In an effort to get out of the post-holiday funk that’s going on around here, I thought I’d jump right in an do a little Valentine’s day decorating! It’s always nice to see some bright fun color added to our space in this cold cold time of winter.
I’ve always wanted to make an advent calendar for my girls, so when Gwen asked me for a Christmas project, this was my chance.
Of course I couldn’t resist throwing some candy in here and there. Here’s a free printable of all the cards with the activities I have planned so if you’d like, you can print them out, too.
Materials needed:
1/4 yard cuts of preferably 5 different prints, or you could definitely do this with scraps
1 yard of muslin (to line the pockets and back the base fabric)
1 yard linen or base fabric for your calendar
1 yard fusible interfacing (I used an extra heavy drapery interfacing that was extra wide, but if you’re using other fusible interfacing you can just cut and fuse pieces into place since most interfacing is 22″ wide)
bias tape or ribbon for hanging
1/4″ wooden dowel
number stamps (can be found at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby)
ink pad
1/2″ wide twill tape
(2) 3/8″ grommets
Cut your pieces:
Next, place the front pocket and pocket lining pieces RIGHT sides together. Sew around perimeter leaving a 2″ opening in bottom of pocket. Clip corners, turn right side out through opening. Press. Repeat for all 25 pockets. Set aside.
After you have sewn on all your pockets, it’s time to stamp the numbers on them. Using your rubber number stamps and black ink stamp the numbers 1 through 25 on the middle of each pocket’s twill tape strip.
Attach grommets in both top corners of the advent calendar, slip the dowel into place, and it’s ready for filling and hanging! This would also be a really fun project to use some colorful felt for the pockets, too!