Sunday, October 19, 2008

13 Days of Halloween: 13 {Countown Calendar}

Thanks to all who visited my little Halloween party here yesterday (see post below). Glad you enjoyed the festivities. Did you know there are only 13 more days until All Hallow's Eve!? I've always enjoyed the act of counting down. It builds excitement and new traditions can be built in. As a kid (and still today) I enjoy counting down the days to Christmas on our advent calendar. When I first saw the lovely countdown creation below by Matthew Mead for Halloween, I was delighted. The black and white theme, along with counting the last 13 days to Halloween was perfect (and oh so spooky)!So I decided to get my Halloween bits and pieces together and make my own creation. Using my old frame that I had spray painted black and stapled down chicken wire to the back I created 13 little "ornaments" to be taken off each day for the next 13 days. I had some tags and a matchbox ornament from folks on the Sweet and Sinister blog that I was thrilled to use. It's a fun way to get creative with some of the extra materials you may have laying around. Candice Stringham had a fun article in the October 2008 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine (below) about making a countdown calendar. She also suggested tucking in a little slip or attaching it to the back of each tag something that you will do on that day, such as "go to the apple orchard", "carve a pumpkin"...you get the idea. Love how new fall traditions can be incorporated into this.



Here is another such calendar that is in Matthew Meads new Halloween book. I love the vintage memo board he used. Will have to keep my eyes peeled for one of those.

This gorgeous calendar I bought from Kris Hurst last year and proudly have it displayed in my kitchen. The numbers are attached with velcro, so it can also be used to countdown to the big day. The possibilities are endless!

Do you count down the days to Halloween? I'd love to hear about your fall traditions.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I also do a countdown activity- mostly with posts on my blog. Not nearly as "family orientated" as your blog, but fun none-the-less : )

I also have a tradition where I make special treats for 13 people. Some are always the same, some are different, but it always gives me such joy to share my Halloween excitement with others.

*SHeRRy B* said...

Thanks for posting about this! I am in the process of making a Halloween countdown calender right now!

3rdEyeMuse said...

I can't say we ever did do a countdown to Halloween, but with all these clever calendar ideas (and 13 days seems sooooo appropriate) it looks like a new tradition is in the making. :) thanks for the great tip(s)!

other than the night of door knocking, our only Halloween traditions are in making Halloween crafts. :)

Shell said...

This is a lovely idea. I have all these tags around which I can use for a project like this.

Salinda said...

delightful calendar!

Unknown said...

I love everything Kari, but most of all I love what you did with the black frame, chicken wire and the tags. Your blog looks so professional. Karen

Super Fun Mama said...

Oh I just love everything. A countdown calendar for halloween is a great idea. I probably won't get around to making one this year but hope I remember to make one next year!

Tandra said...

I totally LOVE the countdown Calendar for Halloween! Yours is fabulous! I think my 11 yr old girl would enjoy making one with me!

I did make a large banner for Halloween on my blog (which won a contest today at Stampin' UP!! YAY!!)

All your pics here are marvelous!!!
Thanks!!!

Recycled Rita said...

Hi Kari!
I love seeing my little ornament on your board...I want to make one of those, saw it last year but haven't gotten to it yet! Maybe next year! Love your post!
take care! karen....
(recycledrita)

KatCollects said...

I love your countdown calender, how fun.
Kathy

vivian said...

Love that idea! I think I just may have to create a little count down calander of my own. not sure if I'll do the 13 days or the whole month.. or when exactly I;ll even get to it! but I want to ! yours is adorable!
hugs
vivian

Elizabeth said...

Hi Kari,
This is a great idea and my project for the day...I'll post my finished project on my blog!
Elizabeth(bluebirdsandbubbles)

I was checking old entries and saw you made a comment on my Halloween art...sorry I missed it...Thank you so much for your kind words. I was honored.

Chris said...

I have never made any crafty countdown calendar for Halloween, but now I'm totally into it. These photos are really inspiring. I think I'll sketch out an idea for next year and be ready. It's a great way to celebrate.

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

I like your countdown board even more than Mathew Mead's...too cute!

inge said...

Yes, I count down the days... but not on a calendar... I like the idea and i downloaded the pictures for my halloweenbook.

I fear that I won't have the time anymore, but I will keep these ideas for future creatings !

greets from belgium
Inge

Stink Bone Jones said...

I have a mirror that looks just like that black frame in the magazine. Thanks for sharing, that would be great to add tags to it for a countdown!