Advent Preview--Purchasing Information

A couple of weeks ago, I purchased this package of 24 three quarter inch blocks at the craft store, not exactly sure what to do with them, but feeling they might form the basis for a simple and inexpensive Advent craft or activity. I am planning on posting some detailed plans for these blocks over at "O Night Divine" within a day or two, but thought some of you earlybirds might like to know about them in advance.

I spoke to a helpful woman at Lara's Crafts, the manufacturer of the blocks, and she told me they are being discontinued (though there are about 1000 left in stock--call the manufacturer directly to order: 800-232-5252, item number V10182). Otherwise, you could use the 3/4 inch wood cubes available in a 28 pack from Factory Direct Craft Supply for $2.99.

One inch blocks would work just as well (and perhaps better), but they come in packages of 15, so you would need to purchase two at $2.99 each.

[Bottom Line: I would probably go with Factory Direct Craft as opposed to Lara's Crafts because it seems like the purchasing process would be easier.]

Please note, there is a label on the back of the Lara's Crafts 3/4 inch blocks saying, "Warning: This is not a toy. Not for children under the age of 8." The idea I have is for an activity though, so your young children could be supervised while you use the blocks in their presence and kept out of reach when not in use. It is important to avoid any choking risk.

Don't you love people who try to get you to buy things without telling you what they are for? : )
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Speaking of "O Night Divine," don't miss Gwen's helpful post, "Giving the Organized Christmas."

Comments

[elizabeth]

I love the way you go from sublime meditations on the meaning of marriage to negotiations with craft suppliers!

[Jennifer]

I can't wait to see what you are planning to do with them!

[Jenn Miller]

Alice, you have more ways to entice me to spend money than anyone else.

Without revealing all, would you let me know what age range this would for? Would your ds do this? Younger than ds?

[Meredith]

Ooh, I can just see, and Advent Block calendar for my littles!! Can't wait for your plans....

[Heather - New York]

Okay, I've purchased my blocks and now I'm going to try to wait patiently (not one of my fortes):)

[Alice Gunther]

LOL! As I re-read my own post, it seems like such overkill telling you to buy these blocks in advance! It is just that I know how frustrating it can be to hear about a craft with very little time and have trouble finding the supplies. When I heard the blocks were being discontinued, it spurred me to write!

Heather, thank you for buying without having seen the project!

Oh, and Jenn, this is an activity for all age ranges (but keep the blocks away from little ones who may choke).

[Theresa]

Alice, you are such a tease!

[KC]

Will you post this soon? My homeschool group is doing an Advent craft day this coming Friday. This sounds so doable (based on the supply list).

[Alice Gunther]

KC, I am planning on posting tomorrow (Sunday, November 12th). I do not know that this would make a good craft for a homeschool group, because it is more of an activity to do throughout Advent, than a craft. Sorry to be so mysterious--I really do not mean to be, but it is hard to explain without a whole post.

[Suzanne]

I just read the post at O Night Divine, and really like how it's really quite simple, yet encompasses many "projects" / aspects, etc. of Advent....Jesse Tree, Penitential tone, saints, treats, O Antiphons, etc. it's wonderful! And, it can be adapted for diff't ages. Especially like the drawing idea....& saving them throughout the years. Thank you!