Entirely Emily: July 2013

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Hanging Felt Mickey Mouse Countdown to Disney World

Ok, I know there are a million and two different ways you can countdown to Disney World. And they are very cute and very easy but you know me... I like to be different. I had seen something like this done for Christmas, I think with a tree and it was an advent calender.

I had sketched it out in my trusty notebook and then went into Photoshop to smooth out the rough edges and figure everything out without having to cut anything ....yet. The red square was 24"x 24". The Mickey head was 19" wide and 16.5" tall.

When I got my design all figured out, I printed out just the letters so I could cut them out of felt. I literally took the printout , laid it over the felt and cut them both together. I do have a new Silhouette machine and I bet you could cut felt with it but I don't have a fabric blade yet. That will come soon enough , I'm sure.

I also went to Hobby Lobby and got a huge piece of red felt to be my background. I designed it to be 24x24" so I have a bunch leftover but I'm sure I'll find something to do with it later.

I took the red felt and sewed it together around a wooden dowel rod. Then I attached the cute , yellow ribbon I bought from Hobby Lobby last year.

The mickey head that will be the cut up to be the countdown was a little more difficult to do. I again printed out the mickey head in pieces form Photoshop and then taped them back together and cut out the shape. Then I took my felt, a yard stick, and some chalk. and made some marks on the backside of the felt. Then cut them with a good pair of scissors. I really do need to get myself a rotary cutter. I bet it would be easier.

I wanted to give my girls guidelines as they are building their Mickey head. I thought about using my Silhouette machine but I haven't done too much with heat transfer vinyl. I wanted to keep it simple. My mom suggested at just use a Sharpie and trace around the shapes and be done. It worked out great. The kids don't care about fancy and now it looks like a big numbered puzzle to them. K is very good with her numbers and this helps her know which square to put it in next, even though counting backwards it still a little awkward to her.