Welcome back! I hope everyone had a great long holiday weekend, and you aren’t struggling like me to resume regular life! But life isn’t too regular these days…not with the buzz of Christmas in the air! I am so excited about Christmas with my kids this year…at 9 and 4 years-old, they are in the prime of excitement…and it is definitely contagious! We got a big jump on decorating this weekend; the kids are practically in their Pre-Christmas Frenzy, and it’s not even December yet.
Advent Calendars are always a fun way for kids to count down the days, and have something to look forward to each day before Christmas. I spotted this Advent Calendar awhile back, and instantly knew I’d be making my own. I realized this weekend though that December 1 is days away, so I had to get it in gear so my Advent Calendar would be ready to go!
It’s so cute I can hardly stand it! (Can I say that about something I made?!)
It is very easy and inexpensive to make (is there any other way around here?!). First we’ll start with the cones:
I created the numbers on my computer (using Copperplate font), then printed them out on label paper. Fold each piece of scrapbook paper in half diagonally, then in half again. Use the fold lines to cut 4 equal triangles.
Making the cones is very simple…once you get the hang of it. I’ll admit though, I had to Google the method several times before it finally blonde moment clicked.
About halfway through this party, you’ll wish Christmas was on the 10th, not 25th. But soon enough you’ll have a nice pile of 24 paper cones:
Next punch a hole in the back of each cone to thread your twine through. Then punch or cut out your numbers and affix one to each cone. (I mentioned I printed my numbers on label paper. Trying to peel the backs off of those 1″ circles was the most tedious part of the entire project. Next time I’ll print on regular paper and affix to the cones with glue.)
Now you need to create the ‘Tree’ in this scenario. I used the trusty Dollar Store Vase, some snowy looking stems from JoAnns Fabric and wrapping paper:
Once your tree is in place, tie the cones on with string or twine.
For the actual treat part, I raided the $1 aisles at different stores. Since I have to put two (identical) items in each cone, I was looking for fun and small!
Then I just dropped them in the cones, and added a fun ribbon to the vase.
The cones are hung in complete random order, so the kids will have to search each night for the right one to empty. I also added a few clip-on birds to give it a more natural feel.
Some cones also contain little slips of paper saying:
“Go for hot chocolate and walk around outdoor shops looking at lights.”
“Family movie night: ELF!”
“Watch a Christmas Special on TV.”
“Decorate cookies.”
“Tonight: Breakfast for Dinner and ice cream cones.”
I made sure those slips went in the days I was able to live up to the promise!
The only problem with the Tree so far? Curious onlookers!
The kids are so excited about this tree, and are already counting down the days until starting it December 1! And I can’t wait to see their faces each day when a new treat is revealed. Do you use an Advent Calendar in your home?
I’m sharing this project on the blogs listed in my Parties…check them out!
LOVE this! i was looking for a project to do with a friend who is coming over weds, and i think this is it… love love! i have just the spot for it, too!
This is the cutest idea!!! Your kids will love it, plus it is so pretty! Janell
That is adorable!! We've had many different types of advent calendars over the years. The past several years, as the girls have gotten older, we have changed our tradition to the "12 Days of Christmas". For each of the 12 days leading up to Christmas day, the girls get a small "something" to open (lip gloss, a fancy pen, a starbucks gift card, candy, movie ticket, etc). I also put together a box to send my mil, she's 92! She loves having a little something to open every day (we make hers more age appropriate, nice soap, lotion, holiday cd, etc.).
So cute!! I love how that turned out. I've never done an advent calendar for my kids yet (only 2.5 and 4) but next year I may have to try this idea! Love it!
Hey, Girlie! Lovin' this! It will definitely be on my TO DO list for next year when it's a little easier to buy presents for him. Finding little stuff for a one year old is kind of tricky…you know since they shove everything in their mouths. 🙂
I cannot get over those branches! I'm so going to have to buy some!
this is the perfect advent calendar. you are amazing! i think i might do this next year when my little one is older and understands more. this year all she is getting is the $1.00 chocolate punch out ones…lame i know!
Cassie,
What an adorable advent calendar! I know your kiddos will absolutely love it throughout the holiday season. What a great idea to add in the movie night, breakfast for dinner and other family night slips as an additional treat. Leave it to you to recreate a fun, affordable and adorable holiday tradition. Kudos to you!
This is the best advent calendar I've seen yet! I love the hanging cones and the paper you used is so charming.
1) This is ADORABLE! It wouldn't be too weird for me to make this for myself even though I have no kiddos to count down to Santa with, right?? Ha! Love it.
2) LOVING the new blog layout. The header and colors are just perfection!
Cassie . . . this is amazing. I love it. Everything about it is darling. Chances I can pull it off??? And I love the tutorial {and how you did the strips of pictures, etc. looks great}
You have reason to brag, this came out great! It is very festive looking too 🙂
Oh my, that is the cutest thing I have ever seen!! Love it!
I have seen OODLES of advent calenders in bloggy land… and yours hands down WINS! no joke cutest advent ever. love the cones and the tree branches with the snowy pom poms so darling. WAY TO GO!
jen- CraftOManiac
What a terrific idea – this is the cutest Advent calendar I've seen…love that it can be age appropriate with different treats as the kids get older…you are so talented! And I just can't get over your new blog look – loved the other one so I was a little wary of change, but this one looks like YOU…and is too cute! Ali
If you don't love it…who will??
I would totally love it if you linked up to our party!!!
http://paperissues.blogspot.com/2010/11/holiday-hook-up.html
This is so much fun -and thanks for the tutorial – i have to make confetti cones for my sisters wedding in a couple of months so will be referring back!
Rachie xo
What an adorable advent calendar! It's so cheery and festive. I think I may need to "borrow" your idea and make one of these. We don't have children but I think I'm going to make this for my husband and put in fun things for him each day. We're like big kids at Christmas time.
By far the *cutest* advent calendar I have ever seen…I especially like that some of them are fun fam activities! BRILLIANT! Do you ever just suck at anything??? (c: I mean, really, you are giving me a complex. LOL. (c:
http://loveallthingsbrightandbeautiful.blogspot.com
Oh this is so creative and special! You are genius my doll!
Luvs!
Great post! I would love it if you would link this up to my Strut Your Stuff Party! http://danajeanward.blogspot.com/2010/11/link-up-giveaway-and-winner.html
oh this is just fabulous Cassie!!
That turned out great! Love all the different papers. And such fun treats – glitter putty, breakfast for dinner, Elf! FUN!
This is SO CUTE, Cassie!! Great job!
Emily Hewett
awelldressedhome.com/blog
Oh, girl! Some serious cuteness happening here! Perfect to mix in "activity" papers with the treats:) I've always wanted to make one too. Can you believe it's almost December??
Hey, Girlie! I featured you today! Come take a peek! 🙂
Crafts & Sutch
Erin 🙂
Wow! SOO cute! I especially love the branches too…wish I had a joann's in my area:(
What a cute idea!! We always had advent calendars growing up, but this reminds me that I need one for my home!! Except, I don't have kids… is it okay to give myself treats?
I'm a bit embarrassed, I accidentally clicked over here from CS. However, I thought I'd take a peek. This is a darling advent calendar, decor piece.
Such a cute and colorful idea! I'll have to Pin it!! Visiting from Thrifty Decor Chick party.