This DIY Advent Calendar Shelf idea comes from Home Depot and their Do-It-Herself Workshops. The project I created was this cute holiday ornament display.
They make the most adorable crafts and they have fun projects you can do as a family. They change the workshops monthly so you can keep coming back!
Home Depot asked me to take this concept and create my own spin on it.
So I came up with a Christmas Tree Advent Calendar Shelf perfect for counting down to Christmas.
I did neutral wood tones but you can add more color to make it pop or match your Christmas decor.
Supplies you need:
- 1” x 8” x 12’ common board
- 1” x 6” x 8’ common board
- (2) 1” x 4” x 8’ furring strip
- 1 1/4” screws
- stain
- Kreg Jig
- Drill
- Chopsaw
- Measuring Tape
- Sander
How To Make the Advent Calendar Shelf
Step 1 – Measure
Measure and mark (3) 48” sections from the 1” x 8” x 12’ board and (2) 48” pieces from the 1” x 6” x 8’ board.
Next cut (20) 30” pieces from the 1” x 4” furring strip.
Cut a piece of scrap wood 6” x 7” for the Christmas tree trunk. I used my chop saw to make these cuts.
Step 2 – Lay Them Out
Lay all five of the 48” boards flat on a table interchanging between the 8” wide boards and the 6” wide boards. I left a nickel space between each.
Center the 30” board horizontally across the back of the five 48” boards and 3 1/2” down from the top, and secure using two wood screws in each board.
Repeat on the bottom with the remaining 30” board.
Step 3 – Make the Tree Cut
To make the tree cut 5 boards from the 1” x 4” furring strips on a 45-degree angle. I cut 5 pieces at 10 3/4”, 14 1/4”, 18”, 21 1/2”. and 24 3/4”.
Step 4 – Drill the Pocket Holes
Once the Christmas tree boards are cut drill a few pocket holes with a Kreg Jig into each board.
Step 5 – Sand
Sand each board and then apply the stain. I used Minwax Weathered Oak for the planks and then Minwax Dark Walnut for the Tree and trunk.
Step 6 – Prepare the Shelves
Once dry I centered the Christmas tree boards and then drilled the pocket hole screws in place.
I also cut a 6” spacer to help with placement.
Step 7 – Attach the Tree
Attach the tree trunk with 1 1/4” screws from the back into the front.
OPTIONAL: Find the shape of a star online and then cut out a star from a piece of scrap wood. I spray painted mine gold. I used hot glue to adhere it to the top.
Step 8 – Fill the Shelves
I found some white favor boxes at my local craft store and then wrapped them in some ribbon and attached the box number (using printed out numbers and a 1” hole punch) onto circular tags.
You add little notes or candy inside.
This thing is so big! It is perfect for a mantel or an empty space on a big wall.
To see some more fun takes on this general idea check out:
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