Hybrid Project ~ Countdown blocks

Friday, December 14, 2012

Hello again!  Amber here to share a hybrid project with you!  Do you have kids that ask you, “Is today Christmas?” or “How many days ’till Christmas?”- yet no matter how many times you try to explain to them when it is or how far away it is, they still don’t understand?  I know with my kids, some of them really have no concept of time – except for the time of today or right now! :0)  A couple years ago, I went looking online for a Christmas Countdown idea to help with this issue – hoping to provide my kids with a visual aid to help them to understand – and, I stumbled across a few ideas to use 4 x 4 wood cubes for calendar blocks, or chore blocks and such.  One even suggested using these ideas to use for a Christmas Countdown.  And so, this is what I came up with!

Let’s get started!  I’m so excited to show you how to do this!  You will need:

• (2) Cubes of wood - these ones measure 3 3/8 inches on each side
• (1) 2 x 4 measuring 7 inches long – long enough to fit the two cubes on top
• Sand paper
• Mod Podge
• Paint
• Paint Brushes
• Block Designs measuring 3 inches by 3 inches

First, you need to design your blocks.  I used most of SP’s Holiday-themed kits, and then some from other kits here and there.  You are going to need to design squares for the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for one block, and the numbers 0, 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 for the other block.  I also made a title block measuring 6 1/2 in x 1 1/4 in – or the size needed to fit on the small side of a 2 x 4.

The number 6 is also used as number 9, so design your block so that it can be flipped over and not look like it’s upside down.

When you are finished with all your number blocks and the title block, arrange them together to be printed.

(Number four is my favorite!  I LOVE the little train!) :0)  So, now that you have your blocks printed, you are ready to cut your wood!  Measure your 4 x 4 and cut your two blocks so they are square.  Then for the base piece,  cut a 2 x 4 so it’s long enough to put the two squares on top.  Sand down the rough edges.  Wipe them clean, and then you are ready to paint!

When your paint is dry, sand the edges again to give it a good “used” look.  After you’ve wiped the blocks off, you are ready to Mod Podge your designs onto the cubes and title block!  (Be sure to remember what numbers go where – 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for one block, and 0, 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 for the other block.)   And, once they are dry, you are finished!  YAY!  :0)

Super simple, right?  I hope you’ve enjoyed this!  My kids LOVE these!  And, I would LOVE to see what you come up with!  Just post your Christmas Countdown in the Gallery!  Or, you could even use this idea to make countdowns for other holidays – Easter, Halloween, Birthdays… or make one for you parents who are excited when school is about to start for the kids! ;0)  You could even make them into dice for a fun game.  The possibilities are endless! :0)

Be sure and stop by tomorrow, because Aubrey will be here with our next inspiration post!  And, I wish you ALL a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

AmberHybrid Projects, Uncategorized 1 Comment