Type tray turned in an Advent calendar.
Although the countdown has not begun yet (we still have 58 days!) we are ready.
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.
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.
Any candy will do but the kisses fit so perfectly.
I can’t take all the credit for the kisses idea, Beckie over at Infarrantly Creative makes countdown kisses calendars for nearly every holiday:
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:
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:
3. Remove painters tape, sand top surface edges of all box dividers to remove messy paint:
3. Cut scrapbook paper pieces to fit boxes:
4. Apply mod podge to background of box, place scrapbook paper into box, cover with mod podge.
5. Using vinyl rub on numbers line up and rub into place in red background boxes.
6. Fill with kisses.
My kids already ate this batch of kisses so we’ll be getting fresh ones before Dec. 1.
A very easy transformation into something fun and functional.
One last side by side:
Ready for the countdown to begin.
Inspire Me Heather says
So nice Jaime – you always do such a fabulous job too!
Korrie@RedHenHome says
This is adorable!
Red Gate Farm says
Now I'll be on the lookout for a type tray of some kind! Love it!
~Chris
ritajoy says
Oh, I love this idea!
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
I love this, Jaime! What a great idea for this tray and it worked out perfectly!
Kim@todayismysome-day says
What a great find and a neat idea! Definitely something the kids will cherish for years.
Grace @ Sense and Simplicity says
That's adorable. I love the stripes in teh background of every second square.
april@gingerbread says
What a perfect advent calendar!!! I hope you will link up with me here:
http://www.thegingerbreadblog.com/2011/10/sweet-saturday-v11.html
Pamma says
This is just fabulous! I recently sold a printer's tray and now wish I had kept it.
~Pam
pamspaintparlor.typepad.com
Kristin says
Really cute idea, love it! Stopping by from {lolly jane boutique}
Jenny @ Simcoe Street says
This is so beautiful! I love how it turned out. Hard to believe Christmas is around the corner
Jenny
http://www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com
Amanda says
This is such a great idea for a countdown, looks wonderful!
ReFresh ReStyle says
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
Jess@Balancing The Dream says
soooo cute!!! i love how simple it is!!! thanks for sharing!
Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says
I love advent calendars. You always come up with the cutest ideas, Jaime, even if you borrow them.
Melanie says
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]}
Erin {Lavender and Lemon Drops} says
Love this! We would love to have one in our home!
Mandy says
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
Judy says
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.
Cynthia says
This is so great! If I had a type tray, I would so be making one, too!
Sally says
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
smithpeasinapod says
What a great project! I love your taste. Happy to have found your blog 🙂
http://www.smithpeas.com
Marilyn says
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
Elizabeth says
This is beautiful! Found you through CSI!
Tracey @ My House of Giggles says
This is great! I love the kisses! What a perfect box to use for it….you couldn't have planned it better!
Caroline says
Great colour scheme – I really love this!
I'm visiting via CSI project