Something to do - Advent Calendar

I've been wanting to make an advent calendar for E since, well let's just say since before she was E. (Advent calendars are a big thing in Sweden, where I grew up so they were always part of my Christmas season as a child.) And this year I finally made one! It came out great, if I may say so myself. 

 

E loves it and H can't stop staring at it. I think she wants one too. Maybe with baby socks. That would be fitting, don't ya think?

Here's a little tutorial (sort of) for you...

Start with getting a text from your hubs who just happen to be at Walmart.

"Didn't you say you wanted something like these? 4 for $1."

Use the green glitter glue you bought for your daughters Tinkerbell wings. 

(You bought the wrong shade that didn't match the first bottle that your mom sent you that you were out of. But you saved this one anyways, remember?)

Write the odd numbers 1-23 on the red stockings.

 Write 25 on the slightly larger, fuzzy, red stocking that your hubs suggested that you get for the big day.

Try to find number stamps since you want to use your white craft stamp pad for the green stockings. When you realize you don't have any number stamps, go to your local craft store and find out that they are way overpriced. You don't want to spend $20 on stamps right now. That would be more than you're spending on this project total. Buy white, puffy fabric paint for a buck something. And on your way to the check out line just stumble upon some shape-able Christmas string on sale.

Go home and write the even numbers 2-24 on the green stockings.

 

Go out and find one of those branches that blew down in your backyard during that last stormy day. It was probably from your neighbor's tree. He doesn't take good care of his trees. They're dying and fill your pool up with leaves all summer long.

Cut your branch to the size you want. Hang it up on your wall using command hooks. 

 I first called them commando hooks when I published this post. (Thanks Mare for your comment and I'm glad I could make you laugh today.) I thought I would let you all know so you can laugh at me too. =)

Since tree parts aren't straight you want to be able to remove the oddly placed hooks once you're done with the branch.

Assemble. 

Fill with goodies such as small toys, crafts, candy etc. Be sure to not put anything heavy in the stockings that hang on the skinny little branches. If you want to go cheap I can recommend the toys in the 25 cent machines at the mall or grocery store.

Let the count down begin!




I linked up to:
http://twelvecraftstillchristmas.blogspot.com/2010/11/twelve-plus-day-of-traditions-christmas.html
http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/2010/11/we-did-it-wednesday_16.html
http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/11/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-partybox.html
http://danajeanward.blogspot.com/2010/11/link-party-giveaway-and-another-winner.html