Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop #6

Welcome to week 6 of the Triple Play Blog Hop. This week's featured die is the Sizzix, Bigz XL, Album, Brackets by Brenda Pinnick. This is another incredibly versatile die that had my imagination spinning.

Since Christmas is just around the corner, I decided to create an advent calendar using the Album, Brackets die. Because the shapes are square, I immediately thought of pockets.

My advent calendar is made from felt. I bought half a yard each of four colors (red, pink, green and light green) for the pockets. I also bought a yard (possibly could make it with 3/4 of a yard) of the dark green background felt.

I first cut 5" square pieces, six of each of three color and seven of one color. I carefully planned out the colors on a piece of graph paper. If you look closely you can see the squares are in a diagonal color pattern. Red squares are #1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21 and 25. Pink; #2, 6, 10, 14, 18 and 22.

Once I had the pocket pieces cut I then had the Album, Bracket shapes to cut and lay out. There is a pattern here as well. I used the large bracket shape in all four corners and in the center. I used the small bracket shape for all of the even numbers. Then I used the square bracket frame for all of the remaining odd numbers. Can you see the pattern? I also had to select what colors to use in what shape. This was a more random choice with the idea of not repeating the same color combination next to each other.

The numbers were die cut using Ellison, Sure Cut, 2" Block Numbers (education dies).

Once I had everything laid out I started sewing. I did not do any applique sewing since this is a seasonal piece that should not get a lot of wear and tear. I first sewed the Album, Brackets shapes to the squares then the numbers to the bracket shapes. Finally I sewed the squares to the background as pockets and sewed along the top of the dark green backing piece to insert a dowel.

I'm still not sure if I am going to give this away or not. I started thinking about all of the fun little gifts that could fit inside these pockets... art supplies, little toys, vintage goodies, jewelry... and now I just might keep it for myself.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed creating it. I love my Followers so please be sure to join and then continue on through the Blog Hop using the blinkie button to the right. I'm sure there are many amazing creations and fabulous uses for this die.

This project is linked to These Creative Juices.