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Saturday, November 26, 2011

Matchbox Advent Calendar

December is right around the corner, that mean's it's time to break out the advent calendars!
I thought I'd make a homemade one this year. There are so many great ideas for homemade advent calendars, they are christmas decorations all by themself!

I saw this idea a couple of years ago and it's been on my list to try since then.

Here is my version of the Matchbox Advent Calendar.

Here are the supplies you need to make this project.

  • 24 mini matchboxes
  • scrapbook paper
  • glue gun & glue sticks
  • buttons
  • small candy to fill the boxes



 
Cut lengths of scrapbook paper to the width of your matchboxes, not all mini matchboxes are the same size so it's best to measure first.  I cut 12" lengths and cut a couple of those in half to 6" to cover the matchboxes glued in 2's.
 
 
So this is how your matchboxes will need to be glued together.
4 - 2's
2 - 3's
2 - 4's
and 2 singles
 

Glue the paper strips to your matchboxes.

 
Don't worry that the paper doesn't fit all the way around, you won't see the underside anyways once the tree is put together.
 
Start gluing the matchboxes into the tree shape.
 


Measure the front of your matchboxes, cut tiny paper strips and glue to the boxes.

 
The picture below shows how I attached the star, the star is just one that I traced and cut from scrapbook paper. I took a strip of paper, folded in half and then folded the ends out. I glued it together to make it more sturdy and then glued the ends to the top of the tree and glued the star to it.
 

I added buttons for drawer knobs.

I don't have any numbers on this one yet, but when I put them on I think I have them out of order for fun!







Imagine, Improvise & Invent

Sarah
 

27 comments:

  1. How cute and clever! I've never done one of these, but I just may have to now! I've visiting from Debbiedoo's Newbie party!

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  2. Very beautiful! We made one too but yours look better ;)

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  3. How cute! I love the paper you used too.

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  4. This is adorable! What kind of candies did you buy to fit in those little boxes? Great mix of scrapbook papers - not necessarily Xmas, but definitely festive!

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  5. How adorable!! Love it!
    Rachel
    adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com

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  6. So cute! Thanks for sharing the tutorial!!! Pinning it.

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  7. That must have taken ages-you are amazing! I love this idea. Thanks for sharing it.

    My 12 Days of Christmas series starts December 1st and the first post is all about Advent. I hope you might be able to pop by and link up this wonderful post!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

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  8. OMG!!! Its so tiny and so adorable!!! I LOVE IT!!!

    Jamie
    http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/

    P.S. More the Merrier Monday ends tonight. Stop by and link up if you have not already.

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  9. awesome idea!!! I bet your kids love this!

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  10. That's really cute! I love that you arranged the boxes in the shape of a tree. And the star on top makes it perfect!

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  11. You are so crafty lady! Love this idea. Thanx for coming to the party again this week!

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  12. Beautiful! I'm thinking of putting little Christmas ideas inside...things to do as a family like bake cookies and sing carols. Thanks for the idea! Feel free to come visit me at www.palmettosandpigtails.com!
    -Shara

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  13. What a lovely advent calander.

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  14. Cute and easy peasy! I like that!
    Hugs, GraceinAZ

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  15. So cute! What a great advent calender!

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  16. VERY cute! Where did you get your matchboxes? I need one of these advent calendars!! :) Thanks for sharing this at Sassy Sites today!

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  17. Love this idea! So cute and so many options! Thanks for sharing!

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  18. I love your matchbox countdown! I found you through the tickled pink linky party. Thanks for sharing!

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  19. I love this! Thnaks so much for linking up!

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  20. this is such a darling idea. and such intricate little details! thanks for linking them up to my tip-toe thru tuesday party last week! hope to see you again this week!

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  21. From a daggy matchbox to designer chic. Its great and a perfect pick of paper. You are very talented. Cheers SpecialK XoXo

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  22. Stopping by from
    http://debbiedoescreations.com/2012/07/16/christmas-in-july-special-link-party/
    What a great idea for matchboxes.. I love your choices of papers... Thanks for sharing.

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  23. So cute! I saw this on Mix It Up Monday. I've been wanting to make my own advent calendar for years. This one definitely looks doable!

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  24. I made my daughters (25 and 27), their boyfriends ( 29 and 32) and my husband (53) handstitched hessian and felt "stockings" for advent calendars, some years ago. Each has a top border with their names stitched in cross stitch. Each year they love them and say "Make one for yourself Mom!" Well no, not the kind of thing I would do for myself but clearly no one else is going to either! When I saw your matchbox calendar I knew I had to make one for myself and then decided to make for my Mom and Dad (69 and 77) too! Being absolutely rubbish at making stars (the lastest attempts are in the bin) I decided on Mother Xmas, Father Xmas and Xmas Angel instead. I would love to share pictures with you so you can see how you inspired my version! Love from RSA - Cathy

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