Holiday Crafts | Make an Envelope Advent Calendar

When you make your own advent calendars it can be challenging to remember to have them made before the first of December.   Therefore, this project comes in time for you to have a couple weeks to gather your materials together and make your own.   This particular calendar is made using “small coin” or “small parts” envelopes.  However, if you are interested in creating something a little different, take a look at my matchbook advent calendar.

Materials to Make an Envelope Advent Calendar

• 25 small envelopes.  I used “small coin” envelopes from an office supply store, but you can use any style of small envelope.
• Ballpoint glue pen (found at craft shops)
• Fine or ultra fine silver glitter
• 25 Christmas images (I used royalty-free images from a book similar to this one http://store.doverpublications.com/048699967x.htm but you can also cut images from magazines or use holiday stickers)
• White glue
• Green paper, or other matching color for your images
• A hole punch
• Scissors
• Ribbon, wired ribbon, or thin garland

Directions to Make an Envelope Advent Calendar

1. Turn the envelopes over so that the flap is facing you.  This is the side of the envelope you will be decorating.
2. Glue an image to each of your 25 envelopes using the white glue.
3. Decorate one envelope at a time: Use your ballpoint glue pen to outline the envelopes; to add decoration or bordering to the edges;  or to write words around the images.  You can also draw snowflakes with the glue pens.  (See my photos if you need an example or inspiration).  The glue dries quickly which is why you want to work on one envelope at a time.
   

Bonnie Thomas

Bonnie Thomas works as a child and family therapist in southern Maine and is also an established artist and author. She has published several books with Jessica Kingsley Publishers, including Creative Coping Skills for Children: Emotional Support Through Arts and How to Get Kids Offline, Outdoors, and Connecting With Nature.

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