You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when the holiday season rolls around? I’ve been dreaming about creating my very own advent calendar this year, and I can hardly contain my excitement! I remember as a kid, tearing open those little doors to reveal a piece of chocolate or a tiny surprise — it was pure magic! Why not bring that joy back? Wouldn’t it be amazing to mix up something fun and personal, like a little note or a photo that brings back sweet memories? Picture it: each day, a new little treasure just waiting to be discovered. I can already feel my heart racing at the thought of it! How can I resist that kind of delight?
Items You’ll Need
- Craft paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
- Baker's twine/String
- Small gift boxes or bags
- Decorative stickers
- Ruler
- Tape
- Printable templates
- Paint
- Punch or Hole puncher
- Labels or Tags
- Embellishments (ribbons, buttons, etc.)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather My Supplies
First things first, I need to gather all my equipment. I'll make sure I have Craft paper, Scissors, Glue, Markers, Baker's twine/String, Small gift boxes or bags, Decorative stickers, Ruler, Tape, Printable templates, Paint, a Punch or Hole puncher, Labels or Tags, and some Embellishments like ribbons and buttons.
Step 2: Plan the Calendar
I sit down with a cup of cocoa and sketch out what I want my advent calendar to look like. I decide I want to have 24 small gift boxes that I can open each day leading up to Christmas.
Step 3: Create the Boxes
Using the small gift boxes or bags I have collected, I start decorating them with the craft paper. I cut out colorful shapes and cover each box or bag with cheerful colors.
Step 4: Add Numbers
I use my markers to write numbers on each box from 1 to 24. This will help me keep track of the days in December.
Step 5: Decorate the Boxes
I pull out my decorative stickers, ribbons, and other embellishments to jazz up each box. I choose a different design for each one, making them uniquely festive.
Step 6: Make Calendar Backdrop
I take a large piece of craft paper to create a backdrop for my advent calendar. I’ll fold it and cut it according to how I want to display the boxes.
Step 7: Assemble the Calendar
Using my tape and glue, I secure the decorated boxes onto the backdrop. I make sure they are evenly spaced and look visually appealing.
Step 8: Add Twine for Hanging
I take the baker's twine and cut it into sections to create loops for each box. I poke holes in the boxes using my punch, then thread the twine through to create a way to hang them up.
Step 9: Fill the Boxes
Now comes the fun part! I fill each box with little surprises – like candies, notes, or small trinkets that reflect the joy of the season.
Step 10: Create a Legend
I create a little legend on a separate piece of paper that explains what each gift or note is, so I remember the surprises I've hidden!
Step 11: Final Touches
I give everything one last check, ensuring all the boxes are secure, the decorations are nice and visible, and the entire calendar is looking beautiful.
Step 12: Hang it Up
Finally, I find the perfect spot in my home to hang up the advent calendar, making sure it’s visible and inviting for the festive season!
Step 13: Enjoy Opening Each Day
Every day in December, I look forward to opening a box and enjoying the little surprises inside as I count down to Christmas!