This craft idea is by Kristen White from ParentLife magazine.

This cute “friend” — like an Advent calendar in reverse — will help you remember to thank God during this busy month. Use the note paper “patches” on his hat to write down great things that happen, names of people, and other things your family is thankful for. Slide the patches in the open envelope behind that hat. Then, during Thanksgiving, pull out the patches and reflect on all God has done for you this month — and every day of your life.

What You Need

• 6-by-9-inch vertical mailing envelope

• Colored or scrapbook paper in fall shades

• Rickrack or narrow ribbon in fall shades

• 2 large buttons

• Red permanent marker or paint pen

• 3 clothespins

• 3 heavyweight magnets

• Craft glue, glue dots, or hot glue (use adult supervision)

• Scissors

What You Do

• Place the mailing envelope, flap up, on your work surface.

• Cut ribbon or rickrack into 2-inch to 3-inch pieces. You’ll need about 20 pieces.

• Cut a hat out of paper, at least 6 inches wide and 3 inches tall.

• Cut two sleeves out of paper.

• Cut or punch several patches out of paper.

• Glue ribbon or rickrack hair pieces along the flap fold line. Glue the hat along the top edge of the hair and onto the flap.

• Glue straw onto the sleeves, then glue the sleeves onto the side of the envelope.

• Glue buttons for eyes.

• Draw a “stitched” smile.

• Glue magnets onto the back of the clothespins.

• Clip two clothespins on the bottom for legs.

• Clip one clothespin to the hat to hold the paper patches.

Kristen White enjoys making crafts with her four kids and all their friends. Catch some encouragement and a craft or recipe at her website, womenwithroots.com. Also, for more, check out the ParentLife blog.