I have really really really enjoyed myself today. I have made a project I have been longing to do for ages.
I finally decorated my Advent House.
These advent houses have been very popular - they are incredible value at just £5 from Tescos. they are made of wood and very sturdy. But I think they look dreadful in their raw state.
I have now finished one (the girls may have to wait till next advent for theirs as one is enough for today!)
I am not into funky Christmas colours I'm afarid. I am very traditional and to me Christmas is red and gold and green and subtle.
I know exactly what I wanted to do with the house.
It was painted cream first to give me a blank canvas. Thanks go to my ever devoted hubby who did the painting for me in the week so i could have fun this weekend. he really is a star. It was just painted with left over paint from our recent home decorating jobs.
I couldn't find the right paper so bough at digital kit I loved and printed the papers and elements I wanted. A lmost everything came from the same kit - Joy to the World by Kristin Cronin Barrow at Sweet Shoppe Designs. It is a fabulous kit with such rich papers and I fell in love with the angel.
She looks cute with her wings edged in stickles
This is the complete house
I haven't done so much sanding in a long long time ... and the curves and the chipboard swirls were a real pain ... but worth it
I cut loads of scallop strips for the roof, edged in brown ink and stickles which looks like snow (and hardly shows in the pictures)
and ... it is not often I say this .... I am thrilled with what I have created. It took a while to work out how to have the angel fixed on (she is double sided and just HAD to be there)
Thanks for looking and, if you have a spare second, I'd love to know what you think.
Its stuning - have a feeling mine will still be in its wrapper this time next year!!
Posted by: jo | November 28, 2009 at 03:46 PM
Beautiful! You're right - the angel had to go on - she just finishes it off perfectly.
Posted by: Carmen | November 28, 2009 at 04:05 PM
I love it. Exactly to my taste too.
Posted by: Nic | November 28, 2009 at 04:32 PM
I think this is absolutely beautiful and well worth all the time and effort you have lavished on it
Posted by: Lythan | November 28, 2009 at 04:39 PM
It's beautiful.
Posted by: Bernice Hopper | November 28, 2009 at 04:40 PM
As always Karen you have created a beautiful advent calendar. It shows the amount of time you have taken and I'm not surprised that you love it so much.
Posted by: Jackie P | November 28, 2009 at 04:44 PM
FANTASTIC (as always)
Posted by: Jackie S | November 28, 2009 at 05:05 PM
your advent project is fabulous! i have a similar story, only my advent tree project is from starbucks!
well done. i can hardly wait to see your chrismtas journal project...december 1st is only a few sleeps away!
love your blog and your wonderful creativity and inspiration.
donna
london, ontario
canada
Posted by: donna | November 28, 2009 at 05:05 PM
Great project, well done!!!!!!
Posted by: Ruby | November 28, 2009 at 05:17 PM
Absolutely beautiful! I have just started mine - I find it quite daunting at the moment!Thank you for sharing this beautiful creation!
Posted by: Lynda Rutherford | November 28, 2009 at 05:27 PM
What a stunning transformation, its just fantastic, think I might have a go myself; you have got me in the festive mood!
Posted by: mary | November 28, 2009 at 06:28 PM
I love it. I've not seen them in Tescos here, but our store isn't very big. I love the colours you've used.
Posted by: Sue | November 28, 2009 at 06:32 PM
Wow!That's the most stunning thing I have seen in a long time! You must have soooo much patience!
Posted by: Pat | November 28, 2009 at 06:54 PM
I think its stunning!! I love your paper choices and it was worth the sanding, the details are perfect :D
Posted by: Heather | November 28, 2009 at 07:21 PM
Gorgeous you must feel really pleased with the result
Posted by: Jackey | November 28, 2009 at 07:31 PM
Oh wow! A 500% improvement on the Tesco's effort! It is absolutely lovely. No wonder you feel pleased with yourself. Well Done!
Posted by: Lizzie | November 28, 2009 at 07:36 PM
This is absolutely stunning......just so gorgeous.....and I love the colours and papers you've used......a family heirloom in the making.
Posted by: Jacky Scales | November 28, 2009 at 08:13 PM
Oh Karen! This is truly stunning Hun, its just perfect, you should be absolutely thrilled to bits with it. I am sure this is the best one I have seen....gorgeous.
Anita..xxx
Posted by: Anita M | November 28, 2009 at 08:16 PM
Fantastic as always Karen. Still trying to find one to do myself. I think I have been in every tesco in the north of england.
Posted by: Shellyj | November 28, 2009 at 08:30 PM
It's lovely, Karen. You've done a great job. It looks soooo much nicer than it did on the shelf in Tesco!!!!
Posted by: Julie | November 28, 2009 at 08:46 PM
wow what a transformation - it looks beautiful and has a real traditional christmas feel. I've seen them advertised but had never imagined how good they could look when given a work over
Posted by: helena | November 28, 2009 at 09:07 PM
Absolutely brilliant - you are so talented :)
Posted by: Becky | November 28, 2009 at 09:31 PM
It is really beautiful and repays all the hard work you have put into it. I never would have guessed how naff it started out! Congratulations!
Posted by: Debby | November 28, 2009 at 10:00 PM
*Paula whispers* The original one is not that hideous. *blush*
Love your version, the angel is just perfect for it. :)
Posted by: Paula - Buenos Aires | November 28, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Oh my! What a fabulous job you've done, absolutely gorgeous!!
Posted by: mandy | November 28, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Stunning! A trillion times better.
Posted by: hsmema | November 29, 2009 at 07:59 AM
Wow, that is beautiful...can't wait to see what you do with the other one.
Toni :o)
Posted by: Toni | November 29, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Beautiful Karen. I have a couple here waiting to be altered, never thought of going digital.
Debbie x
Posted by: Debbie Roberts | November 29, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I'm not traditional when it comes to Christmas colours, but I have to admit your version is much, much better than the original and will stand the test of time. Beautiful job.
Posted by: Amanda | November 29, 2009 at 12:00 PM
I love this so much!! The scalloped roof is a better idea. I cut out about 50 circles for my roof and stuck them all on which was a little time consuming! (Im extremely impatient)
I saw your post on UKS. Well done for creating such a lovely piece of work. Linda (Stinky-pearl @ uks)
Posted by: linda_simonelsr@yahoo.co.uk | November 29, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Absolutely gorgeous Karen, xx
Posted by: karen Butfield | November 29, 2009 at 03:08 PM
Absolutely GORGEOUS!!! Just love it!
Posted by: Sara | November 29, 2009 at 04:40 PM
Fab Fab project, understated perfection xxx
Posted by: Nikki | November 30, 2009 at 08:02 PM
the transformation is phenomenal! What patience you must have to sit with that all day. Great job!
Posted by: Cheri | November 30, 2009 at 10:49 PM