By Jessica Schoner, Interactive Media Coordinator, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin & Metropolitan Chicago
If you’re like me and you’re counting down the days to Christmas, an advent calendar is a must-have! Now that we have a little one in our house, I just can’t wait to watch his excitement as the holidays get closer. Okay, let’s be honest; he’s seven months old, so it’ll be Mom being excited. Either way, I just can’t wait!
When I spotted a unique frame at Goodwill I knew I had the perfect beginnings to a homemade advent calendar. You could even remove the countdown envelopes and use the frame in your home from January through November – bonus!
Materials:
- Picture frame or window shutter
- Holiday stickers and decorative pieces
- Craft paint or paint pens
- Miniature close pins
- Small envelopes
- Number stamps (optional)
Make it!
Start by numbering each envelope. I used a rubber stamp for a rustic look, but you could easily write the numbers in on your own if you do not have a stamp.
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Once each envelope is numbered, start decorating each of them! I used scrapbooking stickers and small holiday themed wooden pieces to create a unique look on each envelope. I painted several of the wooden pieces, and left others in their natural state. I also added glitter to a few, because what’s Christmas without a little glitter, right? Of course, December 25th had to stand out!
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To complete, use your miniature close pins to hang each envelope. Then fill with a fun little surprise to open each morning as you countdown to Christmas. I’ll be filling mine with tiny chocolates, new ornaments, fun quotes and maybe even a Goodwill gift card!
