This is an advent calendar I made last year. I cut each box out on my Cricut (using bags, tags, boxes and more), folded them, covered them in Christmas paper, and cut out the numbers too. It was very tedious, but it served it’s purpose well….each box had candy and a scripture in it. Only problem was you can’t really store it for keeping, so all that work was for nothing, it only lasted one year.
SO, I needed to make a new one this year, but I wanted it to last! I found a plain wooden one for sale on Amazon. 
I lightly sanded it and painted it green
Then I cut squares on my Cricut machine (using George) the size of the drawer fronts. I used a hole punch to punch some holes in the squares to fit over the drawer knobs.
I then cut out small tags (using Bags, Tags, Boxes and more) and stamped the numbers on them, and modge podged it all to the front of the drawers (tip: the drawers are not all the same size, make sure the drawers fit before you number them, if you want them in numerical order).
I used the Believe paper from Close to My Heart (I am a consultant, clicking on the link will take you to my personal sales page).
Spray the drawers with a finishing spray to water proof and help them last longer! (Remove drawers before spraying).
A keepsake advent for about $35!
(Note: If you do not own a Cricut, the paper can be easily sized and cut by hand using a paper trimmer, and tags can be printed, free hand cut or punched!)
There are lots more great ideas for advent on PINTEREST, here are a few of my favorite:
Originally posted at Latter Day Homeschooling
Your calendar looks lovely. We use a very simple system - wrapped packages suspended from the string. Each package contains a sweet and a small toy for weekends.
ReplyDeleteGASP! I love this post! I love all that you've included here! We only within the last few years have made Advent calendars but I love the tree! We want to do something really neat this year...thanks for the ideas!
ReplyDeleteI've awarded you the Versatile Blogger Award http://www.nlfamily.net/2011/11/versatile-blogger-award.html
Have a great week!
I love your Advent Calendar! Would you consider adding your calendar to my Homemade Advent Calendar Linky?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.equippingcatholicfamilies.com/2011/11/homemade-advent-calendars-links-of.html
I'd love yours to be part of the collection!
Thanks!
Monica
Oh goodness, I love it!! Now off to visit Pinterest for ideas! Thanks for linking to the NOBH. :)
ReplyDelete