I've always wanted to make an Advent calendar, but every time I tried, I would get a little overwhelmed. I felt the same way about a lot of my memory keeping goals, but I developed a technique that really helps to tackle some of these really ambitious projects. In the broadest terms, my technique involves limiting myself.
For example, it's really helpful to limit the number of supplies and or design elements I use in a project. For my Advent calendar this year, I used the following formula for each of the 25 days:
1 day = 1 canvas bag + ornament + 1 patterned paper + 1 die cut + clothespin + 1 number
It was so much fun pulling my box of ornaments out of storage and incorporating them into this project. I limited myself to just using mini glitter balls, but I still had some room to play around with the colors.
Then I pulled canvas bags, 6"x6" patterned papers, and die cuts from my Crate Paper collection. By limiting myself to CP collections, I was able to create a nice, cohesive look quite easily..
For the numbers, I printed them at home using AC white textured cardstock and I fastened everything with a mini clothespin.
If you notice, I used the same construction for each bag; 3"x4" pattered paper layered with a number on top, then a die cut and ornament with a clothespin on top. Limiting the design of my Advent calendar in this way, saved me so much time and helped to create a pleasing, uniform look.
I've really enjoyed sharing this project and I hope some of my tips help to save you some time as well. Have a happy and crafty holiday season!
- Maria
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