an orange advent calendar

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

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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

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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). 

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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.

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