Have you ever had a WIP project lying around that just struck pain in your soul every time you thought about it being unfinished? That’s what this Advent calendar has been for me for the past 2 years. I started it with the best of intentions– to mimic the Advent felt pocket calendar my mother had made for us as children –but life got in the way and somehow I wasn’t able to finish it by Dec 1 the year I started it (which drove my OCD self crazy), so I ended up putting it off until the next year…2 years later and it still sat buried in my vintage picnic basket. Ack! Meanwhile, my children continue to grow… Well, this is the year. I ignored all of my pressing deadlines this past weekend and spent a day finishing up the calendar so we could finally enjoy it come Dec 1.
I know what you’re going to say…pattern? I know, right?! It turned out so cute and I’d love nothing more than to share my process, but goodness help me if I can’t even remember exactly how I put this thing together! It was truly an improvisational experiment, and I’m so glad it worked out.
The tree is made of strips of scallops that a made by drawing around a cup. I fabric glued the strips to one another to create a large piece of layered scallop fabric, and then cut out the tree shape and appliqued it to a linen background. The tree is covered with velcro patches to hold the ornaments. I found these darling wooden numbers at Hobby Lobby for crazy cheap, and then fabric glued them to the pockets.
And the ornaments! Ah! I think this is one of the reasons it turned into a long term WIP– I had planned to make individually stitched felt ornaments by hand, just like mom had done 30 years ago, but unfortunately, that just wasn’t in the cards. The quilting was tedious enough as it was, and I might as well have intended to breed the sheep, harvest the wool, and make the felt myself. Nope, not gonna happen. Thanks Hobby Lobby, for carrying such a darling selection of inexpensive Christmas-y felt do-dads. Glued on velcro patches and we were in business.
Success! Finished it just in the nick of time for the kids to enjoy on Tuesday morning.
AND– I couldn’t resist –I also found this darling little nativity set (for like $3!), so we put these guys in the 25th pocket so the kids can set up a little scene at the trunk of the Advent tree on Christmas morning. My mom’s calendar had a little plastic baby Jesus that went in a manger. We couldn’t find one of those, but I think this will be even better.
And I think we found just the perfect spot for it!
Once the calendar was up, everything else just fell into place. I love how my summery Potluck quilt looks 100% in-season next to our skinny white tree!
Oh, and I almost forgot- Ellsworth, our elf. He made it just in time for our first morning with the calendar. Ellsworth, stop swinging from the paper garlands!
I even spruced up my desk area with a pop of cheer- the Stargazer quilt (another from my book), which still manages to look festive even though it’s more summery. And there’s my good ol’ picnic basket on the floor- happy to be rid of a half-finished Advent calendar, I’m sure!
I hope you’re having fun this week getting your house in festive holiday order too! Thanks for stopping by!
XO
It’s a fabulous advent calendar, congratulations on finally finishing it! I have more than one project that is haunting me like that, maybe it’s time to buckle down and get them done.
Just adorable! One of the cutest one I have seen. Very festive. Love the nativity scene find.
What a beautiful idea! Just love your advent calendar quilt. This is a real keepsake!!
Congrates on the great finish. I have wanted to make one also, but I never even got started.I have to finish Christmas gifts. I have only 3 days before we celebrate Christmas.
Girl your house just looks great! Love the calendar! Hope all it well!
Hi Amy. What a cute calendar creation you made! The tree is adorable! Love the cute ornament finds. Cheers to you! Happy holidays.
I have made several Advent calendars, but have to admit yours is absolutely darling. Congrats on getting it done, I had four children, all adults now, and it is not easy most times to get anything done.
Amy, I have been looking for what seems like years for the PERFECT Advent Calendar for my grandkids. Look NO MORE, I am totally in love with yours!! Seriously, it has everything I was looking for, the numbered pockets with felted decorations and I will also put 2 pieces of candy or some trinket in the pockets for the 2 grandkids. I LOVE it!!!
Can you give me an idea of the size? I stumbled upon your site, subscribed, and now going to look through your archives for more awesome ideas of yours!!
Thank you and have a great holiday season,
Janice in AZ.
Your Advent Calendar turned out beautifully! What a wonderful tradition to have with your children. It is especially precious because it is hand made by their very talented Mama.
What a beautiful idea Amy….I just love it. You did an awesome job and the children will enjoy it for years. I love the idea of the nativity!!!! You are very talented and I love your work. God Bless and have a wonderful Christmas with your family. Nothing more important than family.
You did a great job on the Advent calendar and you and your family will be able to enjoy it for many years. Five or six years ago (maybe more), I bought a kit to make 13 felt ornaments that had to be cut out, decorated, and sewn together. I had every intention of making them the year of the purchase. That didn’t happen. Every year after, I’d look at the package on the shelf and think “I should probably get those done”. It wasn’t until last summer when we were stuck in our New Hampshire cottage in the cold, rainy weather for much of July and August that I finally got all but one done. Whew! That was a relief.
That advent calendar is so sweet! I just want to reach out and touch it and feel all those textures and layers – a work of art! And the best part – it’ll be a special part of your family’s holiday memories. Lucky kids! Well done.
Superbe calendrier de l’avent, bravo
It’s gorgeous Amy! Worth the wait, and the decorations are ideal. It suits your house/style beautifully. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Love your advent calendar! Enjoy your family and Merry Christmas :-)
absolutely beautiful! love this cheery advent calendar. your home is phenom. gracious and gorgeous. well done!!!
Your Christmas advent quilt is adorable. Thanks for sharing!
I’m visit because of the splendid quilt. I love your quilts and colors you use.