Halloween Countdown Blocks

I found a great post on Christine & Co where she showed off her wonderful Perpetual Calendar Blocks:  The Halloween Edition - and was inspired to create something similar which would be fun for the kids!

I didn't have any wooden blocks, so decided to use what I had - and what I had was a large pile of craft felt - I went for a bigger size than Christine and cut out 4 inch x 4 inch squares in black, orange and green.

 

I then cut out the numbers free hand in the same three colours, making sure each number had a different coloured background square

 

The first block (the top 6 in the picture above) should have the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 - the second block (the lower 6 numbers in the picture) should have 0, 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 - the number 6 is going to double upside down as the number 9, so make sure you are happy with it both ways!  I stitched the numbers on.

I wanted to add a little something to each panel to make it a little more halloweeny (did I just make up a word?), so came up with some halloween themed extras - the spider webs are stitched on with embroidery thread, all of the others are cut from scrap felt - again, I just did it freehand (the bats I doubled over before cutting to make both sides the same) and then stitched them on.

 

Bear in mind with your number 6/9, do something that will look just as good both ways up - the same could really be said for both number ones and zeroes, but I forgot about that so will just have to make sure these are the right way up when the time comes :O)

In the end I used:  spider webs, ghosts, gravestones, bats, witches hats, a pumpkin, and I embroidered "Boo!" on the final one.  Here are some close-ups of a few of the details:

And then I began assembly!  I found it easiest to sew the 4 sides together first (leaving the top and bottom for last) - I used a blanket stitch, and again went with black, orange and green embroidery thread, and where possible tried to use a contrasting colour to the felt (it's not possible every time).

Just ensure that right sides are always facing out of course, and that the edges are lined up before you begin - pin if required (I didn't).  Finally I sewed on the bottom, and 3 sides of the top before packing with polyfil - I didn't pack them too firmly as didn't want the sides to bulge out and stop my blocks from standing up properly.  Once filled to your liking, stitch up the last edge.  Here is the finished product:

The way the numbers work, the earliest you can display these and begin the countdown in 32 days prior to Halloween - so I have a note on my calendar for September 29th to get them out onto the mantle - I know the kids will have fun taking turns at adjusting them each morning!  I had a lot of fun making them and it only took me a few hours - I am looking forward to making a set for Christmas in the next couple of months too!

Nikki x

Linked with

Momnivore's Dilemma Halloween Link Party 
Shabby Shares Saturday Link Party, October 1st 2011 
Primp Your Stuff Wednesday #16 
Come Together Kids - Halloween Ideas Party 
A Fish Who Like Flowers - Monster Mash! 
Chic on a Shoestring - Flaunt it Friday 73