when shaping your Mickey/Minnie head.  The jewel setter tool has wax on the top so you'll notice that the stones have a waxy film on them which easily wipes off when the glue is completely dry.  

Once you have your Mickey/Minnie head is filled in completely with the stones, let dry for about 20 minutes .  

If you are making Mickey sneakers, you're done!!  

If making Minnie sneakers, take the 1/8" ribbon and make two small bows.  Make sure they are the same size.  

Now you are going to glue the bows to Minnie's head.  And there you have it!  

How adorable?!

I added yellow curly laces and red with white polka dot shoe bows but you can personalize how ever you like.  Here are some different options:

I bought these "shoe bows" on Etsy.  They are just repurposed hair bows.

I bought these yellow curly laces on Etsy also.

Lilianna with Mickey!