This time of year, I usually abandon all efforts in the "Home Ec." department (i.e. cooking, cleaning, etc.) to "splurge" on more creative/artistic endeavors. Last night I made this Advent Calendar. I wanted to make something that would last for years and years, so I used some strips of felt, some red corduroy, some fusion tape and *gasp* puff paint to make this "Hanging Pocket Advent calendar."Today my mom confiscated it, and in a matter of minutes (practcally) she added the green checked backing and border. Yeah, she's just amazing like that. Seriously. She even added a loop in the top so I could put a rod through for hanging.
Now, acrylic puff paint might conjure up memories of hideous "customized" clothing from the 80s. Raise your hand if you lived through the 80s and DIDN'T decorate at least one t-shirt/ plastic visor/ pair of Keds with puff paint. Maybe that was just me?
But I think that, with a little discernment, there is a place for puff paint in contemporary crafting. There, I said it.
Unlike my mom, I don't have a sewing machine, so I used strips of fusion paper to adhere the blue felt onto the red corduroy. I made it so that there would be 7 pockets on each strip of felt. Then I spent an hour (or two) stitching with ivory embossing thread for both reinforcement and decoration.
You can't see it, but that little bird is taped to a popsicle stick. Each day I'll have a new Christmas character (on a popsicle stick) for V. to place in a pocket. When all of the pockets are full, obviously, it will be Christmas! Maybe when she gets older, I'll put a little something in each pocket (candy canes, hershey kisses, cinnamon bears come to mind... although ideally, I should find a healthier substitute).
V. really enjoyed "playing" with it today. Who knows? Maybe the bold, colorful numbers will help her with her counting skills. ;D Gotta squeeze in some education on the side, right?
Oh! I'm planning on adding the words "Advent" or "December" at the top of the calendar. If I remember, I'll add some photos of the completed calendar!
Are you crafting anything these days?
10 comments:
That is SOOOOOOOOOOOOO awesome!! We'll have to try one for next year.
I've been in a crafty mood lately. I decided to use my fabric stash and update DD's dire and ever-shrinking-as-she-is-expanding wardrobe. I wanted to make a simple, pull-over, reversible jumper without any zippers, buttons, hooks, etc. and one in which all the seams are hidden and, well, seamless and smooth. I did it! However, I didn't have pattern so I had to make one up (first time for me). When it was done I realized that I kept taking it in across the chest so much that the finished product couldn't fit over her head! It was pretty hard to get back in there and open up the neck since it was all sewn up. Frustrating...but I'm on the right path and now know to try it on over her head BEFORE I go further in sewing it together. :)
That looks amazing, and how crafty! You rock.
Puff paint, yeah, that brings back memories.
Ha, ha, Katie-I made your mom a puff paint sweatshirt with ribbons on it :o) It was the thing and seemed, well, normal! Now it would seem cheesy...however I really love your advent calendar. We have something like that, it has pockets with the items in the pocket and then they stick on a Christmas tree via Velcro. I would love to have an old fashioned German one that features more religious items...anyway the kids loved it.
Can't wait to see it finished! We had a blast at your place-it was awesome to see everyone.
Not doing much crafting -yet-but will be as soon as I can.
Blessed Advent,
Aunt Helen
that does look really great. i haven't been too crafty, just a couple projects that my husband and I are doing together, but he's better at that stuff than me.
i used puffy paint last year rather disasterously on some stockings. it totally brought back memories of hot pink hearts being drawn on a aqua blue t-shirt that was then worn cinched on the side into a knot. so awesome. :)
That's cool... I'm making some Christmas ornaments for a couple mommy friends. I'm making puzzle piece ornaments that fit together but also can hang on the tree seperately. I thought it'd be fun since they have kids and all, and it's kinda cute.
And puff paint, yeah, last time I used some was 2003-2004 on my floor at Fox, LOL!
I LOVED that Christmas puffed paint
sweatshirt you made, Helen, and I wore it often.
It came in handy when I worked in an elementary school where holiday themed garb is necessary!
It was laid to rest a few years ago- where all worn out puffed -paint sweatshirts go- (Goodwill)
Katie- I'm impressed- you've hung your creation up already! It would
be neat to laminate your pocket
creations- so they last year to year. Very Cute!!!
marm
this is very cute. I think such things bring a lot of anticipation for the actual Day. looks wonderful!
Wow, that is so neat! I used to love those chocolate advent calendars...not that Andrei needs the chocolate. Your idea is much better, and of course I remember puffy paint! I remember I once used them on a sweatshirt that came down to my knees.
I stumbled across your blog, but I don't remember how. I hope it's ok. Here is my blog: http://confessionsstrugglesandblessings.blogspot.com/. I just started it today. "It's not much, but you know, it's not much." Take care! Love to your family.
That's cute! We are making cards and just did a countdown "chain" I posted a pic on my blog. I wish we would get some good snow here!
So cute! I've been doing a lot of crafting; some photos are up on my blog and hope to post more soon.
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