See how you can turn one of Bonnie's adorable Santa Buddies (and free lettering) into a Christmas countdown board!
Bonnie's Santa Buddies set is so darn cute. I decided to use Santa 6 for this project and added the lettering above (you can download it here) as well as a heart-shaped piece of chalkboard cloth so that you can change the days as you go.
Stitching Santa 6
I embroidered Santa as directed on a piece of white 13x16 inch holly-print. Before embroidery, I fused a layer of Pellon Shape Flex 101 to the back of the white fabric for some extra stability.
Once embroidery is finished, I removed fabric from the hoop and trimmed away stabilizer close to the design. I also pressed the embroidery so it was free of wrinkles for mounting.
The Mounting Board
A 9x12 inch canvas board works well for the backing. It needs to be sturdy since you will be writing on it with a chalk marker.
Position the embroidery on the board, making sure it is centered. When you are happy with the placement, fold edges to the back and secure them as you like. Next time, I think I would use something like ModPodge to glue the fabric smoothly to the canvas surface.
Adding the Chalk Fabric
You can certainly cut your chalk fabric by hand or with an electronic cutting machine. I used my AccuQuilt GO! and the 2,3,4-inch heart die.
Place the chalk fabric on the die, cover with a cutting pad, and turn the hand crank.
Out pops a perfect shape.
Glue the heart onto the Santa background. You can pop this in an easel, or add magnets to each corner and attach it to the refrigerator.
Let the countdown begin!
Bonnie Welsh - November 21, 2019
Ruth—The heart shape is not available as any heart shape will do, even cutting by hand as Debbie suggested; however, she used her AccuQuilt Go! cutter. The wording (not a complete font) is available and several folks have been successful downloading from DropBox. If you followed the instructions I gave Mary and Kathleen and still have issues, please email me at support@sewinspiredbybonnie.com and I’ll be happy to help. =)
Ruth Drews - November 20, 2019
Like Mary, the FONT & heart shaped piece of chalkboard was not available to download on my Dropbox…..pls advise, thank you!
Bonnie Welsh - November 18, 2019
Diane—Dollar Tree sounds like a great idea! =)
Bonnie Welsh - November 18, 2019
Mary and Kathleen—Drop Box is what I use to upload free designs to. You do not have to have Drop Box to download from there but that’s where the free design is held. It’s just a location to download from and a sharing place. A lot of times, the download is finished and located toward the bottom left of your computer screen unnoticed. Ask me how I know. Please check the bottom left of your screen after clicking on the download at Drop Box. If you still have troubles downloading, please email me at support@sewinspiredbybonnie.com. =)
Diane - November 18, 2019
You could go to dollar tree or something similiar. They have very small chalkboard signs that could work.
Kathleen De Verville - November 18, 2019
I can’t get the free letters, It wants me to do something with drop box. I don’t mess with drop box.
Mary Baker - November 18, 2019
I can’t download the design letters – I have the Santas. Mary
Bonnie Welsh - November 18, 2019
Peggy—I’ve seen it at Nancy’s Notions and sometimes dealer’s will carry it. I also just checked on-line and JoAnn’s carries it too. =)
Peggy Fye - November 18, 2019
Who carries chalk fabric.???