DIY Christmas Tree Advent Calendar
This DIY Christmas tree advent calendar is a simple, minimalistic approach to the traditional advent calendar. There are 25 holes drilled in this tree, leaving a place to hang an ornament a day in December. You can also use this instead of a traditional Christmas Tree, and still have a place to hang your favourite ornaments.
Materials
(1) 1/2″ Thick, Quarter Sheet, Plywood
(1) 2×8, 12″, Board
(25) 3/4 in. Brass-Plated Cup Hook
(2) Pocket Hole Screws (optional)
(1) Wood Glue (optional)
(1) Picture hanger or wire
Step 1
Measure Holes
Start with a 24″ x 48 ” Sheet of 1/2″ or thicker plywood. Measure out the holes, as seen in this cut diagram. You can measure and mark the back of your plywood, but make sure to cut the holes from the front.
Step 2
Mark Tree Shape
Measure and mark the shape of your tree onto your plywood using this cut diagram.
Step 3
Cut Tree Shape
Once the holes are marked and you’ve measured the shape of your tree, cut the tree out with a circular saw and the Kreg Accu-cut track guide. The Accu-cut track guide helped us keep our cuts straight and accurate. I use this guide pretty much any time I use my circular saw. Please note: This photo does not show the holes marked, that is because we marked the holes on the backside. It Iis wise to mark where your holes will be before you cut your tree, that way you have a square sheet of plywood to measure from the edges.
Step 4
Cut Holes
Using a 3″ hole saw, cut the holes in your tree. You should cut the holes from the front side of the plywood. If you marked the holes on the backside of your tree, simply drill a small hole from the back. Then you will have a pilot hole to drill your holes from the front side.
Step 5
Finishing
Sand, stain or paint your tree. If you are hanging your tree on the wall, use a picture hanger or wire, attached to the back to hang your tree.
Step 6
Add Hooks
Drill pilot holes in the inside-top of the holes. Then screw your cup hooks into the pilot holes. This is where you will hang your ornaments.
Step 7
Drill Pocket Holes or Attach a Stand
You can either hang your tree on the wall, like my photos show, or attach a stand to the tree for a standing tree. Drill two pocket holes in the trunk of your tree. Then, using wood glue and pocket hole screws, attach the tree to any scrap piece of wood.
Find more DIY tutorials here.
