arts and crafts

Advent Calendar Made Merry With Chunkies Paint Sticks

Advent Calendar Made Merry With Chunkies Paint Sticks

Let's make an Advent Calendar

Advent calendars are great for so many reasons. They create a way to celebrate the season as well as the days that lead up to Christmas through simple little treats and gifts. This is the perfect weekend project to get your kiddos in the holiday spirit while also encouraging creativity. The calendars provide a fun and interactive way to get your kids excited about the holidays. My kids always loved counting down the days and opening each little surprise. Just be sure to seal the packs so the surprises last! Image of a DIY holiday advent calendar

You will need the following supplies:

  • Chunkies Paint Sticks ( I used the Variety Pack but you could use the Original too)
  • 25 Kraft Bags
  • Twine
  • Clothespins
  • Black Marker for Numbering
  • Large Board
  • Cupcake Liners (Optional)
Supplies needed to make your own advent calendar Start by decorating the bags with the awesome chunkies paint sticks. They are great for little hands and they dry super fast, so no smudging! The variety pack has 6 metallic colors and 6 neon as well as the 12 classic colors. So you can add color to any designs. Snowmen, snowflakes, stars and gnomes are some fun ideas to start with. decorating bags with chunkies paint sticks for your advent calendar The gnome is by far my favorite in this bunch. I added a little metallic silver over the white in the beard. If desired you can always add google eyes, buttons or other embellishments using glue. Decorate your holiday advent calendar bags with embellishments like buttons. Next step is to put treats in the bags then staple them closed. Be sure to do this while the kiddos are out. Treats don't have to be sweets -think outside the bag and add a cute key chain, a colorful pencil sharpener, hair ties, scented erasers (open package and use in several bags.) Pens with sweet treat designs, unicorn themed pencils and neon markers can be fun art supplies. I added a cupcake liner to the top of the bags for some extra pizazz. Then you can put numbers for the countdown on little tags; then attached them with a staple. You could also write the numbers directly on the bag. numbering your advent calendar hang your bags on twine to complete your holiday calendar! They are so darling hanging on the twine filled with mysterious and wonderful surprises! DIY Advent Calendar hanging on a blackboard Tie your twine to a large board. I used a chalkboard that I found in the garage. You could also tie your twine through your Christmas tree or hang across your mantle. Add your bags with the clothespins. Ta Da! There you have it, a beautiful handmade advent calendar. Be sure to save any extra supplies to create holiday gift bags. Laura Kelly is a doodle artist with a creative spirit. She spends her time making art and creating fun with her family and her Girl Scout troop. You can follow her blog at Me andMyINKlings and find her on social media platforms @laurakellydesigns!

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