Assembling the Advent Date Calendars - Tutorial

What a fun way to count the days to Christmas!  Print and Cut the number cards and change them daily during the Christmas countdown.  You can find them on my Silhouette shop - filter for "Advent" to find them more easily!

Use the print and cut feature to print the numbers.  There are 2 numbers on each card.  Print and cut the December label at the same time.

 

 Separate the elements before you cut them as they are stacked on top of each other to help you with placement. 

Fold the base in a zigzag and adhere the flaps for the pocket behind the front of the card.  Fold the solid back up to cover the cut out and glue in place.

 

 Add the extra elements and put the calendar numbers in the pocket for a fun way to track the days to Christmas!

 Merry Christmas!
Suzanne 

Assembling the Pocket Advent Calendars - Tutorial

These pockets Advent calendars are fun to make and even more fun to share! You can find these designs on my Silhouette store. (When you get to my page, filter for Advent to find them more easily.) They're pretty basic, take a bit of time to make, but can be a lasting keepsake for years to come! You can fill it with all sorts of things.  Customize the colours and gifts for the lucky person or pet celebrating the season.

 

 

Each file comes with the pleated pockets, the print and cut numbers and the title with mat.

Print and cut all the numbers (sticker paper can be helpful!) and mount them on the slightly larger solid circles. I printed them on sticker paper so it was faster to assemble the project!  The paw print labels don't have a larger mat, they are just attached directly to the pocket.

  Cut and fold each pocket in your favourite colour.  The pockets have pleats in them so they can expand. Fold down the top tab and add the numbers there.

 

Add your preferred adhesive to the tabs.  You probably want something pretty strong!

 

You can attach the pockets to a 12 x 12 piece of scrapbook paper or cardstock.  For the Paw Print design, I attached them randomly, which makes it fun!  But if you like organization, I've done an approximate layout for the pockets in rows and columns.

 A t-square and a soapstone pencil (which can be easily brushed off later) are handy tools for this!

 

You might choose to leave less room between the rows.  It depends on what you plan to put in them!!

Cut and print the titles and mount them on their mats, then have fun filling your Advent pockets!  (Think small!)

 

Looking for little gifts to put in the pockets?  Google is your friend!

Here are a few ideas....

festive nuts

keychains

decorative wearable pins

kitchen magnets

hair accessories

tester perfume

sprig of mistletoe

novelty erasers

beads

plastic toys

candy canes

....

feathers

balls

yarn

I'd love to see what you put in your Advent Pockets Calendar!  Please come and share it on the Suzanne Cannon Fan Page on Facebook!  (Don't forget to answer the simple questions so we know you're not a robot!)

Happy creating - and Merry Christmas!
Suzanne

More Home Decor!

Just because Advent has begun, doesn't mean you can start now!  Here is my favourite Advent creation (so far!).  It's called the Advent Tree - Boxes with Gift Drawers

ADVENT TREE - BOXES WITH GIFT DRAWERS

Fill this awesome advent tree with gifts and/or treats for family, friends and guests! Even better, make an Advent Tree for someone else. How about just making one with a chalkboard label so you can change the date manually? This file comes with all the pieces you need to construct the little drawers, but also the numbers to cut and print!  You can make all the "boxes" the same or mix and match.  You don't need to stack the boxes in the shape of a tree, you can leave them cached around the house to be found on just the right day!

In addition to these boxes, you can find two more styles on the Silhouette site which you can mix and match with these boxes!

ADVENT BIRDHOUSE - BOXES WITH GIFT DRAWERS

 I’ve given you all the numbers, the extra box (for making the Advent Tree) and an extra bird so you have more options.

ADVENT GINGERBREAD HOUSE - BOXES WITH GIFT DRAWERS

I’ve given you all the numbers and the extra box (for making the Advent Tree).

Happy decorating!!

Suzanne