Every year, we have customers who are looking to make their own Advent Calendars. In the past, we have created some ideas just using paper to show you a quick and easy way to put together an Advent Calendar.
Well this year, I wanted to create something a little different. When I was a kid, I loved the calendars that were interactive, where you opened a box or a pocket to reveal *something secret within.* So when I went to create this Advent Calendar, I kept that in mind.
Supplies you will need:
2-3 pieces of printed cardstock, for decorating the calendar
2-3 pieces of solid colored cardstock (at least one of these needs to be 12" x 12")
3 pieces of 12" x 12" chipboard
The Ultimate glue and/or hot glue
Rotary paper cutter- for cutting chipboard
Score board with bone folder
Double-sided tape
Scissors for fussy cutting
Ink pad for "inking" (not necessary, but adds a neat effect)
I started out by gathering up my paper. I chose this line from BoBunny, Tis the Season. The one sheet already has numbers on it! Perfect for making the Advent Calendar.
After I cut out all my numbers (and a few shapes in place of numbers I couldn't find.. hmm... ) I gathered up the rest of my paper. I chose the yellow on the left for the background of the Advent Calendar and the dark green on the right to make my little tabs for my *hideaway items*
Next, I cut down my chipboard using a rotary paper cutter. I cut out the following measurements:
(4 pieces) 2" x 12" for the outside frame
(4 pieces) 2" x 9" for the inside frame
(24 pieces) 2" x 1 1/2" for each little shelf
*I used recycled chipboard that I already had. I plan to cover my chipboard with other paper so I am not so worried about the cosmetics of the chipboard itself. It's completely up to you whether you want to cover or paint the chipboard. If you do, this is the time to do so! *
(4 pieces) 2" x 12" for the outside frame
(4 pieces) 2" x 9" for the inside frame
(24 pieces) 2" x 1 1/2" for each little shelf
*I used recycled chipboard that I already had. I plan to cover my chipboard with other paper so I am not so worried about the cosmetics of the chipboard itself. It's completely up to you whether you want to cover or paint the chipboard. If you do, this is the time to do so! *
Then, I started to put together my base. I recommend using The Ultimate glue to adhere this part. First, I took a full piece of 12" x 12" chipboard and attached my yellow background piece to it. Then, I started to create my frame. I made a larger frame around the outside of the chipboard and a small frame inside the chipboard. you will need a 1 1/2" gap between both frames.
*Don't worry if it doesn't match up perfectly!!*
*Don't worry if it doesn't match up perfectly!!*
As you lay in the little shelf pieces, the frame will automatically want to adjust itself. I found it took some adjusting while a figured out the best way to inlay my shelves. Use The Ultimate glue to adhere your shelves once you have figured out where each one will sit. You will need 7 cubby-holes on each side of the Advent Calendar, so 6 shelves per side.
I used a piece of black 12" x 12" paper to make (6 pieces) 2" x 12" paper strips.
I cut 1 of the strips down to 3" pieces and scored them in the center. I was able to then seal off the corners of my chipboard frame with those pieces.
I used 4 of the remaining black strips to cover the remaining exposed edges of the outer chipboard frame. It makes it look very finished from the outside.
I cut 1 of the strips down to 3" pieces and scored them in the center. I was able to then seal off the corners of my chipboard frame with those pieces.
I used 4 of the remaining black strips to cover the remaining exposed edges of the outer chipboard frame. It makes it look very finished from the outside.
At this point, I would leave this frame base, with all the shelves in place, to sit overnight.
In the morning, you can fix and adjust any shelves that are out of place or are crooked by using hot glue to allow for quick drying. I found that not all of my shelves were *exactly* 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" ... And after I did some adjusting I realized I had to accept that mine was not going to be perfect. So, if yours ends up perfectly even, I congratulate you!!
In the morning, you can fix and adjust any shelves that are out of place or are crooked by using hot glue to allow for quick drying. I found that not all of my shelves were *exactly* 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" ... And after I did some adjusting I realized I had to accept that mine was not going to be perfect. So, if yours ends up perfectly even, I congratulate you!!
Now to make the little doors/tabs!! When I originally discovered this idea, the creator had made little drawers, which was a cute idea, but was pretty time consuming for what I wanted to create this time. So I decided on little doors. This was SO EASY to create! I cut a piece of 8 1/2" x 11" paper down to (7 pieces) 1 1/2"" x 8 1/2" . Then I cut those strips down to 2" pieces, following the pictures below. You should be able to get 4 pieces from each strip, totaling 28 pieces. I only need 24, but I made extra to allow for mistake.
Now, all of my cubby holes were not the same size. But luckily, they were pretty much 3 different sizes. So to adjust for this, I made each little door's tab different sizes to make different door sizes. Some doors I scored at 1 5/8", some at 1 3/4" , and some doors I scored at 1 1/8" (see the first pic below for a visual aid)
I used double sided tape at this point so that I could adjust which door which match up with with cubby. If you made your cubbies all exactly 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" , then you should score your doors at 1 5/8"
I used double sided tape at this point so that I could adjust which door which match up with with cubby. If you made your cubbies all exactly 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" , then you should score your doors at 1 5/8"
Next, I made little tabs! I just used a snippet of ribbon (about 2") and folded it in half. I used hot glue to adhere the little pull-tab.
On other tabs, I used a 3/4" circle punch and made a little thumb tab!
On other tabs, I used a 3/4" circle punch and made a little thumb tab!
Next, I wanted to decorate the inside of the frame. I used another piece of decorative paper from this BoBunny line and cut it down. I just needed (3 pieces) 2" x 12" . I purposefully scored one of the pieces at 4 1/2" so that it would wrap around the corners of the inside of the frame. I then inlaid the other 2 pieces with just a little bit of overlap and they covered up all the remaining black chipboard that had previously been exposed.
Now, THE FUN PART!!!!
Lay out all your numbers, 1 - 24 and lay them down accordingly looking at the calendar below.
You can fill your little cubby holes with all sorts of fun candies, toys, notes, scripture... whatever your heart desires!!
And, the best part is, you can use it YEAR AFTER YEAR!!
It is so perfect, and for those of you who love to make things like this, you're sure to love the results!
Lay out all your numbers, 1 - 24 and lay them down accordingly looking at the calendar below.
You can fill your little cubby holes with all sorts of fun candies, toys, notes, scripture... whatever your heart desires!!
And, the best part is, you can use it YEAR AFTER YEAR!!
It is so perfect, and for those of you who love to make things like this, you're sure to love the results!
We finished it off with a tree made out of rosettes (come see us at the store to learn how to make these!), a cute little banner, the little fireplace from Impression Obsession, and miniature presents!!!
This turned out so cute!! I hope it inspires you to make your own!!
This turned out so cute!! I hope it inspires you to make your own!!
