Sunday, November 23, 2014

Counting Down to Christmas

 
 Whew!  They're done!!!  I can't decide if I had trouble finding inspiration, if I'm a procrastinator or a little of both but I finished them with a few days to spare!
 
All year, I've wanted to make an Advent Calendar for each family of our young relatives.  Our own kids enjoyed the Hallmark calendar we've had for years and knew these children would too.  It would also be a fun keepsake for these little ones from our family.
 
After looking all over the internet for something I thought I could handle, I happened upon this pattern from Homemade By Jill  from 2011.
 
 
Back then, she had a "Sew Along" encouraging others to make their own versions of an Advent Calendar and post their photos each week in November.  Another blogger, Brooke Reynolds (who previously worked for Martha Stewart Living and MS Kids!) also posted in 2009 about making her family's calendar on her blog, Inchmark.
 
Sooooo, Halloween evening, I got started on my project!
 
It's been fun deciding which ornament designs to use and how to decorate them.  The only real problem I had was there were EIGHT (yes, that's 8) calendars I needed to make!  Between Wonderful Hubby's family and mine, we have eight families with little people so everything I made had to be multiplied!
They were all over the house!
 
 
I decided to make some with a white background and some with red. 
I'm not sure which I like better.
After figuring out the size I wanted the finished product to be, I had to determine the size of each pocket and ornament.  Fortunately, Brooke, from Inchmark, included some templates in her post.  They were great inspiration.  I'm pretty happy with how they turned out.
 
 
 
Yes, I cheated on a few and bought a couple of ornaments, but only four!
 
I did personalized an ornament for each of our nieces, nephews and cousins.
 
 
 
Precious Daughter helped by stamping the numbers.  I'd never be able to stitch all of those numbers by hand.
 
 
We hope our little relatives have many happy memories of our
2014 Christmas gifts!  This year, they're getting their presents at Thanksgiving so they are ready for December 1st!
 
 

 
 

14 comments:

Cranberry Morning said...

Wasn't that fun! This was a great idea. I always enjoyed Advent calendars.

Botanic Bleu said...

The families receiving these handmade Advent calendars are so lucky to receive an heirloom in the making.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a heartfelt comment.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Judith

Anonymous said...

Oh, this is so sweet! Thanks so much for popping in to see me and I wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Charla said...

These are wonderful! What a perfect thought. It was so nice to visit with you last week. Many blessings for Thanksgiving!

xinex said...

How pretty!...Christine

My Garden Diaries said...

My goodness!!! These are AMAZiNG!!!! What a beautiful gift you are giving your family this year! They are so colorful and adorable and the kids we LOVE them! High fives on creating all of these!!!! Happy week dear friend!! Nicole xoxo

Poppy said...

Hi there, so lovely to meet you!

Your advent calendar is a beauty, bright and festive and fun for all the little ones, who I I'm sure will enjoy counting down the days to Christmas!

Thanks for stopping by Poppy View!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Poppy

Creations By Cindy said...

What a wonderful idea! I love it! Happy Thanksgiving! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...


Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave such a sweet comment!!

Hugs,
Deb

Unknown said...

I love your calendars!!! So colourful!

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

They're very cute. I hope your recipients enjoy them as much as you enjoyed making them!
Please drop by!

Happy Christmas,
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Wow, that was quite the task you took on. I use to have a tree advent very similar to this. Wondering what I did with it. lol! I think they will love them. You did a great job and it's a gift they will treasure for years to come! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

The Charm of Home said...

These are great! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

this is the most fun and most unique Advent calendar I have seen! I love the little ornaments and with so many to make for so many families I would opt to buy some too! Each year I think of making one and this is the year and this is the calendar! Thanks for sharing at the Christmas in July party!