Christmas Activity - Idea #1 - DIY Advent Calendar

So I thought it was time for me to post a few of our holiday creations over the next couple of weeks to inspire you.  I will admit that this is not new but they are so FUN I just HAD to blog about it!

Check out this DIY Advent Calendar ($23.99).  It measures 8.5"x8.5"and is made of a nice coated cardboard and includes clear stickers with black font for numbers 1-25.  It starts out all white....a nice blank canvas.

The Concept
I'm sure everyone has had an Advent calendar at some point in their lives.  I remember the ones as a kid that were in a thin cardboard box with the little perforated doors that opened to reveal a chocolate.  From December 1 to December 25, I remember being so excited to open that little door to get my "treat".  I know kids don't mind those waxy boxed chocolates but really?  I'm sorry....they are terrible.  I guess it is more of the counting down part that was the real "treat".

So today there are tons of companies with their own Advent calendars.  Did you see the ones from Lego?  Pretty cool.  I think they are around $50 but in the end you get all the Lego pieces to build your scene.  I think these kits are smart and practical (kids get great toys to play with) but once you open the little doors, it's kind of done.  Next year you have to buy another one.

Now here is why this kit is so much better....

You Get to be Creative!

This Advent Calendar was created by Kell
using traditional and classic colours.  How fun!

What I like about these kits is that you get to choose your own decorative papers to decorate the box based on the person you are creating it for.  The entire time you are choosing the paper and adding the little goodies, you are thinking about the person you love....that is just good for the soul.

 They Last!

Another reason why I love this project is because once you design it, you can use it over and over again!  This one I designed for Coulter about 4 years ago.  I chose the great blues because he is a boy (I know....not very original or creative but he loves it!).  Anyone remember these papers?

You get to SHOP! 

And finally this project is AWESOME because YOU get to fill the little 1.5"x1.5" cube drawers!  Just think about that concept.  Think about the possibilities...

This one was created for my daughter and so I decorated it with great fun, girlie colours.  I also filled the cubes last year with Littlest Pet Shops, money, candies, Squinkies and even a little ornament for the tree.  Every day the kids got to open the corresponding date.  They loved it!  They loved the count down and I think they loved seeing what I chose for the particular date.  Side note.....and parenting tip #48 - if you have two or more kids, make sure you put equivalent "treats" in each kids corresponding dates or you may be setting yourself up for potential meltdowns.  Ha.  "Hey.  Why did Coulter get a toonie and I only got one jelly bean?"  Yeah.  Not cool.  Not cool at all.

The Challenge

I know you guys are all like, "OK Kim.  You do realize there are only 5 days left in this month and December less than one week away?  There is not enough time to complete this project".  Now this is where the challenge comes in.....  

I decided that I am missing one very important person in my life when it comes to these holiday creations....my hubby!  I use to make tons of handmade projects for him when we were dating.  You should see my cross stitched Mustang Football player wall hanging and my hand stamped scrapbook (like EACH letter was stamped to created my album...what?!?).  These days, everything is created for the kids and not really for Trev.  This year my plan is to make him a little calendar.  Just think of the fun things you could add in that little 1.5"x1.5" cube for your honey.  A little love letter?  Traditional chocolates?  Something a little more risque?  (Hey...hey...hey....I know you guys were all thinking it!).

So I will begin my Advent calendar tomorrow after work.  Truly, I vow I have not yet started and I challenge myself to create one and have it done and posted for December 1.  Anyone else want to do this with me?  There is time!  We can do it.   PS...I know a great place you can pick these up.  **Wink**Wink**

Kim

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5:30pm

Sat - 10am-3pm

Christmas Tag Exchange - The Details

So last year was the first year for our Christmas Tag Exchange at The Paper Pickle.  People were telling me that they wanted a fun way to share their love of the hobby and so the tag exchange was born!  I absolutely loved this idea because you were able to show your fellow crafters what you've got!  It was a perfect time to shine and I mean who doesn't need an extra tag or inspiration at this time of the year?!?

I, along with the other participants will agree that our first exchange was a HUGE success!  All of the tags were original, creative, detailed, beautiful, etc., etc.  Here is a little look at the amazing creations:

Lou rocked with tag with tons of Tim Technique!
I loved all the extra little goodies including
the tinsel, bell and angel charm made by hand!

Kathy's tag was so bright and cheery.  The "snow" added to
the roof top and fence were a great touch!
Look at the bow on the door!  Awesome.

Donna is the queen of dies and cut outs.
I thought the scalloped elements of the snowman were adorable.
Look at the details on the hat!

Becky's tag with it's shimmery elements were tough to capture
by my camera but trust me when I say her pairing of
silver embossing  powder and pearl brown ink were spot on!
Gorgeous.

Jolene designed the perfect tag for a rustic inspired gift.
I love the use of real burlap and red stitching!
The silver snowflake brad was the perfect dimensional element.

Jody's tag is simple yet undeniably elegant.
Kraft+White+Red = the perfect pairing of colours.
The subtle glitter to the birch tree and ground took
this tag to the next level.

I had to show you a couple of different shots of Debbie's tag
so you could see the incredible shine and shimmer.
She achieved this look by creating her own background
using shimmer sprays.  The mirror paper added a regal elegance.

Here is another tag that I had to get a close up of
to show you the amazing depth.  Barb used dies, glitter,
heat embossing and more to create a truly timeless design.

Ok.  Pat's design wins the award for most dimension.
She even had to ship these tags to me in a box!  Ha.
The first word that comes to mind when I look at this is - WOW!

There is so much shine to Debbie's tag,
that my camera couldn't handle it! The metallic paper, pearl paints
and glitter will have any girl smiling!

This was my design.  I gushed about it enough last year.
What do I love about my own?
Well that little dimensional thread spool of course!

Here is a close up of Heather's tag.
The shape and use of pow paper makes it stand out on any gift.
Simple.  Elegant.  Another crafting mission accomplished!

So what do you think?

You want to join this year's exchange?  No pressure but I know you will have fun!  I know you can do it!

Here are the Details!

• You will make 12 tags of the same design to trade with the other participants
• You can use any product you like and the design can be as simple or elaborate as you like
• Please call the store or email me to register. You must register by NOVEMBER 29
• Your 12 tags are to be dropped off no later than 3PM on Saturday, DECEMBER 6
• You can pick up your tags during store hours any day between DECEMBER 10-13
• There is no cost to register or participate other than the cost of your product that you use

I'm so excited to see this year's tags!  

Kim

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5:30pm

Sat - 10-3pm

Thank YOU!

Well.  Well.  Well.  What a weekend we had at The Pickle and Homebaked Kitchen!  Thank you to those of you who made a special trip to spend time with us!  It really meant a lot!

Debbie designed a fun make and take using the new dies from Little B (sample can be viewed at the store!).  You were lucky if you snagged one of those dies on the weekend.  We are now sold out but don't worry!  We have more on order and we should see them next week!  At $17.50 per set, WITH a great magnetic storage system, it is a must have.  Check out my little tag frame near the cash to see the quick, little tags I made using the deer and snowflake die.

Class Tonight
Just wanted to let you know that we have 2 spots left in tonight's class.  Please call the store if you are interested!  Details can be found on the post from November 8th!

Just a quick post to say hi and tell you we have lots of great items in store to inspire you!!  See you soon!

Kim

Store Hours
Wed-Fri - 10am-5:30pm
Sat - 10am-3pm

Christmas Open House - TODAY 10am-4pm

Hey guys. Today is THE day!  The Paper Pickle and Homebaked Kitchen's Christmas Open House!  Our very first one together!  Stop in today between 10am-4pm and prepare to have your senses amazed.

Kim

Open House - TOMORROW!

Tomorrow is the big day....our Christmas Open House!  We have been very busy over here getting the store ready for you!  

Here are the details about the day:

• For every $100 spent before tax (on Paper Pickle items ONLY), receive a $25 gift card to use on future Paper Pickle purchases!
• Make your Christmas Wish List 
• Sign up for our Christmas Tag exchange 
• Pre-Order your Christmas gourmet dessert boxes
• Nice samples and warm apple cider
• Christmas Make & Take

Have a look at a few of the incredible Christmas items I brought in!

Little B Tapes

These tapes are my so great!  Decorate boxes, add them to cards, layouts and more.  

Little B - Dimensional Stickers

I couldn't even wait to work with these dimensional stickers.  You all know I am not a sticker person, but these are so realistic and made of felt, etc.  You will have to check out my little cardinal tag when you are in tomorrow!

Little B - Dies

 I could not resist the adorable designs.  And priced at $17.50, these are a real steal.  They even come with their own magnetic storage folder.  Great value and a great gift!

Stamper's Anonymous Cling Stamps

Here are just a couple of the Tim Holtz designs in store now!  We also have great every day blueprints sets as well as other great Christmas sets.

I really hope to see you tomorrow!

Kim

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5:30pm

Sat - 10am-4pm (open late for the open house)