Hi friends, I'm sure you've seen Advent calendars in stores already; they're all over the place here, in grocery stores, drugstores...even the local coffee shop. But I've always thought there was something special about having a one-of-a-kind Advent calendar, so this year I designed one. Cutting out the stockings takes some time, but with the help of a glue pen and some glitter, it's not long at all before the stockings are ready for you to hang up.  The stockings can even be filled with small candies (or sewing notions, hint hint). If you're feeling ambitious and you'd like a calendar that lasts, you could also cut the stockings out of felt. Embroider the numbers (from 1 to 24) on half of the stockings, then blanket stitch around the edges and tack on the hangers. I think this could be the beginning of a sweet family tradition! In general, handmade Christmas ornaments make great gifts (or gift toppers) and they're a great way to decorate if you're looking for something that's both cute and cost-effective. Here are some great ideas I've seen around the internet recently.

• There are three options in this sweet Woodland Ornaments Tutorial from Sew Mama Sew
• Quick and easy thrifted sweater tree ornaments at The Long Thread
• Shake up your scrap jar and make some Mini Ornaments
• I love, love, love these embroidered felt ornaments from Posie
• There are six options in the Crafty Tree Ornaments e-book from CraftyPod (I love the little house designed by Betz White
• Make a festive felt bird with this easy step-by-step.
• This is one gingerbread man who probably looks better than he tastes (being made of felt will do that to you).

That's all for now. Have a great weekend, folks.