Here is my version of an Advent Activity Calendar….
The idea is that you pop a little activity into each of the pockets in the countdown to Christmas. I am going to put different things like trips to visit the Christmas lights, treasure hunts for candy canes and making gingerbread in mine. I am not going to fill them all in advance as I would rather have a bit more of an idea what I need to plan for in the pocket than forgetting that a baking activity falls on a busy afternoon. I can see that this advent calendar will promote meaningful family memories and I’m excited for Demember 1 so that we can start using it!
My first step in making this project was to decide which DSP (Designer Series Paper) that I would like to use. In deciding this paper my colour combination could be easily decided as I would just pull colours out of the designs. I went with the cute “Festival of prints” Designer Series Paper Stack. This paper comes in a pad that is 11.4 x 16.5cm, you get a whopping 48 sheets, which is 4 each of 12 double sided designs for only $11.95. You will find the paper on page 20 of the Holiday Catalogue. There is so much choice. Even after using it on this project I still have heaps of DSP leftover! The Cardstock that I used was in the coordinating colours of Lucky Limeade, Cherry Cobbler, Island Indigo, Crumb Cake and Early Expresso.
Here is a list of items that I have used to make my Advent Calendar…It was made for the recent Stampin’ Up! Heartfelt Event, and as I was showcasing what was possible with the Big Shot my calendar does use a whole lot of Big Shot product!
Big Shot
Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (page 186)
Typeset Alphabet Bigz (page 192)
Holiday Ornamets Framelits (page 3 of the Holiday Catalogue)
Designer Rosette Bigz XL (page 194) Use with the extended cutting pads on page 186, you may get a better result if you use a extended premium crease pad on the non-cutting side, but see how you go, I use the two cutting pads in my Big Shot for a great result but every Big Shot has a slightly different tension.
Petite Pocket Bigz XL (page 194)
Lattice Bigz (page 193)
Delicate Designs Folders (page 188)
Northern Flurry Folder (page 189)
Large Scallop Edgelit (page 190)
Delicate Doilies Sizzlit (page 191)
Snow Flurry Bigz Die (page 14 of the Holiday Catalogue)
Holiday Collection Framelits (page 16 of the Holiday Catalogue)
Accessories
3/16 inch metallic brads in silver (page 174)
Large Pearl Basic Jewels (page 175)
Pearl Basic Jewels (page 175)
Rhinestone Basic Jewels (page 175)
Antique brads (page 174)
Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (page 176)
Seam binding ribbon in Very Vanilla (page 172).
Ruffled ribbon in Lucky Limeade (page 172).
Scallop Dots Ribbon in Cherry Cobbler (page 172)
Baker’s Twine in Cherry Cobbler, Early Expresso, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade and Whisper White.
Punches
1 1/4 inch scallop circle punch (page 7 of the Holiday Catalogue)
Petite Pennants Builder Punch (page 185)
Small Heart Punch (page 183)
3/4 Circle punch (page 184)
Boho Blossom Punch (page 185)
Stamps and Inks
Scentsational Season Stamp set (page 16 of the Holiday Catalogue).
Classic Inks in Crumb Cake and Chocolate Chip.
Tools
Silicone Craft Sheet (page 31 of the Holiday Catalogue) and a hot glue gun.
Paper Trimmer (page 180)
I used fabric from the “essentials designer fabric” collection on page 170. The frame was one that I had here that wasn’t being used. I gave it a coat of white paint and sanded it back to look shabby. The pockets have been attached with hot glue.
I hope you like it. I’d be happy to take any close up photos or answer any questions you may have.
