Advents Corner

The first piece I did was the tree because I thought it would be the easiest to do. I cut the green felt in half, sprayed the board lightly with adhesive and put Elmer’s glue all around the edges of the tree and laid the tree on the felt. After the felt was dry and I cut the excess off leaving about 1/4 inch around. I then took about 1/2 yard of beaded string and every so often I put a little glue with a toothpick to tack it down. I had some Christmas buttons I had picked up on clearance a couple of years back and I glued them to the top 6 “branches” of the tree.

First Ornament

The first ornament is a reindeer. I cut 2 oblong pieces out of the brown felt. On one of the pieces I used embroidery thread to make a nose. I made the antlers out of the pipe cleaner. I used one long piece and two smaller pieces. The 2 smaller pieces I just wrapped around each end of the longer piece making the antlers. I then slid the antlers in between the two pieces of felt. Then stuffed with a little poly-fill and stitched around using embroidery floss, sewing the antlers in place as I went around. I glued on two of the eyes above the nose. I put a piece of velcro on the back to stick it to the tree.

I bought the supplies for the advent calendar and it cost me $21, I really did not think that was too bad. The supplies that I bought consisted of:

1 pack multi-color pipe cleaners

10 squares of different colored felt

1 package of green felt used for table toppers so it is one solid piece

1 package wiggle eyes (the smallest size)

1 package pom poms black (the smallest size)

I had also picked up a package of white but I guess Lani dropped them out of the buggy because they did not make it home.

1 20X30 white board (it is like poster board except it is about 1/4 inch thick so it has some stability to it

I had my daughter’s boyfriend draw me a “Charlie Brown” Christmas tree on the board and I cut it out with a utility knife.

I also have random ribbon, foam board, glue, embroidery thread, buttons, fabrics and stuffing. I will let you know exactly what I use for each piece but just because I did not buy it does not mean I will not use it. Look through your sewing stuff and get creative. This is something hopefully you and your family will enjoy for a long time. Make it yours, give it your own touch and have fun.

Keep checking back because as I complete something I will post the directions, materials and picture. I hope you will join me on this project.

My search for an Advent calendar is still underway but until I find one that I like I am going to try and make one of my very own.  I have starting looking for Christmas trees, angels and such to cut out of fabric to start the calendar.  I really don’t know how this is going to turn out but I thought why not.  I stopped at JoAnn’s on the way home to see if they had a kit or something but sadly no.  I have looked all over the web but nothing has caught my eye.  So wish me luck and I will keep you posted as this develops.

I think this is so nice. Teacup candles you make yourself and the best part is after they burn the candle it can be used as a teacup. This is a fairly inexpensive and easy gift to make for co-workers or keepsakes for a family gathering. This is a craft that will be as expensive as you want it to be. Don’t have a lot of extra cash for the holidays? Try looking at your local Goodwill or Salvation Army for cute teacups. You can pick them up for next to nothing and make beautiful gifts. If you can find the matching saucer that would add a touch of elegance.