Countdown to Kisses…

Valentine’s Day is coming up and, while this should’ve been done 5 days ago, it’s done now and I thought I’d share. I found the idea to make a “Countdown to Kisses” board on the blog here on infarrantly creative. Here’s how my version turned out, and the details on how to create one of your own. Supplies:

12”x10” board (I used MDF)

5/8 drill bit

(I bought a pack of 6 drill bits for only $9.49 at Home Depot, they had a single 5/8 for only $3.89 or something, but I figured I’d use them in the future anyhow, the point being, they’re pretty cheap and adapt right into your power drill)

Sandpaper

Primer and paint

(Duh…spray paint is best, I used regular because I already had it, but painting the holes was quite a chore)

Scrapbooking Materials

(And/or my new wish list item…a Silhouette SD cutter, it cuts out letters in any font you have on your computer!! Why am I just now learning about this handy tool? Oh hubby…birthday? Or better yet? Mother’s Day? ;)

Hershey Kisses (Valentine’s edition)

Mod Podge (I used gloss)

Foam brush

Easel

Step #1: Cut board 12”x10”. And just to prove how simple a project can be, I used an old school saw to cut the board, check it… I measured down about 5 1/2 or 6” to mark where to drill the holes. Then, measure out every 1.5” and make a mark. Using the 5/8” drill bit, drill your holes, but not all the way through the board. The top of the bit will poke through the back, but leave some covered so the kisses will set in and stay put. I had to keep checking, but once you finish one or two, you’ll get an idea of how far to drill.

I measured 1.5” further down to make my second row of marks. You will have a total of 14 holes drilled. Here’s my son helping with the drill, so precious! And yes, I got “permission” from my husband to use power tools while 8 1/2 months pregnant. hehe Step #2: Lightly sand the board, especially around the holes. Prime and paint. Seriously should’ve used spray paint, oh well. At least I saved some dinero. =) (Primed)

Step #3: Here’s where the Silhouette would’ve come in handy. You can download free fonts galore at dafont.com, amazing website, love it! Instead, I hit up Michael’s and bought some chipboard letters and some Valentine’s scrapbook strips. to decorate the board.

Step #4: Using gloss Mod Podge, seal the whole board with a coat of Mod Podge.

Step #5: Print and cut out numbers 1 through 14 and adhere to the back of the Hershey Kisses. I printed them out on a label so I could peel and stick.  Step #6: I added two final touches that weren’t in the original layout I found online. I added a strip of ribbon around the edges with my glue gun, and mod podged scrapbook paper to the back with photo corners to hold a 4x6 photo. I figured before/after the 14 days, I could display this side with a Valentine’s picture from the previous year. I may add a few more scrapbooking details, but for now, here’s the backside and the cute ribbon detail: So…what are you waiting for? Go grab some tools and make your own! I know Cooper will absolutely love getting a kiss each day leading up to Valentine’s…of both varieties. =)