Every winter, a new crop of impressive DIY advent calendars rises above all the internet clutter. (For proof, see our post on last year's calendars, and more from the year before.) With December underway, it's time to get a jump on the countdown. For a guaranteed hit at home, here are five projects to consider replicating, plus a calendar to purchase (for a quick fix).
Above: Deck the halls with a bow of decorated greenery: Caitlin of The Merry Thought affixed numbered birch rectangles to the front of 25 matchboxes. For more on the project, visit The Merry Thought.
Above: From German company Zenzi Design, an advent calendar made from a thin piece of wood cut in the shape of a cloud that rains down 25 small numbered pouches.
Above: An advent calendar to use year after year, from Toronto artist Heather Shaw. Made of linen with hemp pockets (that can be filled with treats or messages) and a small handmade bear that gets moved from day to day, the Advent Calendar is $100 CAD from Heather's shop Pi'lo. For more on Heather, see our post, House Call: Heather Shaw in Toronto.
Above: An idea inspired by potpourri sachets via Madame La Chouette: Gather 25 fabric pouches (or sew them yourself), number them, and tuck small gifts inside, then hang in a large, tempting ensemble.
Above: A calendar from Le Petit Pot in Barcelona, Spain, is made out of paper bags threaded with twine; each day a square gets pulled off the string. See more at Le Petit Pot on Etsy and note that custom orders are available.
Above: From Véronique of Pichouline via Bloesem Kids, an advent calendar created from magnetic chalkboard wallpaper and LED tea lights on magnets. The flickering design—which you can recreate using magnetic chalkboard paint on heavy paper or fabric—brings Christmas lights to Véronique's home in Africa even during power outages.
For more seasonal ideas, visit our Holiday pinboard on Pinterest. And check out Meredith's Foraged Christmas Tree decorated with plants.