Wednesday, November 27, 2013

DIY 'Family Friendly' Advent Calendar

Last week in the shop I made my 2013 Family Advent Calendar and can I just say I am pretty happy with it!

I didn't have a final image of what it would look like when I started so the creating stage was quite fun.

I did have some definite pre requisites though – I wanted it to be fun and inclusive of the whole family. I wanted it to be activity based with actual things to do and not all about lollies and the ‘getting/receiving’ mentality. And I wanted it to look ‘nice’ but still kid friendly.

So this is what it turned out like:


Would you like to make one too? Well this is how I did it:

This is what I used:
  • 25 Brown paper bags
  • Variety of coloured and white card stock
  • Stampin up Stamp sets:Joyous Celebrations, Memorable Moments, Wishing you, Merry Little Christmas and Sensational Seasons
  • Ink Pads
  • Washi tape
  • String
  • Snail glue or glue dots
  • 25 Wooden pegs (homebrand)
  • My own printable Advent activities. You can print them too, just click here!



How did I make it?

1. Collect everything and set up your creative station.

2. Cut out about 30 white card stock into squares (7cm x 7cm was a good size)

3. Cut out about 50 coloured card stock squares a bit bigger than the white (8cm x 8cm) I chose 3 colours for this.

4. Print out your Advent activities onto white card stock and cut to size. These will need to fit on the coloured card stock squares.

5. Choose 25 Advent activities (I did a few extra’s for you to choose from) and glue each onto a coloured square. Put to the side.

6. Collect your pegs and cover with washi tape. Trim off the edges so they look nice and neat. (I used 3 colours). Put to the side.

7. Fold over the top of each paper bag and decorate with washi tape. (Make sure you leave room to thread the string through later).

WARNING: Messy part!!

8. Get your stamps and ink out and get ready to do some stamping.

9. Collect your white card stock at set it out in front of you. I chose to do about 6 cards at a time.

10. Stamp all of the numbers first, making sure you leave space for another stamp image on the card.

11. Now add your next stamp image to each card. I used the Sensational Seasons stamp set the most because I wanted to keep it fun and childlike. (You can use any Christmassy design you like though).

I factored in extra card stock to allow for mistakes and smudges.

12. Using the remaining coloured card, paste each stamped square onto a coloured square.

You should now have:
  • 25 Stamped Advent date cards bordered with coloured card stock
  • 25 Advent activities bordered with coloured card stock
  • 25 wooden pegs covered with washi tape
  • 25 Paper bags, folded and decorated with wash tape



13. Stick each stamped card onto the front of the paper bag
14. With your calendar at hand, glue the Advent activities on the back of each paper bag. Ensure you chose the desired date for each activity so you don’t get caught putting the Christmas tree up on a Tuesday morning before school.

15. Now thread each bag (in order) with string and display.

Some variations:
  • Hole punch your date and activity cards and attached to your bag with string instead of sticking them.
  • Stick the activities on the back of the date card and hang on the front of the bag.
  • Place the activity card inside each bag with a little treat on some of the days.
  • Hand write your own Advent activities on the back or bottom of each bag.
  • Place your bags into a basket near the tree instead of hanging them.
  • Hang them in the shape of a tree on the wall.
If you would like to purchase any stampin up products or if you would like me to come to you and run a workshop feel free to email me and I can do this for you. (amanda@mylittletable.com.au)

Personally, I just love Christmas and Advent. It is my most favourite time of the year.

I have a Pinterest Board dedicated just to Advent. Check it out here!

What ways do you celebrate Advent with your family? Do you make your own Calendars or have traditions?


Please share pictures of your Advent creations on my Facebook page or Pinterest Board.

I'd love to see yours.

Have a fabulous day






Advent Activities - Free Printable


Here are your free Advent Printable's.
Just right click on the images and save.






Have a fabulous day & a fabulous Christmas!


Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Gift Ideas for the kids this Christmas




Come and visit me in store @ 900 Pittwater Rd Dee Why
OR
Purchase online @ www.mylittletable.com.au

Check out my Facebook page for opening hours and daily specials.



Monday, November 18, 2013

Mummy & Teacher Christmas Gift ideas

Are you stuck for a teacher thank you gift?
A mummy gift?
Or an Aunty, Nanna or neighbour gift?

Well you are in luck.
Check out my latest range of thank you gifts in store and online now!!



In order from top left:

1. Cristina Re Tea sets - Cups $29.95, Tea pot $49.95
2. Cristina Re Mini china tea cups - Set of 2 $29.95
3. MOR Cosmetic gift sets - $12.95, $19.95, $24.95 and $29.95
4. Cristina Re china 3 tier cake stand - $49.95
5. Cristina Re china tea pot in white - $49.95
6. Raine & Humble cotton half aprons in green stripe or red stripe - $19.95
7. Cristina Re china tea cup & saucer in white and gold - $29.95
8. MOR Christmas cracker with mini hand cream inside - $12.95
9. MOR Cosmetic gift pack with lychee mini hand cream and soapette - $19.95
10. Cristina Re china tea cup & saucer in white and pink stripe - $29.95
11. Cristina Re Tea sets - Cups $29.95, Tea pot $49.95
12. Cristina Re china tea cup & saucer in pink with white polka dots - $29.95
13. Raine & Humber cotton T Towels in a jar in red and blue - $14.95 each
14. Cristina Re Tea Pot and sugar bowl and creamer set in pink - $49.95 and $34.95
15. MOR Cosmetic gift pack with marshmallow mini hand cream and soapette - $19.95
16. Cristina Re china tea cup & saucer in black and white stripe - $29.95

To purchase:
Head to the website http://mylittletable.com.au/whats-new/
or
Email amanda@mylittletable.com.au
or
Visit me in store this month only @ 900 Pittwater Rd Dee Why 2099 (access via Howard AVE)


I am open this week:

Have a fabulous week everyone



Thursday, November 14, 2013

My Little Table has gone POP UP!!!



Well I have gone and done it this time…

Surprise…

I have opened a Pop Up shop for the whole month of November right here on the Northern Beaches.

This is a shop with a twist though. It a shop for the mummies!!!

Yes that's right. I have designed my space to ensure absolute relaxation whilst shopping and I have varied my opening house so I am open late when the kiddies are tucked up in bed.
I am still stocking all the fabulous kids activity packs and craft kits as always, but I have added adorable china tea cups and tea sets by Cristina Re, delicious MOR cosmetics and candle gift packs and some very cute tea towels and aprons. (Great teacher thank you gift)

I have also organised some AMAZING events during the month including lots of champagne shopping, photography workshops, mini mindspa's, craft sessions, teacher appreciation gift ideas and sooooo much more.

Check out the Calendar of events below:



If you would like to come to any or all of the events just send me a quick email amanda@mylittletable.com.au I'd love to meet you :)

Here are a few snap shots of my little store so far.

















A very big thank you to the gorgeous and talented Megan Bennet from Megan Bennett Photography for taking the most amazing photos.

I will try a post a few times while I am here. I am having so much fun.
(Sigh) I love my job!