Countdown to the Holidays

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge  is challenging us to start the Holiday Countdown this week.  You can interpret it any way you want.  I started thinking about the countdown to the holidays as in an advent calendar. 

In our house we have little prizes for every day until the holiday starting on December 1st.  I decided to up cycle this mailbox.

It had a big plastic eagle on the front which I had my DH remove.  I then primed the box with a coat of white acrylic paint.  Then I stopped for  awhile thinking of what I wanted to do next.  I searched on Pinterest and found some vintage mailboxes.  I decided I wanted a red rusted look.

1. Paint the surface using red paint. Smear brown paint over the surface.  
2. Sponge edges with Versamark Watermark Ink Pad. 
3. Sprinkle Aged Gold Embossing Enamel over the surface. Heat up until melted.  I left it partially heated to give it a rusted and textured effect. 
4. Repeat all around the edges and on the top. 
5. I then die cut a shape for the front from white cardstock. 
6. Paint the die cut using gold and bronze paint. 
7. Stamp Santa image using brown ink. 
8. Pop Dot and attach to the front of the mailbox.

I wanted the numbers for the countdown to be on the mailbox. 

1. Ink up the hooks with Versamark. Heat emboss with Aged Gold Embossing Enamel. 
2. Die cut numbers from white cardstock.  Heat emboss with gold embossing powder. 
3. Die Cut tags from red pattern paper. Apply Versamark on top and bottoms of the tag. Heat emboss with gold embossing powder.

To create the banner I took Christmas pattern paper and cut banners.  I then painted metallic letters with gold paint.  I then tied them across the top with red and white striped twine.

Now I have a box to use as letters to Santa (although my kiddos are too old) and a way to drop in an advent gift every day until Christmas.

Products: StaZon - Timber Brown, Simon Says Simple Numbers, Stampendous Aged Gold Embossing Enamel,  Kelly Purkey Wafer Thin - Labels Dies Versamark Watermark Ink, Authentique Christmas Paper, Bakers Twine, Paper Artsy Santa, Ranger Distress Ink - Vintage Photo, Spellbinders Label 21, Pop Dots, PaperArtsy - Claret, PaperArtsy - French Roast, Ranger Distress Paint - Gold, Ranger Distress Stain - Bronze

The ever generous  Simon Says Stamp. is offering a $50 Gift Voucher for one randomly selected participant in the challenge.  Come share your holiday countdown with us!

Thanks for stopping by!


Suzz