Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Handmade Holiday Cheer: Advent Calendar


Advent is such a special season and growing up, my family created so many traditions that became a fixed part in our celebrations during the month leading up to Christmas. Each week, we would light our Advent wreath and read from a special Advent devotionals book. During these four weeks, among the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, our Advent traditions kept us grounded and reminded us why we celebrate Christmas. While Advent wreaths are lit every Sunday, for the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, Advent calendars are typically twenty five days in length and start on December 1st.

My mom and I rolled out the craft supplies while I was home and we spent the majority of our Saturday with stamps, punches and delightful little embellishments. Being crafty and creative with my mom is one of my most favorite ways to spend time together, especially during the holidays. I am absolutely in LOVE with the Advent calendars we made! This was not a quick project but the tiny details are what make this calendar so personal and special. It's not December yet and there is still time to make your own! If after checking your list twice you find you don't have time for this project this year, you can stock up on these supplies so that you are ready for next Christmas!

Here are some up close shots of my favorite details. How cute are the little pearl snowballs, the mini tags, the glitter and rhinestones! I adore mini sized bling.


All of the supplies listed below can be ordered through my mom's Stampin' Up! website. She will get you set up and help you order everything that you need. (you can also access her website through my sidebar to the right. Just click on the Holiday Mini catalog image) If ordering this entire list of materials is a little too much, I suggest at least ordering the stamp set and filling in the rest of the supplies from your favorite craft store. Whether you want to order these supplies or use this as inspiration to make your own version, I promise the work is worth it! All of the calendar squares are glued on a 12 x 12" canvas. A bow is tied around the frame to complete this cheerful creation!

Supplies Needed

Key:
HM= Holiday Mini Catalog
IB= Idea Book & Catalog

· 25 & Counting Stamp Set, #123792 wood ($44.95), #123794 clear ($32.95) HM

· Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, #113439 ($99.95) IB

· Peekaboo Frames Die, #124587 ($32.95) HM

· Northern Frost Die, #120901 ($21.95) IB

· Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, #124096 ($7.95) HM

· 1" Square Punch, #124094 ($15.95) IB

· Scallop Square Punch, #119884 ($16.95) IB

· Scallop Circle Punch, #119854 ($16.95) IB

· Doily Triple Layer Punch, #122465 ($23.95) IB

· 1-3/8" Circle Punch, #119860 ($15.95) IB

· 1-1/4" Circle Punch, # 119861 ($15.95) IB

· Postage Stamp Punch, # 122344 ($15.95) IB

· 1-3/8" Square Punch, #119877, ($16.95) IB

· 1-1/4" Square Punch, #119865, ($16.95) IB

· Glimmer Paper, #121792 Red and #124005 Silver, $4.95 HM

· Dazzling Details Iridescent glitter glue, # 124117, $2.50 HM

· Designer Buttons, Holly Berry Bouquet, #125636, $8.95 HM

· Mini Jingle Bells, #124116, $2.95 HM

· Baker's Twine, Early Espresso #123124, $2.95 IB

· Crochet Trim, Victoria, #118481, $6.95 IB

· Jewels, Rhinestones, # 119246, and Basic Pearls, #119247, $4.95/150ct IB

· Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Paper, #124004, 12.95 HM

· Cardstock: Wild Wasabi #108641, Real Red #102482, Early Espresso #119686, Very Vanilla #101650, Whisper White # 100730 (all cardstock $6.95/24 sheets, vanilla and white have 40 sheets/$8.50 IB)

Supplies Note: I realize this list is pretty pricey when you add it all up! I am fortunate that my mother has a craft room filled with everything we need when we tackle a project. She has built her stock over the course of several years. I'm slowly adding to my inventory...

Happy Crafting!

2 comments:

  1. So so cute! I love mini sized bling too.

    These supplies are definitely something you'd have to stock up on over time... the list totals almost $500!

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  2. so so so cute! I LOVE advent calendars and your's is adorable! Thanks for linking it up!

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