Be Present for Christmas - Lesson 4 - When All the Miracles Begin

Our activity for the next 2 weeks is creating an Advent Calendar.  I found a wide variety during my on-line research.  I chose a garland type calendar with a scripture reading for every day.

I cut the envelopes with the Stampin Up Petal Card Bigz die. For this calendar, I chose navy card stock. The bottom three petals of the envelope were adhered together with quick dry adhesive leaving the top petal to hang the envelope.  A hole was added to the top petal and a piece of coordinating thread was pulled through and a knot was added to the end. Each envelope holds a small sheet with the day's scripture verse and also a small sheet is included to write down the day's activity.  I found the set of scripture readings here (A Girl and Her Blog).  I punched a SUcircle in gold and color printed the numbers to match the navy and burgundy colors I chose.  Again, they were adhered to the other side of the envelope with quick dry adhesive.  I ran a length of white grosgrain ribbon through the burgundy felt garland to add strength and interest. White buttons were sewn in the middle of the circle elements in the felt making sure that the ribbon was attached.  The envelopes are then hung onto each button.  This allows you to take down the envelope to the family, have your time of sharing and then return it to the garland.  For children to track the progress the number can be turned to the back each day so they know which date in December is next.

This week the lesson focus is When all the Miracles Begin. It's the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah.   We don't have to work for the coming of the Lord. He will prepare our hearts for His coming.  You don't have to work for Christmas, you don't have to earn Christmas, you don't have to perform Christmas, you don't have to make Christmas. Just open your hear to the miracle. 

I'm selecting my lessons from The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp.  The book provides 24 lessons for each day of Advent of which I have chosen 7 for this class.  We will have readings, questions, discussion, and an activity each week.

Christmas Countdown Calendar

I'm in Millet again today.  We were asked to donate an item for the family they are helping.  I prepared this Christmas Countdown Calendar.  With the envelopes being able to be moved around it can also be used as an Advent Calendar by starting with 1 for December 1st.  I hope it brings blessing to a family in need.  

Calendar details:  The flocked ribbon with gold bead accent garland had a gold ribbon run through it in slits in the garland.  The gold metallic ribbon is held in place when the buttons were sewn on with the stitching going through it. The envelopes were made with the Stampin Up Petal Card die, the numbers with the SU Scallop circle in gold and 1 3/8 circle with the number. A hole was added to the top flap into which a length of crochet cotton was placed. This is hung on the buttons.

Cards - Enclosure Cards

Here are the Thank You enclosure cards I made to include in my incentive gift. I made some with Groovy Guava and others with Tango Tangerine. They are 2.5" square.  I color printed my greetings in the same color as the card and added a coordinating scallop punch.  I added a small insert on white bond paper with my sentiments.

Gift - Christmas

I created this little gift which would contain these small sheets. The holder was cut with the Stampin Up! Petal Card die.  I used double sided Christmas scrapbooking cardstock. I added 1/8" hole on the outside flaps through which a length of 7/8" red organza ribbon has been run and knotted on the front.  I designed the small sheets to go inside with a gift on one corner. The person giving the gift would write the gifts the person has given them.  Things like "Friendship", "A hug when they needed one", "A break from the kids", "Prayer", "Family" & "Encouragement". 

Not a Card - CST Challenge #18

I made this little pocket for a challenge which indicated "not a card". I used the Sizzix Petal Card die on scrapbooking cardstock in Soft Sky polka dots on Chocolate Chip.  I created the little sentiments on the computer.  They are 2 3/8 inches square.  This is a little gift for someone who has given support.  The first square is a place address and sign it.  The others are customized to the particular situation.  I made holes in 2 of the flaps and tied it closed with brown crochet cotton.