Making your own custom wooden advent calendar is easier than you think, and it makes a lovely homemade Christmas gift or holiday centerpiece.
In this step-by-step guide, as a professional advent calendar printing manufacturer, I will help you learn how to make a wooden advent calendar from start to finish using basic DIY woodworking techniques.
Why Make Your Own Wood Advent Calendar?
A wooden advent calendar adds a rustic, handmade touch to your holiday decor. This project allows your creativity to shine through in the design.
You can customize an advent calendar to suit any theme or aesthetic by selecting different woods, stains, paints, and numerical motifs. The compartments can hold tiny treats, handwritten notes, or holiday keepsakes for a loved one.
Building one yourself saves money compared to a store-bought calendar. Even beginners can make this simple Christmas craft using basic tools and materials.
What You’ll Need to Make a Wooden Advent Calendar
To make your own wooden advent calendar, you will need:
- Plywood or boards – I recommend 3⁄4-inch plywood or 1x pine boards. Measure the dimensions you want and have the lumber yard cut boards to size.
- Wood squares – Buy 1/8-inch square wood pieces or cut your own. You need 25 squares.
- Wood numbers – Use pre-cut wooden numbers, stencils with paint, vinyl numbers, or other motifs.
- Brad nails – Use small finishing nails to assemble the frame.
- Wood glue – Any PVA wood glue will work.
- Stain, paint & sealer – Personalize by staining the frame and numbering squares.
- Saw – A miter saw ensures straight cuts but a circular saw will also work.
- Drill – Use a power drill and 1/8-inch drill bit to pre-drill nail holes.
- Safety gear – Wear goggles, dust mask, gloves, ear protection, etc.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Wooden Advent Calendar
Follow these simple DIY steps to make your own custom advent calendar out of wood:
Step 1: Cut the Frame Pieces
Cut your plywood or 1x pine boards to the length and height dimensions you want for your frame.
Cut two pieces the full height. Then cut two pieces the full width to form a rectangular frame.
Use a miter saw to cut straight lines if available. If using a circular saw, use a straight edge clamp as a saw guide.
Step 2: Sand and Finish the Frame
Sand all frame pieces smooth with 120 and 220-grit sandpaper, hand sanding or using a power sander.
Apply your choice of stain, paint, or sealer finish. Allow time to dry completely.
Distress edges or add other decorative details if desired.
Step 3: Mark Square Placement
Measure and mark centered lines along the inside of the frame where you want the rows and columns of squares placed.
Generally 3-5 rows with 5 numbered squares across works well. Space rows and columns evenly.
Use a square and pencil for straight markings. Place the first row well below the top.
Step 4: Pre-Drill and Assemble Frame
Pre-drill pilot holes where you will nail the frame pieces together to prevent splitting.
Assemble into a box frame using wood glue and brad nails, nails facing inward.
Use bar clamps, corner clamps, or rubber bands to hold the frame tightly until the glue dries.
Step 5: Prepare Numbering Squares
Take the 1/8-inch wood squares and sand lightly to smooth. Apply stain, paint or another finish.
Use stencils and paint to add numbers 1-25. Or glue on laser cut wooden numbers, vinyl numbers, etc.
Or leave squares plain for gluing tiny surprises inside each numbered envelope!
Step 6: Secure Numbered Squares
Working row by row, apply wood glue to the backside perimeter of each numbered square.
Position glued squares precisely along the inside frame marks made earlier. Place numbers in order.
Use slender finish nails through the frame back into each square’s edges, sinking nail heads slightly.
Step 7: Fill Compartments
Once all numbered pieces are secured, fill each little compartment with flat items – a photo, poem, cookie recipe, gift card or holiday treat.
For 3D objects, glue a tiny box or create folded origami envelopes.
Step 8: Finish Details
Add hooks for hanging, decorative touches like bows or greenery, battery micro lights, etc.
Attach a swung open door revealing the number “1” square. And enjoy your custom advent calendar!
Wooden Advent Calendar Ideas
Part of the fun is brainstorming creative ways to fill your DIY advent calendar with holiday surprises:
- Photos – Special family pics from past Christmases
- DIY coupons – For foot rubs, favorite treats, etc.
- Paper crafts – Origami, greeting cards, paper snowflakes
- Baking spices – For holiday cookies like cinnamon and nutmeg
- Toy miniatures – Plastic animals, figurine nativity sets
- Nature finds – Pine cones, acorns, chestnuts
- Holiday jewelry – Tiny ornament earrings, beaded candy cane pins
You can also decorate the numbered flaps with holiday stickers, washi tape or glitter for extra merriment. Then fill the squares with beloved nostalgic treasures.
Making your own wooden advent calendar is an easy woodworking project suitable for all DIY skill levels. The end result makes a cherished Christmas decoration for years to come!