Gingerbread Advent Calendar

After being stretched too thin, this year's advent calendars had to be quicker to make than those of the past. Here's how it's done:

Grab a Christmas village building at the local craft store. There are different styles, they have a light in them and are quite cheap! You just have to get to them before they sell out.

Cut a hole in the back about 1.7 inches in diameter. You may want to sand the opening.

Then from a similar piece of wood (buy it at the craft store) cut a larger circle about 2.5 inches in diameter. You may want to sand the edges.

Paint everything a gingerbread brown. Mix baking soda in with the paint before you begin if you want to try a gingerbread texture as seen below.

Attach velcro to the back of the door and house to keep the door on. If your door has a hole in the center of it from the drill, use a button or crafting brad to cover it up. (I tried a button first, but the paint wouldn't adhere to it and it still didn't adhere to the brad that well either.)

Puff paint can be used for the frosting effect. Though, it is kind of clunky and difficult to get fine details with. Try paint and a brush if you want more detailed control.

Next, wrap 25 little gifts and stuff them into the house. Close it all up and gift it away!

Inside the packages are a piece of candy for every person in the family and a little, age appropriate activity. Hayden sends videos when they open theirs. It's been a great way to bond with family far away. 

Below: The prompt was to wear everything green they could find, because it's the second favorite color of the elves of course! 

Here is the list of activities this year. If you want to share or pin this post publicly please share from here.