The basic construction came from an advent calendar in the Better Homes and Gardens Holiday Crafts magazine from 2008. For some reason I just couldn't get excited about making it. It took me about a year and a half to get it finished, but I'm so happy I didn't give up.
The BHG calendar was done almost entirely in red and white with several blank pockets, but I decided that I wanted mine to be a little more colorful and that I wanted something on every pocket.
Here are the top three rows of pockets...
And here are the bottom two rows...
I used pieces from several different projects in several different books and the original magazine in order to come up with a different pocket for each day. The books I used were the Family Circle Big Book of Christmas volumes 1, 2, and 3 and the Gooseberry Patch Christmas books volumes 3, 4, and 5. If anyone is interested in more information on a specific pocket, please email me because I can probably dig through and figure out where it came from, although a couple of the pockets are my own designs.
Here are a few of my favorite pockets. You may recognize this tree from my Haul Out the Holly blog button...
I believe this heart design came from a pattern for making slippers...
Lately I've been drawn to checking out other bloggers' embroidery projects. I had completely forgotten about this little elf pocket. I would really like to try some more embroidery projects in the coming year...
You may recognize this holly from my Haul Out the Holly posts...
I love the little tiny rusty jingle bells I added to this pocket...
This is one of the pockets I designed myself...
I've really enjoyed seeing everyone's advent calendars this holiday season. There are so many different styles and mediums used. It's pretty amazing!
Thanks so much for stopping by to check out my advent calendar today! I can't believe that Christmas is a week from tomorrow!!! I sense a major freak-out coming this weekend...
I'm linking up...
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This calendar is stunning. I aboslutely love the embroidery elf and the candy cane (the buttons ooh so great!)
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautifully worked calendar...I love the red breasted robin, the poinsettia flower and the button star the best!
ReplyDeleteLove this Gwen! All the pockets are fabulous! Do you just move something down the pockets- or do you put a treat in each one?
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Amy
Love the calendar! So cute!
ReplyDeleteYou are so talented.I am always amazed at your creations.I love all the different ideas you used on the pockets.This is just beautiful and a future heirloom!
ReplyDeleteI love your calendar! Your embroidery work is amazing. Thanks so much for the tip about the Sizzix Big Kick. I'm adding it to my Christmas list. I hope Santa is good to me!
ReplyDeleteHi Gwen,
ReplyDeleteI love your calendar and every little pocket is meticulously done with attention to lovely details! It surely brings a lot of joy!
I have a favourite... the little Snowman ... I fell in love with it!!
P.S. Thank you for dropping by at my place with such a sweet comment! Truly appreciate the attention!
***Happy holidays**
Maya
Super cute! I love the little elf pocket! Goodness...I like them all!
ReplyDeleteI'm always amazed on what you can create. This is a special piece that you can pass down to your girls. :)
ReplyDeletewow gwen this is amazing! love the elf, snowman, heart, tree... oh heck i love it all!
ReplyDeleteLove that happy little snowman - and the elf embroidery is delightful! The whole thing is great and makes me pine for a homemade advent calendar. Maybe next year will be the year when I finally make one!
ReplyDeleteoh this is absolutely beautiful! if you have a chance come link up to handmade tuesdays @ www.ladybug-blessings.com
ReplyDeleteWow ~ I read this almost a year’s after it has been posted. Amazing ! Love the designs. Thanks so much for your sharing Gwen. Joyce from Hong Kong.
ReplyDelete