December 4, 2011

✥ Magnetic Advent Calendar {Printable} ✥



It's December 4th, just about 4 days late for an advent calendar. Oh well, that's just how things go sometimes! 
Advent calendars seem to come and go in my house. Like last year my Mom gave me the one we had when I was a kid. Then, she decided it was too sentimental to her and asked for it back. Haha! Of course I gave it back, no biggie. But it's totally rad with teeny, tiny little ornaments from the 70's, or earlier, all hung on a tree made of felt hand prints. A total classic.


This one is nothing like that! I made it with the same modern patterns I used in the Christmas banner I shared with the The Simply Klassic readers today. Pop over and grab my printable Christmas banner and grab my printable banner,  if you haven't already!




Now, on to this advent calendar!! You can see my little tins on my fridge.
I had the idea for a spice/tin advent calendar that I'd position in a shadow box using magnets and magnetic paint. I planned to use a frame from Ikea and some cream burlap I purchased for my Christmas decor. 
That is so not happening right now. I figured it's better to get this post out now, rather than wait weeks until I have time to get around to this calendar. That way you guys can grab the numbers if you want them and I'll get around to working on the display next year soon! 

So, for now, it's on the fridge- which is still cute, I think.
Let's get down to business.

To make your own advent calendar, you'll need:


  • metal spice or favor tins- you can buy them almost anywhere, like at the dollar store, Ikea, Amazon, Bed, Bath & Beyond
  • my printable or your own numbers 
  • glue or mod podge
  • magnetic strips

I made up the patterns for the numbers by using the A-Mazing designs you can find on Sprik Space. If you've never been over you are missing out. There are a ton of patterns available and they come in 12-20 different colors each. Super rad!

I made the numbers to print off at 2 inch circles, but you can easily modify it to fit your needs. Oh yeah, and I made them square with a circle overlay in case you have the square spice tins. You could just as easily use scrapbook paper and numbers to make your own numbers with your own designs. This is a super versatile idea.




I purchased my tins from Amazon. It was less than 20 bucks for 25 tins. I have heard you can buy them cheaper at the Dollar Store and Ikea sells a larger version. I liked Amazon cause they sent it right to my house, 1 less errand to run if you know what I mean!!

My lil' sis helped me out by cutting out the circles. If you have a hole punch, then that would be easiest. I just glued my cutouts to the inside of the lid, using Mod Podge. Easy, peasy. 



Since I didn't have time to make the shadow box before I shared the end result with you all, I just cut some self adhesive magnets and attached them to the back of the tins. Wouldn't this be so fun for kids to place with on the fridge?


Then for the inside:

Add whatever little treat you'd like. I also love the idea of putting an activity inside each tin, things to help bring in the true spirit of Christmas: like do a service activity, go caroling, make your neighbors cookies, adopt a needy family, watch Christmas movies, read about Christ's birth, watch the Christmas devotional. SO many great ways to foster the spirit of Christmas in your life and in your home!

 
Maybe I'll have this finished before the end of the year. Then again, maybe I won't hold my breathe. You know the drill, busy, busy, busy! How are you all keeping on top of this super busy month? What does your advent calendar look like?Do you remember the one from your childhood? 
xoxo

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17 comments:

  1. That is absolutely adorable. My husband just hooked up a new color printer for me yesterday. I think I'll go have some fun and copy your idea.

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  2. Super cute idea! I love a good advent calendar, and this is a really great one!

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  3. Super cute idea!!!! I love and may add that to my collection next year! The one I have now I started making when I was 12 or so in church and just finished two years ago for my first Christmas with my husband!! :)

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  4. Love this! I featured you on the Sprik Space FB page today. :)

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  5. That is pretty ool, Becca. I love it,......Christine

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  6. Great idea for an advent on the fridge!! We now have 3 handmade advent calendars - they keep getting added to each year! At some point this is going to have to stop!!!

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a great week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  7. This is adorable! I love this! I would love for you to link this up to our {Home for the Holidays} link party every Friday in December at The Corson Cottage ~ Carrie
    http://thecorsoncottage.blogspot.com/2011/12/home-for-holidays-link-party-features.html

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  8. This is so cute and very creative. I'd love for you to link up to our Holiday Party http://stirizsisters.blogspot.com/2011/11/holiday-diy-gift-cataog-link-party_18.html

    Corie @ Design DNA

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  9. What a super duper idea...love the look of it!!!

    Blesings,
    Linda

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  10. Any problems with getting the lids to stay on? I've used similar tins for baby shower party favors. I could not get the lids to stay sealed on. I actually had to tape them into place. I was wondering if you'd encountered a similar situation.

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  11. I love how it looks and I love that it is contained all in one location. So cute.

    Hopping over from Vintage Wanna Bee
    Amanda Joy
    www.joyinthejumble.com

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  12. What a great idea--- they look so classy and there's something about little boxes (tins) that has always appealed to me!

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  13. Good Idea! I would love for you to link up to my Christmas Party @ http://sewstylishboutique.blogspot.com/ I also have a Crafty Lassie Tuesday each week you can come and link up to.
    Thanks Rose

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  14. Love this. Think even my teen/college kids would enjoy these.

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Thoughts? Questions? Opinions? Let's talk about it!