Ok, ok, I know that we’ve just gotten through Halloween and here I am posting about Christmas, but let’s be realistic. If you want to actually have Christmas crafts completed BEFORE the holiday craziness, you probably should have started in July (making mental note to start posting Christmas craft idea posts next summer). Especially if you wanted to make a super cool Advent calendar. A lot of Advent calendars seems fairly complicated and time consuming, specifically the type that requires figuring out 25 gifts or activities for kids. I personally opted not to make that type. Although I enjoyed the traditional chocolate Advent calendar as a kid, Sam is still too young to partake in that & he certainly doesn’t need 25 little cheap gifts or toys. We’re still striving for a “less is more” approach (sometimes we’re successful and other times, we give in). Last year, I made a simple Button Christmas Tree Advent Calendar (brief tutorial available). Each day he got to choose a colourful button magnet to put on the tree.
Here’s another version of this type of Advent calendar from small pea studio, a Felt Advent Calendar Wreath. Not to tricky to make and uses some basic craft supplies. Plus, if you get started on it now, you could definitely have it done before December 1st hits!
The wreath is made of two layers of felt, stitched together & stuffed. Before you actually do the stuffing though, stitch on your 25 buttons. Stuff the wreath & finish stitching it up. Then cut out your leaf shapes (can be any shape you want) and put a small slit in each for the button holes. I think it would be nice to do several non-leaf shapes too. Perhaps some stars, snowflakes, & circles as Christmas ornaments. On that note, you could also do a Christmas Tree version if you’re not into the wreath shape. Do check out the full tutorial for all the details.
Happy crafting! And don’t stress about all those Christmas crafts you want to make… there’s always next year.