DIY Advent Calendar Garland

Hi everyone, this DIY Advent Calendar Garland project was originally designed and created by Andrea, from the Cottage Market. It was created quite a few years ago and I just love this project so much. I asked Rebecca to create the tutorial again for you guys, we’ve recreated it with new larger photos, a more detailed tutorial and updated printable files, so that you will have an easier time creating this. The original used wooden discs, which were super cute and would still be an option if you prefer. Here we have substituted cardboard circles instead of the wooden discs. Granted we’re a bit late on this one for this year (2019) but some may not mind catching up by eating a few extra kisses! I’ll let Rebecca take it away from here…

Hey to all my favorite DIYers and crafters. It’s Rebecca from The Bookery. I’m here today with a fun and easy Christmas Craft tutorial – How to Make a DIY Advent Calendar Garland! We will be using 25 gorgeous Graphic Fairy Vintage Christmas images. Most of you probably already have the supplies you need on hand. This truly is a fun project to do with your family. Plus, you will find a handy Printable PDF of the images ready for you to print and punch out. Come jump in my creative sandbox today…

Supplies for DIY Advent Calendar Garland

Advent Calendar Garland Tutorial:

Print Images

Hold the image between your thumb and finger. Carefully dip the edge in the glue perpendicular to the dish as you see below. Roll halfway around the edge of the image. Try to keep it perpendicular so you don’t get a glob here and there. I found it easier to roll about half the circle in the glue and then roll it in the glitter. You might be able to do the entire image at once, but I made a mess with that! WINK!

Messy Backs – To Fix or Not To Fix?

My backs were a little (???) messy. (below left) I could not live with that. NOTE: If you are cleaner than I am in your glittering task, you can skip this step. Just make sure you use hot glue to attach the twine or ribbon. If you can’t live with messy backs, punch 25 circles from Christmas Scrapbook Paper. (below right) I like them to make the back is pretty just in case it flips over while hanging.

Assemble the Garland – Attaching Images to Twine

Here is my method for attaching the images to the twine. The backing papers made this step easier for me. I spread Mod Podge on the wrong sides of the backing paper and the TGF image with a brush. I used my finger as a spacing jig between the images as you can see below. Place the backing paper under the twine and the TGF image over the twine. Make sure all the numbered images are in correct order and facing the same direction. NOTE: I left more area below the twine on the circle than above. See the placement below. Press the front and back firmly together over the twine. You can adjust this for a few seconds if necessary.

This is the perfect time to talk about keeping your fingers clean. I washed my hands several times during the process. If you have glue and glitter fingers as you press the images together, you can make a big mess. ICK!! Allow the garland to dry for an hour or so.

Attach Kisses to Clothespins

Printables

Hopefully you had fun creating this DIY Advent Calendar Garland with me!! Perhaps you will add it to your list of Christmas Craft projects, either this year or next. I also create Photoshop Elements tutorials and craft project videos over on The Graphics Fairy Premium Membership site. You can find even more of my books, art, and whimsical shenanigans on The Bookery