This Advent calendar craft is a fantastic way to use up a variety of Christmas gift wrap scraps. Make the envelope bunting and fill each pocket with the materials to make a Moravian star. Or, fill them with small treats such as novelty erasers, tiny puzzles and wrapped candies.

Envelope bunting
You need:
• 24 envelopes
• Gift wrap or scrapbook paper
• 24 self-adhesive hook-and-loop dots (1 cm/1/2nch in diameter)
• Number stickers (1 to 24)
• Ribbon
• Pencil and scissors
• Glue stick

Take a look at a larger image of a finished Advent calendar.

Make a chic Advent calendar
1. With pencil, lightly trace shape of 1 envelope flap on printed side of gift wrap.

2. With scissors, cut out traced shape. Apply glue to back of traced shape; carefully affix to envelope flap.

3. Affix hook-and-loop dots to envelope and underside of envelope flap.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 for remaining envelopes. With stickers, number each envelope flap.

5. Insert 1 set of paper strips and 1 piece of embroidery floss, or other treats, into each envelope.

6. Place envelopes on work surface, in order, with flaps open. Place ribbon under each envelope flap; seal envelopes.

Looking for more fun DIY crafts? Find out how you can make your own festive snowglobes.

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This story was originally titled "Stars of Wonder" in the December 2012 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!