With the Fourth of July behind us we can move on and focus on Christmas! Everyone loves Christmas in July, right? So let’s get the Christmas in July cheer in high gear with Sizzix!
As part of the “Pin to Win” Sizzix promotion, I’m sharing the fun Advent Calendar I created with my Sizzix Big Shot and select Christmas dies. Be sure to come back and learn more about the upcoming promotion towards the end of the month!
Let’s get started….
Sizzix Products Used:
- Sizzix Big Shot
- Extended Cutting Pads
- Multi Purpose Platform
- Inserts & Envelopes Mini Correspondence Bigz XL die by Brenda Walton
- Winter Florals Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die by Brenda Walton
- Vintage Market Bigz XL Die
Other Products Used
- Christmas Patterned Paper
- Glitter Cardstock
- Washi Tape
- Adhesive
I found the cutest photo holder recently at Home Goods and thought it would be perfect for an Advent Calendar. The frame already had clothespins attached in each metal square to hang notes, memos, etc. So, all I had to do was put a piece of Washi tape on each clothespin to make it pop. Inspired by Santa’s Suit, I chose Red, White and Black as my color palette.
Next to create the “Countdown” I needed to add numbers to each clothespin. I did this by using the Big Shot, Vintage Market Alphabet Bigz Die and two extended cutting pads. I started by creating a sandwich (an extended cutting pad, the die, card stock on the corresponding letters and a second cutting pad) and ran it through the Big Shot. I repeated the process for each number needed (I placed about 4 pieces of paper at a time on the 1s and 2s, it saved a ton of time!) Then I glued each number to the washi tape.
Next, I created a sandwich as described above with the Inserts & Envelopes Mini Correspondence die, Christmas patterned paper and two extended cutting pads to cut 15 sets of inserts and envelopes in mix and match patterns. Advent Calendars traditionally countdown to Christmas starting December 1st, but since my frame only had 15 slots, my Calendar has less days. But still cute, nontheless!
I just love the little inserts & envelopes, they are so easy to assemble! Just fold and glue. The inserts are the perfect size for little notes and you can even put a small piece of candy in the envelopes.
Next to add a little more dimension, using the Winter Florals Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die, multipurpose platform and two extended cutting pads I die cut the winter florals on striped glittery paper. The sandwich for the Sizzlits is as follows: multipurpose platform on tab 1, cutting pad, Sizzlits, paper and a second cutting pad. I then trimmed pieces of the die cut and placed them in a couple of the envelopes to change it up a bit.
For the 25th, I used Glitter Cardstock and added some Washi tape to the envelope. Doesn’t that look like Santa’s belt?
Lastly, I pinned the envelopes on the frame, alternating patterns and styles.
And that’s it! A simple yet festive Advent Calendar!
I hope are inspired to get an early start on your Christmas projects with Sizzix! Don’t forget to come back later this month to learn more about how to enter the Pin to Win contest!
Happy Crafting!
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