This fun advent calendar is built entirely out of paper, and the result is bold and beautiful! Keep reading for all of our tips to make your own!

If you’ve followed the PLG for awhile, you know that advent calendars are kind of our thing. We’ve made them with everything from clothespins to wood blocks–we even made one with a shoe organizer! You don’t need a lot of crazy supplies to make a beautiful advent–you can even make a stunning, one-of-a-kind calendar from paper! 

This advent was so fun to put together with my daughter. We chose a gorgeous color scheme from our ASTROBRIGHTS paper stash, and worked together to cut, fold, build, and admire this cutie! Your kids will love the feeling of creating something 3D and functional with just paper! 

How to Make an Advent Calendar ouf of Paper? 

First, you have to get the right kind of paper for your project. Since we are making an advent that folds and builds the paper into a 3D structure, we opted for cardstock. And because we want the best quality and the most vibrant colors, we used ASTROBRIGHTS® Papers Spectrum Assortment. This paper pack has THE brightest colors, and is able to withstand all of the bending, folding, layering, and glueing that we threw at it! Plus, if you want to get really colorful for the holidays, there are 25 colors in this pack (3 sheets of each shade) so you can make an advent that uses one of each! 

To make our advent calendar we used a cutting machine. However, the shapes used for this project are simple enough to cut by hand, too! Just download the cut file linked below and use the shapes as stencils. The file also has a YouTube video that is a lifesaver when it’s time to assemble the pieces. The process isn’t complex, but there are a lot of pieces to keep track of and the tutorial makes it simple. 

What do you fill a small advent calendar with? 

Filling a small advent calendar can be a fun challenge! You could write activities/ideas on small pieces of paper for each day or you can split up the pieces of a larger gift into smaller parts and divide them into different days (like beads one day, string another, charms another–all items to make jewelry with at the end!) You could also make the advent a scavenger hunt–putting clues in the advent and sending kiddos on a hunt for their treats. 

Watch us make this project on Instagram, right here!

Supplies Needed to Make a Drawer Advent Calendar 

ASTROBRIGHTS® Papers Spectrum Assortment Pack
Drawer Advent Calendar Digitial Cut File
Cutting Machine (we use a Silhouette Cameo)
Scissors
Glue (we used both hot glue and tacky glue)
Brads 
Number stickers (if desired) 
Stickers, glitter, markers etc., for embellishing (if desired) 

How to Make a Drawer Advent Calendar

1. Download the cut file and load it into your cutting machine software. If you are cutting by hand, print off the pieces to make stencils.
2. Begin by cutting the 24 drawer pieces, 24 drawer frame pieces, and the two large square pieces. 
3. Once each of the pieces are cut, we recommend watching the video tutorial on assembling each piece. This video shows how to fold each piece and where to secure the folds with glue. 
4. Once you have built all 24 drawers and drawer frames you can embellish the exteriors of the drawers. We did this by cutting paper into a variety of shapes like trees, hearts, and scallops and glueing them on the drawer fronts. However, you could also use stickers, markers, glitter, and more! 
5. Once the drawers are embellished, secure a brad in the center of each drawer for ease of opening the advent. 
6. Following the video instructions, glue together four of the 3-drawer pieces on the bottom layer of the advent in a square shape with the drawers facing outward. Then, glue one of the cut square papers on top. Repeat this process with the top layer of drawer pieces and attach to the bottom layer by placing it on top and securing it with glue. Then, glue the remaining square paper to the top. 
7. Now that your advent is assembled, it’s time to decorate! We began by covering any of the exposed sides of the drawers with paper. Then, we cut designs (like festive sayings and shapes) and layered them over the paper using glue. 
8. Add numbers from 1-24 on the drawers. We used stickers for ours but you could draw them, or cut from paper and attach with glue. 
9. Let dry completely and fill with treats! 

Isn’t it so bright and magical? My daughter can hardly wait until December 1. What are you doing for your advent this year? 

Happy Making!

OX. Liz and Sam

The post DIY Drawer Advent Calendar from Paper appeared first on The Pretty Life Girls.

Maybe you see the word “mindful” and feel as though that couldn’t be farther from how you would describe your family–but guess what? You should! Being mindful doesn’t mean getting it all right (you can still run the clothes in the washer again when you forget about them, and count a bowl of cereal as dinner sometimes), it’s about making little efforts to be more aware every day. 

Mindful families aren’t perfect, they’re just paying attention–conscious of how they spend their time, what they consume (from ingredients to entertainment), and where their money goes. The fact that this gift guide made it into your hands is proof that you’re doing it! So, with the holidays coming up, we want to help ease some of the fatigue that can come with conscious gifting by sharing some ideas for mindful gifts you can add to the top of your gift (or wish) list this season.

The Mindful Family Gift Guide: Products and Gifts Made by Families for Families

For the practical family: Happy Tooth

What is a stocking without a tube of toothpaste tucked inside? Sure, everyone needs toothpaste, but Happy Tooth makes it fun! This stuff isn’t your ordinary toothpaste. It’s made with natural ingredients and is free of toxins, making it safe and effective! Plus it comes in a bunch of festive flavors–from fresh mint to vanilla frosting! Don’t miss their puffy floss, mouthwash and colorful brushes, either! Your mouth has never been so happy! 

Don’t Miss: The Variety 4-Pack

“With 4 kids it’s really difficult to find a safe and healthier toothpaste that they all enjoy! This is the first toothpaste they’ve ALL been satisfied with having!” -Kayley C.

Current promo: Save up to 25% off and get a free gift with purchase

For the girly family: Pip Pop Post

Pip Pop Post was created by moms of girls for girls–so expect squeals of glee once they’re unwrapped! These adorable earrings were designed specifically for girls to have an earring they could live loud and play hard in, while also being comfortable! Pip Pop Post earrings are made of hypoallergenic surgical grade stainless steel and 18k gold plating. The earrings are crafted with a thinner, shorter post and a secure and comfortable flat screw-back. Plus, they have endlessly adorable designs that fit every girl’s unique style. 

Don’t Miss: The Holiday Set

“Game changer!! These are so cute, easy to put on, and comfortable!! We love them!” -Jenny A.

For the adventurous family: Get Out Pass

Feel like you are fighting a losing battle against screen time? Worried you might light something on fire if you hear the phrase “I’m bored” one more time? Let GetOutPass be your hero! GetOutPass is a fun and affordable way for families to disconnect from their phones and have meaningful experiences together, giving you free admission to incredible attractions in your geographic area! From riding roller coasters to bowling to visiting your local aquarium or making pottery, GetOutPass makes it simple and easy to get out as a family. 

Don’t Miss: The Utah Get Out Pass

“The app is SO user friendly and easy to use, and we have loved getting to experience new places. The pass is budget-friendly and has made it so I can spend more quality time with my family!” – Melanie

Current promo: Get up to 50% off for Black Friday

For the glowy family: The Daily Essential Co

Glowing isn’t just for Christmas trees! The Daily Essential Co. is all natural, oil and plant based skincare for all skin types. From SkinBae (their holy grail, hydrating and healing oil serum) to The Perfect Patch (their cult favorite pimple patches) TDE’s mission is to provide high grade, intentional skincare without having to sacrifice your commitment to cleaner living. You’ve gotta get yours hands on their best-selling Holi-bae bundle! You deserve this!

Don’t Miss: The Holi-Bae Bundle

“I love the clean ingredients, the smell, how my face feels, and how quick it takes to do my skin care routine. Highly recommend!” -Crystal W.

For the colorful family: Kortni Jeane

If you aren’t encouraging (or using a tiny bit of benign force) to get your kids to match with you every once in awhile, it’s time to to pull the mom/dad trump card and unlock one of the most sublime thrills a parent can have. Family matching is a parent’s right–the cuteness and heart swelling that comes with it can’t be, well…matched! 

Kortni Jeane is a one-stop shop for swimsuits (and now snow suits!) for the whole family in incredible mix and match patterns and colors for all sizes–from babies to adults. KJ suits come in a variety of cuts and styles that you can look and feel good in, so you can suit up your entire crew. 

No matter your destination or weather, Kortni Jeane has you covered! 

Don’t Miss: The NEW Marshmallow Snow Suit

“I can’t get enough of the matching swim. The suits look adorable in the photos we took. Couldn’t be happier! The quality of the top seems great as well!” -Karissa N.

Current promo: Get 15% off your entire purchase with code: GIFTABLE

For the travel family: Walker Family Goods

Traveling with family shouldn’t be daunting. Sure, the kids will run wild down the hotel halls and there may be some tantrums in transit, but with Walker Family Goods, you can focus on making memories with the people you love. Walker Family Goods makes bold, stylish, and thoughtfully crafted luggage, bags, and travel essentials that inspire families to travel simply. Once you get their products in your hands you’ll be itching to hit the road! 

Don’t Miss: The Valley Duffel Bag

“We have this duffle in multiple colors. We love it. So well designed and made. High quality. Favorite duffel for sure.” – Alyson C.

For the playful family: Smol

Toys are an essential part of childhood, but does letting our kids be little have to be so aesthetically unappealing? Not with Smol! It’s a Christmas miracle!

Smol powers big adventures with artfully crafted toys that adults love as much as kids do. From bounce houses to basketball hoops, Smol’s designs make playtime even more beautiful–encoraging imaginative play and memory making. They’re so pretty that we’re waiting for the adult version. 

Their new Mini Theatre brings the show right to your living room with blue-striped pillars, red curtains, and golden-scalloped accents. Plus, it inflates in less than 3 minutes and stays inflated for days of play.

Don’t Miss: The Mini Theatre

“I am so happy that there are finally bounce houses and fun toys that are aesthetically pleasing while also being easy to set up and take down!.” – Elise

Happy shopping!
xo, Liz

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out our Top 10 Easy Christmas Craft Gift Ideas for Kids!

The post The Mindful Family Gift Guide appeared first on The Pretty Life Girls.