Count on It

Planning Tips

Count on It

Many of us abandon—or simply forget—childhood crafts and games as we grow into adults. Not only did Kristin Adams Litke, owner of Adams Litke Design, never stop making paper chains, she made a career out of them. In November 2008 she created Big Day Chains, linked rings of illustrated paper that can be torn off one by one to count down the days leading up to a special event.

The Bellevue-based designer always enjoyed making “countdown chains,” and found them increasingly in demand from friends and family members.

“It’s a nostalgia thing,” she says. “Tearing off the chains reminds you how unique and charming special events can be.”

Her custom illustrations on 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper celebrate birthdays, weddings and childbirth, and she has plans to create themes for additional holidays and events in the coming year. Available for $14.95 (five percent of profits are donated to cancer research) online at BigDayChains.com, and at Buggy in Madrona and Izilla Toys on Capitol Hill.