Looking for a fun and different way to count down to Christmas? Learn how to create an ornament advent calendar!
Oh yes, and there’s a bonus!
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At the end of the month, you’ll have a beautifully decorated tree!
I know you might be thinking it’s too early for Christmas!
But this is such a cute idea, I have a feeling a lot of you are going to want to make it!
And I wanted to make sure you had plenty of time to create an advent calendar of your own before the first of December!!
What is an advent calendar?
If you’re unfamiliar with the term advent, it means “coming” or “arrival.”
It’s a special time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Advent calendars have been used since the early 1800s!
Typically, the calendar consists of 24 items, one for every day in December, leading up to Christmas Day.
There are many different types of advent calendars.
Some have tabs that bend back to reveal a picture.
Others contain 24 bags or boxes that hold a piece of candy or a toy.
There are so many ways you can create an advent calendar.
Want to know what inspired me to make one??
Read on!
inspiration for my ornament advent calendar
Last year I tucked this little tabletop tree into the corner of the bookshelf in my office.
I plopped a bow on top and hung a few tiny white orbs on it.
It looked pretty bare, but new ornaments would have to wait until after Christmas when I could buy them on sale!
Then one day, as I was looking at Pinterest, I saw the cutest advent calendar made with ornaments that were hanging on a chalkboard.
When I clicked to read the post, I discovered it was created by, none other than my friend, KariAnne at Thistlewood Farms!
It’s one of the cutest advent calendars I’ve ever seen!
As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to recreate it!
Then it hit me, this would be the perfect way to decorate my tabletop tree in my office!
I could make an advent calendar using small ornaments!
So, after Christmas, I bought some ornaments from Walmart!
And they’ve been sitting in a bag patiently waiting to be taken out and displayed!
So let’s not keep them waiting anymore!
Let’s make an advent calendar!
gather items to make the calendar
Gather or purchase the following items to create this project!:
- 24 Ornaments- I needed small ornaments, so I purchased mine at Walmart If you’re decorating a larger tree, you can use ornaments you already have!
- 2 types of ribbon- purchased at Walmart
- 24 white mini clothespins- I’ve had them so long, I don’t remember where I bought them (maybe Hobby Lobby)
- Duct tape
- 10 nail tacks
- Hammer
- Whiteboard, mirror, or chalkboard
I’m going to use this whiteboard hanging in my office as the base of my calendar. If you’re interested to see how we updated it with paint click here.
Right now it is horizontal, but I’m calling Rich in to hang it vertically instead!
I know he’s going to be thrilled!
steps to create an ornament advent calendar
measure
First, measure the width of your frame.
Cut five pieces of ribbon to hang across the frame. My pieces are three feet long.
Then, measure the length of your mirror and decide how many inches to space your ribbons apart. Mine are six inches apart from each other.
attach ribbon
First, I used duct tape to hold the ribbon in place and to be sure I liked how they were spaced.
Then, I took a small tack nail and hammered it into the frame.
I don’t plan to keep the ribbon on my whiteboard after the holidays, so I did not hammer the nail completely into the frame.
Just far enough to hold the ribbon in place.
On the top of the whiteboard, I added a snowflake garland I made a couple of years ago.
embellish with ornaments
Now for the fun part!
Hang your ornaments on the ribbons with miniature clothespins!
Don’t forget to write the numbers next to each ornament!
Enjoy counting down to Christmas!
And decorating a tree at the same time!
And there you have it!
My amazing advent calendar!
It was so easy to make and now my little tree won’t be sitting bare this holiday season!
Are you inspired to create an ornament advent calendar? Let me know in the comments below!
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Blessings, Donna and Rich
Pin It For Later
Be sure to pin this post to Pinterest so you can come back to it any time you like!
More Christmas Inspiration
If you’re in the mood for a bit more Christmas inspiration, check out the following posts:
- How to Make Your Own Christmas Village
- Make a beautiful Winter Wreath From Old Sweaters
- Easy Cone Christmas Tree DIY
- Welcome Holiday Guests with a Festive Porch
- Make a Christmas Tree Topper
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SHOP LTK For ThE HOLIDAYS!
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
Love the way this came together, Donna! The black and white ornaments are going to be so pretty on your tree. Plus, how fun to be able to decorate it each day too. I love it! I have a similar Advent we made out of a vintage frame a few years ago and it was a huge hit! I know this one will be too. It’s fantastic! Hugs, CoCo
Great minds think alike huh? I can’t wait to check out your calendar! I’m sure it’s great, I always love every project you do! Thanks so much! Donna
This is such a cute idea. I am going to share this with my daughter. She loves all things black and white.
Thank you, Wendy! I hope she likes it! So fun and easy to put together!
Donna,
I love this and the idea of using these on the tree.
This so original. I haven’t seen an advent calendar like this before.
Pinned!
Thanks, Cindy! I found my inspiration on Pinterest, turns out it was an older post from Kari Anne! I love everything she does! Happy Day, Donna
A whiteboard – genius! Love that it has a purpose for the rest of the year too. Very cute!
Thank you, Rachel! I love using items that are pretty but functional!! Have a great day!
This is a genius idea to count down to Christmas!
Thank you! I think it’s going to be a fun way to decorate my little tree! I’m excited to get started!
Oh I love a good advent calendar, and your neutral colors bring out the individual ornaments beautifully. The anticipation of Christmas is one of the best parts.
I know, it’s so fun to count down the days! I can’t wait to use my new calendar! Thanks so much!
What a wonderful idea… so unique and a lovely way to focus on the season of Advent! Pinning!
Thank you Laura! This was so fun to put together and even more fun to do each day in December! Thanks for stopping by and happy holidays!