Surprise Advent Tree

This is an easy project to make (although the cutting takes a little time). It can be used year after year!

Supplies:
A small Christmas tree
25 pieces of cardstock plus a practice piece. (Christmas colors are best)
Ribbon (enough for 25 box ornaments)
Exacto Knife (helpful but not necessary)
Stickers (if desired)

Step 1:
Print out 2 copies of the pattern. (Click HERE) (one for practice and one to trace onto your cardstock)
You can print out the pattern onto your cardstock, it saves the tracing time but doesn't work on foils and other specialty paper.

Step 2
Cut out around the outside of the shape and use Exacto Knife to cut solid lines that are on the inside of the two outer squares.

Step 3: This part is a little difficult to explain (look closely at the picture). Fold the long lines on all 4 sides. There should be folds on all sides of the inside square when you are done

Step 4: Fold the lines on the inside of the corner triangles inward.

Step 5: Fold in the outside squares as well as the rectangles that have the tabs on them.

Step 6: Fold out the 2 rounded tabs.

Step 7: Insert a small gift and close box by putting the two rounded tabs together and placing them through the cuts made with the Exacto knife.


Step 8. Punch a hole through the rounded tabs. Tie ribbon on and decorate. Place numbers up to 25 so your children can open one every day until Christmas. If opened carefully and stored flat, they can be used more then one year. Just fill with new gifts and replace the ribbon.