Are you headed to Disney this summer? Count down the days to the magical adventure with this DIY Disney countdown clock!
Planning a Disney vacation soon? Count down the days until your trip and stay excited with this homemade Disney countdown clock! All you need are a few pieces of wood, some paint, and your Cricut or Silhouette! The cut files are available below!
How To Make A Disney Countdown Clock
- Time spent doing stuff: 30 minutes
- Time spent waiting around: 30 minutes
- Total project time: 1 hour
Tools
- a Cricut cutting machine and basic toolset
- Disney Countdown Clock cut file (grab it below)
- acrylic craft paint
- paintbrushes
Materials
- 2 to 4 wooden cubes
- scrap wood for the “Days until” and “Disney” blocks
- adhesive vinyl (you can get it online from Cricut or Expressions Vinyl, or you can find it in most craft stores)
Instructions
The first and most important question before you start your project is “How many blocks do I need?” The answer depends on how many days you need to count down. 🙂
To count down from 43 or lower: You only need two cubes to count down from 43, but you have to be careful. The 6 needs to be able to be turned upside down so it can serve as a 9, and you have to put specific numbers on each cube. If you put the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 on the sides of one cube, and the numbers 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 0 on the other cube, you’ll be able to make every number from 43 to 1 without any problems!
To count down from 110 or lower: You need three cubes for this, and again, make sure your 6 can be flipped over to serve as a 9. Make the first two cubes as described above, and put the numbers 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 0 on the third cube.
To count down from 443 or lower: This is how I made the Disney countdown clock in the photos, and you need four cubes for this. Make sure your 6 can be flipped over to serve as a 9 again, and just make two sets of the “43 or lower” cubes.
The cut file below provides enough numbers to make up to 4 cubes, and the 9 can be flipped over to be a 6, so that file will give you everything you need to make a Disney countdown clock!
Grab the cut file
Disney Countdown Clock Cut File Bundle
$0.99
Start by painting your wooden blocks. You can use any colors you want; I made the two large blocks white and the cubes in red, yellow, and blue.
While the paint is drying, use your Cricut or Silhouette to cut out the vinyl words and numbers. (Grab the cut file above).
Once the vinyl is cut, weed away the background vinyl and then use washi tape or transfer tape to transfer the vinyl to your painted blocks.
Use the same process to attach the vinyl numbers to the cubes. The cut file is set up with a square around each number, so you can either use the vinyl number, or you can peel the number away and just use the square with a number-shaped hole in it.
Both the numbers and the word “Disney” are in the Disney font, and I love it!
The Disney font I used is called Waltograph and you can download it here; the Days Until font is called Minya Nouvelle, and you can download it here.
Once the vinyl is on your blocks, stack them up, flip the numbers to the right amount of days, and you’re done!
What do you use to count down to Christmas, birthdays, or other occasions?
Want to share this project with your friends? Share to Facebook, Pinterest, or send the article by email—just click on any of the share buttons floating on the left, or find them at the top and bottom of this post.
DIY Disney Countdown Blocks (Plus Cut File)
Equipment
- paintbrush
Materials
Countdown Clock
- 1 sheet adhesive vinyl white, for the number blocks
- 1 sheet adhesive vinyl any color, for the words
- transfer tape
- 2-4 wooden blocks
- 2 pieces 2×4 scrap wood about 8"-12" long
Cut File And Fonts
Instructions
- Download the Disney Countdown Clock cut file bundle and fonts used in the cut file. (Links in the Materials section above.)
- Figure out how many wooden blocks you need for your countdown clock. This tutorial shows making a countdown clock using four blocks (counts down from 443 days or less), but the Notes section below explains how to figure out how many blocks you need based on how many days you are counting down.
- Paint all of your wooden blocks and the two scrap wood boards.
- Using your Cricut or Silhouette, cut out the Disney Countdown Clock cut file from adhesive vinyl. You can use two separate colors for the words and numbers, or use one color for the entire file. Once it's cut, weed away the background vinyl and cut the words apart from the rest of the design.
- Apply a piece of transfer paper or washi tape on top of the "days until" words, then carefully peel the transfer paper and vinyl words off of the backing paper.
- Position the vinyl words in the center of the side edge of a 2×4 block. Press firmly across all the letters until the entire word is firmly attached.
- Carefully peel the transfer paper away from the block, leaving the vinyl words attached to the block. Repeat these steps to apply the "Disney" word to the second 2×4 block.
- Use the same process to attach the vinyl numbers to the cubes. The cut file is set up with a square around each number, so you can either use the vinyl number, or you can peel the number away and just use the vinyl square with a number-shaped hole in it.
- Stack up the blocks and turn the number cubes until the correct number of days is showing, and you're done!
Notes
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Michelle says
Thanks for the great ideas and inspiration! I was going to make my own countdown calendar but my 8th Grade son will be making it for me, using this as his guide–he needs a project to create in his Applied Engineering class. 🙂 Lucky me!
Azirah says
U said that if i want to make 433 and below, i need to have 4 cubes right? Then, what number should i write on each of the cube? Im so glad if u help me. Tq!
Jessi Wohlwend says
For 433 and lower just make two sets of the 43 and lower cubes.
To count down from 43 or lower: You only need two cubes to count down from 43, but you have to be careful. You need to use a font for your numbers where the 6 can be turned upside down and serve as a 9, and you have to put specific numbers on each cube. If you put 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 on one cube, and 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 0 on the other, you’ll be able to make every number from 43 to 1 without any problems!
Charla Fraley says
what size are the cubes? Love this and would like to make three – one for me (of course) and one for each of my granddaughters.
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
The blocks are just over an inch wide on all three dimensions. I picked them up in the wood cutouts section of Michael’s and these were the biggest they had. Everything else was about a quarter inch or so, like a small bead.
Penny @ PixieandPirateDestinations.com says
Countdowns are sooo much fun! These blocks are super cute!
I’m pinning you to my board of Disney Vacation Ideas – stop by for more inspiration or for Disney planning tips!
Penny
http://pinterest.com/piratemompenny/
Bonnie says
Hey! Can I order 3 of these? We are going to Hawaii with andrew adn Kate in June. When are you coming out here?
Hugs,
Bonnie
Stephanie says
May be a few years before I’ll be taking my little man to Disney, but I’m definitely going to have to make one of these! Thanks for sharing!!!
Betsy @ Romance on a Dime says
Such a fun idea – so cute! Thanks for sharing this at Romance on a dime!
Sugar Aunts says
This is a great idea! We used a paper chain to count down days until Christmas when we were kids, and now we are doing the same with our own kids 🙂 I would love to invite you to link up at our Share It Saturday linky party. We have lots of creative ideas submitted each week and you would fit right in! http://www.sugaraunts.com/2013/03/share-it-saturday-9-and-our-week-in.html
Hope to see you there!
Colleen at Sugar Aunts
Sharon says
Awesome! Any idea on where I could just buy the pre-cut numbers and letters?
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Hmm, good question Sharon. You might be able to buy pre-cut letter and number stickers from a craft store. Or I know there are some Etsy shops out there that will cut vinyl for you.
Amber says
Those are really cool! We are headed on our first every Disney Cruise next week, so we are in full Disney Craft mode. What a fun way to add a little extra MAGIC!!!!
limelanelove says
Visiting from limelanelove through TT&J, LOVE this! Just got back from Disney but definitely pinning for next time. Thanks for sharing!
Beth @ Whole New Leaf says
I saw this on Patriotic Pam’s Link Party. I love it. It is so adorable and whimsical. I’ll have to try it out when my son is old enough to do this kind of countdown. Thanks for sharing such a thorough tutorial.
Pam says
These are absolutely adorable. I saw your link at The Humble Brag. I have to admit, my kitchen is decorated in Mickey…we are a military family originally from FL….for years I have collected Kitchen Mickey items as a FL reminder from friends and family. These are especially cute!!! You did a great job on them. Please consider linking them up at my weekend link party at The Patriotic Pam! Hope to see you there!!!
Pam
Jocie@OPC The Better Half says
Super cute Jessi! We are taking the girls to Disney for the first time this summer and every morning my daughter asks me if today is the day we are going to meet the Princesses! lol. i totally need a countdown!
Meredith Hazel says
CUTE CUTE CUTE! Love everything about this! Thanks for linking up at Keep Calm & Link Up this weekend!
Kara @ Simplistically Sassy says
I love this! We are taking our kids, but they have no idea yet (and won’t for several more months, since we’re not going until December). These are adorable and you totally make me want to make some. We have that font, and I LOVE it! I’m so excited to follow your blog!!
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
How fun, I’m sure they’ll be so excited when you tell them! And I’m glad to have you following along! If you make a set of blocks later, make sure to share pictures with us!
Shannon says
Adorable! Thanks for linking up to The Weekly Creative.
Shannon @ Sewing Barefoot
Shannah @ Just Us Four says
I love this idea! I love counting down to fun stuff (hence all my advent type calendars) and these blocks are a super cute way. Thanks so much for linking up to the Pinworthy Projects Party this week!
Shannon {Cozy Country Living} says
This is really cute! I love it and my children will too:) Thanks so much for the great idea!
Sandra says
When I open the Studio file, he letters and numbers are in a plain font. Any suggestions? The PDF opened ok. Thanks for sharing!!
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Sandra, you have to have the Disney font installed on your computer in order for Silhouette Studio to recognize it as a font. There is a link in the post to the font file; just download and install that font, then reopen the Studio file and it should all work great! Let me know if that works for you!
Sandra says
It worked! What font did you to Days Until in? I like that one!!!
Thanks so much for your reply!
Sandra
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Oh good, so glad that worked! The Days Until font is Minya Nouvelle, and you can download it here: http://www.dafont.com/minya-nouvelle.font
Angela says
Ah, that must have been before I started following you:) Congrats!
Angela says
What a great project!!! For any countdown!! Holidays, summer break, birthdays!!
I nominated you for the Liebster Blogger Award!! Details here: http://angela-thesimplethings.blogspot.com/2013/02/blogger-award.html
Ash @ HumberHomeProject says
this is ADORABLE!
I’m also insanely jealous of your Disney trip. I’m a true Disney freak and go every chance I get. We actually got engaged in Disney World, right in front of Cinderella Castle!!
If you want some fun tips, visit http://www.disboards.com – it’s a message board site with information and first hand accounts/tips about every little detail you could want to know! I definitely spend ALL my free time there when I’m planning a trip – or even when I just wish I were planning one 😉
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Thanks Ash! I’ll check them out right now!
And how fun that you got engaged there, that’s awesome!
Mindy Horner says
I do have some tips for you! I was immediately drawn to your link in the blog hop because I own Once Upon a Vacation and specialize in Disney vacations. 🙂 For some tips for your trip please feel free to check out my blog at http://www.allmouseallthetime.com or my Disney podcast at http://www.3MomsandtheMouse.com (we are on facebook too). Have a fabulous time and holler at me before you plan again. I’d be happy to take care of you and spoil you a little. 🙂
Mindy
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Awesome Mindy, thanks for the links! I will check them out right now!
Carrie @ My Favorite Finds says
Very cute! Pinning this now!
Audrey says
That is so cute!!!! I want it, even though I’m not going to Disney anything! Awesome Jess, not only the execution, but the concept of feeding your excitement about an upcoming event. Good one.
Christina @ Floridays Mom says
How adorable! I just love those blocks and I love how you let us know how many we need for so many days of counting down, etc. I am so excited for you. Living in Orlando, we get our good share of the mouse and its still just as exciting to go. We try to limit how often we take our little guy so it never looses its luster! What a fun way to count down to a special day!
Crystal says
This is so fun!! Great way to countdown to Disney!!
Brenda @ChattingOverChocolate.blogspot.com says
L O V E your countdown to DISNEY!!! Incredibly cute! 🙂 SO EXCITED for you! As a Disney fanatic, I start each week on my blog (ChattingOverChocolate.blogspot.com) with “Magical Monday”, where I share all things Mickey and Magical!! Would love to have you visit sometime. You may find some crafts and recipes that you’d enjoy as you anticipate your first trip to the World! 🙂 Happy trip planning!! Enjoyed your fabulous project! ;*)
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Awesome, I will definitely stop by and check it out this Monday! Thanks so much for letting me know!
Katie says
Ok, that is cool, and I’m totally inspired to make some for holidays for T-Rex.
But with your number arrangement, I guess you just use one block when you’re down to single digits, not 07? I was trying forever to figure out how you could make 07 and 08 work before I realized you probably just switch to using one block, ha.
Also: Disney!!! Yay! World or Land?
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Lol, yes, just one block when you get to single digits. 🙂 And we’re going to Disney World! For 8 days! I’m super excited!
troy says
This can be done. The number layout is as follows
0 1 2 3 4 5
0 1 2 6 (invert for 9) 7 8
I like the look better with a 0 in front of single digits.
Ireneia says
But then you’re missing numbers if you’re only using two blocks, in the thirties.
Jessi Wohlwend says
I think you can make all of them with two blocks! “To count down from 43 or lower: You only need two cubes to count down from 43, but you have to be careful. You need to use a font for your numbers where the 6 can be turned upside down and serve as a 9, and you have to put specific numbers on each cube. If you put 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 on one cube, and 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 0 on the other, you’ll be able to make every number from 43 to 1 without any problems!”
So 30, 31, 32, and 33 would be 3 on the 1st block, 0 through 3 on the second. 34 to 36 would 3 on the second block and 4, 5, and 6 on the first block. 37 and 38 would be 3 on the first block and 7 and 8 on the second block. 39 would be 3 on the second block and 6 on the first block flipped upside down to be a 9.