Sweeten Your Days With a DIY Advent Calendar

Using an Advent calendar is a fun way for children and adults to count down the days until Christmas. Every day during December, you discover a small gift or sweet to make your day a little brighter. Why not craft one yourself? Here’s a DIY Advent calendar that requires only a few simple supplies and a little imagination and know-how.

Materials and tools:
Tree branch, about 2 feet longRoll of kraft paperMasking tapes in Christmas colorsFantasy paper puncher (star, Christmas tree)StringJute twine, 3-foot lengthPair of scissorsRed marker24 little gifts and sweets


1. Find a slim tree branch measuring 2 feet long. It’s fine if it’s a little crooked; the wall hanging will look more natural. If you find the branch outside in the rain or in damp weather, let it dry out for a day.



2. Use your scissors to cut a large strip of kraft paper and then fold it in two. Then cut the strip vertically to create little packets of different sizes. Close up the sides of the packets with masking tape. Choose various colors and patterns to brighten the result. Prepare 24 packets.


3. Punch a hole at the top of each packet. If you don’t have a fantasy puncher, just use a regular one. This hole will allow you to insert the string and attach the packets to the branch.



4. Write a number (from 1 to 24) on each packet using your red marker. Then slide in a little gift or sweet. Mini erasers, bracelets, toy figures and so on can work beautifully for an Advent calendar. If you’re short on time, you can alternate gifts and sweets or just go with the candies for the full month.





5. Insert the string through the punched hole and tie a knot. Each string should be of a different size so the packets hang at different heights from the branch. The irregularity will add to the style of the calendar. Tie the other end of the string to the wooden branch.





6. Cut a 3-foot-long piece of jute twine, wrap each end three or four times around the ends of the branch and tie a knot at each end.


All that is left to do is find the perfect spot for your calendar. Of course, you will also have to fend off those in a hurry to open all the packets at once.

Tell us afterward: Did you make your Advent calendar yourself or with your family? Please share your pictures and experiences in the Comments section.

More:
Make Your Own Mini Advent Village
Make a Natural and Wild Holiday Wreath

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