Christmas countdown

My Advent calendar is finally ready for its countdown to Christmas Day.  A few weeks ago I introduced the idea of this project and some of my inspiration in this blog post.  My intention was to finish this project before December arrived, yet I've learned that projects take the back seat when you have a newborn.  But, it's done, and I love it.  It's actually more of a simple countdown as opposed to an Advent calendar, but that's okay.  Perhaps it will evolve as I use it year after year.  You never know.

Anyways, here is where my inspirational Advent calendars took me...

Here's what it cost me to make this countdown calendar:

cardstock: free (already had)
22x28 artist canvas: $6.99
1 yard of burlap: $3.99
24 buttons: $2.68
ribbon: $2.00
_______________
total: $15.66 - Not too bad!

I'm really happy with the way this project turned out.  The contrast between the raw texture of the burlap and the satin finish of the ribbon totally makes it for me.  I'm a sucker for contrast such as this. 

So what do you think?  Are you feeling inspired?  There's so much inspiration out there, especially at this time of year - get creative!

advent calendar

I have a thing for Advent calendars.  Not the cardboard ones with cartoon reindeer and Santa Clause on them, and little perforated "doors" with tiny chocolate morsels inside, but the artistic, creative ones like the ones below. 

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn

cubby Advent

This year, I'm going to make my own Advent calendar.  (Sure, it's only the beginning of November, but I have a feeling that projects are going to start taking a little longer to complete from now on.)  I'm inspired by each of the images above, but there's one in particular that I'm going to be using as my inspiration and jumping off point.  My budget is pretty low, but my creativity is high, so I'm looking forward to where that takes me.  Every year I look forward to the holidays - my favorite time of year.  Lots of family time, cozy decor, twinkle lights, a chill in the air.  Advent calendars give a visual countdown to one of the most meaningful days in history.  The birth of our Savior.

Also, if you know me at all, you'll know that I love lists and crossing items off of those lists.  Advent calendars are like a three-dimensional list.  Every day the sunsets, you're one day closer to a wonderfully anticipated time of year.  Every day you get to open a door or gift, empty (or in my case, fill - you'll eventually see what I mean) a space, pocket, or cubby, etc - crossing yet another day off of this virtual list. 

Keep an eye out for my version of an Advent calendar in a few short weeks.  After all, Christmas is only 49 days away!