Advent Day 5: Santa's Toy Shop and no glue, no staples paper garland

Book: Santa's Toy Shop by Al Dempster
Activity:  No Glue, No Staples Paper Garland

Santa never gets to play with the toys anymore because he's so busy getting everything ready for all the good children in the world.  Mrs. Claus, that clever lady, comes up with a solution for even Santa to have a memorable Christmas Eve.  Great vintage Disney illustrations make this a charming little story for parents and kids.

Activity: No Glue, No Staples Paper Garland

Supplies:
•scissors
•paper (can be anything you have on hand, even newspaper would be cool)
•pattern

Once you do a few of these you don't need to use the template if you don't want to.  They are easy to free-hand cut and a little variation adds to the charm.  Try some of your own designs too - it's fun!

Step 1:  print out the pattern

Step 2:  you can fold your own ½ sheet of copy/construction paper or you can cut the pattern from the printout and fold that one

Step 3:  fold according to the instructions above and on pattern

Step 4:  if you folded your own paper, cut out the chain template and trace along folds on your paper

Step 5:  cut out the chain link

Step 6:  do this several times so you can hook them together

Step 7:  open one chain and slip the circle part through the doubled circle part of another chain;  keep looping together until it's as long as you want

Comments

[Aimee]

Okay, I really wanted to find this book and the library didn't have it. Tonight I was at an antique mall and when I went up to the counter to check out, there was the book in the glass counter!! I couldn't believe it! Only $1.50 :)

[Jocelyn]

This garland is so cool! I am going to have to make this!

Our Day 5 Book/activity is this:

http://beinglds.blogspot.com/2009/12/why-christmas-trees-arent.html

[Kaarina]

so great- cuz you can't always find the glue, or stapler! very cool modern pattern too...

[Miri]

i love this, i will try that with my daughter! :)

[Jessica]

Fantastic! Can't wait to try them with my daughter. Thank you.

[jonipossin]

I used to read that book to my daughters back in the 70's. Very nostalgic... thanks!

Joni

[Michelle]

Thanks, Cassi. I'm really enjoying this series.

[teresa (maggiegracecreates)]

We made soemthing similar last Valentines day in my ss class only I cut them out as hearts. Love this - I teach three and four year old Sunday School so these have been wonderful craft to add to my idea file.

Have a glorious holiday season

[clarice]

Oh what a smart idea. I love this. It is fun to see you posting every day xoxoxo Clarice

[Elizabeth]

I found you through SouleMama. Thank you so much for all the lovely books and craft ideas!!

[jenny b harris]

Brilliant! Are grownups allowed to make these, too? ;o)

[Siri]

Oh, I think I saw something like this in an old children's craft book from the 70's. Thank you so much for sharing these! Can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeve. Quite an undertaking, this advent "calendar". Hope you're enjoying it, too!

[Amber]

Yes, it is a great pattern! We'll make some this weekend...

[Mary Ellen]

Really clever! I'll enjoy this pattern with my students!