You may already know of my growing obsession with making quilted advent calendars...well it all started five years ago when I made a couple for an online showcase "Tis the Season to Sparkle" hosted by Love Sparkle (then called Sparkle Showcases). Not only is it fun making these, but there's something very gratifying about cutting then pressing then pinning then stitching those little pockets in place and adding my personal touches to make the end result extra special.
Adding decorative buttons to my Midnight Christmas advent
And there's something rather special in knowing that each calendar will be cherished by a family for years to come. Some of my lovely customers have even purchased multiple calendars over the years for both grown ups and new additions to the family!
Five years on, I'm still making advent calendars and am also still taking part in Love Sparkle events, with their Sparkle's Handmade Christmas market night on 1st November. I will have three very different but equally beautiful advents available to order.
Festive Friends advent calendar, with pleated pockets in jumbled order
Woodland Animals advent calendar, a smaller advent but with bigger pockets!
Christmas Town Advent with decorative stitching to highlight the roads and shops.
But I hear you saying "What to put in all those pockets?!" Well before you grab the obvious bag of chocolates or sweets from the supermarket, check out my list of ideas! I asked my maker friends what they had in the way of treats that could go in my advent pockets (perfect stocking fillers!) and have also received some great ideas in the past from customers who have bought my advents.
25 handmade treats from small businesses
1. Hand tempered Belgian chocolates from Lilypad Bakery at Gingerbugs and Co
3. Wish bracelets from Honda and Hollie
5. Enamel pins from By Kate Elford
6. Resin art hanging decorations from Moving Canvas
7. Glittery hair slides from Lily Rose by Ruth
9. Festive lollipops from Willow & Boo
12. Felted Robin brooches from Wild Brambling
14. Penguin crayons from Crazy House Crayons
16. Baby Elf knitted booties from Mabel and Lottie
19. Blank wooden decorations from Devon Laser Print
More fun ideas to fill those pockets:
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Reindeer food (envelope with porridge oats and edible glitter)
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Festive cutters with rolled up cookie recipe
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Tickets for a day trip to a favourite place (e.g. Zoo, cinema, mini golf)
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Booking for a meal out at a local restaurant
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National Book Voucher for an independent bookshop
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Loads of festive craft and baking ideas from the Polkadot Chair
Well I don't know about you, but after seeing all those beautiful makes from my fellow crafters, I don't think there is any excuse not to shop small and handmade this Christmas! Believe me when I say that the person you are buying from (yes person, not mass manufactured in a factory somewhere far away), will most definitely do a happy dance in honour of your purchase!
Happy festive shopping!
Louise