Do you know that at least one member of my family has been sick for each of the previous 31 days now? And that presently every single one of us is sick? I know, it's more interesting to me than it is to you. I had to tell you anyway.
I spent my day searching for a craft to do with E.'s Kindergarten class when I visit as part of the parent enrichment program. In my current state I do not feel all that enriching I must admit. And in the middle of the search for a suitable project for 22 wiggly children I got seriously waylaid by thoughts of advent calendars. And then I decided to make an advent calendar, this year, before the first of December, right then while I was considering paint and glue and feathers and pipe cleaners.
Right now is a grand time to consider advent calendars if you do not have approximately six months worth of gifts to craft in the next 44 days. I, having grand plans to begin working on my Christmas presents the second that summer was unofficially over (September 3), was completely blind-sided by school (as you know) and have yet to set my hand to work. Never you mind. Advent calendars it is.
Here are some of my favorites (we are not thinking small, oh no—we are thinking very, very big. Well one must think something in these troubled days, right?, and today it is advent calendars.):
quilted tree with fabulous handmade ornaments
a stack of envelopes with treats slipped inside
cookie sheet advent calendar with fabulous papers and typography (plus the colors are lovely)
traditional house-style calendar to customize a la Martha
matchbox calendar kit which I own but have not gotten around to putting together just yet
still-stuck-on-Martha, and too much work for me, but visually appealing
Shelba's sweet 2007 calendar with 25 fabrics
fun count down chain for the kids
None of these is The One, but I'm taking bits and pieces from here and there. Honestly although I have BIG PLANS I'm guessing something with photographs behind little doors is the most I may accomplish this year. But you! You aren't me and you have more time or you're more organized or you less sleep and your entire family hasn't been sick for 32+ days (I hope! Otherwise, poor you!). You, you may make the most fabulous advent calendar that has ever existed this year. I hope you do. Send me a link when you do—there's always next year.
Posted by grrlTravels at November 11, 2008 8:10 PMI love the quilted one. That looks like a great project to take on and never finish. :)
Posted by: Sassy at November 12, 2008 1:30 AMOh, my, those are grand. And some actually seem like I might even be able to DO THEM. Whoa. Of course, "being able" does not equate to "doing". ;-)
I hope everyone feels better soon!
Posted by: OmegaMom at November 12, 2008 1:36 AMmy solution to any large group of children i need to entertain with a craft? dough. make bread or cookies with them (assuming the school has an oven you can use). They each take home a bun with a raisin face or a self-shaped, self decorated cookie. Parent don't have to display the art forever and you get points for developing their fine motor skills.
I your blog and lurk faithfully. Z looks great, BTW.
Oh!! I love advent calendars. I am so overextended and would be insane to try to make one but I love the idea. Hmm. Maybe I could post a photo each day on my blog. A bloggy advent calendar? I dunno.
I hope you make one. I can't wait to see it!
Oh, and we have been sick too. I am sick of being sick. Blech.
Good luck with the kiddie craft!
Posted by: Tracie at November 12, 2008 8:45 AM