Advent Pocket Calendar Tutorial

NEWS FLASH: The Petite Pocket Bigz XL Die, and Rhinestone Basic Jewels are LOW STOCK, plus the sale on these items, as well as the 25 & Counting stamp set, Decorative Label Punch, and the 1" Square Punch (all used on this project) ends TOMORROW so go NOW and SHOP THE ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA IN MY ONLINE STORE!

This picture tutorial will show how to assemble 24 Petite Pockets, similar to the one pictured below, for a countdown to Christmas. You can display the pockets however you like, but the flap on each is Velcro® and designed to be closed over a string, to hang in a clothesline fashion. You can put string (or Baker's Twine) across a wall with temporary 3M Command hooks, or grab a large frame at a second-hand store and string a few rows from side to side, for display.

Step 1.) Stamp number images 1 through 24 from the 25 & Counting stamp set, onto Whisper White card stock, in Marina Mist, Gumball Green, and Cherry Cobbler, as shown below. Punch each number image out with the 1" Square Punch. Eight of the number images will stamped in each color, as follows:

Marina Mist - 1, 3, 6, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20
Gumball Green - 2, 4, 8, 12, 14, 18, 21, 23
Cherry Cobbler - 5, 7, 9, 11, 16, 19, 22, 24

Step 2.) Cut 12 sheets of Crumb Cake card stock in half, so you end up with 24 pieces at 4-1/4"x11". Run each sheet through the Big Shot, using the Petite Pocket Bigz XL Die. You will need to use Extended Cutting Pads for this, and I highly recommend using the Extended Crease Pad on top instead of one of the Cutting Pads. I find that a card stock shim under my die makes the cuts & scores perfect.

Step 3.) To prepare each of the pockets, first fold up the bottom long flap and burnish with bone folder. Then trim just a bit off each of the side flaps, at an angle, at the bottom. This removes some bulk, so you can adhere the flap smooth and flat. See the pictures below for a visual. [click on image to see it larger]

Step 4.) Open bottom flap, and burnish sides in towards center with bone folder. Apply very small stripes of Tombow Multipurpose Glue on side flaps, near the inside edge of each flap. Apply very small stripes of Tombow Multipurpose Glue on each side of bottom flap, near outside edge. [click on image to see it larger]

Step 5.) Hold pocket so that the bottom flap is flat on your work area. Then, fold the body of the pocket (with side flaps held in) over onto the flap. Press firmly to adhere. This is the easiest way to close/adhere the pocket in one simple move. [click on image to see it larger]

Step 6.) Punch (8) Decorative Label Punch pieces out of each color of card stock: Marina Mist, Gumball Green, and Cherry Cobbler. Take up one of your punches, and a coordinating Baker's Twine: Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade or Cherry Cobbler. Cut a 15" length of the Baker's Twine. Hold your punch at the edge of a ruler, and put the twine behind it, leaving a 3-1/2" trailing edge to the right of the punch, as shown below. [click on image to see it larger]

Step 7.) Holding the trailing 3-1/2" edge of twine firmly in place, wrap the left side of twine over the Decorative Punch Label twice, and bring it to the front. You should end up with the leftover bit of twine on top of the label, at approximately the same length as your 3-1/2" trailing edge. [click on image to see it larger]

Step 8.) Tie the two ends in a bow, trim ends if uneven. Add a Basic Rhinestone Jewel to the top of the tag. I used the largest size Rhinestone in the package. [click on image to see it larger]

Step 9.) Place two dimensionals on the back of the Decorative Label Punch, one at top and one at bottom. Place one dimensional in center back of coordinating color stamped number image. Adhere number image and Decorative Label Punch to pocket, as shown below. [click on image to see it larger]

Step 10.) If desired, apply self-adhesive Velcro® dots to flap for closure. Whenever I use these, I try to put the soft side on the flap, so you don't scratch your hand or the treat/enclosure when you slide it past the flap to put it inside the pocket. [click on image to see it larger]

That's really all there is to this project. It's just doing the same thing 24 times...which, if you are like me...can be very challenging to sit still long enough to accomplish! Small treats that aren't very bulky work best in these pockets. If you want to include a scripture in each pocket, here are some suggested passages:

http://www.catholic.org/clife/advent/advent.php?id=18
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=32879&columnid=3881
http://www.crivoice.org/advent1.html
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/making-meaningful-christmas-memories/celebrate-advent.aspx

Stampin' Supplies: 25 & Counting stamp set, Petite Pocket Bigz XL Die (use with Big Shot, Extended Cutting Pads, Extended Crease Pad), Decorative Label Punch, 1" Square Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Crumb Cake card stock, Whisper White card stock, Marina Mist card stock & ink, Gumball Green card stock & ink, Cherry Cobbler card stock & ink, Island Indigo Baker's Twine, Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Stampin' Dimensionals, Bone Folder, Tombow Multipurpose Glue.

~Kimberley Morris Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator since 1994
Colorado Springs, CO
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net (SHOP ONLINE)
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