a
seasonal display to count down the days
until Christmas. Layered tiles have
stencil number cut outs
for ‘tens’ and ‘ones’ to show either how many days are
left,
or alternatively the December date.
Re-configure as a regular desk-style calendar
by adding a ‘3’
to the ‘tens’ tiles stack.
Measures approx. 7.25” wide x 6.25” tall
x 3” deep
when fully assembled.
ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A main tent frame front & back
B main tent frame bottom 'solid' panel
C bottom panel reinforcements (3-4) for build up
D triangle tent interior reinforcement/ring support
E rings end support reinforcement panels (2 sets of 3)
F rings: 4 pair front/back; *4 sets (7-8) each interior
G slot test and strips (9) for test layering
H grilles for front (1) and back (1)
I grill/tent headers for front and back
J 'tens' number tiles (front, contr. middle, back)
K 'ones' number tiles layers
*see step 2 for explanation about determining quantity
If including the greenery embellishment,
also cut the shapes for that, as shown
here including the sprig two-part base.
2. Complete a test using the strips and test slot:
stack the strips on top of each other, and glue together,
stacking 7, then testing, and adding additional strips
one by one until the best thickness is achieved.
shape shown here, taking care that the arrow remains
horizontal (pointing side to side), then . . .
. . . inserting the strips through the opening
(which represents the ring reinforcements openings)
to see how many layers are required for a snug
but moveable stack. NOTE that the strip stack
has the cut edges at top and bottom, with top
nearest the side-to-side arrow.
When the right stack quantity is determined,
translate that into the number of layers required
for each ring assembly. EXAMPLE: if 9 layers works,
that would mean 1 for front, 7 for interior, 1 for back
to equal the 9 layers. Remember, there are 4 ring units.
(See Step 4 for the rings layering assembly.)
positioning and attaching the contrast 'show-thru'
layer under/behind the front tile stencil (slightly
offset smaller outer edges) . . .
and then . . .
. . . positioning and attaching the back tile,
taking care to align all cut edges as precisely
as possible.
such as this repurposed weight machine bar
(fabric covered) placed on top of the glued-up stack
to help keep it flat, avoid warping or curling,
during the drying process. Leave under weight
for several hours until the shape is completely dried.
4. Layer the (4) ring units by stacking the interior
ring shapes (with blunt-cut ends) on top of each other,
one by one, taking care to align all cut edges as
precisely as possible. Press under flat weights
until completely dried.
5. For the front and back ring layers, bend forward
the tiny tabs at ends, then . . .
the stack, taking care to align edges as previously.
Press under flat weight until dried as before.
6. Layer and attach the bottom panel reinforcement
shapes, taking care to align outer edges.
Press under a flat weight until fully dried.
7. Layer the ring reinforcement shapes into two
stacks of three shapes each, taking care to align
outer edges - and especially the openings.
NOTE OF EXPLANATION: these holes are intended,
along with the tent triangle reinforcement shape,
to anchor the ends of the rings. The depth of the opening
helps to hold the rings once glued in place in position,
to withstand the tile-flipping actions. Hole alignment
is critical to be able to insert ring ends in.
8. Prepare the main tent frame by bending back on
all the perforation lines for the center top bend,
as well as the side flanges.
9. Prepare the main tent bottom panel by bending
back the long (attachment) tabs and the short end
edge flanges. (NOTE this image shows the panel
from the backside.)
shape to the bottom panel by overlapping the straight
edge to the tab's perforation line, adjusting ends
for alignment. Press the seam under a weight until dry.
11. Bend the side edge flanges back and glue
in place on both edges of tent assembly, including
the bottom panel. Press under flat weight if possible.
12. Position and attach the bottom panel stack
reinforcement centered on the bottom panel outer
surface as shown, within the perforation lines.
Press under a flat weight until dry.
13. Position each grille, front and back, over
the respective portion of the main tent assembly,
aligning the ring openings, and squaring up
with the frame, and glue in place at header area
or edges of grille. Press under a flat weight
if possible.
over the top portion of the grille/main tent frame,
aligning the circle openings. Press flat if possible
during the drying process.
a triangular tube to align and complete the bottom
back seam as for the front bottom seam done previously.
16. Prepare the triangular tent reinforcement shape
by bending back on all perforation lines for panels
and end tabs.
17. Bend the panels into position to align
with the triangular end piece and complete the seams.
behind/under the front and back panels of
the reinforcement shape, taking care that all ring
openings line up precisely, and glue in place.
19. Apply glue to the reinforcement panels, then
insert under the main tent assembly top angle,
slide upward to tightly fit, then . . .
. . . apply pressure all along to assist attachment
on all touching edges. NOTE: it may be helpful
to use quick-grab adhesive such as Fabri-Tack.
20. Arrange the tiles into the 'tens' stack (1 & 2)
and the 'ones' stack (0-9) in advance of
loading onto rings.
21. Position the 'tens' tiles onto the first ring, then . . .
. . . then flex slightly to slide the ring into position
over the tent ridge to the farthest-left position . . .
. . .then adjust to insert ends through the reinforcement
openings on one side, then the other.
to reach inside to bend the end tabs back to attach
to the reinforcement surfaces. Do this for each ring end.
22. Repeat the ring positioning and attachment
for the second ring on the 'tens' stack.
23. Repeat for the rings positioning and attachment
for the 'ones' stack.
24. If completing the greenery accent,
assembly it as follows:
A) Position and attach the bottom needles sprig
over the two-sprig base.
B) Position and attach the left side sprig
with the circle end over the base sprigs.
C) Layer the vein shapes over the centers
of the holly leaves and attach.
D) Position and attach the holly leaves
with circle ends overlapping the base
assembly, arranging on angles as shown.
E) Add one berry over the circle end position,
then position and attach the other two below
(see the next screen for suggested positions).
25. Position and attach the sprig over the left side
of the tent where it will not interfere with
the tiles flipping function.
To change the number or date, carefully lift and
flip from back "resting" position over the tent top
to the front, as shown here changing from December
24th to 25th. When there is no 'tens' number being
displayed, both of these tiles rest backside-up on tent back.
Here is the completed desk count down display.
This is incredible! Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into designing this! I've had so much fun recreating it. :)
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