Todays project: A DIY Orange Advent Calendar Need: 25 Mini Chinese take out boxes 2 sheets of nice coordinating 12x12 paper (scrapbook or other) Scissors or paper trimmer Adhesive (I use Tombo tape roller) Marker 5 pieces of 48" (or longer) ribbon or string 25-50 Clothes Pins 10 Nails Printer Printer Paper Access to Internet I ordered the mini Chinese take out boxes here, they are made in the US and you can get colors other than orange), to hold the orange advent readings and coloring sheets (get the small printable here). Directions: Number 2x2" squares 1-25 (You could also cut more squares as spacers to letter MERRY ORANGE CHRISTMAS out of the same pieces of paper) adhere squares to boxes trim printed readings and fold to fit in boxes place a reading, a coloring sheet (if you have children), and a square of chocolate for each family member in each box according to number hammer 5 nails down in a column approximately 10" apart measure about 42" over and nail another column of 5 nails 10" apart tie string or ribbon (across) between first two nails, curl ribbon ends repeat for next 4 rows. attach each box with a clothespin I also included a square of fair trade chocolate for each of us. I get these from Trader Joe's and cut them into squares but you can also get fair trade chocolate from Divine Chocolates, Sweet Earth Chocolates and Theo (I recommend the gray salted caramels as a hidden treat in 4 boxes). I got the idea from this kit offered in Stampin' Up's Holiday Mini Catalog this season (SU stamps are made in the US).
Enjoy opening one box per night with your family! The readings were written by Rebecca Tucker, MFC pastor. These blogs and websites are some of my favorites for DIY Christmas Gifts (and gifts year round too). I also linked a favorite idea from each site. Enjoy!
Skip to My Lou: Handmade Gift Ideas Ana White: Handmade Holiday Craft Catalog Mrs. Priss: Ruffled Shoe Clips 101 handmade gifts: Cranberry Bliss Bars Craftbits: Sidewalk Chalk Instructables Gifts: Reusable Produce Bags Resweater: Recycled Wool Mittens Handmade HomeSchool TipNut: Kitchen Gifts PurlBee: Felt Advent Calendar Design Sponge: Sweater Wreath |