DIY Advent Calendar Shelf - Step-By-Step

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.