DIY Advent Calendar

JD's one request from me this holiday season is that I get the girls advent calendars. As a boy, he loved opening the little flap on the cardboard version to find chocolates counting down the days until Christmas. I have looked and looked and but could not find a single one. So, today I scoured Pinterest for a DIY version.

I found tons of inspiration, but since advent season starts tomorrow, I opted for a semi-quick project. I also wanted something big that both girls could see and touch and something that could be apart of our decor. Here's what I came up with.

It's an advent stocking bunting! Cute, huh? I really wanted to sew a long lasting felt one, but that would take all day. Plus, I have a ton of scrapbook paper sitting around so that's what I used.

 First, I drew a stocking and cut it out. I used that as my template for all 24.

I folded my paper and cut along 3 sides of the stocking. I wanted to create a little pocket for the treasures to reside.

Once I had all 24 stockings cut, I glued them along 2 sides leaving the top open. I also punched holes in the top 2 corners so I could string them up.

Once I had all the stockings glued, I strung them on yarn.

But then I realized I needed to number my stockings, so I used my Cricut machine to cut out a bunch of 1s, 2s, 3s, you get the idea.

I glued the numbers on and was ready to hang.

Ta-da! I need to buy chocolates and treats to fill each stocking, but I did print off Bible verses about Christmas to read to the girls each day. They are going to be so excited to open their little gift each day and count down the days until Christmas!

It was a bit of a last minute advent calendar, but I like how it turned out. Next year I will plan ahead of time and sew something a little more sturdy, but for now we are enjoying this one.