A handmade advent calendar

For the last three years, i have used a shop bought stocking garland advent calendar for the girls. I would write an activity on a piece of paper, make it into a scroll and pop it into the top of the stocking for the girls to find. Last year, i really wanted to make my own one for them but i left it too late and just couldn't work out which direction i wanted to go.

I was adamant that i wanted to make one this year and, last week, i took a trip with my friend to the craft shop and picked up a few things. I still wasn't sure of the exact things i wanted but i knew i wanted to use the hessian bags. I then found the most wonderful sheets of floral paper and just had to get them. As soon as i got home, i made up a few envelopes out of the floral paper and it all started to come together. I loved the vintage and rustic feel and i mixed it along with the hessian bags, book page envelopes that i also made, some tiny wicker baskets i had already and walnut shells. The shells are halfed and i tied them with lace so i can hide a little piece of paper inside.

It has taken me a week to finish as i did lots of tweaking and i wanted to make sure it was exactly perfect and how i wanted it. I added a few prints that i thought went well with the colours and a flower crown. I love the finished effect. It isn't what i would call christmassy but it is very me and i am very happy with it. I like to be original and i think this very much is! I am already looking forward to December! Every day, i will add a note with an activity or adventure on. I have a list of fun things we can do and i am looking forward to this whole magical experience throughout December and sharing it on here also.