Unveiling a Yuletide secret, my heart dances with uncontainable joy as the merriest season of all sweeps in—Christmas! The symphony of delights orchestrated by this festivity, from the delectable cuisine to the thrilling shopping escapades and the enchanting artistry of decorations, captures my spirit completely. And so, in this radiant moment, I extend to you the inaugural revelation of this year’s Christmas ‘crafting sensation’—a tale of how I masterminded our brand-new Advent Calendar. This endeavor, fueled by a desire to concoct a vessel of anticipation brimming with personal touches, is one that Steve and I shall partake in—a jubilant and vibrantly-hued Christmas domicile designed to herald the imminent festivities.
Picture the ingredients of creativity: 24 pristine canvases of A5 white paper, a miniature vessel or a packet acting as a pattern, an assemblage of resplendent cardstock, the magic of double-sided adhesive, an array of stickers and opulent embellishments, numerical decals meticulously crafted from 1 to 24, a pair of paper clips for every day, the trusty companionship of sticky tape, the graceful dance of scissors, the artistry of bakers twine, and, naturally, a treasure-trove of your preferred fillings.
The curtain rises on our first act, where the symphony of crafting shall manifest—Behold Step 1—a choreography involving the assembly of pouches primed to cradle our delectable surprises. The process commences by embracing the A5 parchment, tenderly folding it, leaving an exquisite 1.5 cm tapestry at the lower edge. Then, akin to the sartorial drapery enveloping a precious gift, it gracefully envelopes the petite box (here, the very abode of the paper clips), culminating in a seal bestowed by the enchanted touch of sticky tape.
Act 2 heralds the emergence of our papery treasure from its cocoon—a transformation elevated by the enchantment of washi tape, impeccably sealing each crease. A meticulous encore follows, performed for all 24 days.
Act 3 ascends like a crescendo, bestowing life to the structures adorning our ephemeral keepsakes. The artist in you takes flight as you carve squares and rectangles of sufficient magnitude to enrobe the most expansive facet of our paper havens. These rectangles intertwine with triangles, lovingly cradling their angular counterparts through the embrace of double-sided adhesive, resulting in the foundational abode of our miniature manors.
Enter Act 4—a spellbinding pas de deux with adhesive—where each exquisite domicile adheres to its corresponding paper pouch. This choreography extends its enchantment across all 24 bags, crafting a tapestry of charming habitation.
Act 5 unveils a tableau of creativity as stickers and embellishments dance upon the canvas. Doors swing open, windows peer into fantastical worlds, and chimneys exhale dreams into the air—each home a canvas of whimsy. And behold, amidst this tapestry of creativity, adorable owl stickers alight, casting an endearing spell upon the scene.
The curtains rise for Act 6—a symposium of arrangement where houses find their kin, their symbiotic dance arranged in a harmonious cadence. The grandeur of numbers graces this ensemble, anointed upon each structure through the prowess of thicker stickers and wooden wonders, or perhaps a dexterous hand might etch them onto their facades.
Act 7 and 8 compose a grand finale—a duo of paper clips bestowed upon the back of each pouch, a choreography that threads the houses into a strand of baker’s twine. The dance concludes as these resplendent tapestries are bestowed upon a barren wall—command hooks extending an invitation for their embrace or the playful whisper of washi tape standing as an alternative.
And as this symphony culminates, one must not disregard the raison d’être of these ethereal sanctuaries—awaiting the advent of December’s first morn. The culmination, a shared joy-filled crescendo, resonates like a heartwarming concerto. To the mix is a compelling question that beckons the exploration of whims: What treasures would grace your advent realm? Sweets, perhaps, dancing in confectionery delight; wintry escapades tucked within each pouch, ready to unfurl; minuscule gems like Lego maestros and lacquered vials of color, each a whispered enchantment. My soul is shining, the countdown enchants my senses, and I am poised, trembling with enthusiasm, to embark upon the enchantment that awaits—the delight of each day’s revelation, a beacon guiding my anticipation.
For those looking to add an extra layer of artistry to their creative journey, I invite you to explore the wonders of chalk paint sealing through my insights on the topic here: Sealer for Chalk Paint. Additionally, those seeking the brushstroke of perfection in their artistic endeavors may find inspiration in my article on the best brushes for painting furniture—a treasure trove of guidance.
With gleeful exuberance,
Sammy xxx
I am Sammy and I blog at Live it. Love it. Make it. It is creative lifestyle blog run by best friends H and Sammy. Head over and follow our crafty adventures!
