I have never made a Christmas Advent Calendar before (I know, what kind of blogger am I, lol)
I am so giddy about this project!!!
I decided to do 12 days of Christmas instead of 25 for a few reasons.
The first being that I know myself and my kids… we wouldn’t make it 25 consecutive days no matter how easy the task… it just wouldn’t happen!
Another, I know my husband will be extremely busy with work at the church during December and I want him to be a part of it : )
12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar
As you might know, I am design team member for PSA Essentials Stamp Camp and I am so excited how this project turned out! The stamps really made the difference!
Make sure you are a fan of theirs on facebook, there is always something fun going on! PLUS you won’t want to miss out on the discounts and giveaways!
This fun little advent is my  next step in the Whimsical Handmade Christmas Series I’m working on this year,
so make sure and check my other projects.
So a little about this Christmas Advent Calendar … it has a few purposes.
First… it’s an Advent Calendar.
Second… each day you pull off the number and do the little activity, it becomes an ornament.
Third… it’s a fun little Christmas tree after all the numbers are removed.
So you want to know… how did you come up with this genius-ness?
Ok, fine maybe not genius, but I LOVE it!
 They are Mason Jar lids
Here’s the {How-To}
{Supplies}
12 Mason Jar Lids (with the band)
Scrapbook Paper
16×20 canvas (I used the really thin one)
Fabric for the background
Thread
PSA STAMPS
Paper punch or scissors
A way to glue the paper to the lids
Let’s get started….
First I used my paper punch to cut out circles to fit on the mason jar lids. Then I stamped on the numbers using my PSA Essential Stamps (which you know I LOVE).
 Then I glued the “pretty side” on the under part of the lid.
For more great ideas using that awesome stamps check out their blog at PSA Stamp Camp
Next I punched out some plain white circles to write down our activity for that day and glued them onto the other side.
I made our activities pretty simple because well, again, I know my kids, and I also knew we’d be really  busy!
Don’t over do it, the simplest things are the most fun for the kids! : )
Then I just glued some ribbon on the back side (with the white circles) to make them ornaments.
Now, set those aside and let’s work on the Christmas tree part!
Just lay them out like a Christmas tree and then tie them together with some string (I used crochet thread)
Then I just took my fabric covered canvas and put a thumb tack in to hold up the mason jar bands.
You want to hang the mason jar bands with the top “right” side against the canvas so you can stick the lids in there : )
Then I just added a fun little paper banner on the top
and some paper presents with washi tape decorations on the bottom
And this is what you are left with once all the ornaments are removed. : ) YAY!
So what do you say? Are you going to make a Christmas advent calendar this year?
I’m sure looking forward to using ours this year!
Don’t forget, if you are looking for more Whimsical Christmas Ideas I am doing an entire Handmade Christmas this year!
Click the button for some more fun ideas and tutorials!
Linking up here:
Today’s Creative Blog and HERE
Adorable Ashley!!!!
Thanks ladies!
This is adorable!!!
Thanks Viv! I had sooo much fun with this one! : ) Can’t wait to do it with the kids!
I am loving the colors you are using for your holiday projects!
Thanks so much Leslie!
Seriously? How stinkin’ cute! I think I love the washi tape ornaments the most, it might be due to my washi tape obsession. :)
Thanks! haha… Yes, washi tape is kinda awesome!! : )
THis is SO cute!!! I love that you used mason jar lids… never would have thought of that! Love the colors too :) Darling!
Thanks ladies! I had sooo much fun with this! Maybe my favorite project to date! Yay for mason jars! lol
Love it!! So so cute!
I’m revealing my advent next week and I’m SO excited to start doing the activities. Like, way more excited than my 20 month old :)
(ps. watching Charlie Brown Christmas is on my list too) :)
haha! I know, I think I secretly made the advent for me! Charlie Brown is on ours too… of course I’m sure we’ll watch it every.single.night anyways! At least I won’t forget : )
Cute! I love the little messages on the back :)
Thanks Rachel! My sister called and said she loves the one that says “drive to Houston” I figure I won’t forget to do that one with the kids! lol
This is absolutely ADORABLE!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!! :)
Aww thanks Sara! You’re too sweet : ) SO glad you like it! Have a fantastic weekend!
What a great idea! So cute.
Thank you so much!
Very cute! I’m trying to decide what kind of advent calendar to make this year…I’ve never made one before either!
Thanks Angela! I’m so excited to start it this year! I think 12 days is more realistic.. at least for us. We are always so busy around Christmas, I figured this way I would have to tell my kids, “I know I wrote it down, but I just don’t have time” lol!
Love the design! It looks great. What a wonderful idea.
Thank you Michele! I’m so excited to get started on it!
I love it, adorable! Pinning :)
You’re so sweet : ) Thank you!!
That is adorable! I love advent calendars. We have them in many forms – too many really but I can’t help myself. I am really tempted to try this one!
Thanks so much Debra! Its our first and everyone is so excited… my son is having a countdown til the advent starts…lol
What a fun idea! Thanks for sharing.
Seriously, this is the cutest Advent Calender EVER Ashley!!! I am in love! You are SO creative and crafty! Come visit and rub some of that off on me :)
Happy Friday!
Jaime
Thank you so much Jaime! I’ll get there sooner or later, lol! : ) I’m dying to see your beautiful house, and lake!!
cute, cute, cute, cute, cute!
Oh this is cute I love any and everything Christmas
This is awesome! What a creative and unique idea!!!
This is so fun!! Makes me so excited for Christmas
So cute!! I like the idea of doing fun things, rather than just food treats.
I love this idea Ashley – especially sticking to 12 days instead of almost a month! :) (And…I’m a blogger who has yet to make an advent calendar too. LOL)
What a clever advent calendar! I would be honored if you shared this at my Ginger Jamboree Link Party!
What a great idea!!! So cute. And ps…your pictures are great!
This is very cute Ashley!
<3 Christina at I Gotta Create!
Wildly Original linky party is open
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You do know that Advent is 24 days long, right? And that the 12 Days of Christmas are Dec 25-Jan 6?
This is cute, but Advent and the 12 Days of Christmas are two different seasons on the liturgical calendar.
Thanks so much for sharing this!! We are very excited about doing this. Thanks again!
Thanks for the printable! I love this! It’s really cute.
It sounds like you have put a lot of thought into creating a fun and realistic Christmas Advent Calendar for your family. I’m sure your kids will love counting down the days until Christmas with these special activities and tasks. It’s great that you have included your husband in the calendar as well, it will be a great way for your family to bond and spend quality time together during the holiday season. I hope your Advent Calendar is a success and brings joy and excitement to your family throughout the holiday season!