How to Make an Advent Calendar

Advent calendars were created to count down the days leading to Christmas. Modern Advent calendars can be everything from simple paperboard structures with numbered windows showing pictures inside to cloth wall hangings with pockets that hold toys, ornaments or candy.

The key components of an Advent Calendar are the doors and what they hide. The number of doors can be customized to count down from the beginning of December (24), increased to include Christmas Day (25) or to begin counting down from Thanksgiving (which will vary depending on the date). Similar calendars can be made as countdowns to other significant events such as birthdays, anniversaries or even the end of the school year.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plain paper
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Chipboard, 2 pieces
• Grommets (2) and setter
• 15 inches of string, ribbon or wire
• Adhesive foam sheets
• Decorative papers
• Craft knife
• Items to be included in the calendar
• Pens, buttons, beads and other decorative items

1. 
   Always start with a plan.

   Sketch out your proposed design. You can use a linear grid arrangement or a more random scattering if space allows, whatever suits your needs. If you have a patterned paper with a particular design you may decide to align your doors with portions of the scene.

2. 
   Adding the hanger at the beginning means you don't have to work around the finished piece at the end.

   Attach the hanger to the back piece of chipboard. Punch 2 holes, 4 inches apart and ½ inch from the top edge. Set a grommet or eyelet in each. Tie one end of your ribbon, string or wire to each hole.

3. 
   A craft knife will make short work of the detailed cutting required here.

   Divide the number of spaces needed among your available space and cut the doors in the other piece of chipboard and the adhesive foam sheet.
   Cutting the chipboard first will allow you to use it as a pattern for the foam and further steps. Mark the front and back of the chipboard, especially if you use a non-linear format.

4. 
   Opening the doors out and then pushing them in will make them open easier.

   On the back of your decorative paper, trace the spaces from the chipboard and cut 3 sides open to create doors. Doors can open from the traditional right to left or pull down or lift up depending on your preference and the size of your door.

5. 
   The bracelet and charms fit just fine but that bell means you need at least one more layer of foam.

   Assemble the base of your calendar. Place the uncut sheet of chipboard on the bottom, the foam sheet in the middle and the cut sheet of chipboard on top. Place any 3-dimensional items to be included behind the doors into their spots to make sure the calendar is deep enough. If not, cut an extra piece of foam to put between the pieces of chipboard. Once you've made sure everything will fit, glue the layers together.

6. 
   Because the charm bracelet that is behind the doors is a bit retro, I used the same idea when decorating the cover.

   Decorate the top of the calendar. If you plan to place anything on the doors, such as buttons or beads for door handles, attach them now before affixing the doors to the top of your calendar. Make sure to add numbers either on, above or next to the doors so the recipient opens them in a particular order.

7. 
   Here it is, ready to go for December 1st!

   Attach the top to the base and fill the spaces behind the doors. Once the glue dries it is ready to be hung on the wall and the countdown can begin!

Tips & Warnings

• A layer of decorative paper behind the foam sheets makes a nice background for your enclosures.

[WriterGig]

on 11/28/2007 Wow, this is awesome! The pictures really help to show how it's done. Thanks for a great idea. We bought our Advent calendar last year, but it would be fun to make one.