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Sunday, September 19, 2010

Most Asked About Item Of The Halloween Season (by my kids, of course!)

A couple years ago, a few girlfriends and I saw the Pottery Barn Kids Advent Calendar. We knew we wanted one, but didn't want to pay for it! I also know that I wanted it to match the colors I use for Halloween. So, we decided to make our own. This is mine...


Properly plumped and ready for my little goblins to drool over.




This is how it looks before being properly stuffed!

I start early finding items for my calendar. Some stores, like Michael's and JoAnne's get their Halloween dollar section in early - beginning in August! I also start hearing about it from my kids in August. This year I told them if I heard one more thing about the Halloween Advent Calendar, there would be no Halloween Advent Calendar at our house this year. It didn't work. They still talk about it, but who can blame them? Look how cute it is!!!

Here are some of the pocket stuffers.


You notice the t-shirt? I know it won't fit in a pocket, but I buy my kids Hallooween t-shirts every year for around $5 each. (They make nice pajamas after October.) I put a little piece of card stock I have cut into the shape of a t-shirt. They pull it out the first day, and get their shirts.



I used to think I had to keep everything in the wrappers, but now, I unwrap things if the packaging is too large, and just stick the stuff in. Looks cuter that way anyway.

The individual pockets are SO DARLING! I have to show you just a few of my favorites up close and personal.

















Cute - right? I used some felt stickers, and some heavy dimensional paper stickers. At first, I thought I would stick to just the felt stickers, but there were SO MANY darling high quality paper stickers, that I just couldn't resist, and started using them as well. I even ended up covering up a few of the numbers with the cute little characters.

Here are the pockets all full:



This can cost as much to fill every year as you want. You can do candy only, or you can go a little nuts - like me. The kids are only young once - right?



I will post directions soon!

Happy Haunting ;)

I am linking up!

Join  us Saturdays at tatertotsandjello.com for the weekend wrap up           party!

27 comments:

  1. Love it can't wait to see it on Tues. post a link so us outside of Zion can see you on TV!! :)

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  2. This is just adorable Risa. You're such a cute mom. Love you.

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  3. So cute, and GREAT job on Studio 5 today!

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  4. This is an adorable idea! You did a great job on Studio5! I'm your newest follower...
    Come visit me @ www.fromcupboardtocupboard.blogspot.com

    xoxo
    Teauna

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  5. Just saw your cute calendar on Studio 5! LOVED IT! You mentioned that you were having a drawing. Pick Me! Pick Me! :o) My e-mail is kristen.valdez@live.com
    Thanks!

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  6. I do not see anywhere where the contest is to win this ????

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  7. Can I buy one from you?? I don't think I will have enough time to make one!!

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  8. I know that mine would not look nearly as cute as your does.

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  9. WOW-Way stinkin, incredible cute!! Crossing my fingers I win your drawing!! natlewis14@gmail.com

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  10. How did you find that many ideas for the pockets? Great Job on Studio 5!

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  11. So cute! I LOVE Halloween and think I definitely need one of these for my granddaughter!

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  12. so cute! I have 4 little Grandsons who live with me and it would be so fun to win this prize! I'm already thinking of things to stuff it with!
    Peggy Johnson
    pjohnson1515@gmail.com

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  13. I don't sew, so this was the perfect solution for Halloween and also my christmas countdown. Thanks

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  14. I love this. My kids would go nuts over this. I'm not sure I could keep them out like you do. How fun. You are creative and clever.

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  15. I want to make this so bad! I saw you on Studio 5 today and couldn't pull up your blog fast enough to get a closer look. I love Halloween and can't wait for my kids to experience this fun project. Post directions soon!

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  16. Risa...Thank you for your comment on my blog, It really helps to talk to someone who's been there before. I won't publish it because there are some who don't know what is going on yet. I haven't had the courage to say anything yet. I love your blog! It has so many great ideas!
    Thanks again.

    Erin

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  17. I think the calendar is so adorable and such a great tradition. I do a similar activity at Christmas with a Christmas sock, it is a favorite holiday tradition. I would love to start this Halloween Countdown. How do I enter? I hope I am lucky enough to win! I love your creativity and family connection. My Email is scottsmithfamily@msn.com I do have one question-Do your children take turns picking or does everyone get the item each day- how do you do this? So cute, loved you on Studio Five

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  18. That is seriously one of the cutest projects that I have ever seen. You did a great job on Studio5 today!! Thanks for sharing. BTW you picture of you with your baby's hand was so precious. Best of luck:)

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  19. I love this calendar. It is the most fun and cute Halloween accessory I've ever seen. What amazing creativity. I would come to a class or buy a kit or whatever to make this happy calendar. Thank you for sharing this.

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  20. Aside from any contests -I read why you started this blog. I really am sorry for your loss. I hope this helps you know you are supported.

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  21. Love this idea!!!!
    I am also working on an advent calendar!!!!
    =)

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  22. So stinkin cute! I really NEED the directions. need. My kids would love this and I am not crafty enough to do something like this without instructions. Pretty please post them soon! :)

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  23. Here are the instructions :)

    http://studio5.ksl.com/index.php?nid=61&sid=12505972

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  24. Thanks for getting my butt in gear for the holidays! You INSPIRED me and I made this in 3 days during my son's nap time! HOOT HOOT! I will have to post it on my blog tomorrow. :)

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  25. Thanks for the great idea. I made one! Any good ideas for Christmas?


    www.petercilladickinson.blogspot.com

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