Reindeer Ornament Advent Calendar

I was sent the pattern in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own, and it’s AMAZING!  may contain affiliate links

Now hear me out – today I’m going to plead the case as to why you need to start NOW on your Christmas advent calendar.  Isn’t this the cutest advent calendar you’ve ever seen?!  It’s from The Sugar House Shop and I love it!!!  Today I’m talking all about the Reindeer Ornament Advent Calendar.  I just finished up this week!

I cannot believe how cute this is! Let me tell you, it feels SO GOOD having it done  – no rush during the last-minute holidays…. it’ll be ready to go when Christmas rolls around!

I want to touch base on a few things: the pattern, timing, crafting it as a group, and the giveaway!

It’s so cute – whether the ornaments are on or off!

THE PATTERN

You can purchase the pattern from The Sugar House Shop on Etsy.  Hands down, this is the prettiest PDF pattern ever.  It is SO well done – seriously perfection.  It is super detailed about how to make everything, how long it will take, what supplies to buy, where to buy the supplies, on and on.  It makes sure that even a beginner can tackle this project!

And of course it includes all the pattern pieces, INCLUDING the numbers and an amazing way to transfer them onto felt which I had never used before (and am now hooked on!)

TIMING

I know, it’s January.  And you’re probably not thinking Christmas Crafts.  But wouldn’t it be nice to work on this project leisurely throughout the year, instead of frantically trying to get it done during the last week of November (ask me how I know…. 😉  )   I think it is a PERFECT project for right now – as you’re snuggled up on a snowy day, watching snow and handstitching while sipping hot chocolate.  And then work on it throughout the year – it’s a perfect grab-and-go project, so it’ll be what you reach for as you’re watching basketball practices or on long car drives and vacations.  This video sums it up:

If you’ll notice, each ornament is decked out in awesome sequins, which I love, but it does take some time to get them all sewn on.  So go ahead and start now 😉

CRAFT CLUB

I tackled this project with friends, and it was SO FUN to have a support group.  We would help and encourage each other, such as “ok, everyone should have 3 ornaments done by the end of the week”, or “how did you assemble the pockets”, or “look how far I got on my advent calendar yesterday!” – it was just was fun to be crafting along with one another.  Now keep in mind, it’s of course great to create together, but in supporting small businesses it is always fair that everyone purchases their own pattern.   The awesome thing is that if you are planning to get together with some friends to make your advent calendars,  The Sugar House Shop offers discount codes for groups- just contact them via etsy!

The pattern calls for beads, but I debated on whether to substitute these cute mini ornaments on the antlers – so of course I turned to my craft club and they liked the idea, so I went for it!  I love crafting with friends!