Make an Advent Calendar


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While an advent calendar is an old holiday tradition, you don't need elaborate supplies or a lot of money to count down the days until Christmas. All you need is an inexpensive cookie sheet and some craft supplies.

 === Things You'll Need ===

   ** Cookie sheet
   ** 1 to 2 sheets of paper
   ** Gluestick
   ** Acrylic paint
   ** Paintbrush
  === Steps ===

Spray the back of the cookie sheet with a Krylon (or similar brand) Fixative. It gives the paint something to "stick to" because of that slick surface. It dries quickly.
Cover the sheet with 1 to 2 sheets of paper. A gluestick works fine for this.
Paint the sides of the cookie sheet with acrylic paint and dry brush a bit here and there across the top of the patterned paper. May need 2 coats of paint depending on color you choose.
Once paint is dry, draw a grid across the sheet. Leave about 3 inches on the top to add a nice big DECEMBER. Each square of these calendars is about 1 1/2" x 2" or so. You need 4 rows and each row needs 7 squares. You can use a thin Sharpie, a black Zig, a charcoal pencil, etc. to draw the grid.
If you like, add a sentiment (see above photo) around the end of row 3 of grid. Towards the beginning of the month, the calendar is a little empty and a sentiment helps fill up the white space until the numbers are added later! You can also add a sentiment to the bottom of the calendar.
Add the DECEMBER title to the top of calendar. You can use letter stickers, rub ons, freehand write them, print it out on the computer, etc.
Apply a thin coat of sealer, or PPA or Modge Podge to seal the paint. Let dry.
Add your numbers and use a magnet on the back of the numbers. Creating the numbers is the fun part!
Drill a couple holes in the top of the calendar and string ribbon through the calendar for hanging.
When December 1st is here, put all the numbers on the back side of the calendar, and bring out #1. Add a number each day until December 25!

[edit] Tips

The cheaper the cookie sheet the better since you don't want a spiffy teflon coating for this. Dollar stores sell cookie sheets that are great to use for this project.