Friday morning it dawned on me that Saturday was December first, and we were supposed to start our advent calendar, which I posted excitedly about a few weeks ago and then promptly dropped the ball on actually preparing something for our family. But thanks to a few inspiring on-line resources I was able to throw something very sweet together in no time at all. ( thanks to Mary Beth at Salt and Chocolate, Kids Craft Weekly, and of course what Uncommon Grace generously shared with us in a recent three-installment post which really should be formatted into a little downloadable reference book!) And here's what I came up with: (sorry for the crummy pictures, it didn't photograph all that well)
And I even got to use scrapbooking paper, which you know I adore (unless I have to make a scrapbook!) This was so simple, just 24 little origami cups (easiest thing I ever origamied, I learned this in second grade art class) and one stocking (which I know doesn't really "go", but hey I already had it on hand). I used a circle punch to cut out little labels and stamped them with the numbers 1-24, then hung them the same way I hung those fall leaves way back in September. Here's a close-up:
I am really pleased with how this turned out, as far as it being a last-minute thing. And I think Ivo is going to be so excited about the idea of a little surprise every day. Today he asked me, "Is it the Christmas season? Is the Christmas season happy times?" yes! I hope so.
Have a wonderful weekend! We are due for our first snowstorm Saturday morning, eta 11:00 am. Since I have that inside knowlege I was tempted to put "a snowstorm" as the first Advent surprise. But instead it will be a little miniature candy cane.
oh so cute. i love the little origami cups. such a nice idea.
Posted by: cyndi | December 01, 2007 at 05:47 AM
I love it! Ivo is so lucky to have such a crafty mama. I hope you get some snow!
Posted by: Jenny | December 01, 2007 at 06:24 AM
Absolutely adorable. I love seeing everybody's advent calendars lately! So much variety. We went with the little boxes stuck to the wall, which I saw in Martha Stewart Kids. I hung it up on Thursday, which was far too early. It has been a struggle for my 4 year old to wait. But today's the day! He's very excited.
I had to laugh at your comment about loving scrapbooking paper but not making scrapbooks. I am the same way.
Posted by: Laura | December 01, 2007 at 06:34 AM
Your calendar is wonderful! What a gift to your family. :)
What did you put inside the little pockets?
Posted by: ChristineG | December 01, 2007 at 07:15 AM
I just LOVE it! And, yes, dear little Ivo, the Christmas Season is "happy times"! Have fun with the Advent Calendar--it is perfect!
Love, Hugs. and Christmas Season Kisses for Ivo~
Mom
Posted by: Mom | December 01, 2007 at 07:42 AM
Wow, Amanda! That is indeed the nicest advent calendar I have seen! *Love* it! Will you share how to fold the little origami cups? And just what is inside?
Posted by: Nicole | December 01, 2007 at 08:39 AM
I completely love it. It's beautiful and has such a great "natural" vibe. I know little Ivo will enjoy it.
Posted by: Mary Beth | December 01, 2007 at 09:45 AM
What a great idea. How cute! Enjoy the snow.
Posted by: Dawn | December 01, 2007 at 10:55 AM
That turned out great! Love the idea ;o)
Posted by: Ram in the Thicket | December 01, 2007 at 11:11 AM
Oh my, that is beyond adorable!!! I am filing away all the crafty ideas I'm learning from you so that some day when time/space allow, I can try some of them out.
Our Advent calendar came from Trader Joe's. It's significantly less cute than yours ;)
Posted by: mamamilkers | December 01, 2007 at 11:12 AM
oh i love it! i was all set to make one for us and then my mom handed down the little mini tree with ornaments that we used growing up so we are doing that. i'm sure ivo will love it~
Posted by: brianna | December 01, 2007 at 01:07 PM
Really beautiful! We are expecting our first
"snow" Sunday...flurries I think.
I'm still trying to work on the last project..but I cannot find where I hid those clothing pins!:-(
Posted by: Kate NJ | December 01, 2007 at 05:36 PM
Adorable! Other than a tiny candycane what are some of the little surprises inside? I'd love some tiny ideas!
I was a very naughty and impatient child who would always sneak ahead & peek at the next day. LOL
Posted by: Amber | December 01, 2007 at 07:05 PM
How perfect! We open our Unicef advent calendar today and Emma was all eyes! I love your little advent pockets. They are very sweet. Happy December 1!
Posted by: greenemother | December 01, 2007 at 08:34 PM
Oh, Oh! I loved this so much yesterday that I completely copied you! You know the saying. . .imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! We're going to read a winter book every day and put little pictures of the book in each cup as we get closer to Christmas.
Thank you for the wonderful inspiration. I was completely at a loss for how to count down the days until I saw your post. Yay!
Oh, check mine out:
http://carrieknits.blogspot.com/2007/12/oh-advent-calendar.html
Posted by: Carrie | December 02, 2007 at 12:58 PM
So cute! Care to share some instructions on how to fold those little cups? I'm thinking next year my generic store-bought advent calendar might need to be replaced with something more like yours. I love it!
Posted by: Sarah | December 02, 2007 at 03:46 PM
Seriously cute!...I bet your little man was just chuffted to bits with it!
Dee
x
Posted by: Dee | December 02, 2007 at 07:38 PM
Very cute and unique! I love using branches as hanging-rods also!
Posted by: Carrie | December 02, 2007 at 11:39 PM