I am sharing this project again – because it is time! If you are going to have an Advent calendar ready for December 1st, its time to get to it! This project is so simple – you just need ribbon of your choice! Have fun!
Every year, I have the best of intentions.
Every year, I am sure THIS will be the year.
The year I have an Advent calendar before December starts.
But this year really is the year.
So. here is the truth. My girls are big and an Advent calendar is not the same for them as it would be for little little ones.
They don’t need a bunch of little toys.
And honestly, the prospect of coming up with 50 (one for each) little toys to put in, makes me stress.
And they still have most of their Halloween candy, so that is out of the question as well.
So, here is my plan.
I am going to (well Hubby too, he just doesn’t know it yet) leave a note or a scripture for them for each day.
An extra “I love you”.
An extra reminder of what the season is about.
And extra moment to make them feel special.
I went ahead and added a few little fun decorations we already had, so it would be fun along with the notes.
And a few tags I had that were a perfect fit.
And of course, I had to put in one of my favorite touches – pieces of a yardstick for the numbers.
And here is how I put my Advent calendar together…
Materials:
Wired ribbon – any pattern will work. I chose burlap with dots, but go with your style. This ribbon is 4 inches wide – but again, do what works for you. I do think the burlap is stronger to work with and might be a good choice.
Other Trim – I added the red ribbon shown below and later decided to also add a layer of green ribbon.
Twine
Yardstick – mine was new from the hardware store. Hubby cut it down into each number on the chop saw (use caution). After they were cut, I waxed them with Annie Sloan’s dark wax so that it looked like a vintage yardstick.
Directions
Fold the ribbon to make a pocket. Mine are 4 inches long with a one inch fold over the front.
Use hot glue to attach the sides.
Use hot glue to attach all the trim on the front including the numbers.
Use hot glue to attach each pocket to a piece of twine.
And that is all – see, I told you there was no sewing.
I hung mine in sections of five on an old door, but you could also hang them on a stair railing, on a wall, on a large cork board or across a mantel.
They might even be fun on your tree as a garland.
If you going the “note” route, just add a few accessories peeking out and you are done!
Thanks so much for reading.
Oh, and if you would like to see another Advent calendar idea, visit my sweet friends at Uncommon Designs – they are sharing a super cute idea.
Wishing you a great day!
P.S. The link for the tags you see tucked into to some of the pockets is here…
I do not have a source for the dogs- sorry!
Laura, this is wonderful! I love this idea! You always have the best ideas and projects! Thank you for sharing this amazing tutorial! I think it’s perfect for all! What a precious reminder of the God’s love for us!
Great idea! Thanks for sharing.
Hot glue can definitely be a girl’s best friend! Love the cute polka dotted burlap, too. Wonderful idea to share.
Great advent calendar! I love the ruler numbers – so creative.
I LOVE IT Laura!!
Hi Laura, That’s the cutest advent calendar! Thanks for sharing the tutorial.
super cute! The only thing i would do differently is that each of you (and Bailey) each take turns each day opening that number, and a “treat” note such as: no salad with supper 🙂 or automatically winning an arguement with Mom 🙂 or YOU get to choose what we watch on tv card, these are the sort of things I put in the kids’ Easter eggs now that they are bigger (oh, and cash sometimes too– make it fun and everyone gets a turn. Bailey Rose’s card could say Extra Tummy Rubs Today 🙂
Hey, my dog’s name is Bailey, too! Where did you get those cute doggie ornaments?
This is so clever and simple AND beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us!
Laura, This is so cute and looks quick and easy to put together. I would love to try and make this for our church’s craft bazaar we have each October. I think the little yardstick numbers are a great creative detail. Thanks for sharing.
Laura, this is the most creative advent calendar I have seen! I love it! Thank you for the inspiration. ~Liz
Super cute… Featuring you tomorrow.
Thank you so much for linking up with us!
Desiree
i love this idea of using scripture!
I am in love with this!!! I would never have thought to create an advent calendar using a yard stick and burlap ribbon! I just pinned it. May have to do something similar with a frame I have sitting at home. Thanks for the inspiration! If you are looking for a party to link this up to, I’d love to see you over at The Weekly Creative. 🙂 XOXO
LOVE this! Seriously…..it is so cute!
Even better than I pictured it. 🙂
Happy day rock star!
karianne
ADORABLE…..I was wondering too…..about the dogs? If you made it, do you have the pattern? So so cute !!! Thanks for sharing, Joyce
This is so cute, and I love that it’s no sew! The yardstick numbers are brilliant! Thanks for sharing!
OMGoodnessGracious!!!! I am freaking out on your creativity and ability to get these gorgeous projects from idea to beautiful creations! Between this and the yardstick deer silhouette, I am losing my mind, LOL! You are one talented lady! These are just beautiful. Thanks for sharing, and I might just copy this exactly as you made it.AND the deer, what the heck.
Love the Advent Calendar! Would you be able to share your “notes?” Love them just as much as the calendar!
Wow, I love this idea! It is so cute! This has inspired me to try and make some burlap treat bags for my daughter’s preschool class. Where did you get the burlap ribbon? Thanks for the inspiration!
Just saw this linked up at The Scoop and it’s the cutest thing ever! I just pinned it. I love the ric-rac and the ruler pieces on the fronts!
Wow! This is soo cute! Love it! 🙂
Darling and I love the polka dots and burlap, both! Very beautiful. Best wishes for a grand Thanksgiving. Linda
Karin E. I just bought some of this burlap ribbon yesterday at Hobby Lobby. It was 50% off at our store.
Ann and Laura,
Thank you! Unfortunately I don’t have a Hobby Lobby close by. I may just have to order online and pay the shipping, because that ribbon is so cute!
hello Laura, a very nice individual calendar for advent! super! where can I buy the little dog? I am lover of dogs and am in the animal welfare act. the little dogs are a suitable gift for my colleagues. why do I need it necessarily. love greetings kerstin wolfram from Germany
This is SO perfect! Exactly the inspiration I have been looking for! Thank you! May I ask where you found the scripture tags you have put inside? Are those a printable or did you create them yourself? They too are darling!
Thank you again!!!
This is such a cute project! I shared it on my Facebook page and my readers totally agreed 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153538651105217&set=a.353593675216.349539.323548680216&type=1
I think I found my advent calendar project for this year. Thank you for the brilliant inspiration!
Love it!! where did you find the little dogs?
This is probably my favorite thing I’ve ever seen you make! The ruler is brilliant and I LOVE the idea of it, so special!
I love how adorable this is. Thank you for making something so cute & easy to make. Is there anyway to print out your scriptures with the beautiful artwork? I want to make Jesus the center of our christmas & pulling these beautiful scriptures out with the pretty scrolls & artwork would be lovely in the advent. If there is anyway I could print these out I would appreciate it. You are a talented blessed women. Thank you for sharing.
Hey! Quick question that’s completely off topic.
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this issue. If you have any suggestions, please share. Cheers!
This is adorable!! What a wonderful idea. This is a definite keeper.
Laura,
What a clever idea and to boot it’s so neat looking. I don’t know how you come up with these ideas, but I suspect there is a “creative” gene and you have unlocked the secret of exercising it. Keep up the inspiration!
MaryAnn
Absolutely perfect!! I’m working on getting advent calendar together, and this is the perfect inspiration!! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Wow.. Amazing.. What a great idea.. Love the yardstick number idea too.. thank you for sharing it.
This is so adorable. I’m going to keep this idea filed away. Thanks. Deb
I love the way you used ribbon – brilliant! And such cute ideas to fill each pocket.
Wonderful idea!!!
You did such a fantastic job with these little pockets. I think it’s all in the details. The green ribbon in the front really pops. A very pretty advent calender. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Wow wow I was looking for an idea to use my image which is front of pocket. I just bought wired ribbon so that’s now going to be my back of pocket thanks for your idea love yard stick not sure I’d get on in uk but I could try. Happy season love ali xx
Not only do I love this Advent Calendar, but I so love the story with it.
I also have two adult daughters (married) but I am making them this. Even
if it isn’t their favorite thing, it will be mine. I will include inspiration quotes,
they make the holiday. Thank you. Barbara