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.
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.
DIY Chalkboard Advent Calendar With Activities – Make it colorful with washi tape and write the daily activity on the back of the calendar 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 – Christmas Blog Hop Continues…
