Make an Advent Calendar

Start your Christmas preparations with these easy to make gorgeous home made advent calendars. Whether seasoned sewer or a crafty newbie, re-use each year to create your own family traditions and delight children of all ages for years to come.

All suggested materials are available from the haberdashery department at John Lewis High Wycombe. You can also watch a demonstration on the Haberdashery department every weekend up until Christmas.

Chalkboard Bag Calendar:

This quick and simple on-trend chalkboard calendar is really easy to make, great for beginners as no sewing or gluing is required.

You will need: 4 packs of Chalkboard craft bags, £3.50 for a pack of 8

Pom-pom trim £3.99 for 2 meters

Glitter pegs, pack of 24 £2.00

Chalk or Chalk Pen

Method:

1. Write numbers 1 – 24 on the front of the paper bags using chalk or chalk pen (Tip: Practise on paper with a pencil first to perfect your numbers style)
2. Peg the bags to your pom-pom trim using the glitter pegs
3. Each morning pop a treat such as chocolates, coins or pocket money toys in each bag ready for the lucky recipient

Cost approximately £27.95  

Glitter Envelope Calendar:

Add a splash of sparkle and glamour with this gold glitter calendar, again very quick and simple to make.

You will need: Glitter envelopes £3.00 for a pack of six, or make your own using gold envelopes and gold glitter

2 meters of Pom-pom trim

Glitter pegs

Chalk or Chalk Pen

Method:

1. Write numbers 1 – 24 on the front of the envelopes using pen
2. Write little messages on the reverse of some of the envelopes
3. Peg the envelopes to your pom-pom trim using the pegs (image 4)
4. Pop a little treat or message into each envelope

Costs approximately £23.95

Felt Bags Calendar:

A slightly more adventurous advent calendar that will become part of your family tradition, some sewing required.

You will need: Felt (3 colours) 20cm x 75cm each colour
Pom-pom trim, 0.5m each colour

24 Silver pegs
2 meters of twine

Felt advent numbers

 Method:

1. Cut 8 rectangles from each colour felt, measuring 18cm x 8cm (24 in total)
2. Cut 8 rectangles from each colour felt, measuring 3cm x 4cm (24 in total)
3. Decorate each large felt rectangle by stitching on pom-pom trim and a small rectangle
4. Glue the felt numbers onto the smaller rectangles (1 – 24)
5. Fold the large (decorated) rectangles in half (right side out) and sew up the sides
6. Peg the felt bags to the ribbon using the pegs
7. Every evening before bedtime pop a treat into each bag

Costs approximately £15 

Felt Stocking Calendar:

Moderately difficult for the more adventurous, some sewing required

You will need: Felt (3 colours) 20cm x 75cm each colour £8.50 per metre

Pom-pom trim 2 metres £3.95

Ribbon & trimmings

Sequins

10 – 12 buttons

Advent Pegs 1 pack £8.00

Method:

1. Cut 8 pairs of stocking shapes from each colour felt (24 pairs in total)
2. Decorate the front of each stocking by sewing on wooden motifs, sequins & ribbon
3. Pair up the front and backs of each stocking; sew together with a 0.5cm seam allowance (leave top open)
4. Peg the felt stockings to the pom pom trim using the pegs
5. Fill with treats or messages

Costs approximately £16.20

Fabric Stocking Calendar: 

This beautiful traditional calendar is moderately difficult if you don’t have any sewing experience but is worth the effort as it can be used year after year and will earn its place as a family favourite.

You will need: Printed Stocking Fabric 1 x panel £14

2 meters Calico fabric

Ribbon 2 metres £5

Glitter pegs 24

Method:

1. Cut out the stocking shapes from the printed sheet (24 in total) along the cutting lines
2. Cut out corresponding stocking shapes for each of the 24, but with calico
3. Lay the fabric pairs on top of each other, right sides facing. Pin and stitch along the outside edge of the printed pattern (leaving the top open)
4. Pair up the front and backs of each stocking; sew together with a 0.5cm seam allowance (leave top open)
5. Snip the curves with little ‘V’ shapes then turn the right side out and iron flat
6. Fold the top edge of the stockings in, towards the middle and iron flat
7. Peg the stockings to the ribbon
8. Each day fill with sweets or treats

Costs approximately £24