If you like recycling projects, then you’ll love this post on how to repurpose a sign into an advent calendar. This is one of those homemade projects that’s far from perfect, but one that you know your family will love all the more.
Celebrate The Holiday – Christmas Blog Hop
I’m joining my friends and host Carol of Bluesky at Home for the Celebrate The Holiday – Christmas Blog Hop. This month we’re featuring our favorite projects and decorating ideas to help jump-start your holiday planning.
I’m so happy you are stopping by today, and if you’re popping over from Perfecting Places, welcome to Thistle Key Lane. My friend Kim always has the most beautiful table setting and centerpiece ideas.
You will find all the links for everyone participating this month at the end of this post. While you’re visiting everyone, don’t forget to pin all these festive Christmas ideas to your favorite holiday boards.
To see last month’s Celebrate The Holiday post click on Thanksgiving Centerpieces With Moss Covered Pumpkins.
How To Repurpose A Sign Into An Advent Calendar
If you don’t have a sign to use that’s alright, because there are lots of bargain signs to look for on clearance after Halloween. You can also use a frame that you already have and make a cardboard insert for it. Another idea is to go thrifting for cheep artwork to paint over.
Supplies
- sign or artwork
- chalk paint
- paint brush
- chalk stick
- chalk paint pen
Start by disassembling your sign or use painters tape to protect your frame before applying chalk paint. I’m using Anne Sloan’s chalk paint in the color graphite, but you can use other colors too. Like I always say, “make it your own”.
Instead of painting over this cute sign, I painted the cardboard backing. That way I can always flip it around and restore the original graphic someday. Just something to think about when you’re in the planning stage.
Once the chalk paint is dry, reassemble your sign, and start creating your countdown advent calendar.
Use a piece of chalk to lightly write out the calendar days 1 thru 25. I decided half way through mine to start over and create a shape of a Christmas tree.
When you’re happy with the spacing and shape of your calendar, retrace everything with a chalk paint pen.
This is a fun project to personalize, so instead of a garland, draw candy canes or snowflakes and just have fun with it.
Make A CountDown Wreath
Make a little wreath to mark the day on your countdown calendar. I’m using a piece of sisal rope to create a ring, then covering it with some red and white ribbon.
Of course you can use whatever supplies you have on hand such as a pipe cleaner, wire greenery or napkin ring to create a wreath.
You can use glue dots on the back of your wreath so it will stick to the chalkboard or use a tiny 1/2″ nail above each calendar day.
More Advent Calendar Ideas
I love making advent calendars with treats and activities too. Here are three more for you to look at and gather ideas from.
Advent Calendar Bags With Printable Numbers – Each bag or Santa mug holds a little treat.
How To Make An Advent Calendar – On the back of each tag is an activity for the day.
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with seasonal ideas that you can use right now!
Thank you so much for stopping by today and I hope you can use these helpful tips on how to repurpose a sign into an advent calendar.
Now it’s time to send you over to Everyday Edits to see how Laura is decorating her entry table.
Cheers!
Our Celebrate The Holiday Continues…
Peacock Ridge Farm – Beautiful Blue and White Christmas Stairway Garland
Perfecting Places – Easy Blue and Gold Table Decoration Ideas
HI Michelle, I have the same reindeer sign! Great idea to flip it over. I love a wood frame and garland and the Advent countdown is perfect! Pinned! laura
Thank you so much Laura!
Michelle this is just the cutest idea. I love it of course🫶🏻😂
Thank you Ann! 😊
Michelle, this is the most adorable Advent Calendar. I love it! I love that you can flip it around and have the original sign. A great idea!
Thanks Tammy it was a fun repurposing project!
How adorable! A great idea. Thanks so much for your inspiration!
Thank you Leslie! It was a fun little project!
Michelle, all of your Advent calendar ideas are fantastic. I’m inspired to do a little refresh of our Advent calendar this year! Time for something new! Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you Kim! I’m going to let the grand little have this one, so I can make another one next year! 😊
What a cute idea and great way to repurpose a sign you don’t want to use this year, Michelle! I also like that you didn’t actually paint over the sign in case you do every want to use it again!!
Thank you Kate! I’m looking around to see what else I can repurpose this year. 😊
Hi Michelle – Thanks for sharing all the great Advent Calendar ideas. They all are so cute. I love that it becomes holiday decor instead of the cardboard box with candy inside.
This is the cutest idea. I love it.
Thank you so much Renae!
Michelle this is such a great idea!
Thanks Nicolle! I love budget friendly projects!
Michelle, this is such a cute project and a great re-use of your sign! Love all of your other Advent calendars too. You’re so creative!
Thank you Angie! I’m just a kid at heart and still love to count down to the big day LOL!
Michelle – I always love your projects and decor. This advent calendar is adorable. I love the simplicity of it and moving the wreath each day. Thanks for hopping!
Thank you Regina! I’ve learned a lot about repurposing from your amazing projects! Hugs!
I love advent calendars and you have so many cute ideas on how to make one! I love that you can turn this one around and still be able to use the picture on the opposite side! Thanks for sharing your amazing creativity!
Thank you so much Donna! I love repurposing projects like this one!