We still like to get the chocolate advent calendars for each of the kids.
However, my son is allergic to peanuts so we look for non-candy alternatives.
Hed be pretty ecstatic to get one of theseLEGO advent calendar building kits*.
Last year Sonja purchaseda DIY advent calendarkit, similar tothese ones on Etsy* and made her own.
Seeing it hanging in her living room made me want one!
With so many variations of ribbon it can be hard to choose just one project idea.
you’re free to see all the diverse and amazingribbon crafts made by our fellow Canadian bloggersbelow.
Cut the base of the wall hanging to measure 14 wide x 42 long.
Since we used burlap, we kept the edges frayed.
To ensure the burlap doesnt over unravel, run two lengths of straight stitches about 12 from the edge.
Pull away at the loose burlap yarn.
Cut the ribbon into seven 16 long strips.
These will make the pockets for your calendar.
Cut three more lengths of ribbon into 9 long strips.
These will make the loops for the tree branch to hang from.
Cut 25 lengths of twine to 6 long each.
Fold each piece in half and knot at the mid-point.
These loops will form the button toggles.
Mark the placement of the toggles on each of the seven pieces of 16 ribbon.
Space the toggles about 3 12 apart on each length of ribbon.
Pin in place and stitch to ribbon as shown.
Position one of the ribbons with four toggles at the base of the calendar, 1 from the bottom.
Position the second ribbon with three toggles at 3 away from the 1st ribbon.
Continue to alternate between the ribbon pieces with three and four toggles spacing them out 3 apart.
Stitch along the bottom edge of each ribbon row.
Stitch vertical sections to form pocket at 1 34 from the toggle position.
Wrap ribbon ends around the back and stitch in place.
Hand sew buttons in place.
We gave some old mismatched buttons an update with silver metallic spray paint.
Hang on wall and add candies or treats inside each one of the pockets!
I love how our homemade advent calendar turned out!
Heresa handy list of non-candy fillersin case youre stuck for advent calendar ideas.
Would you make your own advent calendar?What other family traditions do you sharearound Christmas time?
