A Season of Surprises: Four Advent Calendars That Made My Christmas Magical

This past holiday season was filled with joy, creativity, and a little bit of daily magic thanks to three incredible advent calendars from three EVEN MORE incredible friends (I am extremely blessed and that is not lost on me - I am so very grateful!) … and one additional calendar curated by a fellow Benzie Design Maker Team member. Each one brought its own unique charm and made December feel extra special. I’m so grateful for these thoughtful gifts and the inspiration they sparked for the year ahead!

Jenny’s Countdown to Christmas Box 2025 – Missouri Star Quilt Company

Every day felt like opening a tiny treasure chest! From quilting notions to fabric surprises, this box was a dream for any sewing/stitching enthusiast. It kept my creative energy flowing and gave me plenty of ideas, tools and supplies for future projects. I am still in complete AWE of this gift and have to pinch myself to make sure I didn't dream it!

Day 1: Snow Globe Winter Journey - panel and instructions

Day 2: 28mm Rotary Cutter

Day 3: Mix & Match 5” Charm Pack

Day 4: Dog & Cat Mug Rug Patterns and Templates

Day 5: Gray Coffee Mug

Day 6: Letter Templates & Pillow Pattern

Day 7: Fabric & Appliqué Storage Binder

Day 8: Scrappy Celebrations Wrapping Paper

Day 9: Bias Tape Tool Kit and Instructions

Day 10: Charcuterie Quilt Board

Day 11: Premium Woven Labels

Day 12: Sewing Tool Organizer

Day 13: Snappy Pouch Pattern and Slap Bracelets

Day 14: MSQC Quilt Block Ornaments to Match Mugs

Day 15: Spool Huggers/Bobbin Clips in Tin

Day 16: Magnetic Slap Bracelet and Cat Pin Magnet

Day 17: Missouri Star LED Light String

Day 18: Puzzle Quilt Pattern and 400 Piece Quilt Puzzle

Day 19: Mini Ingrid’s Wildflower Embroidery Kit

Day 20: Fabric Panel

Day 21: Simple Quilty Shoulder Bag and Hardware

Day 22: Christmas Mystery book and Chuck Bookmark

Day 23: Notebook and Journal Cover Pattern

Day 24: Handmade Straw Basket from Africa

Day 25: Wooden Spinning Tool Caddy

 

Vahdam 24 Teas of Christmas Advent Calendar

Because creativity pairs perfectly with a warm cup of tea! This calendar introduced me to delightful blends that made my crafting sessions even cozier. A sip of chai while stitching? Yes, please! Only thing that would have made it more perfect was to be able to share a cup of tea (every single day!) with the sender. This is an incredible gift box and will continue throughout the year, as each day contained multiple cups of tea. 

A Specially Curated Box of 25 "Perfect for Me" Christmas Gifts

This one truly touched my heart—a dear friend handpicked (and wrapped!) 25+ creative surprises just for me. From tiny tools to whimsical embellishments and cross stitched treasures, every gift reminded me how much joy there is in thoughtful details. This was such a fun idea and made me smile each and every day! I can't believe someone would go to all this fuss for me...

1. Thread Hopper
2. Lotion Bar
3. Puntini Puntini Pins and Stickers
4. Lori Holt Pretty Pins
5. Socks
6. Thread Picker
7. The Stitching Tree Pattern by Kathy Schmitz
8. Soy Wax Thread Conditioners
9. Note Cards (Stationery)
10. Clover Mini Wonder Clips
11. The Festive Farm Co. Elephant Ornament
12. Tapestry Needles
13. Sewing Machine Scissor Fob/Zipper Pull
14. Mini Notepad
15. Lindt Lindor Holiday Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Candy Truffles
16. Just Another Button Company Pins and Stickers
17. Quilt Pendant by Julie Letvin of Me & My Stitches
18. Crochet Lip Balm Holder with Lip Balm
19. Stitchers Best Friend
20. Wooden Thread Bobbin and Floss Brush
21. Puntini Puntini Pins and Sticker
22. Post-it Notes and Sticker
23. Nest (June) Pattern by Kathy Schmitz
24. Squirrel Floss Ring by Handcrafted by Harvey
25. Cross Stitch Ornaments, Squirrel Ornament, Squirrel Calendar

Fiber Mixology Advent Calendar – ByKellyJo on Etsy

Kelly is one of my fellow Benzie Design Maker Team members and she designs incredible modern embroidery patterns. This one was pure fiber heaven! Each day revealed a new project or kit or fiber treat, perfect for cozy winter crafting. It was like a daily invitation to slow down and savor the art of making. I had to share this as it was Kelly's first year curating this very special advent calendar for her Etsy Shop...and she still has a few available at the time of this posting. The projects contain everything you need to get started stitching right away - perfect for any needleworker!

Grateful and Excited for What’s Next

These advent calendars weren’t just gifts—they were sparks of inspiration. They reminded me that creativity thrives in small, joyful moments. As we step into 2026, I’m excited to turn this inspiration into new projects, fresh ideas, and plenty of crafting fun.

Thank you to everyone who made this season so very special. While I don't always feel worthy of such generosity, my heart is extremely full. Here’s to a year filled with creativity, gratitude, and endless possibilities!

Wrapping Up 2025: A Year of Creativity and Collaboration

As we close the chapter on 2025 and welcome the new year, I can’t help but smile at all the incredible projects that came to life this past year. Working with Poppie Cotton, Benzie Design, and Therm O Web has been nothing short of inspiring. Each collaboration brought its own unique flair—whether it was cozy cotton prints, vibrant felt textures, or innovative interfacing and adhesives, these brands helped turn my ideas into tangible works of art and a plethora of project tutorials. I also released new cross stitch and quilting patterns, created Etsy items, made almost all my gifts throughout the year, and managed to fit in some needlework finishing and custom projects! Here is a quick look back...

Therm O Web Project Tutorials

Visit my Therm O Web Tutorials Page (link under my profile) for a direct link to each tutorial. 

💕January: Jar of Hearts Valentine Card

☘️February: Lucky Charm Mini Quilt

🐰March: Mr. and Mrs. Cottontail Snack Mats

🧵April: Floss Folio

🌞May: Sunny Sunglass Case

🇺🇸June: Sparkle Bouquet Banner

☃️July: Cross Stitch Ornament Tags

🐦‍⬛August: Wish and Wonder Wall Organizer

🌻September: Sunflower Pinkeep

🍁October: Fall Napkin Rings

🎄November: Merry Maker Needle Books

🎁December: Nifty No Sew Gift Bags

Benzie Design Project Tutorials 

Visit my Benzie Design Maker Team Tutorials Page (link under my profile) for a direct link to each tutorial.

🍉Scissor Sheath and Fob

🎄Cross Stitch Ornament Tags

🌼Flower Pinkeep

🎃Halloween Treat Bags

❄️Winter Mug Rug

Poppie Cotton Fabric Tours and Projects

Visit my Poppie Cotton Fabric Tours Page (link under my profile) for a direct link to each tutorial.

🧵January – Serenity Blooms by Ginger Deverell 

🪡February – Wildwood Dwellings by Sheri McCulley

✂️March – Stolen Moments by Lori Woods

🧵May – Elise by Terri Henson

🪡June – Frost and Flurry by Sheri McCulley

✂️July – Rosy Cheeks by Lori Woods

🧵August – Granny’s Sewing Room by Sheri McCulley

🪡August – Lakeland Blues by Samantha Walker

✂️September – Flower Market by Elea Lutz

🧵October – Unicorn Dreams by Ginger Deverell

🪡November – Farmhouse Fancy by Elea Lutz

✂️December (Holiday Post) – Rosy Cheeks by Lori Woods

If you loved what I did in 2025, get ready—2026 is shaping up to be even more exciting! I’ve got fresh ideas brewing, new collaborations on the horizon, and plenty of creative surprises planned. Think bold designs, innovative techniques, and projects that will make your crafting heart sing. Look for my first tutorial of the year on January 13th (think Valentine's Day!).

Thank you for being part of this journey! Here’s to more making, more sharing, and more joy in 2026. Stay tuned—I can’t wait to show you what’s next.

Twinkling Lights and a Warm Heart

✨Merry Christmas, friends!

Today, my heart is full of gratitude and joy as we celebrate this beautiful Christmas Day. Thank you to each and every one of you who continue to join me on my creative journey—your support and readership mean the world. This season reminds us of the warmth of community, the magic of lights, and the simple joy of sharing moments together.

I had the chance to experience two incredible holiday light displays in Kansas City on Christmas Eve:

• Sar Ko Aglow in Lenexa, KS
• Glolathe at Stagecoach Park in Olathe, KS

Both were nothing short of spectacular! Twinkling lights wrapped around trees, glowing pathways, and vibrant colors turned these parks into winter wonderlands. The photos I’ve shared capture just a glimpse of the festive spirit that filled the air.

As we close out the year, I want to send you all cheer, peace, and happiness. May your day be filled with laughter, love, and the sparkle of holiday lights. Here’s to creating beautiful memories and embracing the joy that this season brings.

Thank you for being part of my community—I’m truly grateful for you.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!✨

Holiday Magic in Kansas City: Tinsel & ’Tinis and the Crown Center Lights

Greetings friends! I’m back with another holiday post – and this one is all about our last Saturday outing before Christmas. This past weekend, we headed downtown to Kansas City’s iconic Union Station for Holiday Reflections, and this year (once again) we scored the coveted Tinsel & ’Tinis tickets! These adults-only passes sell out quickly, and it's understandable – it was pure holiday magic.

The evening was filled with festive entertainment: Santa made an appearance, carolers strolled through the halls, live musicians played seasonal favorites, and a DJ kept the energy high. The pop-up cocktail bar was the star of the night, serving up themed, creative holiday craft cocktails. My favorite? The Peppermint Twistini – as delicious as it sounds! Russell Stover sweetened the night with complimentary hot cocoa kits and assorted chocolates, which added an extra cozy touch.

The atmosphere was enchanting. Union Station was decked out in dazzling lights, whimsical animatronics, model trains, and plenty of photo-worthy spots. We wandered through the holiday village, sipping cocktails and soaking in the sights while live music played in the background. It truly felt like stepping into a winter wonderland.

After our Tinsel and 'Tinis adventure, we walked through the skywalk to Crown Center, home to Hallmark’s headquarters, and enjoyed the Hallmark Christmas Experience. Late at night, the holiday market was mostly closed, but the ice skating rink was still open, and we got a spectacular view of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree. All of Crown Center was glowing with festive lights, adding even more magic to the evening.

Tonight, on Christmas Eve, we’ll keep our yearly tradition alive with a late-night reservation at The Cheesecake Factory in the Plaza. For over 100 years, Country Club Plaza has been a historic open-air shopping and dining destination in the heart of Kansas City. Each holiday season, the Plaza transforms into a breathtaking spectacle: 15 blocks of Spanish-inspired architecture illuminated by thousands of jewel-colored lights, highlighting every dome, tower, and window. It’s truly a sight to behold!

After enjoying appetizers and a festive cocktail, we’ll stroll through the Plaza lights and then drive down Ward Parkway and other neighborhoods known for their spectacular displays. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the holiday season in Kansas City.

As we soak in the glow and warmth of Kansas City’s holiday spirit, I’m reminded of how these traditions make the season so special. Whether you’re sipping cocoa by the tree, sharing laughter with loved ones, or simply enjoying the sparkle of twinkling lights, may your Christmas Eve be filled with joy, peace, and a little extra magic. Cheers to a beautiful holiday and a bright New Year ahead!