Advent calendar, part 2: Number clips

Because the bags I made for my advent calendar we’re pretty heavily patterned, I decided it might be best if the numbers weren’t actually on the fabric (like with an iron-on transfer). So I came up with this number/clip combo. It allows for pinning the bags to a ribbon/string, garland or even Christmas tree branches.

I started with these flat wooden circles (wooden nickels) that are about 1.5 inches in diameter. The package quantities available were weird (22?), so I had to buy more than I needed, but they ended up being about $2.25 for all on sale at Hobby Lobby.

And then I spray painted them red.

Then I printed out numbers 1 through 24 on a piece of white cardstock, spreading them on the page with plenty of white space around so I would be able to cut them out. I wanted easy-to-read numbers with a slightly retro feel; the font I used is called League Gothic.

Because this was just a normal ink jet print, I sprayed the whole sheet with a water-resistant clear sealer. (This is so the ink wouldn’t run later on when decoupaging.)

I didn’t have a circle punch in the right size, so I used my (somewhat more difficult) circle cutter and cut them all to just over one inch in diameter.

I used Mod Podge to adhere the numbers onto the circles and then spread another coat on top. Once that was dry, I sprayed them with a triple thick clear sealer to make them nice and glossy.

When the sealer was dry, it was time to add the clips to the back of the circles. I found these small clothespins at Hancock Fabrics for $1 on sale. They’re not quite two inches long.

I made a mark on the back of the circles with a pencil so I would know which direction to glue the clothespin.

And then I stuck it down with hot glue.

I love how they turned out! Punchy and graphic! I’m trying to figure out another project that would give me an excuse to make more. Will keep thinking on that.