Materials Needed:
- 14 Envelopes - I used 3 5/8 in x 5 1/8in but any size envelopes
- 1 Cork Panel - I used a 16 in. x 20 in. but you can use any size that will fit 14 cut envelopes
- Batting - To cover the cork panel
- Fabric- 1 yard
- Ribbon
- Valentine's Day paper & stickers- To cover & decorate envelopes
- 14 mini clothespins- I found a pack of 20 at Walmart in the office supply section
- Glue gun
- Staple gun
Step 1:
Lick and close all 14 envelopes. Then trim to the desired size of how big you would like the pocket. Then take the Valentine's paper and cover the envelopes. Number the envelopes 1-14 and decorate with stickers.
Step 2:
Cover cork panel with batting and use a staple gun to secure it. Next, cover cork panel with your fabric and secure with staples.
Staple your ribbon across the cork panel.
I then laid out the envelopes to where I wanted them on the panel and I used my hot glue gun to glue the ribbon to the panel in those spaces. That way the ribbon has a little more support. I add a ribbon loop to the top of cork panel to hang it from.
Step 3:
Take the clothespins and pin the envelopes to the ribbon. And you're done! My kids love this countdown board. I fill every envelope with special activities we have planned, treats, and special notes. My kids love this tradition! They wake up every morning starting February 1st, looking to see what's in the envelope for that day. I hope you all enjoy this fun craft activity!
This article was first published in East Tucson Macaroni Kid on January 31, 2014.
Nina Sandbeck lives in Kitsap County, Washington, and is a wife and stay-at-home mom of three terrific kids. Between doing stuff around the house and shuffling kids off the sport practices, she loves to craft and scrapbook. She's been crafting and scrapbooking for about 10 years now and loves it!! She also has blog with all sorts of fun craft ideas: http://www.ninasscrappincorner.blogspot.com/.
