12 Days of Christmas – Advent Calendar
Christmas celebration continues on here in the Bower household. And nothing says “Jesus is Born!” like a little countdown to his birthday arrival. That’s right people. I am talking about the advent 3-2-1 CHEER! kinda thing minus the pompoms. So when I spotted a post by Emily featuring this fabulous Pottery Barn advent calendar, I had to change my shirt because of all the drool. Check out the inspiration:
![[ornament_advent_calendar.jpg]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fQBRRA9ryYM/SrpRSloCkeI/AAAAAAAADkI/TMHlrg1qpkk/s1600/ornament_advent_calendar.jpg)
Seriously awesome.
And my favorite part is that the linen pinboard is totally reusable in tons of different and fun ways. Check it out:
That’s when I shouted,
“Henceforth, the linen pinboard must be mine!”
Yup. Right there in front of my computer.
Just like a crazy Renaissance woman.
But I am not about to spend $149 on a pinboard. Nor would Jeremy let me with bambino #1 on the way. It’s marginally outta our price range for a piece that holds tacks. (NOTE THE SARCASM in regards to the word “marginally”.)
That’s when I remembered a pinboard I had stashed in the closet.
The last time I used it was for collecting dust bunnies in the back of the closet. And the time before that was for a ladies luncheon I organized at church. Although I knew that the closet would very much miss it’s clutter friend, I also knew that it would be just perfect for using to make my beloved advent calendar.
I convinced my boyfriend to trek out to the shed (that lives in our scary horror-movie-style backyard) and snag some old wood to beef up the corkboard.
Then he cut it to fit on the back using a mitersaw. Oh how I love our Dewalt saw. It gives me goosebumps. The good kind.
After cutting them to the correct size, he attached the corners with a few heavy-duty staples,
and then flipped the boards over so that the cork was on top.
This way, he could use some screws to drive through the cork and into the wood.
Low & behold, it worked.
Baby Jesus wants me to have this corkboard. I can just tell.
Then it was time to cover the sucker with yummy linen fabric so that it could resemble the beloved PB version.
Using spray adhesive, some leftover fabric (from making a mattress cover for my daybed) and my electric staple gun, I went to work covering the corkboard.
First I sprayed the front of the corkboard and laid the fabric on top, making sure to smooth any wrinkles. Then I allowed the sucker a few minutes to dry. Then I flipped the entire thing over and worked around each side, folding over the frayed edges and stapling away. It helped me to do one side and then do the opposite, mitering my corners (like a present) so that it would look as clean and crisp as possible.
After it was fully stapled and dried, I got to work thinking about the perfect place to put it. I figured the dining room would work. The color scheme was neutral enough and the space needed a bigger piece to balance out our teapot cabinet.
Cutting the little paper tags and punching holes was the easy part. Collecting all 25 of the different ornaments proved to be a little more challenging. It really forced me to think outside the box. But in the end, I love it.
I found that some of the ornaments were perfect straight outta the box. But others needed a little help. Take for instance the glittery apple. It was originally a wreath pick. I just yanked out the stick and attached a little ribbon with a couple silver straightpins. Not only is it right up my disco-meets-hoedown alley but it is also super cheap coming in at 50 cent. Let’s leave that singular just in case some googles ’50 cent’, shall we? 
The bells are actually less than that – coming in at one cent a piece, I just strung them together using a bit of twine for a very cute (and musical) ornament.
So there you have it folks – one cheap linen covered pinboard. Looks pretty similar, right? pretty please say yes.
And the best part about this project is that I know I can use this pinboard over and over….like for reminders or photos or even birthday cards. And the best part of all? the pricetag.
$6.
I spent only six little squirts on the sucker…just enough to cover the cost of the spray adhesive.
Pretty awesome, huh? So – now tell me, do you have an advent calendar? I must admit – this is my first one. And I do get a bit giddy coming home after work so that I can hang up the ornament of the day. It’s kinda like Christmas….just everyday! It totally is getting me in the holiday spirit (and reminding me that I have limited time to buy gifts!) And for those of you cursing me out in front of your computer for not posting this sooner – it’s not too late, you can make one for yourself and only do 12 days…the 12 days of Christmas. Do that right after you wash your mouth out. After all, I am the only one around here that is allowed to have a potty mouth
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I LOVE IT!!! You did a fantastic job!
I don’t usually comment.. but I love this and you did a great job with it! Very impressive and totally reusable.
I want to do this right now. The only problem is that I’m working and I think that it might be a bit of an issue if I cut out to make an advent calander. I am going to drool over the thought of this ALL day long. Katie, my boss thanks you for offically making this my least productive day of work ever.
Katie you are awesome!!! I love how it turned out, pretty much the same as PB. GREAT WORK! Now I must ask, what is the material on top? I see that you used it for your twin mattress. But is it the rough-er material like from a potato sack?? That’s what it reminds me off, and I LOVE IT!!!!!
This is seriously AWESOME. I’m totally dying over this. And, I really just want a linen cork board now, period. =)
Love that you took on this project. I had every intention to, but you know how my intentions work out. LOVE it. Thanks for sharing
Too cute. Nice knockoff!
Genius! I love that you were able to repurpose items you already owned in creating what looks identical to the catalog photo. Great job – it looks amazing!!
Six dollars?!?!
“Pretty similar”???
Katie — you’re brilliant! And I’m not just sucking up. It looks EXACTLY the same. I think this might be my favorite x-mas project I’ve seen in blogland all year. Thanks for sharing. I know what I’ll be doing this weekend . . .
<3
Wow, that is just beautiful! It’s even better than the original! I love it! Can’t wait to see what you do with it after Christmas!
Wow, Katie, you have really outdone yourself! Pottery Barn could have easily used your board for their catalog
Fabulous job!
You knocked this one out of the park! Hands-down one of the best holiday projects I’ve seen. Seriously brilliant and gorgeous. I’m wracking my brain trying to figure out if I have a misc. corkboard lying around somewhere. Honestly, I know I’ve given away a couple of them in the past year! What was I thinking?!
Love it!!! Looks nearly identical!
I just might have to make one- probably after Christmas, but I’ll use it for this purpose next year!
Very impressive!! I recently got my 2 year old niece an advent calendar on Etsy. It’s a mini muffin tin with decorative magnet squares covering each cup. Technically there are only 24 openings, but currently she can’t count that high so I think I’m safe.
That is a very cute idea! I have never in my life owned an advent calendar, but I’m starting to like the idea!
I love love love this! KatieB you did an awesome job. You should pat yourself on the back…or better yet have the boyfriend rub your back.
this. is. ADORABLE! I have never seen an advent calendar with ornaments, love that it is practical and fun! ALSO, you might love to reuse that linen pinboard for a Thanksgiving calendar….also from PB Kids, I saw this year where each day was a little envelope with a card inside that said “I’m thankful for…” and then each day you take it out and write something. I have filed it away under “adorable meaningful things to do with future children.” You might like to do it next year with Baby Bower! : ) No longer available but here it is: http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/thanksgiving-countdown-calendar/?catalogId=74&bnrid=3580201&cm_ven=Shopzilla&cm_cat=Shopping&cm_pla=Home%20page&cm_ite=Datafeed
Here is one a gal made herself that looks AWESOME: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nj69CNrc9Mg/StzVTS5eREI/AAAAAAAABh4/g0EeC2PSsDs/s640/Thanksgiving%2BAdvent%2B001.jpg&imgrefurl=http://themacdougallfamily.blogspot.com/2009/10/pottery-barn-kids-thanksgiving-advent.html&usg=__qUqdKesoGz8cSALbB_QD9GhDMOE=&h=640&w=480&sz=47&hl=en&start=2&um=1&tbnid=RUyunsT1YsJM5M:&tbnh=137&tbnw=103&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpottery%2Bbarn%2Bkids%2Bthanksgiving%2Bcalendar%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1C1GGLS_enUS338US338%26sa%3DG%26um%3D1
I won’t curse you, but I will say that I definitely would have done this for this year if I had seen it sooner. It’s highly adaptable too . . . you could make it with more kid friendly ornaments when your bean gets a bit older and wants to participate.
Wow! I’m impressed!
You rock, Katie! That is seriously the most sylish advent calendar I’ve ever seen! Way to do it again, girl!!!
This is seriously AMAZING!!! And I’m totally stealing the idea next christmas! I LOVE IT! We have an advent calendar that we got at Target. It’s a gingerbread house with doors and each door has a hershey kiss in it. Every day when Daddy gets home from work he and my son open up the door together. It’s great, daddy coming home from work is associated with chocolate! Really, if you dont have one, you gotta get one or make one. I think Advent Calendars are so fun and the kids love them.
Even Baby Bower couldn’t make me come out from hiding under this lurk-rock, but oh em gee this is fantastic. LOVE it! Best thing I’ve seen in awhile.
I love this and so want to make one!
This is FABULOUS! I must make this for myself next year! Lucky for me, I have some corkboard we got for free after a remodel at Hubby’s office. Plus, I’m a sucker for ornaments — this advent calendar would make my heart sing!
You are AMAZING!!! It looks exactly the same, if not better. I love it and now I totally want a linen cork board. Very impressed.
Oh and your boy toy could be a model for DeWalt Tools. Ya know, in case you didn’t know.
Amazing! You did a great job!!
Katie, you have done it again. It is quite fabulous!
LOVE!! Oh my gosh, I think this is my fave DIY project that you have done. You did an awesome job!!
Uncanny resemblance!
Katie, I love it! I think I saw something similar somewhere… maybe on Martha’s website? You never cease to amaze me with your creativity and resourcefulness. (That was too big of a word for this early in the morning)
Wow! It looks great! even better than the first one. Great job!
Katie, this is AWESOME! I’ve loved the Pottery Barn one forever, and I actually have that linen pinboard that I got on sale… a really big sale. It has other things on it, but it might get re-made for next year! Thanks for all your great ideas, as usual!
Oh my ga. It looks amazing. Fabulous. WOW!
GOOD JOB!! Love it!
Once again you’ve floored me with your creativity lady! Great job and hope you’re feeling well.
Best holiday DIY I’ve seen yet this year- hands down. You need to get this in a magazine or something, it’s FANTASTIC Katie!
OK, so I know how a chocolate advent calendar works- open the door and eat the day’s chocolate. But, do you put up an ornament each day or take one down? Curious. You say “hang up” so I’m not sure if you’re hanging it up on the board or if you’re taking it off the board and hanging it on the tree. I guess it doesn’t matter how it’s done I’m just over-thinking the process and would like to know
Hi Amanda -
okeydokey – my method for this advent calendar has been to set up the entire pinboard with ornaments and then everyday I take one off and hang it on the tree. At the end of the 25 days, it’ll be CHRISTMAS and the calendar should be empty (aka: ready for another pinboard idea!).
Does this answer your question or did I just cause more confusion?
XO – Katie
hi…um..love it
can we see some updated bump pics soon, please?
I just put some on my blog today:http://katieballa.blogspot.com/2009/12/ohhjust-get-ready-for-this.html
~the other katie B
one word: fabulous!!!
I love our advent calender! That was my favorite part of the season growing up and my Mom made us each a replica of the one we had when little (which was originally made by her Momma). Ours is definitely not stylish and is childlike (which I cherish); each day has scripture that goes along with the advent object and a hymn that reinforces that lesson. Great for little kids (and distracted adults) to dwell on the TRUE Advent, Christ Cometh Near!
Wow, Katie, this is fabulous! I’ve been following your blog for about a year now, and have never commented – not even when you announced the impending arrival of little Baby Bower, though I had a ton to say then and wanted to wish you well, but somehow I felt weird saying so to a perfect stranger. Anyhow, I absolutely love this project and want to try it next year. Maybe I’ll put it on my calendar for July, which means I’ll start thinking about it with more than enough time to actually tackle the project. Otherwise I’ll remember about it on Dec 24 next year!
And I’m with Lindsay re: Jeremy. You should send those pictures to DeWalt just in case your BF wants a modeling gig!
wow, this is amazing!!! i`m totally going to make one of these! thanks for sharing = )
It looks great, Katie! Better than the original because of the price tag and the DIY aspect of it!
I know you have heard this before, but what a fabulous advent calendar! It is my favorite by far!
I seriously thought your after picture was the same as the 1st picture you showed! You did an awesome job!!
gasps! looks like i have a project for today!
Advent calendars should be right up your alley. Our calendar’s ornaments are themed to remind us of the spiritual side of Christmas (not just the commercial). For example: bells (which you used) are symbolic of ringing to guide lost sheep back to the fold–and a reminder that if God forgives so should we. A red ornament to remind us of Christ’s sacrifice, etc. etc.
You did a beautiful job.
They should be up my alley Mary! And the funny thing is, that I can not for the life of me remember ever having one growing up. Then again – I wasn’t the quickest whip in the arsenal so I may have just been not paying attention. Either way – this will be my first official advent calendar! Next year I want to add a little scripture verse to each day…so that we can read them together as a family
XO – Katie
This is amazing! Love it! Totally going to make one (found a cork board at the Goodwill for 2.99). I think I might put a verse on each numbered card behind the ornament…or even on the back so it doesn’t look too busy. Then flip it over after hanging the ornament (maybe to avoid the empty look). Did it feel too empty as you got closer to Christmas, or was that just part of the fun?.
Can’t wait. I better get cracking now…I’m too much of a procrastinator!
Thanks for all the great tips. Love your blog!
Holly
http://hallelujahsbyholly.blogspot.com
I love this!! It looks exactly like the inspiration. Advent calendars usually look kinda tacky to me, but this is more like an amazing piece of wall art. And extra points for the board being adaptable for other projects.
Tiny Infant Baby Jesus? Whenever I read/hear “baby Jesus” I think of Talledega Nights and Will Ferrell.
Your board is seriously fabulous. Very awesome. Whenever I finish the baseboards and mantel projects, I may have to copy you and make my own
)
You are amazing! It seriously looks like you could sell it for a ton! I’m in awe. If I had more places to store ornaments, I’d be copying your idea. I made a quicky one (that I posted about on my blog) for my kids that we use to pull out things for their nativity set. Wonderful job!
I am being totally honest when I say that I think yours looks better than the PB version because a) it’s homemade and b) I like your fabric better. I wish I had enough space to hang a pinboard in my small apartment, a DeWalt saw to build it with, a boyfriend who would make time to miter cut wood, spare wood laying around for just such a project, and oh the list goes on and on. I will be vicariously enjoying your advent calendar. One stellar Christmas project, KB!
I love it, I am trying to decide what to do with a blank wall in my kitchen and this may be my answer!
I lurv it. Yes, lurv. It’s like love, but better. I’ve always really liked the idea of the advent calendar, but it is usually too super cheesy or kidsy. This is awesome. Will definitely do next year. I also lurv the Thanksgiving advent calendar idea that someone posted earlier. Fabulous!
Soooo awesome! Wow, where do you honestly find the time to do all these fun things!? And ps. I just had to say how i love how your husband lets you take all kinds of pictures of him…it makes me laugh!
I <3 you! Oh, and your blog. Best of all, you sense of humor!
Katie, that is FABULOUS! Good job!
Okay, I’m usually a looker not a commenter but your last few posts rocked and this is by far my favorite!
They’ve been helping me get in the holiday spirit, which is hard to do in flip-flops in the tropics 
I’ve been drooling over PB’s linen pinboard for a while, and have four corkboard squares I was going to cover & attempt to copy (you know, in my spare time while chasing a curly headed 3 year old around? Ha!) but I like yours much better! Any suggestions on how to get four cork squares to look like one seamless board? Keep up the good work! 
Jen -
Good luck on your recreation!
thanks girl and I am so jealous of your flip-flop attire right now…especially since my swollen feet are feeling a little snug in the shoes as of lately. Anyhoo – four cork squares can totally work with this project too. Just adhere them to a piece of thin plywood with some spray adhesive before fastening on the chunky back pieces. Then just screw through the cork corners through the plywood and then through the back frame. It should work like a charm
XO – KB
Beautiful job! And $6….way to go! Pat on the back for this one!
And, I am beginning to be pulled in by the linen craze in current decor blogs and magazines.
Love the advent calendar! I was wondering how you anchored it to the wall?
Hi Jolie,
I anchored it to the wall using two long screws…one with a drywall anchor and one directly into a stud. Then I just hung it up ensuring that the end of the screws were on the inner shallow part of the back of the linen pinboard. Easy peasy
XO – Katie
Love this: simple, elegant, and easy to change up. I’m copying you – thanks!
OMGOSH you totally nailed it!
We’ve made it a tradition to give my stepchildren advent calender’s each year. Of course, I bought mine at World Market this year. Yours is much prettier.
Yours is SO much better than the PBK one. And I’m not just saying that.
Very impressive! I actually have a french memo board that is the same color linen and could make one! Oooo, now I’m all inspired. I saw the PB version too and couldn’t possibly fork over that kind of cash for an advent calender but you proved that such a gorgeous decor piece can be made for under $10! Thank You!
This is absolutely fabulous! I just love it, you did an amazing job! Makes me giddy just looking at it!
Question! I’m totally copying your idea here and will be making an advent calendar for next Christmas. How big is the one you made vs. the one in the PB catalog?
Yes, I do realize it’s only February, but I like to plan ahead…actually, I’ll probably start this thing now and forget about it until December 24th…but here’s hoping!
Natalie,
I just used the standard bulletin board (I’m guessing it was 48×36) that I bought from Walmart a decade ago. And the one online for Pottery Barn has two sizes – small (24×36) and large (48×36). Also – we have discovered that this is super useful now that we have tons of paperwork floating around that we need onhand. So it actually is useful year-round!
Good luck with your project – make sure to send me a photo when you finish!
XO – katie
First off — LOVE this idea! Never saw the PB one; yours is every bit (if not more) fab.
I had the same question as Natalie — the actual size of your board. In the picture, yours looks smaller than 3′ x 4′ and it’s much easier to find standard corkboard in a 2′ x 3′ size.
Also, most Christmas advent calendars I’ve seen only have 24 slots (since it’s the ‘countdown’ to Christmas) like the PB one (six across, four down) — but your five across, five down idea would work great on a smaller board. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Hi Jennifer…I know, weird huh? I did it with 25 because I liked the numbers…but this year, I switched it back for more of a traditional feel
xo – kb
This has inspired me to do something that’s been hovering in my head for years. I’m going to use this Advent Calendar idea – thank you, Katie – and use it for Jesse Tree ornaments. I can make the ornaments with my daughter, who never met a craft she didn’t like. Hmmm…. She’s 11, so she will want to go with Shrinky-Dinks or origami or something made of gimp… Maybe I can convince her that we can do stained-glass-style Shrinky Dinks! yeah, that’s it!
Have just come across your post. I also made an advent calendar similar to this, I hadn’t thought to add the linen,I just used a blank art canvas. I think I will add one next year,thanks for sharing!
awesome! I had my husband look at this and he’s on it….just happens to have tomorrow off….an old cork board in the spare room…and we have a can of spray…I’ll just have to shop for the linen. Thanks loads for the idea!
Love it! Featured your version, and my take on it recently on my blog! Thanks for the inspiration!
Blessings,
Holly
http://hallelujahsbyholly.blogspot.com/2010/12/diy-pottery-barn-inspired-ornament.html
Hi Katie! I absolutely love this advent calendar! I know I am a little late seeing it (by a couple of years) but I want to try and make my own for this Christmas!! I was wondering about the chunky frame your husband built. Did you build that just to make it look like a thicker memo board or is it needed structurally? I don’t have the saw so I though about skipping that step… but I don’t want to get it all up and then my ornaments come crashing down! Just a random question- I know!
Thanks again for the inspiration!
(I have also pinned a few more of your holiday decorations -just so you know- they are all great and I plan on being a copy cat!)
I bought a simple cork board from Hobby Lobby that has skinny frame around it already- if that makes a difference.
I think that in general cork is not the sturdiest thing…so I would avoid hanging it alone without a framework or backbone. We wanted ours to be thicker but also, we wanted it to be structurally sound…I have seen where people cover the framed ones (taking the fabric over the frame and back behind) and it looks great! Good luck!
xo – kb
Love this! Just wanted to let you know that I’m posting it in “Top 10 Advent Calendars” at http://www.cheapcraftymama.com! Please feel free to stop by and grab a button or link to show that you are featured!
Thanks!
Aww thanks Kate!
xo – kb
i like yours better then the original one. looks super good.
Great Advent Calendar! It looks better than the PB inspiration one and it has all 25 days on it. Do you still use it or did you make use of it in some other way like you mentioned in the post?
I use it now as an official family pinboard – but for Christmas I clear it off for the advent calendar…it’s my favorite way to use it
xo – kb
I actually like the look of your advent calendar more.
It’s really pretty and such a great idea!
Thanks so much for the inspiration Katie! I love this so much, I copied it:)!
http://sunshineontheinside.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-countdown-1.html
Merry Christmas,
Beth