[title subtitle=”words and images catherine frederick”][/title]
I believe we should recognize our blessings, big and small. I wanted to show my family how thankful I am for the simpler things in life that we often take for granted, so I crafted this gratitude calendar! Each day in November, I’ll make a note about something I’m grateful for, along with an activity that we can enjoy as a family, then place the note in a sack. When the kids get home from school, we can read the note of the day. It might be as simple as being thankful for the sweet things in life – like mint chocolate chip ice cream! Our activity could be to grab a cone after dinner. It’ll give my family something to look forward to each day, and it’s something we can do as a family. And after all, family really is life’s greatest blessing.
MATERIALS
(All materials purchased at Hobby Lobby. Don’t forget your 40% off coupon!)
Mini craft sacks
Artist trading cards (you could also use scrapbook paper)
Mini-spring clothespins
Number stickers
Embellishments of choice
Jute twine
Crafter’s tape
Burlap
Foam core (1 sheet)
Frame of choice (24” X 36” minimum)
Hot glue
METHOD
Cut foam core 1/8” larger than the inside area of the back of the frame. Cut burlap the same size as your foam core, then hot glue the burlap to the outside edges of foam core, making sure burlap is tight. Wedge foam core into the back of the frame, hot glue inside corners to secure.
Adhere trading cards to craft sacks with crafter’s tape. Decorate the front of trading card as you wish (I used buttons, bows, and cardstock cutouts). Press the number stickers onto front of trading cards (#1-30 for the month of November). Cut jute twine into 6 sections (cut to width of frame). Hot glue jute twine to each edge of the burlap. Clip six sacks onto each line of jute twine with clothespin. Fill each envelope with a note daily, or plan ahead and fill them all!
