Atonement Advent Calendar

One of my most popular posts is The Last Week of Christ which I did for my oldest son when he was serving in the Ohio Columbus Mission a few years ago.  I wanted to come up with something for Matt which was spiritual as well.  I had a great time researching quotes on the Atonement from our church leaders as I put together this Atonement Advent Calendar.  I think he and his companion will LOVE it and enjoy pondering upon our Savior's Atonement during this Easter season.  Hope so!

Supplies:

Little Bitty treat bags

(mine are 2.75"x 4")

number stickers

washi tape

mini clothes pins

jute, twine or ribbon

2 push pins / thumb tacks

small Easter candy

Atonement quote cards

(see below)

#1

 Number your bags.

#2

Print the quote cards onto white card stock.  Cut out on the dotted lines.  

(click here for cards)

Note: The quotes are in no particular order.  There are 30 of them.  

Use only as many as you need i.e. if Easter falls on the 20th of the month, 

you would only have 20 bags.

#3  

Insert one quote card and two small pieces of candy into each bag - 

one for your missionary and one for their companion.

#4  

Seal bags closed.  

I used some bicycle Washi tape that I found at Staples 

quite some time ago but anything will work.

#5

Using mini clothes pins, attach your bags to jute, twine, ribbon, yarn, etc...

I used some white jute that I found at the craft store.

There you have it!  All done!  So cute...I made 2 sets in blue and one in yellow because I have three missionaries that we mail things to.  They are going to LOVE it!  Don't forget to include a small baggie with two push pins or thumb tacks inside so they can hang their banner in their apartment.

This isn't going to fit in the small Flat Rate box...and the medium size was too big for what I wanted to send so I opted for the 6"x 7" Priority Mail box.  Just ask the postmaster to get one for you.  They are usually behind the counter.  The box is free but it costs a bit more to send because it goes by weight.  If I keep the weight down it should only be $10 to send.  Don't know what I'm going to do when I start mailing packages to my niece in Bolivia...I've got a month to figure it out.  Any ideas?

I made this topper to go on the top of my package along with a little instruction sheet.  Thanks to Nat at www.scrappynat.com for the digital scrapbook embellishments!  She makes adorable scrapbook kits and it was fun to use a couple of her elements to put this together.  You really should check her out!  Happy Easter everyone!

(scrapbook elements used and posted with permission by Scrappy Nat www.scrappynat.com)

Rustic Christmas Advent Calendar

Today's post is courtesy of Marcie - one of my best friends, former mission companion (Macau ROCKS!!), and a missionary mom to Hannah serving in California.  She found these adorable, rustic burlap bag advent calendars at her local craft store, decorated them, and filled them with a scripture reminiscent of the season and a coordinating treat.  They are amazing and her missionary is going to LOVE them.

 

While your local craft store may not have this exact product, you could easily make your own using burlap from the fabric/craft store OR...

...I found these little beauties online from papermart.com
Just string them together with a little jute.  CUTE!!

They measure 3.5"x 5" - which is larger than Marcie's.  On the bright side, now there will be room for double treats in the bag.  One for your missionary and one for their companion.  They are bundled in packages of 24 (Perfect count for an advent calendar!) for $12.  The same product is offered here through Amazon.com only these are bundled in packages of 50 for $16 so if you need to make two advent calendars, this would be perfect.  You probably couldn't buy burlap for that price.

 

Click on the above photo and it will take you right there...

 

Decorate your bags - if desired.

Number your bags - this is really a must...it is after all, an Advent Calendar, right?

Now you get to fill your bags with all sorts of fun things that will help bring a bit of the season into your missionary's life every day leading to Christmas.  Marcie was kind enough to include a list of the ideas that she used.  They are in no particular order but it wouldn't be difficult to put them into a specific order should you choose.  These are all spiritual based and would be a fun addition to their companionship study each morning.  Thanks, Marcie!!

Scripture Countdown: 

John 3:16
(wrapped square chocolate tied with a ribbon to look like a gift)
Doctrine & Covenants 43:34
(pack of Lifesavers - Savior)
Luke 22:44
(red jelly beans - to represent 'blood')
Isaiah 1:18
(white jelly beans - to represent 'purity')
Matthew 2:7-8
(M&M's - to represent W for 'Wisemen')
John 10:14
(candy cane - to represent the 'Good Shepard')
Matthew 2:9
(yellow Starburst candies - to represent the 'star')
Matthew 2:11
(gold candy coins - to represent 'gold, frankincense and myrh')
John 6:35
(animal crackers - to represent the 'bread of life')
John 6:40
(green jelly beans - to represent 'everlasting life')
Doctrine & Covenants 76:41
(cinnamon bear or gummy bears - to represent 'bear our sins')
John 14:27
(Reese's Pieces candy - to represent 'peace')
Doctrine & Covenants 133:22
(Ande's mints - to represent 'mountain')
2 Nephi 26:25
(Bit-o-honey candy - to represent 'honey')
Matthew 26:39
(mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cup candy - to represent 'remove this cup')
Luke 6:21
(mini Snicker's candy bar - to represent 'laughter')
Matthew 4:19
(Swedish Fish - to represent 'fishers of men')
Hymn 201, Joy to the World, sing all verses
(mini Almond Joy candy bar)
Hymn 214, I Heard the Bells, sing all verses
(chocolate covered bell candy)
John 15:1
(licorice pieces - to represent the 'true vine')
Matthew 11:29
(Smartie candy - to represent 'learn of me')
 3 Nephi 11:19
(Hershey's Kiss candy - to represent 'kiss His feet')
Alma 7:12
(sucker - to represent 'succor')
3 Nephi 11:11
(dark chocolate - to represent 'bitter cup')

 Notes:

 

To make tags to insert into your bag, simply cut cardstock into the appropriate size for your bags, punch a hole in one end and attach a ribbon, decorate tag, if desired with stickers, etc., and hand write the scripture reference onto your tag.  You could actually print out the scripture in it's entirety but in my opinion (for what that's worth!), it would be more effective and strengthen the companionship if they looked up the scripture and read it aloud together.  Just a thought...

 

For those small items listed above i.e. jelly beans, M&M's etc., put them into a small reclosable bag (like this, for example available from Amazon or the jewelry department of your local craft shop) or wrap them in plastic wrap so they don't fall out during the mailing process.