Yesterday I was going through my Halloween decor and came across last year’s advent calendar. I contemplated putting it up but because I felt like being crafty I made a new one instead. I made a flap down advent calendar using a wooden tray.
My kids love opening the flaps in books so this is perfect for them.
I found this tray at a yard sale for 50 cents and painted it white. I then cut scrapbook paper into 1.5 X 3in rectangles and folded them in half.
I used double sided tape to adhere the paper to the tray, this way I can reuse it after Halloween. I decided to be frugal and not purchase numbers stickers but rather cut them out using my cricut. This was the the most time consuming part of the project. This was also the time when baby Zach decided he needed me the most, ha! I then embellished it a little using these foam bat stickers.
For the activities I used microsoft word, then printed and glued them on the inside.
Tomorrow morning we’re going to a fall festival. The kids have no idea and I know they’re going to be excited when they open the flap.
and of course my favorite day in October
and just in case you didn’t get enough pictures here are some more.
I pretty much love this tray advent calendar. It can be used for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and just about any countdown you can think of. The best part is that it only cost 50 cents since I had everything else on hand.
Do your kids love advent calendars? Have you made one this year?
Thanks for stopping by I hope you have a fabulous weekend!
Future Mrs. K
October 1, 2011 at 12:12 amI love this little idea!! I am trying to find new little DIY ideas for holiday decorating!
Lindsay
October 1, 2011 at 12:45 amSuper cute idea! I love the month of October–might have a little to do with being my birthday month. :)
genelle
October 1, 2011 at 2:09 amWhat a great idea!! And each flap hides a fun activity?
I love it!
paige
October 1, 2011 at 2:26 amGreat idea! Come link up at the Creative Genius link party! http://www.thecreativepaige.com
Shannon
October 1, 2011 at 3:05 amThis is so cute and how fun each day having the kids open one!
[email protected]
October 1, 2011 at 4:59 amWhat a fun idea! I will have to make one with my kids! Good job! Visiting from Along for the Ride link party.
Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommy
October 1, 2011 at 1:03 pmLove love love!!!
A Lived in Home
October 1, 2011 at 2:53 pmWhat a great idea and how fun for kiddos!
Mommyof2girlz/StephD
October 1, 2011 at 7:46 pmMy girls love advent calenders for Christmas but never thought about it for Halloween, super cute! Stopping by from Trendy Treehouse Friday Follow. I am already a blog follower, but now I follow your FB page too :)
Jamie
October 2, 2011 at 12:53 amcute idea!
Felicia
October 4, 2011 at 4:14 amThis is absolutely adorable!
Kaysi
October 4, 2011 at 5:07 amI love this!!
Amanda
October 4, 2011 at 7:02 amThis is such a fun idea, its great how versatile it is!
Krista
October 4, 2011 at 5:32 pmThis is adorable (and a total steal for $.50!). I need to make something similar for my kiddo. I'd love for you to link this up at my Halloween Linky! Hope to see you there!
Krista @ While He Was Napping
Kristi
October 4, 2011 at 7:14 pmI love it. What are the activities you are doing? I've been working on activities for my kids are am a few short. :)
[email protected]! I Craft My Pants
October 5, 2011 at 5:17 amThis is such a great idea! I love it. And, the paper you used is adorable!
Nicolette @ Momnivore's Dilemma
October 5, 2011 at 6:03 amCrystal-
This looks amazing! I like the lift-the-flap idea {without candy!} mixed with fun activities instead…
Do you have a list of the things you are doing behind those dates?
Thanks for sharing at the epic Halloween link…
Marilyn
October 5, 2011 at 6:54 pmThis is awesome :))
The mum of all trades
October 7, 2011 at 12:07 pmso cute! I'd love if you would share it at my blog party this weekend, hope you can make it!
Candace @ Candace Creations
October 7, 2011 at 5:58 pmgreat idea I love this!
Come link this up to scrappy saturdays tomorrow at http://www.candacecreations.blogspot.com!
Candace
Abby
October 8, 2011 at 12:46 amLove this! Very cute and practical. I love your blog!
Your newest follower,
Abby
i—create
(come take a look if you like)
Karie @ The HoB
October 8, 2011 at 2:00 amCute Halloween Advent!
Jennifer
October 11, 2011 at 6:04 amLove it girl!! Great use of that tray!!
Thanks for linking up to Show & Share!!
Jennifer
October 12, 2011 at 5:02 amOkay! I've decided to feature this awesome tray in my favs tomorrow!! Hope you'll come grab a button!
Chris
November 1, 2011 at 6:43 pmHi Crystal, what a great idea for a calendar, and as you say, it can be used for any event you want to countdown to. Good job. I recently found your blog and am now following. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. I would really like that. Hugs, Chris