Chic and easy DIY Advent calendar idea

Sew a sweet placemat Advent calendar for this holiday season. Create a farmhouse chic look this Christmas and observe Advent with tiny treats tucked into pockets. Recycle an old wood hangar to hang the homemade decoration. The sewn Advent calendar can be reused year after year and would make a great handmade gift too.

SUPPLIES FOR PLACEMAT ADVENT CALENDAR

• Purchased placemat
• Wool Felt (National Nonwovens): Oatmeal; Cottage Red
• 6-strand Embroidery Floss (DMC): Ecru; Garnet (816)
• Wooden circles, 1”, 24
• Rusted tin stars, 2”, 12
• Americana Water-based Stain (DecoArt): Chestnut
• Artificial Christmas greenery
• Glitter bird
• Wood hangar painted pale blue
• Red gingham ribbon, 7/8”, 12” length
• Alphabet stamps
• Black pigment ink
• Foam brush
• Lite Steam-A-Seam (The Warm Co.)
• Embroidery needle
• Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue (Duncan)
• Iron and pressing board

INSTRUCTIONS FOR EASY ADVENT CALENDAR

1. Cut (44) 2″ squares from Oatmeal felt and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to fuse Cottage Red felt to webbing. Cut (12) 1-1/2″ circles from fused felt. Fuse circles to twelve Oatmeal squares.
2. Use three strands of Ecru floss to blanket stitch edges of red circles to Oatmeal squares. Layer two oatmeal squares together and blanket stitch edges with three strands of Ecru or Garnet embroidery floss for 24 pockets. Position pockets on placemat and glue in place.

3. Apply stain to wooden circles. Wipe with paper towels until desired stain is achieved. Stamp numbers 1 through 24 on small circles. Glue twelve rusted tin stars to pockets and glue wooden circles to rusted stars and red felt circles, alternating between numbers.
4. Embellish placemat as desired with small pieces of greenery and silk flowers. Cut two 6″ lengths from ribbon. Fold lengths and sew ends to back of placemat with floss and needle. Place loops onto hanger.

You can find wood hangars at the thrift store on the cheap or you can purchase a pack of new wooden hangars from a big box store.

If you want a different Advent calendar try this one or if you are looking for another easy sew Christmas idea.

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