Christmas Advent Calendar Craft Project

*This is a reposted from my blog from Dec 1, 2009*

I saw something similar to these (not quite as embellished) somewhere out there on the vastness of Bloglandia... PLEASE, if you know where, let me know,  I want to give them credit!!

As I said, I found this great idea for an advent calendar using toilet paper rolls (or cut paper towel rolls).  She did not completely cover them as I do here, but I loved the idea immediately!

Start with paper rolls, 24 obviously.. sheet music or wrapping paper (I used sheet music.. noticing a trend here?) tape, glue dots, scissors, images, ribbons, etc...

Cut four slits at one end of a roll up about an 1 inch and half. (equally spaced around the roll)

Fold over ends and tuck them, paper box style, into each other. (below)

Tape the folds shut.

 

Rap the roll in a paper of your choice leaving a 2" overhang on the open end and just enough to wrap the closed end neatly. 

I used tape. You can glue the paper, for me that took too long.

On the closed end, fold in the paper and secure with tape, glue or glue dots (my weapon of choice).

 Flip your tube over and cut small slits in the paper that hangs over the tube, making fringe. I was originally going to curl this out, but it was too fussy and froo froo for me. As you can see above, I trimmed the fringe slightly and tucked it IN, thus making a cover. The kids can't see in, but they can easily reach in a grab the contents! (and it can be used over and over.. just refluff the fringe) Sometimes I amaze myself...  ;)

Use what you have on hand to decorate the tubes. The numbers came from the fabulous Cathe at Just Somthing I Made and can be found HERE.  The poinsettia image is from Dawn at
The Feathered Nest. 

 I poked a hole in the back of the tube, strung a ribbon and hung them that way. You can poke two holes, opposite each other and string them in line. (what the clever lady did in the post that I cann't find again) 

These would also be cute as small gift holders at the holidays, like Christmas Crackers..

I wanted to make this because I have 3 kids.. and did NOT want to make or buy 3 calendars. AND I wanted to be able to choose the 'prize'.. such as the candy or treat. These tubes are larger enough to hold three notes, three candies, you get the idea...

Where does the chocolate come from that is in the 2$ advent calendar's in the grocery store? (because I'm not sure I want my kids eating them! )  Hhhmmm...

 xoxo~

Abbie

Comments

[Carol]

Holy cow, when I think of how many of those TP tubes I've thrown away. Clever idea! Thanks for sharing:)

[Ashlyn]

This is AWESOME!!!
I have a couple rolls already saved for another project but I think I'll be making this one FIRST!!! My boys are gonna LOVE this!!! :)

Thanks bunches for sharing!

[La Singe]

Super cute! You may have seen it here: http://xtremeteamduty.blogspot.com/2009/11/toilet-paper-roll-advent-calendar.html
But it may have been elsewhere. I've seen this several times, all in differing forms.

I may have to try it, though I don't celebrate Christmas. Perhaps a Solstice ladder? :-)

[artsnark]

what a cute idea - thanks for sharing

[This girl loves to talk]

ha ha I agree about the $2 chocolate. I banned chocolate ones about 4 years ago. It might be more expensive but its gotta beat that white speckled who knows how old it is chocolate that comes in those advent calendars.

Yours are beautiful.. Im jealous!

[Lutine Maïtena]

Génial cette idée de calendrier. Je vais le faire avec mes enfants. Merci =D