From Burstandbloom via Craftster

This is a super-cute and RECYCLED craft, using styrofoam. The is a full tutorial on Craftster, but the idea is that you cut holes in the styrofoam, decoupage the face, and then cut the cardboard circles and attach them with brads to make little swinging doors. Cute and ec0-friendly! Thank you, Burstandbloom. You are a crafty diva.

Advent calendar by DIY Father

Here’s another cool, recycled calendar idea from DIY Father: he uses matchboxes mounted on cereal-cardboard stars strung into a garland. I LOVE the idea of the kids being able to help out and paint and glitter up the stars,while the parents get all sneakyand fill up the goodie boxes!

From ChristyNelson.net

My crafty collegue ChristyNelson.net made  this goodie last year- she used those little watchmakers tins affixed to a canvas. (She got the idea from SplitCoast Stampers,who have a step-by-step tutorial here. )

I think you could probably use some heavy-duty magnets and a cookie sheet, too, as long as the trinkets inside weren’t too heavy.

Lastly, KidCraftWeekly has a trifecta of Advent Calenders: One made with simple manilla envelopes, one with origami boxes, and the last as traditional matchbox calendar.

Envelope Advent Calendar from KidsCraftsWeekly

Origami box Advent Calendar from KidsCraftWeekly

Matchbox Calendar from KidsCraft Weekly

There are links to the origami (cup) boxes here.

OK, enough of the eye candy! I think I’ve got some envelopes upstairs, so I bet I can whip out that version today.

Interested in what to put IN the Advent Calendars? Here are a few ides:

• stickers
• play tattoos
• gum
• foil-wrapped candy
• baseball/football cards, etc
• miniature figurines
• loose coins
• scripture verses
• positive affirmations
• certificates for: hugs, walks, playing games, etc.
• small erasers
• mini ornament to hang on a mini tree

Any other ideas, folks?