the countdown begins

A few years ago, Amy and I bought these advent boxes with plans to alter them. After being a work in progress for a loooonng time, I have finally finished up mine and am putting it into use today! It started out as an advent calendar box from Target, similar to this one. Every year they seem to sell some version of the same. I then covered it with paper and labels and scraps. Pretty simple really, not sure why it took me so long. 

 

Now for the really fun part: finding/making/putting treats inside to be discovered day by day. 'Tis the season!

 

Comments

[Lynnelise]

What a great idea,Pam. I'll have to check Target to see if they have any left after Christmas, so I can start working on it for next year!
Love your blog! Keeps inspiring me!!
<><

[Tricia Ireland-stirling]

oh my. it's breathtaking.

[Terri @ Pringle Hill]

Fab-u-lous! So clever and creative! Your family will love discovering the treats and making memories with this beautiful calendar. Hugs, Terri

[heather]

Wow, this is so pretty and inspiring!

[monica]

Hi Pam,
I simply love this! So pretty, it's just your style!
Have fun with the treats!;))
Monica.

[Tanya]

cool! that looks amazing! I love all the text and the muted colors. an alternative to putting treats in the drawers, put a rolled up piece of paper (like a scrool) and tie it with ribbon. have a different fun holiday activity on each one. I do "candlelit bubble bath in the big tub" "bed swap-boys switch with boys, girls switch with girls" "breakfast for dinner in our jammies" etc, my kids (7&9) love it, and dont even miss the chocolate!

[Char DeRouin]

A beautiful way to welcome the season, Pam! Thanks for sharing!
Best, Char

[Catherine]

Truly lovely...and inspiring. Thank you.

[Carole Brungar]

You've made a fab job of covering it Pam! But it's going to be exciting filling each one with a surprise!
Carole :)

[Lisa Super]

Absolutely beautiful! I bought the same advent box at Target last year and never prettied it up. You've inspired me to give it a makeover. Thanks for the nudge!

Lisa

[Jeannette]

So pretty! Especially love no. 22!

[Lorrie]

It's gorgeous! Have fun finding the treats!

Lorrie

[Laura]

On my way to Targets.....LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this idea! Thank you for all your inspiration...it's like an early Christmas gift!!
:) Laura

[Jeanne]

This is adorable Pam! It reminds me of the advent box that my father-in-law made for my daughter when she was little. Of course his wasn't quite as shabby-chic and covered in vintage loveliness as your is!
xo
jeanne

[Heather]

I love that! What a wonderful idea. I'm going to watch for when they put it on clearance and snag one for next year! Thanks for always being so inspiring!!

[Isabel ~ Maison Douce]

Oh, my goodness, love, love, love the idea!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Isabel

[Julie]

gahh...I LOVE this!

[Susiebelle]

~Love!~

[Karen B]

LOVE IT! Do you suppose since my girls are grown and gone that I'm too old for such a fabulous Advent calender?

[Monique]

Wow Pam--this is truly beautiful! Gorgeous work.

[Ludid]

the treasures you find will have a lovely home.

[paige]

amazing!
of course i love it.....& i'm so glad you share your little images. who needs my beloved magazines anymore if i can peek at your fabulous creations now & then
xo

[Tami B.]

This is soooo pretty! Just adore it!

[Marie in Seattle]

Wow what a beautiful job...such a transformation. BTW love your blog.

[Marie in Seattle]

Wow this is beautiful...what a transformation.

[Barbara Jean]

What a sweet piece!!
barbara jean

[Sammy Girl]

Wonderful! I agree with Lynnelise -- I need to get to Target and see if they have any for me to work on for next year! Thanks so much for sharing ... it looks SUPER!
Hugs and have a great week --
Betty :)

[Sheila at Halo Hill]

So awesome, Pam! I'm working on Target's version from last year (an aqua church)! Yum.

Happy Holidays!

Sheila

[Véro/bermick]

Very beautiful and a very good idea ;-)
Love this papers!!

[vanya]

This is really beautiful.

[Vickie]

Wow! I love this and such a lovely transformation! Maybe I'll have to try this.

[Andrea S.]

leave it to you Pam! You can cover anything and make it look gorgeous!
Happy Holidays!

[Poetic Dreams]

Beautiful! I'm sure it'll hold many memories for years to come. Hugs~Poe

[Ellen]

You really gave it a face lift...unique and
elegant...love the colors! Everyone is running to Target :D

[Jill Geraghty-Groves]

**sigh** that is soooooo beautiful!
xxJ

[barbara]

I love the way you transformed this into your shabby chic style. Great job! Hubby just said to me yesterday, when dragging out the Christmas stuff, remember when the kids were little and we always had an advent calendar? Why don't we do that anymore?. Why indeed....

[Modern Crush]

Hooray! Tis' the Season! The advent boxes are stunning! This project will go on my list:)

[Mitzi Curi]

I love anything with lots of little drawers or cubbies. Your finished project is absolutely amazing! To me, it looks like it took a looong time to make. So many wonderful details. Thanks for sharing!

[gabrielle]

Love this!!!

[Nathalie Thompson]

I have DREAMT of doing something like this only using different hardware and findings and the doors were all different sizes. Still a dream. :)

Yours is MUCH more do-able! Love it!

[tracy dyar]

I love it! So pretty!

[Perch Home]

I love it! I'll have to remember to look for one of these for next year. Hope all is well!

[Carla]

I love it! My son has been asking for one of these but I've never seen any that fit my decor. Thank you for the wonderful inspiration! We were just at Target earlier tonight and he was playing with one of them. I guess I'll go back tomorrow and get one and start making it mine.