Advent Calendars

I have created an advent calendar for the last six years.  I almost didn’t make one this year because Madeline is away, my kids are big kids, and I thought I was out of fresh ideas.  Then I happened to take a pass through the dollar section at Target and was immediately inspired and decided to make one and give one!

I’ve displayed our advent calendar all over the house, but this year the red and white checked bags on the black and white stairway with a few sprigs of fresh boxwood was just too easy to pass up. I recently “met” Amanda (@smallacornsamanda) who started the hashtag #botanicalforagersunitedsocietyinc  She uses foraged botanicals all over her house and her shop.  Did I mention her shop is is New Zealand?  I’m dying to visit Small Acorns, but for now I’ll just be inspired by Amanda –even though our seasons are complete opposites.  She’s currently enjoying peonies while I have Juniper and boxwood.

This sweet little painting is an original by Kiki and Polly called “Winter Coats.”

I used small cloth bags in red and white check, (these would work too), a spool of twine and packages of chalkboard clothespins.  It was just too simple to pass up and since everything was in the Dollar Section at my local Target store, the price was right.  I also packaged one up in a box that I spray painted the inside gold and will be sending this to a dear friend.  Are you making one this year?

Here’s a glimpse at our advent calendars for the last six years.  There’s so many on Pinterest too!

1. Take-out boxes, bags and twigs  2. Literary inspired advent calendar   3.White paper bags on a chalkboard advent calendar  4. White paper bags on white painted stone fireplace  5. The brown paper bag advent calendar on chalkboard  6.  Metal buckets on our mantel in California

So while you go to Target, I’ll drop the other one I made at the post office to be sure it arrives before December 1st!  Happy Thanksgiving!