feeling crafty

I don't often get to be crafty in China. While I really enjoy making and creating things, there is just not the availability of resources. No Hobby Lobby or Michael's just down the street. I think that is why I have taken up crocheting. Gives me a way to be creative and crafty.

But this week, I was thinking about making a new advent calendar. As I searched online I found this site with these really fun magnetic boxes that make a calendar on the refrigerator. I was then determined to find something that could be used in place of these boxes. I searched in the little local neighborhood shops and looked at Tesco to no avail. I then got the great idea to check on 淘宝 (www.taobao.com). It is kind of like the eBay of China. Great deals from various sellers all over China. Though I am sorry to say you can't check it, because it is not accessible unless you are in the mainland. Upon looking, I found the exact box that I was looking for. The only downside is that it is all Chinese. While I can understand most of I need, I am unable to order. One of the women at Andy's office orders it for me and amazingly it was delivered the next day.

I started with the metal boxes.

And then made circles that fit inside the bottom of each one numbered from 1 to 25.

 And then joy-of-joys, I got to use tacky glue. Adhere a magnet to the lid. Fill the inside with a goodie for each day.

Voila a fun and unique advent calendar.

Ours is currently residing on our fridge.

At first I was unsure if I wanted the kids to have a sweet or special treat each day. We really try to limit the sweets they eat. But I read something that stuck with me about how advent is about counting down and anticipating. The kids look forward and anticipate that small special yummy each day in the box. Just like we each need to eagerly await the coming of Christmas. Eagerly look forward to our Saviour's birth.