Years ago, my mom made a felt Christmas advent calendar for our family. I remember it clearly–it was full of scenes from the Christmas story and she cut all those little people and details by hand. My sisters and I loved it. Every year we would get it out with excitement.
So when Jennifer from The Sugar House Shop asked if I’d like to make one of her stunning Christmas advent calendars, I jumped at the chance to make that same kind of memory for my girls. I had the opportunity to work with Jennifer for several years, and her work is beautiful. Her photography is gorgeous, and every page of the instructions will leave you amazed–they’re instructions, but they’re beautiful. (Here’s a photo of the supply list–I told you they were gorgeous!)
And so is the finished product. The instructions are thorough with great tips throughout. The pattern is easy to assemble and includes everything you need–including suggestions on where to get the supplies if you want the same ones she uses.
Now this isn’t a quick project, it takes some time and lots of hand work, but you’re making something that will last for a long time. That’s actually why she started her shop. She says, “I was helping my grandfather decorate his home for Christmas. As we were sifting through boxes we found an adorable felt Christmas tree advent calendar my grandmother had made while raising her six sons. It had clearly been well-loved. While standing there I had a flashback to my own childhood and how my mother had designed and hand-crafted a wreath advent calendar which my sister and I adored for years. I decided then and there I was destined to create an advent calendar for my family. But I couldn’t find the perfect pattern! I was ultimately inspired to create my own Advent Calendar Pattern, and thus The Sugar House Shop was born.”
She has several styles of calendar, and they’re all amazingly beautiful. They’re modern, cute, and easy to use–the ornaments attach to the calendar by magnets so even young toddlers can help count down to Christmas.
The ornaments are perfect for the advent calendar, but they’re also just the right size and would be darling on a tree, on a wreath, or as a garland on your mantel. Really, they are the perfect addition to your Christmas decor. And they’d make a great gift for anyone who loves a handmade heirloom.
I started making mine, and while I haven’t quite finished yet, I’ve enjoyed the process. It’s been nice to do a little embroidery while watching a show with my husband for the past few nights. I’m so excited to get it all finished and wait for December when my girls will get to do it with me.
Jennifer has been gracious enough to give three copies of her Christmas advent calendar to the winners of a giveaway. Winners will get to choose their calendar pattern PDF and I know you’ll be happy with it.
She’s also giving each of you a 20% discount on advent calendars when you use the code: MABEYSHEMADEIT (and it doesn’t expire, so you can keep on using it!).
I'd love to hear your thoughts–leave me a comment!