homemade advent calendar and clock makeover

2 December 2013

It's the 2nd December already, can you believe it? I have got SO much to do I think my brain is going to pop. One thing I wanted to make was an advent calendar, and so we managed to get it done last night (the 1st). I got the idea from a picture on Pinterest I found, of paper parcels sewn up on the sewing machine. I thought that would be perfect for containing choccies to open each day, why not?

I used my stash of vintage wall papers and some brown parcel paper, and some gold glitter paint. (please note that the felt tips are not relevant, just left there by toddler.)


even a very ill Mister joined in, he made a sledge, a bowler hat, a moustache, a stocking and a bell. Very impressed.

I stuffed them with chocolate coins and Quality Streets (I bought these lovely Santas but I forgot to put them in!!)


I used a branch from our apple tree. It was a covered in green algae type stuff which I scrubbed off in the bath!

It was a bit more cramped than I had anticipated, so ideally I should have used a bigger branch (or smaller parcels) but who cares? not me.





'woooowwww whhaaaaaat'sss thaaaattt???? ....is all we get these days.




Last week, I was cutting out more numbers. I wanted to have a clock in little'uns room as we usually have to get up in the night if she cries out, and have no idea if its night or morning. I found a cheapo clock (£10) which had a nice wooden frame. I took it all apart and used wallpaper and cut out some numbers from some felt, then put it all back together. 



I had a big picture frame above her cot, but I was feeling stupidly worried that it would one night fall off the wall onto a sleeping bub, so I put the clock there instead and I quite like how it seems to go with her whale mobile.

Gosh and blimey, I have a long list of things to make and do, but before ANY of that, I have to clean the house. 


Beware of many festive posts coming up! ...you'll be sick of it in a few weeks time ; )

28 comments

  1. Gosh Artemis, your Advent is so beautiful!! I made ours too. Winter woodland forest. The boys love it. I'm also doing an advent link up - if you'd like to add yours to it, that would be grand! Lou x http://littlegreenshed.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/advent-calender-2013.html

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  2. The advent branch is lovely! I like the little paper parcels. Much more exciting than the bought ones. X

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  3. Would never, ever be sick of your posts.....so inspiring. Your daughter is truly delightful.

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  4. That advent calendar is so pretty, much prettier than the ugly cardboard Mars bar ones I have in my house! I might have to have a go at this next year. I love the clock too!

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  5. That'll be remembering Flat Stanley that's made you worry!

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  6. Blimey, the clock is AMAZING. You clever thing you. xx

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  7. Anonymous2.12.13

    Indeed, you have to clean a WHOLE HOUSE now, that must be quite a change... :) It reminds me that I've got to clean the bedrooms of my 4 boys, grmpf. Put on som nice loud music and go fot it !! Greetings from Antwerp, Belgium

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  8. i adore your advent branch and clock and mobile and blog and kid...etc!
    sweetness <3

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  9. I love if! And how clever with the clock! I've run out of time to make a Callander due to a break in but will do so next year , can't wait for more festive posts!

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  10. I am never sick of festive posts. And I'm never sick of posts about your house. So bring them on!

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  11. I love the advent calender and the clock.....might have to steal that idea. As always inspiring, thank you.

    Jane of http://missworkmanscreativeendeavours.blogspot.co.uk/

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  12. I love the clock - such a simple yet delightful way of dressing it up. Your wall paper collection looks lovely too - where did you buy it?
    Claire xx

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    1. I collected them over the years, from antique fairs and charity shops mainly. x

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  13. Gorgeous advent 'branch' - I love it. Looking forward to your festive posts - lovely to have a new house to celebrate in and lots of space to decorate. Get well soon Nao. xx

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  14. Tselszi2.12.13

    I won't be sick of your upcoming festive posts, I promise!
    I can't wait for them!
    Wishing you a Happy Holiday Season! a Hungarian on Long Island NY

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  15. I love that you now have a whole house and you still sit on the floor to craft! That's lovely!

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  16. The clock idea is genius.

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  17. Emily B3.12.13

    Well that post cheered me up no end! Must be the dark or cold or having a cold or something, but anyway your posts always make me feel better.

    Thank you and Happy Advent!

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  18. I love this idea - it looks so lovely. (Also your house looks so warm and inviting - that woodstove and those hardwood floors!)

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  19. Anonymous3.12.13

    I love this idea and can't wait to see more Christmassy posts!

    I have an old Liberty advent calendar I re-use every year as my boyfriend balked at the £10 price tag. Last year I stuck new little pictures inside so I'm looking forward to seeing them, as I can't remember any at all!

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  20. What lovely ideas you have, so inspiring, could never get sick of imagination and creativitity!

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  21. Yes, can't wait for more festive posts! And I love your advent calendar :) I saw it on Pinterest too, but figured I would'nt have time to do it. Love that you're using gorgeous vintage wallpaper!

    xo Kat

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  22. Anonymous5.12.13

    Love your Advent calendar idea! You're very creative, so I will definitely wait for more festive posts. K.

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  23. I fell in love with the clock! What a great idea and it turned out so beautiful! Very well done!

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  24. Linda6.12.13

    You are a genius! So creative and beautiful. I certainly won't tire of festive posts. Thank you!

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  25. I love this clock! Wish I was less messy with sewing and could make one myself. Some day...

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  26. Love the clock! It's the sweetest thing!
    I'm getting creative this weekend... there is paper everywhere!

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