Saturday 19 December 2009

Advent calendar and snowy fun!

At last I can show you the matchbox advent calendar I have made!!! I wanted to share it on the 1st but it was unfinished waiting for the Magnolia winter/christmas stamp kit which turned out to be not a winter/christmas kit but luckilly I have a lovely friend who sent some gorgeous Christmas Tildas to add to the ones I have myself and so I was able to finish it! The children have still been opening it unfinished, they didn't care about the outside anyway, just the chocolate in the drawers LOL!!!
Here is a closer look at the top decorated with Magnolia papers that I have distressed and stickled and lots of Christmassy flowers and foliage, a cinnamon stick and a ribbon loop for carrying. The board base and top were given a coat of crackle paint before I added the papers.

The drawers are decorated with Magnolia paper which I've distressed and the numbers I have written with my calligraphy pen onto little squares which I have distressed the edges of also. The gorgeous handles are from Tim Holtz ideaology range and I think they really make the calendar!

I have used a different image for each section, all coloured with distress inks and I have tried to add different embellishments to each one. Holly and ribbon on this side....
Stars and gems on this side......(I'm really pleased with the star one as she is from the summer kit but I have added a halo using a gold christmas decoration hook that I bent into a curve!)


The snowflake is from K&Co and I have made the mistletoe myself with green cardstock and some pearl pins......

More snowflakes and gems on the final side!
The berries are from a spray I found in Tesco for £2! The cinammon sticks are from B&Q LOL, the poinsettias and leaves are Prima and the roses are from Wild Orchid crafts. Pearl brad and spacer from the Hobby House.
My little girl loves opening the little drawers bless her!!!
And finally I thought I'd share with you the snow we woke to this morning! Straight after breakfast we had a snowball fight in the garden before it got chance to melt away as there wasn't much! It was Kara's first time in the snow, she was only 2 days old last time it snowed here, and she loved it!
and a couple of scenes from our garden....

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and thanks for looking if you managed to stay with me through all that LOL! x

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Your advent calendar is beautiful! I love how you mixed up the numbers...must make it fun for the little ones to find them. I also love the pictures of the kids and your garden. It's snowing here too...looks so beautiful from our window.

Abby:)

Janette said...

Hi Jane,What a lovely post,your advent calendar is gorgeous,you made it beautifully.Your children look so happy playing in the snow,ours are all still waiting I'm afraid....lol...have a very merry christmas,bye for now,Hugs,Janette.x

Lexxie said...

Wow, what an amazing project-I love it!
Sarita xx

Anonymous said...

Wow Jane, this advent calendar is gorgeous, must have taken you ages to do. Looks like the kids enjoyed the snow. Mine are really upset because we haven't had any yet!! Love Sue x

Marina said...

Wow! Your advent calendar is a dream!
So beautiful papers and so much beautiful details.
All images are very cute and fantastic coloured.

Beautiful pictures of your children and snow scene too.

Enjoy the rest of weekend too.

Hugs,
Marina

Mina said...

wow Jane what an amazing advent box its so beautiful...love the top, glad im not the only one finds things in B&Q lol...how much are your little uns having oh to be that age again
Mina xxx

Kim. said...

Oh Jane this is absolutely beautiful, I love everything about it as does your daugther by the looks of things lol. Perfect.
The children look like they thoroughly enjoyed the snow, it is so nice for them at that age.
Hope you and your family have a lovely Christams.
Kim xXx

Kathy said...

This is so pretty Jane!!! I love all your details and the images are so cute!! WOW this must have been alot of work ~ but worth it!!
Your right about the kids ~ they don't card they just want the candy!!
Love the pics of the kids playing outside ~ they are priceless!! (BTW ~ Love your daughter's adorable coat as well!!!)
:)Kathy

debby4000 said...

Oh this is wonderful.
luv
Debby

Sarah said...

Oh my goodness, that is so fantastically beautiful, as are your children!!!

Thank you sooooo much for the WOJ stamp you sent me, I love it and the card you sent with it xxx

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas xxx

Paul said...

All I can say is WOW. Have seen a few of these on blogs lately and might have to have a go next year!!! I know Stampin Up make a sizzix matchbox die in the US but not here yet - hopefully it'll be available by next year. Did you use actual matchboxes or can you buy plain white ones without the sandpapery edges?
TFS
Paul

Jane said...

Jane, that is stunning!! I think I might have a bash at one for next year...if I can get together enough images!!lol

We have snow here.. been out sledging this morning, just putting some pics up!
Jane
x

Paul said...

This advent calendar is amazing. The work that must have gone into it!!! I've seen a few of these around this year but yours stands out. Might have to put this on my to do list for next year. Did you use actual matchboxes or can you get plain matchboxes without the sandpapery sides from crat suppliers? I know Sizzix/Stampin Up make a die but it is on available in the US!
TFS
Paul

carole said...

Your project is amazing.
Well done, I think it cost many hours to do it.

Carole

Andrea C said...

wow your kids are so lucky to get all of this cool stuff made for them x