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Writer's pictureSidewalk Pirate

The weekend in paper.

When my kids were little, I would occasionally craft advent calendars for them, when we could not get our hands on one from Trader Joe's (those things sell out faster than donuts at a stoner festival šŸ˜³)


Four years ago, on a whim, I made one for each person in my family (except my oldest son, he lives in Germany and I wasn't going to ship it.)

This meant I origami folded 120 pyramid boxes. I filled them with half price candy from the after Halloween sales lol and 4 tea bags each for Sunday-slow-down-a-bit-time.

It was a total hit. Everyone loved them and asked if I could do it again the next year.

So I guess we sort of started a tradition.

Last year I hand stamped baggies I sewed of recycled paper with hand carved stamps. That took several months to get done.


This year, I opted for simple book page baggies. I glued them, rather than sewing, because my sewing machines are out of order. I got three sets done in one day! Start to finish! That's a new record!


Stack of handmade book page baggies. 3 sets of 24 one has a few bags already tied with some fabric ties. On top sits a string nest of sorts decorated with paper stars.

Each baggie got a paper punch star with a handwritten number on it. (Usually I don't number them, so I thought this was a nice change.)

I punched a hole in the top and will close them with fabric ribbons in everybody's favourite colour.

The string nest is on the left side, with the three sets of book page baggies in the middle. On the right side is another book page baggies with star shapes punched out on top. Small star shapes are scattered around.


I also made a paper star Garland. Well. At first I thought I make a Garland, but turns out I love the nest shape, so it's now a paper star nest. I intend on getting some of those tiny wire fairy lights and entwine them with the Garland.

I may have to make a few more miles of it.


String nest with star shapes

It's super simple really. I have a 1 inch star paper punch. Punch out as many stars and you can stand and simply glue them to a bit of string. I *think* I got mine at the dollar store in the garden isle, but honestly, I have had it for a while. So no telling where it came from.

I used regular shool glue to stick the shapes on, but I think a drop of hot glue might be better actually.


Since I had still had stars leftover. I decided to punch holes in the middle, because I think they might look cute strung on the ribbon on presents. (I use twine to tie up presents usually, so the small stars and regular hole punch size holes fit, but you can always supersize it.)


The string nest is on the left, an open book page baggies in on the right and star shapes made from. Book pages are scattered in front

Are you already preparing for the holidays?


Do you make your own decorations?


When do you start decorating?

Traditionally in my family (where I grew up) we didn't set the tree up until the 24th and kept it until January 7th. My husband used to set his up on Thanksgiving. For both of us, we sort of opted for some time in December.

I love the decor, but I hate having the tree around for too long. I usually take it down the week between Solstice and New Year's.

Last year we bought a Norfolk Pine in a bucket as our Solstice tree. It was just about 15 inches. This year it is already a bit taller lol. Right now we are trying to decide if we add a big tree, or if we stick with just the 20 inch Norfolk Pine... I will keep you posted.


xo ā¤


B.šŸ



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