DIY Christmas Countdown Sign

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When I was making my Burlap Ribbon Advent Calendar I felt like there was just something missing but I just didn’t know what. I use a frame that I got from Silhouette that’s hanging on my wall but I always felt like it was a little plain. Like it needed a little something more. Well, I came up with this adorable DIY Christmas Countdown Sign  and I think it was the perfect fix to my problem.

I had just gotten some festive silver vinyl from Silhouette that I was itching to use and it was perfect for this project.  This project was very simple but it was a tiny bit time consuming because I had quite a few cuts to do with my cameo but it was well worth it.

Supply List

2 wood shims

craft paint

vinyl

wood glue

push pin

Silhouette chipboard

Silhouette Adhesive Canvas (I LOVE this stuff!)

bakers twine

hot glue gun

Step One: Glue 2 wood shims together with wood glue and let dry.

Step Two: Paint shims with craft paint and allow to dry.

Step Three: Create a design with your Cameo or Portrait and cut out using vinyl.

(The fonts used in my project were “DAYS” – silverfake, “UNTIL” – century gothic, “CHRISTMAS” – bombshell pro)

Step Four: After your design is cut out, peel away the vinyl surrounding your letters and design. You will want to leave those on the vinyl backing.

Step Five: Take clear contact paper (or transfer tape if you have any) and place over your design. Smooth the contact paper down over your design with a credit card. You will want to go over it a few times to make sure the contact paper sticks to the vinyl.

Step Six: Peel your contact paper back and your vinyl design should now be stuck to it.

Step Seven: Position your design on your painted shims and smooth down with credit card. Once you do that, slowly peel the contact paper off. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you find that your vinyl is not sticking to the wood, lay it back down and smooth over again. I had to do this a few times as I went along until the whole design had transferred onto the shims.

Step Eight: Create a number set with your Silhouette software. Use the print and cut feature to print the numbers out onto the Adhesive canvas and then feed back into your machine to cut out.  (If you have never used this feature, I highly recommend googling instructions and watching a few tutorials on You Tube. You will be glad you did because sometimes this can be tricky.)

Step Nine: Create 25 rounded rectangles and cut out using Silhouette chipboard.

Step Ten: Once all of your numbers and rectangles are cut out, stick a number on each rectangle.

Step Eleven: Grab your hot glue gun and start gluing little strands of bakers twine onto the back of each rectangle. This will now turn your numbered rectangles into hanging signs.

Once you have everything done, push a push pin into your shim sign and hang your number on it. I keep my numbered tags in a bag in my kitchen and everyday I just change it out.

Here it is sitting on top of the advent calendar.

Want to Check Out More Silhouette Projects?

My Silhouette Challenge buddies and I are all sharing projects on our blogs today, so peruse the projects below for a wealth of Silhouette inspiration!

1. 2013 Snowman Christmas Card by Please Excuse My Craftermath…
2. Christmas Hoop Art by Lil’ Mrs. Tori
3. Silhouette Nativity Advent Candle Box by One Tough Mother
4. Christmas Party Photo Booth Props by unOriginal Mom
5. Another Stenciled Tea Towel by Cutesy Crafts
6. Silhouette Gift Tags by Rain on a Tin Roof
7. Snowflake Pin / Ornament by Coley’s Corner
8. State Sign Couple Gift by It Happens in a Blink
9. Mason Jar Christmas Ornaments by Vintage News Junkie
10. Merry Christmas Wall Decor by One Artsy Mama
11. Deer Head Holiday Banner…featuring Santa’s Reindeer by The Thinking Closet
12. Restore your UGGS (with PAINT) by From Wine to Whine
13. Monogrammed Snowflake Ornaments by Architecture of a Mom
14. Christmas Countdown Sign by The Girl Creative
15. Elf Chalk Sign: “The Best Way to Spread Christmas” by Weekend Craft
16. Glittery Christmas Subway Art by The Turquoise Home
17. Sketch Pen Labels by Sowdering About in Seattle
18. Snowflake NOEL Sign by My Favorite Finds
19. DIY Holiday Hostess Gift by Everyday Paper
20. Folding Nativity Backdrop by Chicken Scratch NY
21. Recycled Glass Jar Advent Calendar by Nearly Handmade
22. Reindeer Card: Double-Sided Print & Cut by GetSilvered
23. Personalized Block Ornament by Suburble
24. Paper Medallion Christmas Tree by Create & Babble
25. Mini Mid-Century Homes by Tried & True
26. Glitter and Vinyl Minecraft Christmas Ornament by A Tossed Salad Life
27. DIY Countdown to Christmas Refrigerator Style by My Paper Craze
28. Reversible Recipe Holder/Block Frame by The Sensory Emporium
29. DIY: Lettered Christmas Pillows by The House on Hillbrook
30. Simply Charming Christmas Ornaments by Life After Laundry
31. No Glitter was Worn by GiveMeAPaintbrush
32. Make Easy Ornaments from Paper Circles by Bringing Creativity to Life
33. Cutting Machine Embroidery Applique by Terri Johnson Creates
34. “Believe” Christmas Banner by Daily Dwelling
35. DIY Christmas Nativity Card by Pitter and Glink

Do you have a Silhouette machine?

Looking for Silhouette inspiration, support, trouble-shooting? Interested in joining us for our group posting event next month? Then, we’d love to have you join our Silhouette Challenge Facebook group. To join, simply fill out the new member request form, and Lauren from The Thinking Closet will get you squared away.