Do you remember being a kid and making those lovely paper chains that you could hang for decoration? It required cutting strip after strip of paper and looping them together. I think most children have made one of these at some point.
I recently found a new use for the same concept! Instead of using it for decoration, why not use it as a countdown to something? It could be a countdown to a holiday or other big event. I’m not sure what I’m using mine for – it started out as a tool to help me establish a routine, but I never took the time to use it for that.
Here’s how I made mine to look more festive than plain old construction paper!
1. I started by cutting strips of different scrapbook pages. I wanted something more decorative than plain colored paper. I chose a variety of non-holiday related pages for my project. If you’re using it to countdown to a holiday, you could use holiday scrapbook paper!
2. I used my paper cutter to cut my strips but you could also do it by hand. I had never used this tool at home (it was a gift from my dad) and found it to be quite nifty!
3. After cutting the strips, I looped them through each other, just like when I was a kid. If you’re doing this as a project with/for kids, this would be a great time to get them involved in the creation stage of this countdown tool!
4. Last, I hung it in a place where I could see it. I love that it brightens up the plain white wall as well! Now, I just need to figure out a NEW use for this chain since my original use didn’t happen. I have a few ideas, but I’d love to hear yours as well!
Ideas for your own countdown chain:
– Back to School countdown
– Holiday countdown
– Birthday countdown
– Vacation countdown
– Moving countdown
What will you use it for?
I never made paper chains when I was younger, but I've made plenty as an adult! Love the countdown idea and I'm definitely going to keep it in mind for Christmas this year. I'd be thrilled if you'd come on over to Pink Recipe Box and link up at Creative Wednesdays: http://pinkrecipebox.com/creative-wednesdays-with-pink-recipe-box-2/
I will definitely be stopping by! Thanks for the invite! 🙂