Alphabet and Numbers


I can’t think of any other time of the year that we spend so much time planning to celebrate than Christmas. Each year it seems to get earlier and earlier that stores fill with all the trimmings to decorate and gifts to buy.

Maybe you like to slow things down a bit in your families and plan an Advent Calendar for spiritual focus or do a countdown calendar full of activities, maybe something in between the two is what you do.

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

For Simple Steps 101.11 I have prepared a two-page layout to preserve the memories of this wonderful time of the year!

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Trailblazer Grids

I’m using the Dark Skies Grid Paper from the New Trailblazer Collection as my base. Candy Cane Lane from the Merry & Bright collection from Fancy Pants Designs served as my inspiration for the additional cardstock colors I’ve chosen. A metallic silver cardstock added a subtle bling to the pages.

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Number die sets

 

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet 3 die set

I’m also going to bring out many of our Christmas themed 2×2 cornerstone dies to add to the layout, and a few of the alphabet and number die sets from our three different Alphabet die series for the title and countdown numbers.

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Christmas Cornerstone Dies

I have also made use of the time-saving Grid Cut 2.125×2.125 die for my squares as well as the Die Set A squares, and AL Die Set, the layering dies, for squares and photo cuts.

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with many ways to cut squares

It’s time to pull out all the stops, all your dies and personalize to suit your taste.

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Patterns #276 & #392

For patterns using mostly squares two fit what I wanted to do the best. Patterns #276 and #392 fit the bill to include a title, a large photo and four central pockets to add extras.

Here are a few details I included to make Christmas Merry & Bright!

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets frosted with Nuvo Glitter Accents

Title: This 2×10 block title is cut in gray cardstock and Doodlebug Designs Frosty Frill Washi Tape is applied to the top and bottom edges. Letters are cut in red cardstock using Alphabet 3 Caps Die Set. Each letter is topped with Nuvo Glitter Accents to look like a dusting of snow on each. Once set I coated with liquid acrylic for an icy finish that contains the glittery topping.

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets topped with Nuvo Glitter Accents

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets and Nuvo Glitter Accents and Liquid Acrylic

Large Photo: A photo taken at the annual Christmas Eve Dinner with my family at my Mum’s is the highlight photo I’ve chosen to feature in the center of Pattern #276.

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Pocket Die Set

Pockets: The four large squares in the center of Pattern #392 serve as a spot for cards with four weeks of Advent readings and activities. Each is tied with twine in a bow to be able to easily remove and use daily and still hide away with only a bow showing atop each package.

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Pocket Die Sets for Advent readings

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Pocket Dies

Each also has a cornerstone square centered on them. You could also have lists for each week’s activities, things to do, things to see, things to make or places to go and people to see. Be creative and have fun.

 

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet & Number die sets and Christmas Cornerstones

Each 2×2 square has either a number square or cornerstone on it. Depending on what your holiday activities are you can add as many or as few photos over each numbered square. Taking photos of your activities and choosing one for each day you can easily fill the page. Using the layering die from the new AL Die Set lets me leave a large border on each square and the papers showing through to keep that festive feel. Leaving a few numbered squares uncovered lets you see where you are on those days.

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps with the Alphabet die sets

If you cover each square you could also remove the number below and put it in the corner of your square and cut your photo with the Corner Cut-Out Die Set.

Will you look for ways to remember the events of this Christmas season? I hope so. Pull out all those dies you have and be sure to use your favorite Mosaic Moments Alphabet and Number dies to countdown to that special day.

Andrea Fisher