Printable Halloween Countdown {Wood Block Version}

Countdown calendars can be a fun way to build up some excitement and anticipation for an upcoming holiday.  For any of you who meant to start a Halloween countdown but saw the 1st of October come and go and just didn't quite manage to get one started, no worries, this countdown doesn't start until the 21st of October.  That means you're not late at all, why in fact, you're early!  There's still plenty of time to get one made. 

The colors are purple, orange and green.

Finished Size:  2 x 7 1/4 x 9

or

Use a thinner board and display it on an easel.

Here's how it works: Every day you move the spider down one number and it's web gets longer and longer until you reach Halloween.  Simple, yet fun.

These are really pretty easy to make, the steps are very similar to the photo/recipe blocks that I just made.  I even used a scrap board from that project to make it.  You can refer to the directions given for the framed version of this countdown found here for more tips and pictures of the steps.

Supplies

Halloween Countdown Print

2x8 Pine Board cut to 9" long (actual width measurement is 7 1/4")

Black Paint and foam brush

Mod Podge

Sandpaper

Clear acrylic spray (matte finish)

Distress Ink in Dark Walnut (optional)

@15" each of 1/8" black and 1/8" white ribbon

small plastic spider
2 eyelets

Halloween Countdown Block Directions

Prepare the Printable

These prints are sized to fit a block that is 7 1/4" wide and 9" tall.  You may need to trim the print down some.  For directions on how to download/copy the print, click here and scroll down.  Be sure to click on the image first before you save it to bring it to full resolution.

The clip-art images are for making memory/counting games to play with your kids/grand kids while you count down.  All clip-art is from Microsoft.  I found the countdown nursery rhyme at  Halloween Nursery Rhymes Chants and Charms.

Because I printed the countdown on my home printer onto photo paper, I sprayed it with a couple of thin coats of clear acrylic matte finishing spray first.  It helps prevent the ink from smearing when the Mod Podge is applied.  I printed the image with the white background and then added distress ink to it to give it an aged look.  I've included a printable with an aged background if you'd like to use it and skip the step of antiquing it.

I don't know if this is the correct way to do it, but it works.  To apply the distress ink, put a scrap of knit over your finger, dab it in the ink and then lightly brushed it across the print.  Use a clean part of the rag to rub the ink in to blend it.

Paint the Block and Apply the Print

Follow the directions in my tutorial for the photo/recipe blocks found here to finish the block and to apply the printable. 

*Before you Mod Podge, spray the block with a clear acrylic sealer. It will make a big difference in the finished appearance of the block.

Applying the Mod Podge

When you apply the top coat of the Mod Podge, spread the Mod Podge on evenly with a foam brush then take a crumpled up plastic grocery sack and pat the wet Mod Podge with it.  It gives the print an aged, crumpled paper look.  Use a paper towel to wipe off any excess Mod Podge on the painted area of the block.  Let dry.

Wet Mod Podge after patting with plastic grocery sack.

Inserting the Eyelets

1.  Drill a hole the size of the eyelet or just barely smaller through the print and the wood.  Gently pull off any excess wood or paper from around the hole.
2.  Line up the eyelet with the hole.
3.  Put the eyelet tool on top of the eyelet and gently hammer the eyelet into the hole.  You may need to use a large nail to push the eyelet against the inside of the hole if there are any rough edges that could catch the ribbon.

Adding the Spider

Follow the directions in the framed countdown tutorial to add the ribbon and the spider.

If you missed yesterday's post,  Click here for a tutorial on the 10 minute framed version.  In this post there are also suggestions on how to make it for an elementary school class activity.

There are some fun possibilities for using this style of countdown for other holidays as well for ex. Santa coming down the chimney, a falling snowflake, etc.  I've already started on a Christmas countdown print for my neighbors and friends.  I think it will be a great motivation to get the gifts done and delivered earlier in the month when life is a little less hectic.

Remember, the countdown doesn't start until the 21st, so there's still time to get busy and make one!  

Today's Fabulous Find:  Printable Halloween Countdown Calendar

Linking Up Here:  Eighteen 25-Halloween Party   Creation Corner  Fingerprints on the Fridge  The Shabby Nest  Finding Fabulous  Serenity Now Home is Where my Story Begins  Chic on a Shoestring  My Repurposed Life Halloween Party:  Someday Crafts  Tator Tots and Jello  Funky Junk Interiors 

Under the Table and Dreaming   Skip to my Lou Embellishing Life The Girl Creative Sew Can Do Making the World Cuter Keeping It Simple Dittle Dattle  Home Stories A to Z