The holiday season is all about tradition, celebration, and adding a personal touch to your home. What better way to make this time of year extra special than by creating a DIY wooden advent calendar? Not only will it be a beautiful, custom addition to your holiday decor, but it’s also a fun project that can bring out your creative side. And when you use Country Chic Paint, you’ll get rich, vibrant colors and a flawless finish that makes your calendar as stunning as it is functional.
In this tutorial we’ll inspire you to paint your own wooden advent calendar and show you how to transform it into a holiday heirloom with endless possibilities.
Ready to get creative? Let’s dive in!
Choose Your Base: A Wooden Calendar to Love
Before we dive into the fun part—painting and decorating—let’s talk about the structure. Whether you’ve got a pre-made wooden advent calendar or you’re building one from scratch, it’s important to start with something sturdy that you can customize.
Many advent calendars come with little cubbies, drawers, or pockets to hide treats, trinkets, or small notes, so you can get creative with how you fill them! If you’re feeling crafty, you could even build your own out of wooden boxes, a shadow box, or small wooden crates.
Check your local craft store around the holidays to find your own wooden advent calendar like this one!
The Power of Paint: Country Chic to the Rescue!
The beauty of Country Chic Paint is that it gives your project a smooth, professional finish with a low-maintenance, eco-friendly formula. With just one or two coats, your wooden advent calendar will be transformed into a piece of art.
Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to mix and match colors! You can go with a neutral base like Crinoline and add pops of color for the drawers or little numbers, or even create a gradient effect for a more whimsical, ombré look.
Theme Inspiration: Make It Personal!
Now that you’ve got your colors, let’s get into the creative fun of decorating your calendar. Here are a few themed ideas to spark your imagination:
Classic Christmas Charm
Transform your wooden advent calendar into a nostalgic holiday wonderland! Use Hollow Hill for the base color and add traditional touches like red, white or light blue accents. Think small wooden stars, pinecones, or even tiny wreaths to decorate the cubbies. If you’re feeling extra festive, you can stencil on snowflakes or holly designs for a merry, classic look.
Rustic Farmhouse Style
If you’re a fan of cozy, rustic décor, consider painting your calendar in warm, earthy tones like Soiree and Vanilla Frosting. You can distress the edges to create an aged, weathered look that mimics old wood. Add natural elements such as twine, burlap, or a few sprigs of eucalyptus for that rustic charm. If you’re feeling crafty, try hand-painting some small farm animals or farm-related symbols—perfect for adding a touch of whimsy.
Winter Wonderland
Create a frosty, snow-covered design using icy blues, whites, and a little shimmer! A soft, frosted look can make your calendar feel like it's from a snowy forest scene. Use Simplicity as your base color and lightly distress with Belle of the Ball for some added depth. Add glittery numbers or snowflakes for a magical, twinkling effect that will shine as the days count down.
Whimsical Woodland
For a playful twist, go with a woodland animal theme. Paint each cubby in different colors like warm browns like Driftwood, soft greens like Sage Advice, and pops of red like Poppy. You can paint little illustrations of forest creatures—think owls, deer, foxes, or squirrels. Keep it lighthearted and fun, with touches of gold or copper metallics to add an element of shine.
Modern Minimalist
If you love clean lines and neutral tones, a minimalist advent calendar might be just the thing. Use Pebble Beach or Vanilla Frosting as a backdrop and add black Liquorice or dark wood elements for a sleek, contemporary look. Keep the numbers simple, maybe using small decals or stencils for a modern touch. For a bit of intrigue, you could even add some simple geometric patterns like stripes or chevrons.
Add Your Personal Touch: Creative Accents
Once you’ve finished painting and distressing your calendar, it’s time to add those little details that make it uniquely yours. Here are some fun ideas for accessorizing:
- Custom Numbers: Get creative with the numbers on the calendar! You could stencil them on, use mini wooden numbers, or even glue on little metal tags. For a personal touch, write the numbers by hand with a fine-tip paint marker in a pretty script.
- Fill the Cubbies with Surprises: Don’t forget the fun part! Each day can hold something unique: small toys, candy, holiday quotes, or tiny notes with daily acts of kindness. Get creative with what goes inside—perhaps a mini ornament for the tree or a piece of holiday-themed jewelry.
- Twinkling Lights: For added flair, drape a string of fairy lights around the calendar to make it glow at night. It's an easy way to add extra magic to your creation!
- Natural Elements: Try using small pinecones, cinnamon sticks, or dried orange slices to decorate the calendar. These elements bring in a natural, holiday scent that makes it feel even more festive.
Display & Enjoy!
Once your calendar is painted, decorated, and filled with surprises, find the perfect place to display it. Whether it’s hanging on the wall, leaning against the fireplace, or standing on a mantelpiece, your DIY advent calendar will be a stunning focal point for the holiday season. And each day as you open a new door or drawer, you’ll be reminded of the special memories and creative effort you put into making it uniquely yours.
Get Inspired with Country Chic Paint
Your DIY advent calendar is a canvas for creativity and a fun way to countdown to Christmas. With Country Chic Paint, the possibilities are endless—from classic to whimsical, modern to rustic. So gather your supplies, tap into your holiday spirit, and get ready to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece that will bring joy for years to come. Happy painting—and happy holidays!
