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How to make a homemade Advent calendar

By Bunnings magazine /

A Christmas window display featuring a homemade cardboard Advent calendar village on the sill, framed by waterfall lights and red craft stars.]

Overview

Make your facade festive and with a homemade Advent calendar in the front window. This budget-friendly bespoke display is a fun way to customise your holiday countdown. Simply cut the buildings from cardboard, then decorate using leftover paint and markers. Set the scene with waterfall lights and craft stars on the inside, and fairy lights around the outside of the window.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

 

Steps

  1. 1

    Join the cardboard

    Apply a generous amount of PVA glue along the edge of the cardboard, then carefully press the pieces together to create a secure join. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

    A gloved hand using a brush to paint a piece of cardboard white between strips of blue masking tape.
  2. 2

    Apply the paint

    Measure the width of your windowsill (ours is 1730mm), then use a pencil and ruler to design your streetscape. Mask off the buildings you want to paint white, then apply two coats of paint using a brush, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.

    Position the white buildings over the joins to help conceal the tape.

    Hands using a metal ruler and a utility knife to cut a cardboard Advent calendar design.
  3. 3

    Mark and cut

    Mark out the windows, shutters and doors on each building, deciding which will be hinged and which will remain fully open. Using a utility knife and steel ruler, carefully cut out the windows, shutters and doors, followed by the rooflines and sides of each building. Keep any offcuts for later use.

    Mask and paint the backs of the white buildings, following the same process as step 2.

    A hand using a marker to write numbers on a cardboard Advent calendar.
  4. 4

    Add the numbers

    Draw numbers 1–24 on the fronts and backs of the shutters and doors that open. Use a stencil to help create neat, evenly sized numbers.

    A hand using a marker to write numbers on a cardboard Advent calendar.
  5. 5

    Assemble the village

    Measure the depth of your windowsill (ours is 90mm) to determine the depth of your calendar base. Using the reserved cardboard offcuts, cut two strips for the base, then measure and cut four side strips to match the height of the buildings at each end.

    With the help of another person, use hot glue to assemble the pieces. Once assembled, place the wire lights inside the channels.

    A hand using a wooden peg to attach a red-painted craft star to a string of fairy lights in front of a window.]
  6. 6

    Hang the lights

    Apply two coats of red paint to both sides of the MDF craft stars, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Once dry, use hot glue to attach timber pegs to the centre of each star.

    Hang the waterfall lights along the top of the window frame using cable ties, then clip the stars onto the lights in a random pattern. Finish by placing small gifts behind the numbered doors.

    A hand using a wooden peg to attach a red-painted craft star to a string of fairy lights in front of a window.]
  7. 7

    Keep in mind…

    • For painting, always wear safety equipment (eye protection and mask) and ensure the room is well ventilated. Keep all paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
    • When using a hot-glue gun, wear eye protection and a mask, work in a well-ventilated area, then place the appliance on its stand after use and allow it to cool down before storage. Do not leave unattended while in use or directly after use.
    • Paint colours may vary on application.
  8. 8

    Looking for more festive craft ideas?

    Discover how to make giant Christmas candy canes.

     

    Photo credit: Bec Newman, Pauline Langmead.

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.