DIY Christmas Advent Calendar + Printable Activity List + A Coupon
Hello everyone! I know It's been busy on the blog lately, haha! But it's better to share a Christmas advent calendar earlier than later, right? Even if you don't do countdowns for Christmas, you could use it to collect love notes to family members or simply as a decoration, in a fabulously festive way. I've got lots of photos to share today!
Learn how to make the big 3D star, paper trees and reindeer in my post here.
We've had this tree for a long time. I think it is easy to find an alternative or you can just hang the envelopes together on a hook or a string across your mantel.
Cut paper to 3"x3" and start scoring at 1-3/4" to make this envelop:
For this envelope size, two of the corners will stick out a little. You can snip off the extra or use a corner punch with a bigger radius:
I used an 1" circle punch to punch the numbers out here but you can just cut around them by hand. Remember to put the twine (for hanging) and the activity cutout in before you seal it.
For the bigger envelope - Cut paper to 4"x4" and start scoring at 2-1/4".
I made this envelope size so I can use the bracket numbers cutout from the paper.
Did you notice the big red doily the tree is sitting on? It was punched with a doily punch! I've been wanted to try one of these ever since I saw them at CHA back in January this year. And Thanks to the coupon, I finally brought it home!
Use it in-store or online. Use it on the Envelope Punch Board, Martha Stewart Circle Edge Punch Starter Set, or any other cool stuff you've wanted.
This post is part of the Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores® Celebrate the Season campaign. I received compensation in craft supplies; however, this is my personal, honest opinion based on my experience. All products used were my personal choice.
Learn how to make the big 3D star, paper trees and reindeer in my post here.
Supplies
Printable Christmas Countdown Activity List (free download here!) Paper Scissors Adhesive String (I used twine) Envelope Punch Board (Or a scoring board to make envelopes) Crazy Mesh (Gold Metallic) [Optional] Decorative Punches [Optional] * All supplies were found and bought at Jo-Ann Store (coupon linked below)
The Tree
The first thing I did was to wrap the tree with some gold metallic mesh for an instant festive lift.
We've had this tree for a long time. I think it is easy to find an alternative or you can just hang the envelopes together on a hook or a string across your mantel.
How to make the envelopes
I used two sizes of envelopes on my tree. The activity cutouts from my list (linked above) will fit nicely in the smaller envelopes:
Cut paper to 3"x3" and start scoring at 1-3/4" to make this envelop:
For this envelope size, two of the corners will stick out a little. You can snip off the extra or use a corner punch with a bigger radius:
I used an 1" circle punch to punch the numbers out here but you can just cut around them by hand. Remember to put the twine (for hanging) and the activity cutout in before you seal it.
For the bigger envelope - Cut paper to 4"x4" and start scoring at 2-1/4".
I made this envelope size so I can use the bracket numbers cutout from the paper.
Decorate the Envelops
Almost all paper pads have a couple of journaling or accent paper. I cut the elements out to decorate the envelopes.
More Photos
Did you notice the big red doily the tree is sitting on? It was punched with a doily punch! I've been wanted to try one of these ever since I saw them at CHA back in January this year. And Thanks to the coupon, I finally brought it home!
The 50% Off Coupon
Use it in-store or online. Use it on the Envelope Punch Board, Martha Stewart Circle Edge Punch Starter Set, or any other cool stuff you've wanted.
This post is part of the Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores® Celebrate the Season campaign. I received compensation in craft supplies; however, this is my personal, honest opinion based on my experience. All products used were my personal choice.
I absolutely LOVE punching and glueing and this post is a paper crafters DREAM! So many fun elements. Very inspirational, Nina. And a huge THANK YOU for the awesome coupon!
michellezerull on
Such a very sweet tree and idea..cute little envelopes too..I have the SU envelope punch board since a week love it!
Holly Saveur on
Thank you Holly! Have fun with your punch board!
Nina on
Oh Nina I think this would be a simple and fun way to do an advent calendar (of course I already have the tools). For this year you could even do a 12 day count down and do a full countdown next year. I want to thank you know for sharing many wonderful projects and products this year and I’m looking forward to 2014. Have a blessed holiday season ;)
Deborah S on
I’ve never tackled an advent calendar project. This is so lovely … such sweet envelopes!!
Lillian Child on