completed Advent Calendar

Then it was time for the fun!  I added ribbons, jewels and other embellishments to make them really stand out.  Once that was finished I glued magnets to the back of each piece.

Next it was on to the base.  I had my spray-painted cookie sheet.  I cut a piece of Christmas wrapping paper to size and adhered it to the tin with Mod Podge.  Once that was dry, I took a new Sharpie marker and drew lines to separate the days, and then embellished it with more trim and ric-rac.

I used random letters from my stash for spelling out December for the title at the top.  This could be created digitally as well.  Each piece was glued on with my trusty hot-glue gun.  I also added ribbon at the top to be able to easily hang it on the wall or a door.  Voila!  An advent calendar for your little sweeties!

There are lots of ways to change this up for some different looks.  A round pizza pan (found at the dollar store) would be unusual and festive~ almost like a wreath??  Other color schemes turquoise and hot pink, pale pink and white, lime green and baby blue…the possibilities are endless!  Instead of ribbon to hang it, why not grab a small easel and use it to prop up your calendar on the table next to your tree?  Or super-sized magnets on the back could be strong enough to stick to the fridge in your kitchen.

I hope that you have a good time with this project!  Of course the best part is the excitement for your family to spend time together and enjoy the holiday!!

~ Ashley
note: click HERE for credit list of product used

One of my family’s favorite Christmas activities is the advent calendar.  The children love counting down each day as their excitement builds...

There are many versions of the advent calendar, I’m sure everyone has seen the ones with little doors that have chocolate behind them.  I had a hanging fabric tree with pockets of candy growing up.  I even recently saw one made out of paper cups with tissue paper covering the tops.  Lots of creative ideas out there. 

For my calendar I started with an old cookie sheet.  Anything will work: an old tv tray top, a piece of metal cut to size from your local warehouse store, even something from the thrift store; be creative!!  Just be sure to check to see that it is magnetic!  I spray painted mine red.  {My home is decorated for Christmas with the traditional red and green, with black and white accents so those are the colors I chose for my calendar.} 

I measured the cookie sheet; mine was 10 inches across by 15 inches tall.  I created a Photoshop document that was 10”x10” at 300dpi and I created guidelines to measure off 25- 2x2 squares.   Then I started digging through my digital stash to find the right colors and themed items for my project.

I created 25 numbered items to use as the countdown pieces, one in each box.  I used some items that were from Christmas-themed kits, and others were just the right colors!  I even added some frames with photos of my kids with Santa and our Christmas tree from last year.  Once I had them created, I printed them at home on cardstock and cut them out, leaving a small white edge on each piece.  Next I laminated each one and cut it out (again!!).