from Gardners 2 Bergers: 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