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A colorful paper advent calendar is a cheerful way to count down to the holidays with handmade envelopes, favorite photos, and small daily surprises. This project creates 25 envelopes that can be displayed together and filled with treats or simple activity ideas. Set aside an evening to prepare the pieces, and involve children in choosing what goes inside.
Supplies for a Colorful Paper Advent Calendar
Gather the following materials before you begin. Having everything ready makes cutting and assembling the envelopes easier.
- 13 sheets of double-sided 12 × 12-inch scrapbooking cardstock
- 6–8 printed photos measuring 6 × 4 inches
- A sewing machine or stapler
- Clothes pins and twine
- Number stickers or stamps
- Small treats, prizes, or activity notes for 25 envelopes
Choose paper with colors and patterns that coordinate with your room or holiday decorations. Before cutting, decide which designs you want to use for the outside of the envelopes.
Cut and Fold the Envelope Pieces
For each envelope, cut two pieces of paper: one measuring 6 × 7 inches and another measuring 6 × 5 inches. Keep the edges neat so the pieces line up well during assembly.
Place the smaller piece beneath the larger one, then fold the larger piece over the top to form the envelope shape. Press along the fold to create a tidy flap.
Printed photos can add a personal touch to some of the envelopes. Prepare 6–8 photos in 6 × 4-inch format, then use them in place of the 6 × 5-inch pieces. The shorter photo still works because the envelope flap covers the difference in length.
Secure and Fill the Envelopes
Stitch around the bottom and two sides of each envelope with a sewing machine, leaving the folded flap open. If you do not have a sewing machine, fasten the same three sides with a stapler. Use 3–4 staples along each side to hold the paper securely.
Fill the envelopes with small items such as candy, fruit snacks, tiny stationery, temporary tattoos, or small games. Check that each item fits comfortably and does not make the paper bulge too much. For a non-treat option, add a note suggesting a seasonal activity.
Activity ideas might include making hot chocolate, looking at holiday lights, or shopping for Christmas gifts. Keep plans flexible so the notes suit your family’s schedule and the weather.
Display and Number Your Advent Calendar
Hang the envelopes in five rows of five using twine and clothes pins. Add number stickers or stamps to label each day, checking that all 25 envelopes are numbered. Arrange the photos and paper patterns across the display for a balanced look, and hang it where the envelopes are easy to reach.
Enjoy Your Colorful Paper Advent Calendar
This colorful paper advent calendar combines a simple paper craft with small moments of anticipation throughout the holiday season. Prepare the envelopes ahead of time, vary the contents, and choose activities that work for your household. By Elsie.
