While speaking at a recent fall retreat, I participated in a craft session. I’m not particularly crafty. I would like to be. Everything I make looks homemade and nothing like the beautiful creations on Etsy–or at friends’ homes. I am glad I joined in this craft project and can now share how to make a muffin tin advent calendar with everyone today. My only regret is not making this when my kids were younger.
Here’s how to make it:
Supplies
- 1 mini muffin tin with 24 spaces. It doesn’t have to be new, but it does have to be magnetic.
- 24 pieces of paper about 2½” square. Christmas paper or card stock selections are perfect. Squares can be all the same, or choose up to 6 different patterns. Either way you need 24 squares.
- 24 pieces of coordinating Christmas paper or card stock about 2” square
- Permanent felt pen or number stickers
- Self-adhesive magnetic strips cut into 96 very tiny pieces
- Glue stick or tape
- Corner rounder (optional)
- Decorations if desired (brads, ribbon, stickers, beads, thread, stitches, etc.)
- Ribbon–about 12-20” long
Place tiny magnet strips at angles in the corners on the back.
Directions
- Once all papers are cut to size, with corners rounded if you want, glue the smaller papers onto the coordinating larger papers.
- Decorate each square if desired.
- Lay out squares on top of the holes of the muffin tin, choosing how you want the pattern of color and design to look.
- When satisfied with the look, mark the numbers on the papers with a permanent marker or number stickers.
- Put a tiny piece of magnet into the very corners of each square (four per square).
- Tie your ribbon in the top of the muffin tin if it has a hole at the top. You can use the ribbon to hang it up or make a bow as decoration.
- Fill each cup with a treat or note or something to point to Christmas.
- Cover the cups with your decorated covers.
- Enjoy the fun of your Advent calendar!
For easy storage after Christmas, simply slide covers into a Ziploc bag. Pack the bag with your Christmas decorations. You can bake with the muffin tin the rest of the year.
How about you?
- What kinds of things have you hidden in Advent Calendars in the past? What will you planning this year? What other ways have you celebrated Advent?
About Carla Anne Coroy
Carla Anne can be described in one word: passionate. After just a few minutes with her it is evident that her biggest passion is people. Carla Anne is an accomplished Christian author, speaker and business woman. Her favourite way to spend her free time is hanging out with her 8 kids (an even mix of sons, daughters, and in-laws) and many family “add-ons”. In winter you can find her cheering for her local hockey team and in summer she’ll be on the beach!
