Every year we do an advent calendar as a countdown to Christmas! I fill the packages with treats, toys, and activity cards to mix it up and keep it interesting. I came across this, this, and this on Pinterest and decided that building a wooden advent tree as our calendar would be perfect this year!
To build the tree, I sourced scrap wood from old pallets and cut them from large to small—you can cut the wood any size you'd like. I then sanded wood and covered it with a matte sealer. The beauty of this project is that you can make the tree as straight and clean or as wonky as rough as you'd like. After the tree was built, I wrapped up small prizes and treats and made activity cards to hang from push pins.
Now we are just eagerly awaiting December first so our countdown can officially begin! xo. Katie




what a lovely idea! i love that it's kind of rustic! :)
xo eden
http://edenmarie44.blogspot.com
Posted by: Eden | November 26, 2012 at 07:12 PM
This is so fun! We are doing mini-dates in our advent calendar this year! :)
Posted by: Megan | November 26, 2012 at 07:14 PM
That is adorable, Katie! It looks great just like you did it- and you're right, it would also be super- cute painted with crooked layers. Thanks for a great project (with enough time to make it)!
Posted by: beetree | November 26, 2012 at 07:17 PM
This is such a fun idea! I remember having a little chocolate advent calendar every year when I was little. One year my brother and I got Playmobil calendars as a special treat :)
Posted by: Jenna | November 26, 2012 at 07:25 PM
Ahh! I absolutely LOVE this!
http://vivikstyle.blogspot.com
Posted by: vivik | November 26, 2012 at 07:38 PM
Cute!
Posted by: Emily S. | November 26, 2012 at 07:42 PM
cool christmas tree.. so love it :)
http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/
Posted by: irene wibowo | November 26, 2012 at 07:42 PM
I love it! That is such a cute take on an advent calendar.
Posted by: Rebecca Lately | November 26, 2012 at 07:50 PM
this is too cute!
xo the egg out west.
Posted by: meag | November 26, 2012 at 07:52 PM
I love this! The little cue cards for movie nights and hot cocoa are such a cute idea! Plus after christmas you could nail on some cut little pots with some plants and pop it in the gardnen!
Becky
http://pixiwishesforeheadkisses.com/
Posted by: Becky K. | November 26, 2012 at 07:57 PM
what the what! this is brilliant. thanks for sharing katie!
Posted by: mary | November 26, 2012 at 08:00 PM
This is awesome! I love this idea and advent calendars are the best. Your girls are lucky!
Carlee
http://almostendearing.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Carlee | November 26, 2012 at 08:00 PM
SO CUTE.
Posted by: hi | November 26, 2012 at 08:05 PM
Ooh I love it! I totally want to make this.
http://acreativecookie.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Kate | November 26, 2012 at 08:05 PM
This is so many shades of awesome. Won't be able to try it this year but definitely on my list of things to do next year!
Posted by: Larissa | November 26, 2012 at 08:12 PM
so cool!
x Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
Posted by: Jennifer | November 26, 2012 at 08:15 PM
this project is inspiring. i love how creatively the thumb tacks are used, but i wonder where the numbers are?
Posted by: ali lanenga | November 26, 2012 at 08:16 PM
I love this! I've been wanting to DIY an advent calendar, but couldn't find one I liked or had the supplies for. But I've got a bunch of old wood sitting out back. This is perfect! Thanks!
Posted by: Amelia F. | November 26, 2012 at 08:21 PM
cute!
love, rach.
www.so--hi.blogspot.com
Posted by: rach. | November 26, 2012 at 08:55 PM
This is awesome! Love it Katie!
Posted by: LARY @ Inspiration Nook | November 26, 2012 at 09:26 PM