A few months back when I spotted this paper with matching cardstock and chipboard elements at "The Scrapbook Cottage" near home, the wheels starting turning.
I know that technically "The Twelve Days Of Christmas" STARTS on Christmas Day, but I wanted to create something that served as both an advent calendar and reminder list book. I need lists... without them I am sure I would forget something. I plan on displaying my book on the dining room table alongside my vintage Noma Santa on Reindeer - that way I can turn a page each day (and then panic when I realize I haven't done all the items on my To Do lists...)
I began by digging out this old children's book I had in my stash... bought a long time ago, I thought the Victorian-styled pictures would look cool on some kind of artwork.
I don't like to destroy old books, but this one was in such poor condition, it felt good to re-purpose it.
I tore out about half the pages and kept them for future projects. I left just enough to create pockets and base pages for each of the 12 days. The front cover got a few coats of white acrylic paint, then aged with Tim Holtz Distress Inks.
Some, but not all, pages got the white paint / ink treatment too... especially if the print or pictures extended close to the edge of the page.
Needless to say, I made quite the mess of my Studio during the process... which took weeks; I had to stop to ensure I got my Christmas cards finished. Most of the work was done in the evenings and weekends... but I had to complete it by the 14th - my first countdown day - and I did! (Barely)
The majority of the time was spent fussy-cutting more than 150 images - some as small as single flowers measuring less than an inch across. This incredible Graphic 45 set has beautiful illustrations, but I found I needed a few extra loose sheets to get all the ones I wanted (both focal and background images) and to ensure I had enough of the patterns printed on the reverse too.
Here's the cover. I cut out the main poem from the 12 X 12 paper and arranged as many of my favorite "gifts" as I could fit around the front of the 9 X 7 book.
I wanted to make it aged looking, so I added some Ranger Crackle Paint to the cover after I took this shot... but for that and more photos (and a video!) of the entire finished project, I hope you'll come back to check out my next post.
I'll detail each page; from a Partridge in a Pear Tree to Twelve Drummers Drumming!
Oh Maureen, I can hardly wait to see the rest of the book and the VIDEO!!
ReplyDelete:) Video is up now... thank you Kathy!
DeleteThis is such a fantastic project... can't wait to see the video...may make on myself! It would make a great heirloom
ReplyDeleteThanks Mickie! I would LOVE to see it if you do make one!!!
DeleteLooking forward to seeing each page!
ReplyDeleteUp now, plus a video... hope you enjoy JoJo!
DeleteYour book will be a true treasure. Memories in the making...
ReplyDeleteThank you... it was a lot of fun to make! I am just glad I got it done in time!
DeleteJust simply amazing Maureen, both part 1 and 2 are a visual treat..so many beautifully hand crafted touches..happy winter time my sweet friend♥️
ReplyDeleteThank you Dagmar! Happy Holidays to you and yours as well.
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