Advent Calendars
Since 2019, XO has done their signature Marshmallow Advent Calendar. From the die line creation to the additional treatments for a little more flair, I was able to be a part of every bit of the process. This project, year after year, has allowed me to experiment with a variety of printing processes including foil, spot gloss, and embossing. The theme changes each year but every design is a part of the broader collection of advents. Here are my top 3 favorite designs.
2024 Ribbon Advent Calendar
The rose gold ribbon calendar is among my top favorite designs purely based on aesthetics. The simple color pallet with the rose gold foil feels elevated and classy. I really enjoy the ribbon-wrapping marshmallows on the inside (especially the one being squeezed by the ribbon).
2022 Cozy Wonderland Advent
This advent won awards at both the regional and national level:
• Award of Excellence for innovation at the Paperboard
Packaging Council Competition in California in 2023
• Best in Division (Specialty Inks or coatings) by the Great
Lakes Graphics Association
• 2023 “ The Gutenberg”: Best in Digital Packaging/ Folded
Carton by the Great Lakes Graphics Association.
This was my first time doing an embossed piece and I loved the result. The idea was the embossed snowflake design on the front was meant to emulate frosting— not unlike the frosting to decorate a cookie. We took the theme and ran with it, but made sure to add some rainbow flair and some tips on making the “perfect gingerbread person” utilizing your advent marshmallows.
Embossed Piped Frosting Design
Halloween Advent Calendars
XO tested the waters for two years with 13 day Halloween Marshmallow Advents. While they were ultimately discontinued, the projects were still impactful for me. I was able to work with a more limited dieline and tell a different visual narrative with each design.
