Friday, December 4, 2009

Monthly Craft Challenge ~ Christmas Edition



Heidi's Craft Challenge theme this month is Christmas! If you've never visited Heidi's blog, you MUST check it out immediately. She is full of creative goodness, and wonderful ideas!


It's no secret that this is my favorite time of the year AND I love to craft. Combine the two, and I'm a happy gal! Life has gotten a bit more chaotic this month, as it always seems to when the holidays roll around. I had high hopes of crafting many beautiful projects, but there's just not enough time in the day. So . . . . I'm linking up the Advent Calendar we made for our Countdown to Christmas.



Each year my mom buys all the grandchildren little chocolate-filled advent calendars. This year I knew we wanted to make our own, but I was also planning a new project/activity for each day in December. I've always wanted a re-usable advent calendar, so the girls and I set out to make one!

We found the fabric at Joann's ~ Flannel reindeer for the front and red and white fleece for the back.


Originally I was going to make each pocket out of different coordinating squares of fabric, but time did not allow. We used felt instead. I love felt. No fraying! I had also wanted to applique each number, but again, not enough time, so fabric paint came in handy!



I started by cutting out a tree from the flannel. I then cut 24 squares of felt and sewed them all to the front. I cut out my backing in the fleece, sewed the front to the back, and voila! Then we added the star {also made from felt. Did I mention I love felt?}, embellished with hotfix rhinestones, because we like sparkle, and painted on the numbers.


We were happy with how it turned out. But I have to tell you, I have seen some super wonderful advent calendars recently {Kelli's is ADORABLE! And check out Jen's version. I love it! And don't even get me started on her marshmallow wreath! So stinkin' cute!} So, we may be making a new one next year ;)


Need some fab ideas for holiday decorating? Head on over to Heidi's to see more wonderful craftiness!!!

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12 comments :

Helene said...

That is adorable! I love that it's homemade! I don't know how to sew or I'd totally make that! I have found a few online that don't require sewing so I may do something like that.

Together We Save said...

I love this craft! It is to cute. I wish I could sew!

Rhonda said...

That is adorable! I want a sewing machine! I will learn! ;0)
Have a wonderful weekend!

Jenny said...

That is so cute! I have a sewing machine, but I don't really know how to sew!

Foursons said...

Love your tree! You did a fantastic job.

Kasey said...

You are so talented!! Great job.

Kelli W said...

Your advent calendar turned out SUPER cute! I love the shape of the tree too...I was going to try and do my tree like that, but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to make it look even! Thanks so much for linking to my advent calendar too...you are just too sweet!

He & Me + 3 said...

That turned out soooooooo cute. Great job. What a fun and creative person you are. i am truly loving all of these neat ideas you all are coming up with.

Heidi Boos said...

Liz, I'm so glad you chose to link this to the Monthly Craft Challenge. I love how it turned out and I'm glad you shared your "how to", so that others can get inspired and make one of their own!! Enjoy your weekend!

Katie said...

Wow now that is one fabulous countdown and I love that you used felt. I love felt for the same reason, no fraying! It came out great and I'm sure it'll be used for years and years. Of course the chocolate ones are still pretty fun too:)

Miller Racing Family said...

It has to be the year for advent calendars. I also did one but mine was a muffin tin. I love that yours is in the shape of the tree and the fabrics are great. Thanks for sharing and have a fabulous weekend.

mindy2780 said...

This calendar is so cute. I want to make one for my kids for next year. Thanks for idea!

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