Make a Christmas Advent Calendar!

Back in 2008, I made an Advent Calendar of activities for my family and shared how I made it on the crafty blog I used to write.

Today I pulled out the calendar and set it up for this year. It reminded me of that old blog, so here is a re-posting from it.  All of the text from here on is a copy-and-paste from the old blog:

This year I decided I wanted to make an Advent/Activity Calendar. I don’t know if it really counts as an Advent calendar since it’s not religious-based, but I wanted a countdown to Christmas with activities that could be done as a family each and every day. (see the end of the post for the list of activities I choose)

I was inspired by this example I saw online and followed it as an example. I made my wider (a full 12″ in the middle) so that my tags would be big enough to write on. I like that the tags are completely removable and separate from the numbers, so that I can decide exactly when I want each activity to happen, depending on our schedule for December that year.

How to make an advent calendar

 Materials used: Die Cuts With a View Glitter Christmas Stack, CTMH cardstock, CTMH ribbon, CTMH stamps and inks, CTMH fiber, Liquid Glass, glitter, pop dots, misc brads, etc. A Wishblade or similar electronic cutting system will be helpful but not absolutely necessary if you don’t mind some hand cutting.

Unfortunately I didn’t think to take photos for each step, but I’ll try to describe each step.

The Overall Structure

  • One 12 x 12 sheet of cardstock is used for the background of the middle section (the green paper the folders are attached to) – paper A
  • Two 12 x 12 sheets of cardstock on used on either side of the middle section (the red and green “Joy” paper you see in the image below) – paper B
  • One 12 x 12 sheet of cardstock for the back (not shown in photo) – paper C
Put it together like this:

  • Score the two B papers at 6″. On one of the sheets, the left side will show, and on the other, the right side will show.
  • Lay paper C face down on the table.
  • Take one paper B and adhere the front of it to the wrong side of paper C, so that the score line at 6″ is at the left edge. Paper B will extend 6″ past paper C and fold back over it.
  • Do the same thing with the 2nd paper B on the right side of the paper C.
  • Take paper A and adhere it in the middle, between the two score lines, covering the seam created by the two paper Bs.
  • In the end, half of each paper B will be sandwiched between papers A and C. The other half of each paper B will fold over, meeting in the middle to cover paper A.

The Front

The front closure needs to be done before the inside.

I punched two circles (1″ I think) from light green, and four smaller circles (3/4″ I think). I adhered two small circles and one large circle together in a stack, and then attached the snowflake with a brad, through the three circles AND paper B. The smaller circles give a little space for the fiber to fit under.

Repeat with the remaining circles on the other side. Wind some waxy flax around the left side for a closure.

When the inside is done, it will cover the prongs from the brads.

The Left Side, Inside

To cover the wrong side of the scored paper used for the cover, I cut another piece of 12×12 cardstock, paper D (the striped cardstock in the above photo), in half and adhered one to each side. But before you stick it down, see the grommet in the top with the ribbon through it? I wanted it to look finished on both sides, so I put a grommet in paper D and a 2nd grommet in the cover (paper B) each facing the right side of the paper. Then I adhered paper D to paper B, and threaded the ribbon through.

Repeat this on the right side, so a total of 4 grommets will be used.

For the NOEL, I stamped the letters on white paper with red ink, then covered lightly with Liquid Glass and sprinkled with glitter. It doesn’t show very well in the picture, I know. I originally wanted to emboss the letters but my embossing never comes out how I want it. *sigh*

Cut out the letters and adhere to green cardstock (I forget the size, I think there’s about 3/4″ around all four sides) and inked the edges with dark green ink.

The Right Side, Inside

The envelope on the right side for holding the leftover tags took me a lot of time. I had to create the template for the envelope and I’m not very good with spacial thinking, and I wanted it to be thick enough to hold all 24 tags, so it’s actually 1/4″ deep. I used my CraftRobob (similar to Wishblade) to cut out the envelope. I originally intended to just make it red, but ended up lining it with green paper, to cover the wrong side of the brads.

So, once you have a piece cut out of each green and red, put the brads into the red paper. Leave them a little bit loose so there’s room underneith hem for the fiber for closure. It’s easier to do that before you assemble the envelope. Once the brads are in, assemble the red and green envelopes separately. Then put the green envelope into the red envelope and adhere. It’s a tight fit (because they are cut the same size) and the green pokes out of the red a little. You could make the red template a smidge bigger if you wanted to keep the green totally inside.

The Believe tag was simply cut out from one of the papers included in the DCWV stack.

I wrapped some CTMH waxy flax around the brad in the flap, to use as a closure.

Download GSD file for envelope
(NOTE: this file was created in RoboMaster 2.4 and I have no idea what other software it will work in.)

Tags and Folders

The tags are simply punched out using the Marvy punch on dark green paper and inked with black ink. Then I punched squares (1 1/4″ I think, I’ll have to check) from light green paper and inked with red ink and wrote the activity with a red pen. Adhere the light green squares to the tags and add fiber.

The folders I also used my CraftRobo for. Cut them out and assemble them. I inked the edges because the white from the back of the paper showed through the scored edges and I didn’t like how it looked.

I punched 12 pink and 12 light green circles (3/4″) and inked in red and green, respectively. Then, alternating numbers, stamped in red and green, respectively. Adhere to folders with pop dots.

Adhere folders to paper A evenly, 6 across and 4 down. I drew lines with a vanishing ink pen and eyeballed the placement of each folder within the grid.

Download GSD file for library pocket folders
(NOTE: this file was created in RoboMaster 2.4 and I have no idea what other software it will work in.)

 

List of Activities

Here is the list of activities I wrote onto the tags. I also plan to make some extra, blank tags to keep with the calendar, to make new activities as our family grows. This way I won’t have to worry about having the same supplies to match several years down the road.

Visit Santa at the mall
Buy a toy for Toys for Tots
Watch a christmas movie with popcorn
Drive around neighborhoods to see Christmas lights
bake cookies
make ornaments
make gifts for teachers
letter to santa
Family Game Night
Watch a christmas movie with popcorn
Decorate outside
Deck the Halls and Trim the Tree
Symphony of Lights
Choose a toy to donate
Deliver cookies to the neighbor
Fill out Christmas Cards (bulk)
Put gifts under the tree
Fill out family Christmas Cards
Read the Christmas Story/The Greatest Story Ever Told
Wrap Gifts for Mommy
Wrap Gifts for Daddy
Choose 3 toys to donate
Choose 2 toys to donate
Choose one gift to open

How to Carve Great Pumpkins

UPDATE September 19, 2015: Want to learn how to carve pumpkins like these? I’m creating a set of step-by-step video tutorials. Check out Carve Awesome Pumpkins for more info!

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pumpkin carving

I carve pumpkins with a baby on my back!

I love Halloween.  One of my favorite parts is carving pumpkins.  This is the first of several pumpkin carving posts.  Today, I’ll talk about the tools that make carving easier along with some tips I’ve learned along the way.

The next few weeks I’ll share pumpkins I’ve carved or other have carved that feature YA books or movies and also how to get the patterns so you can carve them too.

Finally, on October 28, I’ll share photos of the pumpkins I carve this year. And maybe my entire collection.

You might be thinking, “But it’s only September. Isn’t that way too early to think about pumpkin carving?”

carved pumpkin

Cut-out carving pattern
Pattern from Stoneykins

It’s never too early to think about carving pumpkins! 😀

Since discovering carvable, foam pumpkins, I start carving in September. Sometimes earlier. Many carvers stock up on the foam pumpkins during the Halloween season so they can carve all year long.

When I carve real pumpkins, I usually do that the day of or the day before Halloween. But I still take the time to think about the patterns I’ll carve since I need to know what size pumpkin to buy.

Get a Pumpkin Carving Pattern

Pumpkin Masters pattern book

Pumpkin Masters pattern books available in craft stores

The first thing you need to do, if you want to create a fantastic-looking pumpkin, is print a pattern to follow. You can find some patterns in booklets at craft stores.

There are two types of patterns: cut-outs and shaded. In a cut-out pattern, all parts of the pattern are completely removed from the pumpkin. In general, cut-out patterns are easier than shaded patterns, but they do not have as much detail. In a shaded pattern, there are pieces that are completely removed from the pumpkin and also pieces that are just shaved. It will take more time and patience to do a shaded pattern, but your efforts will be rewarded. Shaded patterns look more dimensional and detailed in the finished product.

If you are artistically inclined, you can create your own patterns, but anything beyond a simple picture will require practice. There are also tutorials online for using photo editing software to manipulate images into patterns. One such tutorial is found at www.pumpkinwizard.com

carved pumpkin

Shaded carving pattern
Pattern by Stoneykins

 

Creating great-looking carving patterns is an art.  The fastest and easiest way to get a pattern is to download it from the internet. There are many sites to choose from, and most them work the same way: certain patterns that are free to download and the rest you need to pay for by either purchasing them separately or purchasing a membership to the website.

Some of the most popular websites include:

 Choose Your Pumpkin

You’ll have to decide if you want to carve real pumpkins or foam pumpkins.  There’s nothing quite like carving a real pumpkin, but there’s something to be said about not having to watch all your hard work shrivel up and get moldy in just a few days.

You can purchase foam pumpkins in just about any big-box craft store.  Even Target now carries carveable pumpkins. There are pros and cons to both real and foam pumpkins, and which brand of foam pumpkin you use. A Google search will help you decide which is right for you.

When I carve foam, I use the ones sold at Michaels. I’ve never tried the Funkins brand or the brand Target sells.

 Gather Your Tools — Real Pumpkins

Now that you’ve got your pattern, you need the right tools. The tools you’ll need will depend on not only the type of pattern you’ve chosen but also the type of pumpkin you’re using.

pumpkin shaving tools

For shaded patterns on real pumpkins, you’ll need a set of wood carving tools.

 

For real pumpkins, you’ll want a good set of pumpkin saws like the ones shown above by Pumpkin Masters (available at craft stores).

For shaving on real pumpkins, you’ll want a set of wood carving tools or a Speedball. Both are available at craft stores.

 

Gather Your Tools — Foam Pumpkins

pumpkin hot carving tool

A hot knife can be used on a foam pumpkin for cut outs.

 

For simple cut-out patterns, you can use a hot knife (left) to carve foam pumpkins.  Hot knives are easy to use so they require less practice before you can get started. They’re also inexpensive, and you can buy one with a 40% or 50% off coupon that are always available from craft stores.

 

pumpkin carving dremel

A dremel tool takes more practice, but it’s also used for shaded patterns.

Alternatively, you can use a Dremel(right). There are a variety of models, from battery-powered to plug-in, ranging in price from $25 to over $100.  In my experience, the battery-powered models are not useful for carving pumpkins.

For cutting, you’ll want a small drill bit, such as a 3/64 inch bit.

If your pattern has shading, your best tool for the job will be the Dremel and a variety bits:

  • #7134 5/64″ Diamond Wheel Point Bit
  • #106 and #107 Engraving Bit
  • Diamond Burr Bits in a variety of sizes
  • Stone Sanding Bits in a variety of sizes

General Carving Tips

Now that you’ve got your pattern, your pumpkin, and your tools, here’s some tips to help make your carving a success.

  • Practice, practice, practice!If you’re able to, buy at least one extra pumpkin that you can practice with.

    new moon edward pumpkin

    Buy an extra pumpkin to practice on.

  • Size matters! Make sure your pattern will fit on your pumpkin. You can re-print the pattern in the size you need, but remember that the smaller you make the pattern, the more difficult it will be to carve.
  • Think before cutting! Work your pattern from the middle out to the sides. Try to leave the largest cut-outs for last. It will give your pumpkin more stability as you work.
  • Break it up! Large pieces do not need to be cut out in one chunk.
  • Don’t judge how your pumpkin will look until you’ve put a light inside and look at it in a dark room. You’ll be surprised!
  • When shaving, do a little bit at a time. You can always shave deep afterwards, but you can’t un-shave if you’ve gone too far! If the sections aren’t as bright as you’d like, shave a little deeper.
  • Shade first or cut first? It’s a personal preference. Try it both ways on your practice pumpkin and see what you like.
  • Print two copies of your pattern so you have one to refer to while you tear up the one on the pumpkin as you carve.

Carving Tips — Using Real Pumpkins

  • Saral Transfer Paper

    Saral Transfer Paper

    Use Saral Transfer Paper to draw your pattern on the pumpkin.

  • Use an up-and-down sawing motion, not a slicing motion like a knife. Do not try to twist the saw in the pumpkin, or it will break. Remove the saw completely and re-insert it in the direction you want to go.
  • When cutting the lid, hold the saw at an angle towards the center of the pumpkin. This creates a “ledge” that prevents the lid from falling in.
  • Cut an outward notch in the lid on the back of the pumpkin. This will make it easier to put the lid back on the right way.
  • Remove all of the seeds and “guts” and then scrape down the sides of the pumpkin to about ½”-1” thick. You can use a spoon, clay ribbon tool, or the scooper that comes in some packs of pumpkin saws (see above photo)
  • If you’ll be using a candle inside the pumpkin, cut a small hole in the lid to let smoke out.
  • Search the internet to learn how to make your pumpkins last longer, if you want to carve before Halloween.

Carving Tips — Using Foam Pumpkins

  • Use washable glue to adhere your pattern. Let it dry overnight. It’ll be easy to remove with a rinse when you’re done.
  • NEVER use a candle in a foam pumpkin. Only use a battery-powered or plug-in light.

    C9 Christmas Lights

    C9 Christmas Lights. Use clear bulbs.

  • If you’ll have several pumpkins to light, consider using a strand of C9 Christmas bulbs. Use 1-3 bulbs per pumpkin, depending on the look you want.
  • Carving fake pumpkins results in a LOT of dust. You’ll want to do this in a garage, basement, or outside, if possible. Or at the least, some room that is easy to clean.
  • Safety goggles and a dust mask are a good idea. I can tell you from experience that pumpkin dust in the eye is NOT pleasant.
  • A large apron – like you might find at a hairdresser’s – is another good idea. Or at least wear clothes that you won’t mind taking off and throwing in the wash afterwards.

    Clip Light

    Clip Light for individual pumpkins. Available at Dollar Tree stores or online.

  • Cut a 4” hole in the bottom of the pumpkin, instead of a lid in the top like a real pumpkin. Or cut a small hole in the back if you plan to use a clip-in light.
  • Choose the best size bit for the shape you are working with.
  • Double-check your work by putting a light in the pumpkin and viewing it in a dark room.
  • When you are happy with the depth of your shading, smooth it out with the sanding stones on a low speed.
  • Don’t get discouraged! It takes practice but you’ll get the hang of it quickly. The difference between my first fake pumpkin and my third was astonishing!

 

I hope these tips are enough to get you started. The Stoneykins website has some really great tutorials with photos.  That’s where I learned how to carve foam pumpkins.

 Next week?

I’ll share some links to patterns inspired by young adult books.

Are you planning to carve any pumpkins this year? Have you carved foam

pumpkins before? Do you prefer the real ones?