My New Favorite Advent Calendar


Can you believe it's almost time to start using your Advent calendar already? This year has gone by so fast that December 1 is just two weeks away. If that doesn't bring you back to reality with a jolt, I don't know what will.


That's why I was thrilled to put the finishing touches on this Advent calendar. I've made, used and loved a lot of daily countdown calendars over the years, but this one may be my very favorite. I used a cardboard box calendar from Hobby Lobby for it, and having a blank slate like that was so much fun.


To start, I wrapped each drawer in thick decorator paper, adhering it with a tape runner. This was much stickier and more secure than any of the other adhesives I tried. I wanted to use a circle punch to cut out the finger holes, but I ended up having to cut them by hand.


Once I covered all 25 drawers, I added a matted number sticker, a punched circle of coordinating paper and a 3D poinsettia sticker to each one. 


Then I covered the back with patterned paper.


Since I have so much Christmas decor stashed away, it was easy to find some ribbon and bows to finish the calendar. They're attached with the tape runner, too.


And the finished project is so pretty! I would love to make more in different color combinations and themes, but that may have to wait for another year. In the meantime, I'm enjoying this one!

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