Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Advent Calendar

Recently I saw an Advent Calendar

I thought it was super cute - but even with a discount it was a little too pricey for me. 

So I decided to make my own. 


Mine cost me only $2.50.  The secret?  Free paint sticks - the large ones.

 You'll need 7 paint sticks - but grab 8 in case you mess up, like me.

Cut your paint sticks to the following sizes:

2 pieces- 11 1/2"
1 piece- 11"
2 pieces - 8 3/4"
8 pieces- 4 1/4"
13 pieces- 2"


Begin assembly. Attach using glue and a brad nailer.  The top and bottom pieces (11 1/2")  are the length of the box so nail the sides (8 3/4) accordingly. The box should measure 11 1/2 X 9 1/4.


Measure down 4 1/4 from the top on both sides. Mark and insert middle piece (11")


Next is the part that takes some time and patience.  Insert all the 4 1/4 pieces. Each large box opening is 2" x 2" and small openings are 7/8" x 2". I should have took a picture before I added the 2" pieces but at that point I just wanted to finish it.  I placed some of the pieces horizontal and some vertical. Do a dry fit first.  Some of the pieces I couldn't nail on both sides so I just glued both and nailed one side.


(You can see that I missed the wood with the nails in a few places and some pieces are a little crooked)


Next fill the holes, then paint.  I would recommend spray painting. I ran out after one coat so I ended up painting with a foam brush and it was a pain.

Next i'ts time to cut out your boxes. I used my silhouette and bought the 1 drawer box and 2 drawer box online. That's where I spent $2.

I only used the box part and I played around with the size a little bit using plain paper until I got it right.  The boxes are a little deeper than the frame, so they stick out the back a little bit, but it doesn't bother me too much.

I used Christmas paper that I've had for ages.


For the numbers, I used these diy rub-ons I got at a yard sale for $0.50. I just followed the instructions. 


Last but not least, fill each box with a little treat and enjoy counting down the days til Christmas!


You may also like my Charm Advent Christmas Tree.


19 comments :

  1. no way. how cute! can't believe they are paint sticks. awesome secret!
    thanks so much for sharing :)
    {love} lauryn @ lovenotesbylauryn.blogspot.com
    i am having a giveaway over at my blog right now. check it out if you are interested!
    and i'm a new follower! :)

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  2. You are a genius! This looks so cool. I wish I could do this but it looks too hard. Seriously. I can back and craft but cutting wood? Can't do it! I'll have to admire yours. =o) Thanks!

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  3. Oh my this is awesome! Great job. I'd love for you to come share this in my Holiday Tips, Crafts & Recipes http://cafescrapper-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com/2008/12/suzies-holidaze-fudge-ive-been-making.html

    It is awesome! Susie

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  4. This is seriously unbelievable that you used paint sticks, awesome!! Spectacular turn out!

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  5. Thank you so much for sharing this it's amazing! It gives me hope on the advent calendar I really want to make...which will be for next year obviously...this year will be a temporary one! Visiting the The Creative Spark! And now your newest follower!

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  6. SO cute! I'm hosting an advent link party and would love for you to join!
    http://nap-timecreations.blogspot.com/2011/12/december-1st-beginning-of-advent.html

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  7. Great idea to make your own Advent Calendar with boxes! This would be the perfect DIY project for my True Story Advent Calendar. I'm adding it to my post on how to create your own Advent Calendar with boxes!

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  8. these are adorable! I'm here from Baby Berry's link up - new follower! come check out my blog if you want!

    Megan @ www.theburtonsspot.blogspot.com

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  9. That is so ingenius! I really wanted a Silhouette Advent Calendar as well, never would've thought of this, so simple! I'll try my hand at it, and maybe try and make different size cubies. Great job, and thanks for the idea/substitute!

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  10. I broke down and bout the Silhouette's calendar....wish I would have seen this first!

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  11. awesome job! love those big paint sticks! so fun!

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  12. Hi, I am dalys,

    Today I made a post about advent calendars and I am posting your idea with link back to your tutorial, Here is the link
    http://burundanguitas.blogspot.com/2011/12/advent-calendar-ideas.html

    I am also your new follower, hope to see there in my blog and if you choose to become my follower I will appreciate. rgds, dalys

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  13. So adorable!! Great job! Thanks for linking up!

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  14. What a great idea. Thank you for sharing it at Crafty Moms Share!

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  15. this is an amazing tutorial! and such a cute product! thanks so much for linking this up to my tip-toe thru tuesday party last week! it will be featured this week! make sure to grab a featured button when you stop back over!

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  16. too cute! putting this on my 'to do' list for next Christmas. thanks for sharing.
    JoAnn
    www.sweetpepperrose.blogspot.com

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  17. You realize that this is just too cute right? So creative! Thank you so much for sharing on Taking A Timeout Thursday! I hope to see you back this week :)

    -Trish @ Mom On Timeout
    http://www.MomOnTimeout.com

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  18. I love this! One of the best diy advent calendars I've seen. I don't have a silhouette machine, though. I'd have to think of some other way to do the boxes...

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  19. What a fun and creative project!! Thanks for linking up to Tasty Thursdays. This post is being FEATURED this week. The party is live!! Thanks, Nichi

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