Halloween Countdown Project



Goodness, it has been a while since I have updated my blog.  I wish I could say I was busy doing all sorts of crafty projects, but in all honesty that hasn't been the case.   So, I wanted to make sure to get at least one Halloween project completed and posted.  I made this Halloween Countdown for my favorite little person.  He's turning eight this Halloween and I am lucky to be the auntie who gets to spoil him with fun activities and crafts.  I would like to note that I cleared this project with his mom ahead of time. I didn't want her to be stuck with having to do a bunch of activities and projects that she didn't sign up for.  Luckily she was game and this project was born.

One of the first projects I ever posted on this blog was an advent calendar I made for the same little dude. I feel like my crafting ability has improved a bit since that project. Below is my finished Halloween Countdown.  It consists of 31 envelopes and tags made with October Afternoon's Witch Hazel paper and embellishments, along with some American Crafts number stickers, some painted clothespins I found at Michaels and one embroidery hoop. 



 

 

I glued the clothespins to the embroidery hoop with hot glue, but in retrospect I would use 3D zots.  The hot glue did not adhere to the painted surface of the clothespins as well as I would have hoped. 
Each day has an envelope with a tag inside.  Each tag has an activity, project or treat associated with it.  I made the envelopes using my We R Memory Keepers envelope board.  I used 4'x4" squares of paper and used the guide at 2 1/4" to make the envelopes adhering the side flap to the back of the envelope so the tag could easily slide in.
The tags were made with corresponding paper and buttons were adhered to the top of the tags for easy access. I embellished each envelope with various stickers and numbers, and using a circle punch, punched 31 orange circles to tie all the envelopes together.
The countdown calendar is something that could be used year after year.  I also made a corresponding treat box to hold some of the treats that were listed on the tags.  I covered a box with October Afternoon Witch Hazel paper and added some glittery American Crafts alphabet stickers as well.  If you are interested in what activities were included, please leave a comment and I will be happy to provide a list. Thanks!

Stuff i ♥ - Envelope Punch Board

I have to be honest, I bought this without trying it out and not actually seeing it in person.   At less than $20, I figured it was worth the risk.  HSN had an awesome deal and it included 40 sheets of cardstock.  I think they sold out on HSN but a number of other retailers carry it online. I am telling you, if you are a card maker like myself or if you want to add cute envelopes to your scrapbook pages, this is the tool for you. 
I have a Martha Stewart Scoring board which I cannot live without and I could easily use it to make envelopes.  However now that I have the Envelope Punch Board I don't think I will be going back to using the MS Scoring board for envelopes.  There are plenty of things that the scoring board is better for so I am glad I have both.
If the Envelope Punch Board just scored lines, it would probably not be worth it.  Luckily, it does so much more.  I ♥ the fact that measurements for a ton of envelope sizes (60 sizes of envelopes) are printed right on the front of the board.  This is beyond handy. 
It is also super easy to use.  I always found when making envelopes using just a scoring board the most difficult part was cutting away the tiny triangles so I could properly fold my envelopes.  The Envelope Punch Board takes away the need for tiny detail scissors.  The dual sided punch not only notches the envelopes in the proper place, but the other side rounds the corners of the paper to create the perfect finished edge.  Additionally, the paper scorer fits easily in the side of the board and locks into place so no worry about losing it.
The instructions that came with the Envelope Punch Board are easy-peasy to follow and you'll be making envelopes in no time.
I rate the Envelope Punch Board ♥♥♥♥ out of ♥♥♥♥!