Nontraditional Advent Calendar by Monika

Not to add any more pressure to your already hectic day, but did you know that there are only 21 days until Christmas? EEEK!

I'm Monika and I'm a Mom to a 21-year son [EEEK again} who lives in another state. While we will be using the advent calendar we've used for years and years here at home for our younger girls, I began to wonder how I could send some advent calendar tradition through the mail for Zach as he is away from home during the holidays.

Even though he's 11 and 13 years older than his sisters, when he was still at home, he did not want to be left out and eagerly waited for his privilege to open the advent calendar doors. 

Okay, so it's not a traditional advent calendar, but my hopes are that Zach and his girlfriend hav as much fun and anticipation in looking forward to the days they get to open another little goodie bag as when he was younger. 

Let's take a look at some of the details where I've not only stamped on the canvas bags, I've also embellished them with layered stickers,decorative tape, and faceted gemstones. I even used some of the decorative tape to form a pennant embellishment.

Supplies:  Winter Wonderland:decorative tape,layered stickers;All is Bright: stamps,faceted gems;Misc.: ink, canvas bags

Who wouldn't adore receiving this gift tin full of already embellished gift tags and fun package of twine to wrap gifts? Zach won't be at all thrilled, but his girlfriend will!!

Supplies:Indie Chic-Ginger :"Relax" and Nutmeg "Memories" twine;Winter Wonderland:decorative tape;All is Bright:decorative tape;Misc.: shipping tags, hinged metal tin

Don't forget there are such cute tags included in the Winter Wonderland 4x6 Designer Accessory Pad. In addition to using more decorative tape to give some colorful flair to the kraft bag, I've added a tag as a bag topper and used another tag from the pad, as well as some stamps, to decorate another gift tag for the toboggan.

And how about using a whole sheet from the pad as a tag and add a few layered stickers that coordinate with your chosen design to call it done. After adding a chipboard element to a metal-rimmed tag, tie a length of twine around the candle for mini-cuteness. 

Supplies:Winter Wonderland:4x6 designer accessories pad,acrylic stamps,twine,layered Stickers;All is Bright:decorative tape,chipboard,4x6 designer accessories pad,acrylic stamps;Misc:kraft bag,metal-rimmed tag

May your holidays be lovely and beautiful and full of joyful memories!