Create a one-of-a-kind Buffalo Check Christmas Countdown Bingo Board this holiday season to add vintage charm to your holiday decorating! What a fun way to countdown to Christmas!
This post may contain Amazon plus other affiliate links in which I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank-you for helping to support this blog!
I’ve always wanted a Christmas countdown of some sort, but have never made one as yet. So I’ve always marked the days off on plain ‘ol calendars. I mean, it works, but it isn’t very decorative nor exciting.
Then I decided this would be the year to come up with something unique to make this year’s Merry Christmas super complete… but what fun thing could I dream up with crafts that hasn’t already been done yet?
To create a date countdown, it would have to incorporate numbers 1 through 25 of course, for a proper number of days until Christmas day.
And then BINGO! Literally. When I was scrolling some other stencil designs I’ve made in the past, my eyes rolled past the Bingo-star stencil. That sure had lots of numbers.
After counting the squares, I realized that a Christmas calendar of my vintage-inspired dreams could proceed. The numbers 1 through 25 fit perfect on a bingo card! It’s like the Christmas elves made my wish list come true.
So I created a Christmas-themed Bingo card! I couldn’t get this vintage-inspired design done up fast enough!
View Christmas Countdown Bingo stencil HERE
Christmas Countdown Bingo stencil
The Christmas Countdown Bingo stencil is a vintage-inspired Christmas stencil designed to count down the days until the big day! However the design also has a couple of special features, such as an ornament and Christmas tree that fit inside the countdown squares in case you’d like to make something with them!
Desiring to revamp the vintage aspect even more, I added one more vintage-inspired element that made this project completely sing for the holiday season! Rudolph would be proud.
Here’s what I did:
Buffalo Check Christmas Countdown, Bingo style
Supplies I used:
.
Christmas Bingo Countdown stencil from HERE
Buffalo Check – medium stencil from HERE
Bulletin board (thrift store find) or this 20″ x 30″ cheap cork board could work.
Antique mirror frame (antique store) but any 17 x 20 picture frame would work
Fusion Mineral Paint in Coal Black, Ash, Raw Silk (get 10% off)
Hemp Oil (get 10% off)
Exacto knife and metal straight edge
Gathering the supplies
.
1. Choose supplies large enough to incorporate the Christmas Countdown Bingo stencil.
- The stencil measures 14.3″h x 12″ wide.
My chosen supplies was inspired by a recent hoard find. I love to shop for price efficient antiques, so when I came across this $12 antique mirror frame, it was coming home with me!
Also in my stash was this massive thrift store found bulletin board on hand in case a project came up, and today was its lucky day!
And this is why it pays to hoard…
Cutting the bulletin board
.
2. Cut a bulletin board to fit inside a chosen frame. Or you could simply frame a bulletin board!
So the bulletin board was cut down to 19.5″ wide x 17.5 h to fit inside the antique mirror frame.
Painting the bulletin board
.
3. Paint the bulletin board black or dark grey.
The cut bulletin board was painted with Fusion Mineral Paint’s Coal Black with a small premium foam roller.
View Buffalo Check stencil HERE
Adding a Buffalo Check Pattern
.
4. Stencil a Buffalo Check pattern on top using Ash for a subtle look.
My first idea was to have it resemble a plain chalkboard… but then I got a fancier idea and decided to add a subtle pattern instead for a cozy look!
How to stencil with a Buffalo Check stencil:
- Position the pattern in the middle of your surface.
- Load the stencil brush with Ash, then remove most on a cloth until brush feels dry.
- Stencil the large empty squares first, then swipe in the direction of the thin lines.
- To continue the pattern, lift stencil and overlap the edges for perfect alignment.
Video: How to stencil with Buffalo Check
.
Visit above to watch a short video on how to achieve exceptional results using the Buffalo Check stencil!
You can learn more about how to use Buffalo Check in THIS post.
View Christmas Countdown Bingo stencil HERE
Stenciling the Christmas Countdown Bingo design
5. Position Christmas Countdown Bingo stencil on top of the Buffalo Check pattern, then stencil in a lighter tone so it contrasts well.
Choosing Fusion Mineral Paint’s Raw Silk offered the perfect contrast without being to bright! This Christmas project was vintage-inspired after all…
Doesn’t it look great?! I think so too!
So let’s fit it inside that antique mirror frame to finish this project off right!
Framing the Christmas countdown sign
6. Frame your bulletin board with something.
My cat Sky knew that mirror frame was destined to do greater things than sit hiding in my stash. Good choice, Sky!
I mean, it even has sort of a whimsical festive look, don’t you think?
To enhance the mirror frame, Fusion Mineral Paint’s hemp oil was applied over the wood with a clean rag which really freshened up those pretty edges. Which made the antique mirror frame even prettier!
Aren’t those wood scrolls something though?
And I was not disappointed! That old bulletin board sure took on a whole new look tucked inside this beautiful frame, did it not?!
And what a fit. It’s as if the Christmas Countdown Bingo stencil was made for this project!
Adding Christmas Countdown objects
.
7. Gather items that can help count down the days that fit inside the squares of the Christmas Countdown Bingo stencil.
And then it was time to bring this project to life.
Among my other hoards collections, I had these cute vintage locker numbers I had purchased from Switzer’s Antiques a few weeks ago. They ended up being the perfect antique touch for this Christmas countdown.
I also created a mini wreath from a faux evergreen branch cut looped together then tied with a bow to highlight Dec 25th. Instant cuteness!
But because I change my mind 1001 times a day, I decided to celebrate the 25th instead with this cute Christmas tree shaped dollar store ornament stenciled with Christmas Crates, then hemp oiled to bring out a wood tone.
Tied with twine, it’s just my rustic neutral style for where the Bingo board would ultimately go…
Other countdown object ideas:
- Stencil the ornament or tree onto a plain flat craft ornament that can be moved over the squares.
- Pin a Christmas candy, miniature candy cane or bagged miniature cookie on each day. Then enjoy a sugar rush each day in December!
- Attach notes to each day for a fun activity to do together as a family.
- Hang small stocking stuffer toys for kids on each day, such as a hot wheels car or stickers.
- Get some miniature wreaths which would look adorable!
- Hang some pretty miniature jingle bells on each day. Bonus points if they sound nice!
The sky is positively the limit!
The finished Christmas Countdown Bingo Sign!
.
And here is how this pretty little antique-framed Buffalo Check Christmas Countdown Bingo Board turned out!
Oh my goodness. I am smitten with the subtle Buffalo Checked pattern which I think really dressed the bulletin board background up big time.
And those numbers… I’m obsessed. And need to run back to Switzer’s to find a few more!
And in case you were wondering, the mini Christmas trees in the tin cans are from Hobby Lobby from this Christmas. Aren’t they adorable?
And here is where the Buffalo Check Christmas Countdown Bingo Board ultimately went. It’s nestled beside the flocked Christmas tree, looks as pretty as can be, and chimes in wonderfully with my antique theme this year!
Anyway, I’m so pleased I finally got a Christmas Countdown in the house, and I appreciate you coming over to my place to check it out!
Time to document those shopping days on the new calendar countdown so I don’t miss the big day!
We’re ready for you now Santa Claus… see you with the reindeer on Christmas Eve… for we will be ready for December 25th in fine style this year thanks to the (first and) prettiest Christmas countdown I’ve ever had.
This would make very cute holiday gifts or workshops as well!
But don’t go too far away yet, because there’s a whole lotta fun still below….
Winners of the previous giveaway event: Sandy at Primitive Skate, Marie at Interior Frugalista, and Linda at Itsy Bitsy.
Visit 5 other new Christmas stencil projects below!
.
6 of my blogger friends joined me in creating something unique for Christmas with Funky Junk’s Old Sign Stencils! Visit each one below to see what they made too!
Donna via Funky Junk Interiors (you are here)
Susan via Homeroad – click HERE
Bliss via Bliss Ranch – click HERE
Carlene via Organized Clutter – click HERE
Becky via Beyond the Picket Fence – click HERE
.
Visit my other Christmas 2019 projects to date thus far:
This is divine! It has a rustic, elegant vibe that I adore.
Thanks Becky! I love the frame and buffalo check together… it’s just different!
OK, it turned out freaking awesome, I love it! The one I made was a gift, I wonder if I have time to knock yours off for myself?
Thanks Bliss! I’m really pleased with it! That frame was a killer find… it just worked! So yeah…. it’s an easy knock off so go knock it off already!
Oh Donna, first of all, what a find for $12. I have a dresser mirror salvage on my mantel. I love them! You created a masterpiece! It’s so gorgeous that I would keep it out all year round!
Thanks Carlene! And too funny…. I was thinking of your own Christmas mantel with a similar frame when I landed this one! And of course… your own bulletin board Christmas Countdown Bingo which I meant to mention in this post… will add!
I do love how it turned out… so I may make an everyday version once Christmas is over. I certainly have enough bulletin board in order to do so! LOL
Love that old mirror frame and how you repurposed it! Cork can be expensive; that was a great idea to hoard the old board. The Buffalo check stencil is perfect behind the BINGO one, and the color combo is awesome. Looks really nice with the old wood of the frame. Thanks for hosting this fun hop!
Thanks Lora! Yes, any time I see an old bulletin board, I grab it! Thanks so much for being a part of the hop, your project is ADORABLE!
Wow! Its fantastic, Donna! I agree with Becky, rustic-elegant. With a bit of cozy-charm. Really nice.
I had to read over your post twice, just to see if you used the stencil on fabric. It honestly looks like you did. Love that effect!
Thanks Kim! It sure does resemble fabric, doesn’t it?!
PS: If you mention a stencil you’d like to win, you’ll be in the running for the draw! 😀
Ok, choosing just one….? Almost impossible! 🙂
In the end, I chose the one I fell in love with 1st and expresses one of my deepest passions. Supporting local.
I go to the Farmer’s Market every weekend and love it so much.
So, the Farmers’ Market stencil is the one I would choose if I win.
Thanks for the opportunity!
JOY stencil for sure!! Yay!! Love everything you do! Thanks for the chance!
Thanks Niki! So glad you come by for a little inspiration!
Good luck on JOY… it’s been a Christmas fav this past season!
amazing stencils. Would love all of them but having to pick just one,well, Welcome to my Garden. This would be perfect for me.
Thanks for the chance to win this and you have a wonderful blog. Love your heart felt writing.
Awww thank-you Mary! Those more personal posts are super therapeutic as well… it’s satisfying pouring out a story and letting it just be. Glad you enjoy them!
Good choice on thinking spring… you’ll have plenty of time to get ready before the season hits!
I love your Christmas countdown bingo! I’ve only used stencils one time and I’m hooked especially from seeing all your funky junk. I want the plaid shirt stencil and thank you for a chance to win
Thanks Lori! It was a fun challenge making it extra special!
Plaid Shirt is a fun one! The outcome is so cool!
What a terrific find…I love your creative mind!
The Christmas Tree stencil would be a great project as I’ve always wanted to do a crate for our tree.
Always looking forward to what you do next!
That frame is the BOMB! This project isn’t permanent so I can pop the bulletin board out and use it differently throughout the year. I hope to add it to my sewing room wall for a bulletin board there!
Good choice on Christmas Trees. I’ve just done a new demo with it on a little crate and it turned out cute as can be! More on that soon!
I love your JOY vertical stencil in large. Have used your idea with a daughter and granddaughter for a Friday night stencil and Christmas goodie party. Should definitely do it more often! Thanks, for your fun ideas to get our creative juices flowing!
Sweet mirror frame!
Thanks Lenora!
Joy Vertical became a favorite this past Christmas season! It’s been fun using it in so many different ways!
Wow! Difficult task to pick just one stencil! So, I would definitely start a collection of stencils with ‘Fall Graphics.’ Fall is my favorite time of year. Size of images look like just my speed…just sayin’!
Haha! Don’t I know it! Fall Graphics is super versatile and you are right, the images are a little more compact, perfect for smaller projects. I grab it lots!
I love them all but if I were to win the reindeer and christmas crates would be perfect for a project I’m working on!
Thanks Caroline! Christmas Crates ended up being this Christmas’ most popular! I’m finding it hard to put down myself… it just works on everything I touch. (what plain surfaces? LOL)
I truly enjoy everyone of your creative posts.
I would love the smaller buffalo check stencil.
Thank-you Jo! Buffalo Check is a wonderful year-around choice too!
All the stencils are great, but I especially love the buffalo check–there are so many things I could do with it!
Thanks Amy! Yup, that is one iconic look that always works no matter what the season!
I would choose the rustic Christmas tree! ?
Great job. Clever to recycle the frame and the cork board. I would love to win your buffalo plaid stencil. I see so many uses for it.
Thank-you Mary! Yes, that stencil is super versatile and looks good on anything!
The Christmas blend hot coca would be an awesome stencil to have???
to win the Joy stencil kit would be amazing!! I can already picture it completed by my front door!
Good luck Tricia… it’s definitely versatile and makes a great impact!
I LOVE your stencils! And ALL of your projects! I’d love to win the mini Christmas images stencil! Cheers! Jan
I love the old school feel that all your stencils create! The grain stencil would be my favorite…I’m a proud crazy chicken lady, and would love to stencil “My girls” some curtains for their coop! Thanks for the chance to enter this exciting contest!
I love those little locker numbers! I have the original Bingo stencil (along with quite a few others) but if I was to win a free stencil, right now I’d pick the Farm Blend Grain stencil! We live in a rural area with mostly grain farmers, I think some product with that would be a hit.
I’m looking forward to seeing your tree and new “skirt”! Keep on keeping on, you’re an inspiration.
Love all your designs. Would like to win FARM SUPPLY stencil.
Love this project! I see bulletin boards all the time at thrift stores and never could figure out how to make them over. I’m loving all the Christmas stencils but am crushing on Christmas Crates.
Large Buffalo Check stencil
I love the whole thing, but that frame is beautiful. Such a great find. I love everything you do.
What a stunning advent calendar! You really have the neatest stencils I have seen. I love them all but if I had to choose one it would be the shipping crate stencil.
It would be hard to pick one … maybe Sleigh Rides or Antiques … I really love them all!
Oh I love all of your stencils and creations. My favorite is the buffalo check. Would love to win it. Thanks for the chance! Merry Christmas
Love the subtle buffalo check!! I adore your stencils Donna and have many. I would love to win the industrial Christmas or the Reindeer Food.
I would love the coffee brewers stencil, so versatile!! Thanks for opportunity to win it 😉 Merry Christmas!
Its absolutely gorgeous Donna!
And I have a very similar looking mirrow frame sitting in my stash… I think her future is clear now….
I would love to have Xmas bingo stencil, thank you for the inspiration!
You have the most wonderful stencils. My favorite is the Garden Shop set, but I wouldn’t turn away any one of them. They are all so great! Thanks
All of your stencils and projects are great. If I win, I would choose Pumpkin Patch.
I love all your stencils. However, if I have to pick, I would pick the Apple Farm | You Cut Tree – combo stencil.
My first choice is Christmas Crates, but I just bought it! Next choice is Christmas graphics. Hard to choose and I love how so many are interchangeable 🙂 Have a b=very Merry Christmas Donna!
So many choices!!! Eek! I can’t get enough of that medium buffalo plaid! That dresser mirror frame is SWEET!
Love them all but the Christmas wagon the best!
I would love to win the Christmas Crates ! Thank you for your kindness
I would love to win either Reindeer Feed or National Brewers Coffee. I found my other stencils today so now I have to get going to make some gifts. I have the Cocoa one, Bakery, stripes and the lemonade stand stencils so my collection is growing.
-Karen
I would love the Christmas crates stencil. They are so sweet.
Love your new countdown creation! If I may, the plaid stencil please. Thanks! This is wonderful
I love that frame! You also could interchange the sign out for different holidays with your other stencils. I like the potting shed stencil.
Hi Donna,
I love what you did with that old frame! The creativity in imagining this, is awesome. Endless possibilities using stencils and combining. I have the Buffalo Check stencil and I love it!
The stencil I would love to win in your Giveaway is your “Christmas Trees Pine, Spruce Fir” one. The wheels are turning in my head! Thanks for all the great ideas and tutorials, Donna. I always look forward to your posts.
Your creativity never ceases to amaze me!! This project turned out super awesome and the mini wreath… seriously!! I’ve been looking for mini wreaths in the stores while this old, worn out faux garland wreath is right under my nose!!
Thank you so much for sharing your talent and for the inspiration and tutorials 🙂
I absolutely adore your Christmas Crates stencil and would not be upset to get it in the mail, hehe!
Though I love them all, I think I would pick the Potting Shed stencil.
I actually got a 2020 seed catalog yesterday in the mail!
Christmas bingo countdown project is so cute! I love your creative projects and stencils and have a couple. The stencil I really like is the arrow kit.
I would love the antiques one that you used on that box, so so cute! Love it and thanks!
love the pantry stencil!
I would love a garden stencil, christmas tree one or Christmas crates…I think! So many to choose from! Thank you!!! ?
LOVE this! It feels like home!
I purchased a couple of stencils a year ago or so. Anitiques and the Coffe one. I made “crate signs” for me. And then made gifts for family and friends. They were so happy to have them.
I have been trying to get into a creative groove again.this is just the ticket! I will need to make a Christmas Cointdown for me!
I don’t know which stencil I like the best. If I could pick “one” it would be, small buffalo check., or the feed sack stripe. Or the cut your own trees. Or the snow flakes! Oh, I can’t pick one. Love them all. THANK YOU for your wonderful creative soul.
Wishing you a very Blessed Christmas.
I like this one,
https://www.funkyjunksoldsignstencils.com/products/grain
i would love to win the Fall Graphics or the Shipping Crate Stamps…love all your projects. you go into detail so it’s so easy to learn from you…thanks for sharing everything.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
I love how you call it your “hoard” and then a “find”. My personal hoard is starting to grow too big. I think it’s time to visit it and evaluate what to keep and what to toss. Or maybe I’ll wait until after the holidays 🙂
I would love to win the Get away collection.
I love all of your stencils it was hard to pick.
I love all of your stencils and your projects. I would love to win the buffalo check or the Joy stencil. They are on my wish list. Have a Merry Christmas!
Most definitely the buffalo check stencil. It’s always been my favorite of yours and, for me, would be the most useful!
I love the buffalo check stencil, regular size. Just clever. I bought the bingo stencil and made a sign for my bingo fanatic sister. She loves it. Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Donna, it’s difficult to select just one stencil as I have a few favourites, but I’d love to win the “Welcome to my Garden” stencil- this would be quite well used by me, and it is a very versatile stencil with the ability to use it as a whole or to use the stencil’s separate words/patterns. Cheers and M
erry Christmas to you, Angela
Donna, I love your Countdown to Christmas Bingo Sign. The ash colored buffalo check looks great great over the black background! Excellent choices!!
Stencil Comment – please consider bundling the grain sack stripes & selling as one group or in 2 separate groups. I’d like all of them & wish you had a price for the whole lot!
GIVEAWAY – is this where I enter?? So hard to choose one stencil but keeping with Christmas, should I win, I’d like the “Christmas Blend Hot Cocoa” stencil. Big THANKS to you & the others for hosting this giveaway!!
Merry Christmas!!!!
I love that frame! It’s absolutely gorgeous! If I have to pick 1 stencil, it would be the shipping crate stamps, but they are all great. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Donna–I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your Funky Junk style! You are my decor soul sister!
I am in love with everything about your antiques flocked tree!
I would love to win your Christmas crates stencil. Keep junkin’ and have a Merry Christmas!
I only recently found your site and I am loving all of your projects! You have a great eye and are so talented.
I’d love to have any of the buffalo check stencils to start my stencil collection!
I would love to win your buffalo check medium. You do such great work and are very inspiring!
Wow so many choices of amazing stencils- some of which I own as I am a big fan and use them alot. A new stencil would be wonderful and make me so happy ! After alot of thought I chose Shipping Crates ! I would like to create some industrial pieces with it. Thank you !
I I would love to win the Christmas countdown bingo stencil. I love all your stencils.
I’d love to win the buffalo check, Donna.
Love your Christmas Bingo board! So cute and festive. Yes, it DOES pay to save things. 🙂
I know Bliss Ranch loves your stencils and so do I. I have several… okay maybe more than several. I’d love to add the Shipping Crate Stamps to my collection.
All the best to you and your family!!
I would love to have the National Brewers Coffee stencil….tough decision to make! Enjoy your website! Thanks for keeping us inspired…
Donna, love all your stencils! I would choose the Christmas Trees if I win.
Thanks for all your decorating ideas, your stencils and your stories. We just made a tool box with one of your ideas!
Merry Christmas!!!
I love what you did with the mirror frame and buffalo check stencil! You are so creative!
I would love the Potting Shed stencil…I live in a tiny house in a tiny town and spend all my spring & summer in the yard..it’s crazy. My shed had no floor when I got this place a couple years ago and now it finally sort of does. Collecting scrap lumber to fix it was more of a chore than fixing it. But now it needs design…like a sign to start. This is going to be my summer project this year. To create the potting shed I’ve been wanting and needing.
Thanks for all the wonderful creative ideas you come up with. You are an inspiration that keeps me moving.
Hard to choose just 1! You are so creative! I I’d choose the Buffalo check! Thank you for sharing your inspiration and Merry Christmas ??
I would love the Get-away-collection for our River/Lake retreat. I love all of your work. It’s just so down to earth. Do you do all of your own projects. If you do, I bow down to you! I just try to do a couple at at a time. I sell on Ebay so I do make a few things to sell. I wish I had your energy!!!
I love your ideas! I would love to win the buffalo check stencil. I have so many places that I would be able to use that one!
I love this Christmas countdown! I can not decide which stencil is my favorite. I love these the most:Farmhouse, Farmer’s Market, Farm Supply, General Store and Grocery. Guess I’m just a country girl.
Wow! Thanks for the chance! I’d love them all, but I think buffalo check is my top pick! Thanks again! Love all of the ideas!
I love your buffalo plaid stencil! I could use that for so many things!
I would love to win the Christmas Countdown bingo stencil! I have your buffalo check and an old blackboard so I’m ready!!!
I’ve enjoyed funkyjunkinteriors.net for a long time. I’ve secretly wanted to stencil something for my daughter. Thank you for the chance to enter your give-away. I choose the buffalo check (small) design. Thank you.
This giveaway is now over. Winners are: Sandy at Primitive Skate, Marie at Interior Frugalista, and Linda at Itsy Bitsy. You’ll be contacted shortly to claim your wins!
Many thanks to everyone who entered and visited these wonderful projects!
This turned out so beautifully! I am so happy to be a winner!
Yay, me too Linda!!
I just resent your winner email with instructions. I don’t think you got the first one? Here’s hoping you see today’s so you can claim your win!
Donna