paint chip advent calendar

it's time to start the official Christmas countdown!
here's a simple way to create an advent calendar that you can personalize for your family.

i've used paint chip squares, since they coordinate with my theme this year,
but other easy ways to create something similar include manila tags and post-it notes!
the process is very easy - everyone can get in on the fun!

continue reading for the how-to and suggestions for personalizing an advent calendar...

i began with paint chips - i cut the top and bottom color blocks off of a bunch of strips,
leaving the large white margin.
the top margins all have a hole where they attached to the paint fan,
and i punched a hole in the margins from the bottom ones.
then i arranged the paint chips in roygbiv color order,
selecting hues that blend into one another.

about the background:
mine is a piece of thin plywood. (actually, it's the back of my old homewardFOUND shop sign!) 
posterboard or a bulletin board would work, as well.
i drew the calendar grid with white chalk, then added the month in chalk handwriting on top...
you could easily use stickers, Cricut letters, or paint to add 'December'.

i've placed a color chip on every day on the calendar,
not just the days of advent.
with the year we've had, there should be a special treat EVERY day in December!

 

before attaching the paint chips to the background,
it's time to add the 'treats' to them...

incorporate some of your family's favorite traditions:

* a ride in the car to view neighborhood Christmas lights
* a trip to a tree farm to cut a tree or simply gather boughs
* a marathon cookie-baking day
* writing letters to Santa - and Mrs Claus, too!

simple activities each day can add a festive feel to the month:

* a clue to find a hidden treat (and don't forget to hide the treat!!!)
* dance party!
* favorite movie or tv special night
* a sparkling apple juice toast on New Years' Eve

include simple ways to extend kindness to your community:

* secret santa - surprise a neighbor with a front porch dropoff
* donate money, socks, or blankets to a homeless shelter
* donate games to a senior assisted living center
* give a grocery store gift card to your mail carrier or local fire station


tip:
plan the first week and make sure you have everything you need for those activities.
after the kids have contributed some ideas for the next two weeks, stock up what you'll need. 

after you've written the 'treats' on the backs,

use number stickers or simply write the dates on the front sides.

then use double-stick tape to adhere each paint chip to the background.

i suggest that you place a jar or bowl next to the calendar, 
to hold the 'used' cards as you remove them...
after the holidays, ask your family which activities they liked best
and save those cards to include on your advent calendar next year.

however you choose to observe advent,
it's easy to create a fun way to celebrate the countdown to the big day!

find more advent calendar ideas online:

diy advent calendar ideas from House Beautiful Magazine

December activity ideas from Shutterfly

art,art class,wall art,crafting,crafting with kids,paper crafts,Christmas,Christmas Decor,color,colorful home,What Matters,winter,holiday,DIY,diy decorating,re-purposing,up-cycling,roygbiv,colorized,colorful Christmas decor,holiday decorating,holiday advent calendar,Christmas advent calendar,kindness,gratitude activity,family crafts,family advent,paint chip crafts, paint chips,paint chip decor,diy paint chip crafts.