I was on the market for an advent calendar this year for our 5 year old and nothing was standing out to me. Either she already had something similar or it was just more stuff she didn’t need. So, after a quick trip to Home Hardware we headed into our shop and decided this year we would create our own customizable calendar!
I love how this turned out and I’m even more excited to fill it with things like random acts of kindness, activities that promote togetherness, jokes and of course some treats!
So without further ado, Ho Ho Here’s How we created our
DIY Wood Christmas Tree Advent Calendar!
Material List
2 – 1”x4”x8’
1 – 2”x4”x8’
1 – 2”x2”x8’
1 1/4” screws
1 – 3” screw
Wood glue
Advent bags
Tool List
Drill
Table Saw
Chop Saw
Stapler
Clamp
Countersink bit (countersink all screws for this project)
First, we determined what dimension of the tree we wanted by creating a string line along the 2”x2” support and temporary base.
Using a chop saw we cut our 2”x2” to 40” for the height of the tree.
With a chop saw again we cut out all of the tree pieces at a 20 degree angle. Depending on the size of tree you make this angle may differ. Starting with the bottom piece we cut ours long end to long end as follows:
27 1/2″
24”
20 3/4”
17 1/2”
14 1/4”
11”
7 5/8”
4 3/8” (this top piece was added after the following photo was taken)
Using a drill and 1 1/4” screws we began attaching the bottom piece of the tree 4” up. We spaced all consecutive pieces 1” apart and centre of the 2”x2”.
We found a wood star we liked and used wood glue to secure it to the top.
Next we created the base of the tree by cutting 2-2”x4”s to 20” long using a chop saw. We half lapped the pieces by notching out each 2”x4” 3 1/2” wide and approximately 3/4” depth in the centre. We used a table saw but this could also be done using a hammer and chisel. Once notched out we used wood glue and clamped the pieces together. We attached the base of tree by drilling a 3” screw into the bottom of the 2”x2”.
We stained the tree with 2 coats of Minwax Simply White.
Once dry we attached advent calendar bags to the tree using a stapler.
What do you think?! Our daughter is so excited to begin opening these bags in December and I’m looking forward to creating new ideas to fill up our DIY advent calendar each year.
If you’re looking for some holiday DIY inspiration or perhaps the perfect gift, be sure to head to your local Home Hardware or check them out online! I promise you won’t be disappointed!