I have a knack for doing things last-minute, but running full throttle with the idea in my head anyway, pouring my heart into every inch and loving the result. This time? The result is this adorable, with a slight vintage feel (to match other items I’m using in my decor this year), Countdown to Christmas Advent Calendar.
And what good is a fun, DIY project without involving energetic little ones in the cutting, gluing and glittering process? For our homemade Advent Calendar, we used small brown paper bags from Michaels… the cheapest I could find. I designed the numbers (and made them available as a free download here) and printed on cardstock, then used my 2″ scalloped punch to cut them out and Aliyah glued them to the front of the bags.
Later, after their energy had lost it’s luster and they fell sleepily into their beds, I stuffed each bag with a little treat, some days received candy or stickers with others snagged notes with fun instructions like Dance with the family to a Christmas song before bed. After folding down the top, I punched a hole to attach red ribbon and a little bell that my girl had thoroughly glittered… and tied the festive gifts to a red and white bakers twine strung across our living room mirror.
Since I already had many of the items laying around the house, this cost of this project was just a few dollars, but it has already added to our holiday splendor many times over. No matter how you celebrate it, enjoy this month’s countdown to Christmas… we’re in the home stretch!
Sílvia says
you along with your family are inspiring and I needed to tell you that!
…I´ve been following your blog don´t know for how long, or how did I get to it, but I´m definitely thankful for that moment. I´m pregnant with our first baby, and your maternity series inspired me to do something similar…and so I did…and time does fly because 26 weeks have already passed… =)
allenaim photography and design says
oh heavens you are creative… 🙂
Angela says
What a CUTE idea! Love it. 🙂
Jen says
nice idea and I see the baby helping! 🙂
Aleta says
I think you must be the most creative person I know. What a fabulous idea! How sweet, vintage, sharing, festive and adorable!
Crystal Rae says
That is so cool! Love it. 🙂
septembermom says
That is a terrific idea! I need to steal it 🙂 Love your creativity.
kneesandpaws says
This is so lovely! Thanks for inspiring me to get started decking the halls!
Shannon says
You and I are on some similar pathways! We are doing this same thing in my house… And I’m a little late at it, too. Yours turned so beautifully! Thank for your recent comments. You are an awesome mom.
jayayceeblog says
What a beautiful idea and you are making such wonderful memories for them. Love the instructional ones like dancing to a Christmas song! Great, great photos!!!
A Daddy Blog says
Hey Tabitha,
You photographic skills are well in evidence in this blog. Lovely pictures and a great project. I love the end result. Here’s what I wrote in response to your comment on my blog, as I doubt you’d ever have time to drop back and read it. We are all so busy.
Long time no see. How are little Brayden and I’m guessing not so little Aliyah? I do get some spam that are in some language I can’t read, “Russian”? But the funniest ones are in English. Here’s the latest. As sorry as I felt for this persons imaginary friend I didn’t click. LOL. Have a wonderful weekend!
“Will you rate my best friend out of 10? she thinks shes ugly :(?”
-Michael (aka: http://adaddyblog.com)
Everyday Britt says
Love it!
GabbyRM says
I loooooooooove Christmas tree bokeh.
Christina Lee says
Wow do I love this idea!!! And I am in love with your new header picture.