Envelope Advent Calendar

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…and a wonder that my nine-month old has not ingested one of the crafting supplies that have taken over my house. It’s that time of year, dear friends. Holiday projects are in full swing. Boxes are down from the attic and spray paint fumes fill the air. I’m hoping most of you are not the, “Oh my gosh, it’s not even December” kind of crowd. My guess is that, like me, you’ve been Pinning holiday ideas like a mad man since November 1st.

I’m sharing a simple envelope advent calendar today takes about an hour to make. Depending on what craft supplies you have on hand, it costs between $8-$15, not including the treats you put inside. I’ve talked about this before, but paper crafts are seriously my favorite. I used to try and tell myself it was because I enjoyed the tactile nature of folding, cutting, and glueing. In truth, I love paper crafts because they are cheap. You can make something pretty for just a few bucks. Period. I added two Andes mints and the Advent verse for the day in each envelope. I can’t actually eat chocolate yet because I’m still nursing a dairy-free baby. Lord help me make it through Thanksgiving. (Insert pity here…Yes, I will miss out on mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole, and pies, and rolls with butter. It’s just going to be me and Mr. Turkey with a sad little side of salad.)

Envelope Advent Calendar
SUPPLIES:
-Brown kraft paper
-2 dowel rods (cut to desired width)
-25 mini envelopes
-washi tape and/or dot stickers
-Markers
-Permanent or extra strength glue stick
-Hot glue gun and sticks
-String to hang
(Prizes, candy, verses/sayings for envelopes)

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Cut kraft paper to desired calendar size.
2. Use glue stick to add glue to the top edge of the paper. Roll like a scroll around the dowel rod. Glue again and secure in place until dry. Complete on both ends.
3. Decorate the top of the calendar with markers, or paint if you prefer.
4. Outline the edge of envelopes with a marker.
5. Stuff envelopes. Secure with washi tape and numbered stickers.
6. Align envelopes on the kraft paper. Apply a small dab of hot glue to each corner of envelopes. Adhere in place. Allow to dry completely before hanging.
Also, check out my felt Dollar Store Advent calendar from last year that only cost $7 and 30 minutes to make!

I’m experimenting with a vegan sweet potato casserole today. I’m hopeful but know that nothing can truly replace the taste of butter and cream…we shall see.