DIY Advent Calendar

Advent is upon us. Happily, this year I was prepared BEFORE the first Advent Sunday. (It only took three years as a Catholic to get it together...)

Usually I buy those classic window-box calendars filled with chocolates, but I couldn't find them in town this year. So, I did the Pinterest Mom thing and, after seeing everyone else's ingenious creations, cobbled together my own calendar. (What did our moms do without Pinterest, I wonder?)

This is really easy to do, so if you haven't purchased or made a calendar for Advent yet...don't despair. I've been there. ;) If you are crafty you'll probably have all of the necessary items stashed throughout your house somewhere, but if not, they are cheap and easy to find.

To make this calendar, simply hang up ribbon (or twine) using push pins or nails, then use clothespins to clip on mini chocolate bars and scrapbook paper labeled with numbers.

Tada!

Next year, if I'm even MORE prepared, I will write some Scripture verses on the back and throw in a few "surprises" like family movie night.

One thing at a time, though. ;)

Linking up to Take a Look Tuesday, Holiday Traditions, Tuesday Confessional, Get Your Craft On, Handmade Tuesdays, Time To Shine, Tasteful Tuesday, Lil Luna, A Round Tuit, Too Cute Tuesday, Terrific Tuesdays, One Project At A Time, Anti-Procrastination Tuesday, Talent Tuesday, Homework,  

Copycat Pottery Barn candles

I love Pottery Barn, I really do. But the prices? Not so much. In a one-income household with two three children, it simply isn't a realistic buying option.

When I saw these sheet music candles...

...in their catalog (for $16 and $29), I thought, "You know, I bet I could make something similar for A LOT less money." I did, and you can, too. (Hint: they would make super gifts for Christmas, especially for that person who "has everything.")

Materials needed:

• inexpensive, ivory or cream candles (I bought mine for $1 or $2 at Walmart) 
• sheet music (antique-looking looks best -- I simply printed one off that I found @ The Graphics Fairy)
• Gold Shimmer Mod Podge
• a foam brush
• Triple Thick Brush-on Glaze (found @ Michaels)
• tape

Step One: Cut the sheet music to fit. If it isn't wide enough, you can either hide the back of the candle or cut two pieces, trying to make it look as seamless as possible.

Step Two: Tape one end of the music on the candle to position it where you want it, then brush Mod Podge on the back of the music and stick it to the candle. If you want your candle to look its best, take the time to roll it on slowly, pressing out the air bubbles as you go.

Step Three: Apply the Mod Podge over the music. My coat was fairly light, but you could be as generous as you'd like depending on the look you hope to achieve. Let dry. (Mine was dry to the touch within 5 minutes.)

Step Four: Generously brush on the Glaze, making sure you get a uniform coating. The stuff is really easy to work with and is basically fool-proof. If you want to be able to use the candle, not simply use it for decorative purposes, make sure your candle will "tunnel burn" (you may want to have an extra one on hand to test if you aren't sure) and don't coat the top of the candle with the glaze. Let dry. (May take an hour or two.)

Optional: Apply several layers of Glaze in order to achieve a look with more depth.

You're done!

I did three candles in the span of 30 minutes. This is a really easy craft and looks great. And best of all, it won't cost you a fortune!

 

It's what works for me!