An advent calendar is a classic Christmas project. Typically, they contain 24 numbered doors and beginning on December 1st, you open door #24 and get a small treat or gift. When you get to #1, it will be Christmas Eve, one day before the holiday.
There are many different ways to make an advent calendar. For an absolutely stunning version, check out the one our friend Marc (The Wood Whisperer) made last year. Even Marc struggled with a system to make 24 doors, something I don't think I'd have the patience for. Plus, well, my woodworking skills just aren't that good!
So after thinking about it for a long time, I came up with a very simple advent calendar that you should be able to make in a day. No doors! It does include all the interactive elements an advent calendar needs: a numbered system to count down days, and a place for a treat each day. I used Hershey's Kisses in mine because they fit nicely into the holes. Quarters might be another good idea: in 24 days, you'd have six dollars!
This is also a good project to get the family involved. My wife and son had a lot of fun painting all the ornaments.
Well Steve I messup and let my wife see your video and now I have to make one. I love your design, no doors! Nice use of a beer cap too. What thickness of mdf did you use? Bill Akins
VERY COOL STEVE GONNA MAKE ONE FOR MY DAUGHTER TO USE WITH MY YOUNGEST GRANDDAUGHTER. ONE QUESTION WHAT DID YOU USE ON TEMPLATE TO GLUE IT TO THE MDF? IT CAME OFF SO NICELY AND EASILY IT APPEARS. THANX TOMMYJOE BILOXI MS
Early you talked about the glue you used for the paper template "zobook" What is the brand name, What kind of glue is it. Where can I find it. Enjoy your work, Keep it up.
This looks like a great project to involve my wife and kids. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat did the fam use to finish the ornaments?
ReplyDeleteVery nice job, too!
I love the simplicity and functionality of this project.
ReplyDeleteThey painted the ornaments with acrylic craft paint and then I just spray lacquered them to make them glossy.
ReplyDeleteWell Steve I messup and let my wife see your video and now I have to make one. I love your design, no doors! Nice use of a beer cap too. What thickness of mdf did you use?
ReplyDeleteBill Akins
It's 1/2" mdf.
ReplyDeleteGreat project, and I like that beer cap tracer too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve.
VERY COOL STEVE GONNA MAKE ONE FOR MY DAUGHTER TO USE WITH MY YOUNGEST GRANDDAUGHTER. ONE QUESTION WHAT DID YOU USE ON TEMPLATE TO GLUE IT TO THE MDF? IT CAME OFF SO NICELY AND EASILY IT APPEARS.
ReplyDeleteTHANX TOMMYJOE BILOXI MS
Very cool. I think its time you got syndicated! LOL
ReplyDeleteEarly you talked about the glue you used for the paper template "zobook"
ReplyDeleteWhat is the brand name, What kind of glue is it.
Where can I find it.
Enjoy your work, Keep it up.
I use Elmer's Spray Adhesive. Most hardware stores will stock some sort of adhesive like that.
ReplyDelete