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Jaime Costiglio

build - paint - sew

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Type Tray Repurposed

October 27, 2011

Type tray turned in an Advent calendar.
type tray repurpose project

type tray advent calendar
Although the countdown has not begun yet (we still have 58 days!) we are ready.

type tray christmas countdown
I found this simple type tray at United House Wrecking in Stamford, CT.
They have all kinds of unusual items for the home; furniture, decor, memorabilia.
type tray before
Clearly it used to hold letters for some sort of printmaker.
But it was a bit boring.  And I figured out the 48 spots would make a perfect Advent calendar.
type tray after
Any candy will do but the kisses fit so perfectly.
christmas countdown with hershey kisses
I can’t take all the credit for the kisses idea, Beckie over at Infarrantly Creative makes countdown kisses calendars for nearly every holiday:
infarrantly creative countdown calendar
image from Infarrantly Creative
Click here to see Beckie’s how to countdown calendar.
The kisses sit perfectly on each little shelf ready to be eaten:
advent countdown calendar detail
type tray calendar profile
Here’s how I made the calendar:

1. Sand off visible writing.  Cover outer edge with painters tape.
2. Paint four sides inside each box and background of every other box:
how to repurpose a type tray
3. Remove painters tape, sand top surface edges of all box dividers to remove messy paint:
painted boxes red
3. Cut scrapbook paper pieces to fit boxes:

cut scrapbooking paper to fit boxes
4. Apply mod podge to background of box, place scrapbook paper into box, cover with mod podge.

mod podge paper into boxes
5. Using vinyl rub on numbers line up and rub into place in red background boxes.

vinyl rub on numbers
6. Fill with kisses.
hershey kisses in boxes
My kids already ate this batch of kisses so we’ll be getting fresh ones before Dec. 1.
christmas countdown with hersheys kisses
A very easy transformation into something fun and functional.
type tray makeover
type tray detail
One last side by side:
type tray beforetype tray after
Ready for the countdown to begin.
make a christmas countdown using a type tray

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Filed Under: CHRISTMAS, CRAFTS, CRAFTS, DIY, HOME DECOR, PAINT, SEASONAL26 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Inspire Me Heather says

    October 27, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    So nice Jaime – you always do such a fabulous job too!

    Reply
  2. [email protected] says

    October 27, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    This is adorable!

    Reply
  3. Red Gate Farm says

    October 27, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    Now I'll be on the lookout for a type tray of some kind! Love it!

    ~Chris

    Reply
  4. ritajoy says

    October 27, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    Oh, I love this idea!

    Reply
  5. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    October 28, 2011 at 1:13 AM

    I love this, Jaime! What a great idea for this tray and it worked out perfectly!

    Reply
  6. [email protected] says

    October 28, 2011 at 2:07 AM

    What a great find and a neat idea! Definitely something the kids will cherish for years.

    Reply
  7. Grace @ Sense and Simplicity says

    October 28, 2011 at 2:09 AM

    That's adorable. I love the stripes in teh background of every second square.

    Reply
  8. [email protected] says

    October 29, 2011 at 4:08 AM

    What a perfect advent calendar!!! I hope you will link up with me here:
    http://www.thegingerbreadblog.com/2011/10/sweet-saturday-v11.html

    Reply
  9. Pamma says

    October 29, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    This is just fabulous! I recently sold a printer's tray and now wish I had kept it.
    ~Pam
    pamspaintparlor.typepad.com

    Reply
  10. Kristin says

    October 29, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    Really cute idea, love it! Stopping by from {lolly jane boutique}

    Reply
  11. Jenny @ Simcoe Street says

    October 29, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    This is so beautiful! I love how it turned out. Hard to believe Christmas is around the corner

    Jenny
    http://www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com

    Reply
  12. Amanda says

    October 30, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    This is such a great idea for a countdown, looks wonderful!

    Reply
  13. ReFresh ReStyle says

    October 31, 2011 at 1:40 AM

    Love it! I think I have an old golf ball shelf and it would be perfect for something like this! Thanks for the idea!
    Debbie

    Reply
  14. [email protected] The Dream says

    October 31, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    soooo cute!!! i love how simple it is!!! thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  15. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    November 1, 2011 at 2:30 AM

    I love advent calendars. You always come up with the cutest ideas, Jaime, even if you borrow them.

    Reply
  16. Melanie says

    November 1, 2011 at 5:05 AM

    I'd love for you to come link this up at my Tuesday Time Out Party!

    http://www.reasonstoskipthehousework.com/2011/10/for-this-weeks-party.html

    Smiles,
    Melanie

    Reasons To Skip The Housework {The Blog}
    Tinker B Boutique {The Shop}

    {[email protected]}

    Reply
  17. Erin {Lavender and Lemon Drops} says

    November 2, 2011 at 4:25 AM

    Love this! We would love to have one in our home!

    Reply
  18. Mandy says

    November 2, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    This project turned out great! I'd love for you to share this at my Christmas Craft Tutorial Link Party going on through the month of November at Project Queen. http://www.projectqueen.org

    Reply
  19. Judy says

    November 3, 2011 at 12:25 AM

    Love your countdown calendar. I have been looking to make something similar. Great find. I would love for you to stop by and link up to my party. It's going on right now. Hope to see you there.

    Reply
  20. Cynthia says

    November 3, 2011 at 12:26 AM

    This is so great! If I had a type tray, I would so be making one, too!

    Reply
  21. Sally says

    November 3, 2011 at 3:51 AM

    I love this…such a cute advent calendar. I'm your newest follower from the 36th Ave. blog party. I'd love you to stop by my blog & follow along too!
    Thanks,
    Sally
    loveofhomes.blogspot.com

    Reply
  22. smithpeasinapod says

    November 3, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    What a great project! I love your taste. Happy to have found your blog 🙂

    http://www.smithpeas.com

    Reply
  23. Marilyn says

    November 17, 2011 at 11:02 AM

    WOW – I am in LOVE with this.. You did A FAB job.. LOVE LOVE it : )) Super adorable, the color's are so pretty. I have a Pin Inspirational party happening today I'll love for you to link this too please :)) TY http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/2011/11/pininspirational-thursday.html ..Wishing you an awesome day :)) ..M

    Reply
  24. Elizabeth says

    November 24, 2011 at 3:28 AM

    This is beautiful! Found you through CSI!

    Reply
  25. Tracey @ My House of Giggles says

    November 24, 2011 at 3:31 AM

    This is great! I love the kisses! What a perfect box to use for it….you couldn't have planned it better!

    Reply
  26. Caroline says

    November 25, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    Great colour scheme – I really love this!

    I'm visiting via CSI project

    Reply

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