Pink & Copper DIY Advent Calendar

December is 'round the corner so it's the perfect time to be thinking about your Advent Calendars! 

I always seem to leave it too late, I must confess. But this year, I pulled my crafty stash out last week and made this baby in one afternoon with the help of my little elves 😊 (Did you see my Instagram stories?)

Seriously, it's the perfect, EASY craft for an afternoon with the kiddos! Plus, it doesn't hurt that it shimmers with all sorts of metallic ornaments and pretty glitter, shiny papers, right?! 

My husband and son cut a branch from our garden for me to hang on the wall. I simply attached some strong white thread to either end and hung the branch on two hooks in my studio.

Since I'm currently obsessed with all things pink, copper, gold and glitter (wait, that's always the case!), I chose a blush pink palette with metallic accents. But you can also vary the colors of the little packages and ornaments to suit your own Christmas decor! 

Come to think of it, I think I'll use the same technique next year, and just change up the colors and patterns! I'm thinking black and white might look super chic, and red and white will fit in with any Scandinavian home style! 😍

But truly, your imagination is the limit when it comes to varying the style on this easy-to-make Advent Calendar!

I think the fun/pretty/modern aspect of this Advent Calendar come from the fact that we mixed the boxes shapes - stars (perfect for small trinkets and chocolates), match-boxes (great for mini candy-canes, small gifts and more chocolate), and envelopes (perfect for little notes, poems, photos or...cash?! 😜

Check out the easy DIY project below!

Materials:

* star-shaped paper maché boxes (I used 4 of 2 different sizes)

* small white match-boxes

* paper envelopes or goodie bags

* small pegs to match your color palette

* craft knife

* scissors

* colored cardstock (I used glitter copper, shiny gold, glitter pink and printable star-patterned paper)

* glue and 3-D foam stickers for the envelopes (optional)

* cord for hanging the decor (I used copper-colored and white)

* printable advent calendar numbers - download the ones I used here!

* hole puncher

* ornaments of choice 

Directions:

First, cut and hang a piece of tree branch to your wall.

1) For the boxes: start gluing strip of the cardstock on the front. You can cover the entire side or simply add vertical or horizontal strips to decorate and add interest.

2) Stick on the Advent Calendar numbers to the front each box. 

3) Use a hole puncher to piece a hole on the top part of each box, and thread a length of cord through. Tie a knot on the cord to secure it inside the box.

4) For the star boxes: Trace and cut a piece of cardstock to fit the lid of your boxes.

5) Glue the paper to the lid. You may want to also cover the sides of the boxes or even paint them, if you wish.

6) Carefully pierce a hole on top of each box (not the lid!) with a craft knife, and shape the whole with a sharp object like an embroidery needle or BBQ stick. Add cord and tie a not on the inside to secure it.

Fill boxes with gifts, trinkets or candy, and hang them onto your branch.

TIP: Hang the boxes in various orders and heights  to add to the fun!

1) Simply punch out circle of colored cardstock and superimpose them, gluing an Advent Calendar number in the center.

2) Fill with whatever you wish, and seal with a small wooden peg. All that's left to do is to peg them to the cords already on your Advent Calendar.

Finish decorating the calendar with decorative element like baubles and other shiny ornaments.

Simple or what? Hope you like the idea and feel inspired to craft your own Advent Calendar! 😊