Christmas Project #3 : Advent Boxes

This one came straight out of Martha Stewart Kids and can be seen online here.

I picked up the boxes at our local Ben Franklin. I went with three different sizes for variety - each will hold a special treat. First off was painting two coats on each box - I went with Making Memories Cranberry (of course)(11), Avocado (5), and Paper Bag (8).

After the paint dried I laid them out to get a feel for their placement and picked some numbers to work with. I decided to repeat some of the same elements I used in the December daily album. Circle numbers from www.everyjotandtittle.etsy.com, chipboard from Basic Grey, and foam numbers from American Crafts.

After I had my plan worked out, I painted the chipboard numbers cream and then sealed each of the boxes with Mod Podge before attaching/adhering the numbers.

Now I just need to figure out on which wall I am going to hang these and what goodies will go inside each one...

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92 thoughts

  1. Alicia says…
    11/08/2007

    I met you in Salem a few weeks ago at the book signing. Love the ideas. Can't wait for my own scraproom in the new house. I'll be in Eugene this weekend. Any local scrap store suggestions?

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  2. gabbe says…
    11/08/2007

    gosh your moving at the speed of light Ali!
    and I'm lovin' it all!
    I adore this box project- and I love your colors even more than Martha's!
    and am now totally convinced we need to make a set for our house too (as if the ATC cards aren't enough for me to try & tackle too LOL!)
    My 3 year old will love helping with this project too.
    I too am curious about how you will attach them to the wall- poster tape maybe or something more heavy duty?
    I have textured walls so would love any suggestions.
    Thanks for all the wonderful holiday inspiration- it's really helping me get a move on for a change and everything is so positive, uplifting and just gorgeous- thanks so much for the early send out of full on holiday spirit!
    {{{big hug}}}
    -gabbe 8)

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  3. Melissa Down-under says…
    11/08/2007

    What a great way to use up all the numbers that come in sticker and chipboard packs! Thanks :-)

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  4. anne - paris, fr says…
    11/08/2007

    i love what you're doing!!!! you're GREAT!

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  5. Kelly Kantola says…
    11/08/2007

    Hey Ali! I just got your new book the other day and I have to say that this is your BEST ONE YET!! Simply amazing work! Thank you and keep up the good work!!

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  6. Christi says…
    11/08/2007

    Oooo...those turned out great! As for what to put in them....you can't go wrong with Dove chocolate! Mmmm...

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  7. Tina says…
    11/08/2007

    Way cute! Wish my kids were little to make this!

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  8. melissa says…
    11/08/2007

    I have read the other comments but I still don't understand how you will attach to the wall???

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  9. maggie says…
    11/08/2007

    Wow I luv this..
    Maggie

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  10. Katy says…
    11/09/2007

    Wow you've done a great job Ali ... I love what you've done. How are you going to hang them up?

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  11. Maria Burke says…
    11/09/2007

    super cute!!!

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  12. Holly says…
    11/09/2007

    This is wonderful, Martha would be proud!
    Anxious to hear what you put in them and how you will mount them.

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  13. Grace Winter says…
    11/09/2007

    Fantastic idea - thanks! Intead of attaching them to the wall, why not purchase a big corkboard (from your local Ben Franklin) and use push pins to attach? Might be easier?!* So inspiring - thanks, Ali!

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  14. Mary Rogers says…
    11/09/2007

    very cool Ali!!
    I so need to find some time to play!!

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  15. jamie says…
    11/09/2007

    okay...have been looking for a little drawed thing for our advent project. your boxes are great. very, very eager to see how you will 'hang' these...you might just change my mind about finding a little table top cabinet with 24 drawers. (no ikea in this state). will be watching!
    thanks, ali!

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  16. kate says…
    11/09/2007

    I LOVE this! I wish I had room in my little apartment to do this, well, and to store it... beautiful!

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  17. Amanda Mankin says…
    11/09/2007

    love it! thank you or sharing yourself and your cool art with others!!

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  18. Carole Hepburn says…
    11/09/2007

    Ali - got my boxes painted last night and are ready to go today after work ~ I bought a canvas ( painted it too ) to adhere the boxes to , will add a huge ribbon to the top and hang it on the wall ~ can't wait to get working on it, you inspire me ..... maybe I will take half of today off............Happy weekend !

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  19. jen paddack-hyde says…
    11/09/2007

    I LOVE this idea...I'm thinking of doing this but just setting them around the house so my daughter has to look for the right date. She loves advent calendars:)

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  20. cheryl says…
    11/09/2007

    Oh, I SO LOVE this!!!! I can't wait to do these. This will be may project for the week we're out for Thanksgiving!!

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  21. amy m says…
    11/09/2007

    I love this idea. I am busy working on a advent calendar right now too. Perhaps next year I'll give this ago. It's perfect.

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  22. evelyne says…
    11/09/2007

    Hi Ali
    You always have such original and beautiful ideas!!
    Thanks for sharing them with us..
    You truly inspire me

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  23. ConnieC says…
    11/09/2007

    I think it would be cool to find a big (and ornate) frame from a estate sale, junk store, or yard sale and back it with plywood. You could use paint or decorative paper to decorate the plywood. Then you have a framed piece to hang. And it's reusable.

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  24. Heather S. says…
    11/09/2007

    Just awesome Ali! Thank you sooo much for sharing! Love it!

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  25. Tna says…
    11/09/2007

    yeah! you are quick...i love this idea and it makes me wanna try it too...hope i can get around to it before the month ends...thanks for the inspiration...your idea gets me going...thank you!

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