let's make {countdown garlands}

I think I may have mentioned once or twice that I'm a bit of a counter. I count steps. When I take a jog, I'm always calculating what percentage I've got left to go. And if there's a big event on the horizon (trip, birthday, deadline), you'd better believe I'm counting down the days.

All of this brings us to today's project, countdown garlands. The idea struck me a few weeks back that as long as I'm counting down (a habit that can be annoying or irrelevant to some), I may as well decorate around it. I figured maybe I'm not the only one out there who likes to keep track of time, so I thought I'd share it with you. Enjoy!

let's make {countdown garlands}

This is such a simple project. For materials, you'll need
3 sheets of cardstock or photo paper
color printer
scissors
tiny (1") clothespins (one for each day you're counting down)
3-5 feet of twine or ribbon
this pdf freebie*

Of course, you can make your own numbers and photos. But if you'd like to use the ones I've shown here (taken by yours truly), just click on the image above (or here) to open a pdf file with 21 images. That's three weeks of counting. :)

Directions:
Open the pdf file and print the images on 3 pieces of cardstock or photopaper. Cut out each of the images you'll be using for your countdown. Each day has a number and a photograph. Here's number one. (Yep, the photo's upside down! You'll see why in the next step.)

Once you've cut out all of the images you'll be using, fold each one down the center so you have a 2x2" square for each one. The number will be on one side, the photo on the other. The photo and number will both be right side up now.

Find a place you'd like to hang your countdown. On or above a mantle looks great, but this would also be pretty on a door (or door frame) or a window. Or just a wall with a lot of space. Hang your twine or ribbon however you like--tiny nails or brads, or even heavy duty tape or that blue stuff we used to use to hang posters. Now, using the mini clothespins (I found mine at JoAnn's), post each of the cards to your twine with the numbered side facing you.

I told you it was simple! The project is done. Now it's just a matter of counting down. Here's a 21-day countdown at the beginning. Look at all those numbers (Well, imagine them anyway. Sorry for the lack of contrast.).

Slowly but surely. Five days into our countdown (just 16 to go!). See, we're flipping to the photo side of the card for each day that passes.

Can you feel the excitement? Just five days to go!

Et voilà! Countdown is finished. Wanna start again?

What's got you counting down? Wedding, arrival of a new baby, guests coming to visit, vacation of a lifetime, kids going back to school, a big birthday or anniversary? Share your excitement!



*Please note: I'm delighted to share these images with you and I hope you enjoy using them. They are for your personal (read: non-commercial) use only. Want to share this freebie on your site or blog? Please link to this page. Thanks!