WRAP IT UP

I've been searching for Christmas wrap designs and themes for a couple of weeks now . There are so many to choose from . Lots of free printables like this one , and lots of cheap and easy ideas to make your own .

This one caught my eye on Pinterest yesterday . I love the simple design and I am a sucker for monochromatic with an addition of a colour or two .

This wrap would be perfect for stocking stuffers and smaller gifts . Prints to A4 size ( you could try A3 as well , let me know how it goes ! )

Heres the link :: CHRISTMAS WRAP

Printable VIA Moodkids

FELT BALL CHRISTMAS DECOR

There are so many things to do with felt balls . They are seriously simple to do crafts with . I've been thinking about Christmas decorations ( obviously ! ) and I was thinking about making a wreath out of them . Which seems like a great idea because completed felt ball wreaths retail for $149 !
So off to my shops I went to find a styrofaom ring for a wreath , but in my travels I came across a pack of two styrofoam cones for $4 from The Warehouse . I ended up buying those and decided to make a Felt Ball Christmas Tree instead . I totally love all these other ideas for felt ball decor below . Wish I could try them all but I think it would look a bit OTT !

You will need ::

- styrofoam cone / tree
- lots of felt balls ( approx 100 but better to get more to be on the safe side )
- hot glue gun

It takes about 30 - 40 minutes to make . But take your time , as you want to make sure all the balls are    tight so there are no gaps .

Cost depends on where you sourced your styrofaom and your felt balls from . Felt balls will cost the most for this craft . I purchased mine off Etsy from a shop called FeltFoxes . Lots of lovely felt balls to purchase , Ruth also makes felt ball garlands and wreaths too .

Instructions

1 -    Put a dab of hot glue on a felt ball and place at the bottom of the cone , pressing gently .

2 -    Continue gluing on felt balls , keeping the balls closer together to stop any gaps from showing .     Keep on working your up the cone to the top .

3 -    Once you are finished , set it aside to dry completely .

ADVENT CALENDERS

6 weeks til Christmas , which means its really time to start planning and organising the big day !
Now for me as a child growing up , we only ever had chocolate advent calenders . The self restraint not to eat more than one day at a time was near impossible . Sometimes the chocolate slipped out of order down to the botton of the calender . And lets be honest , the chocolate tasted a tiny piece of 'chocolate' plastic .

Now that I have a child of my own , I have decided that I probably won't ever buy a $6 licensed character advent calander from The Warehouse . Instead I will create an advent calender of my own for my son to enjoy . This year Luca is only going to be 22 months old , so he's not really going to know what goes down on Christmas . I really want to create my own family tradition this year . So what I might do with these Printable House Advent Calenders, is that I will place a little toy or trinket under a few of the houses . So he gets a suprise once or twice a week until Christmas Day .

Sounds like a good plan to me !

Christmas Street Advent Calender  via Mr Printables ( www.mrprintables.com )

http://pdf.mrprintables.com/mrprintables-christmas-street-advent-calendar-col.pdf

(for personal use only)


How to make houses ::

1 .    Print the pages and cut out each shape . Use heavy weight paper so the boxes are sturdy .

2 .    Score the grey dotted lines and fold . Glue angular tabs to complete the houses , but do not glue curved tabs as they are there to help the lids ( top of each building ) stay in place .





Here's another advent calender - Scandinavian inspired that I came across today . Totally in love with this one too ! These are envelopes that you cut out and glue . Once finished hang them up and write little messages , put in a few treats or some mini gifts . Link below .

DIY Printable Advent Calender via My Dubio ( www.mydubio.com )

http://aws.mydubio.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/advent_diy_mydubio_total.pdf

(for personal use only)