Christmas Countdown

Altoids Advent calendar
Originally uploaded by sassycrafter

This time of year, kids can hardly wait for the man in the red suit to bring toys to all good girls and boys. One way to help kids count the days is with an Advent calendar. But why settle for an old-fashioned paper one? Make a 3-D sculpture that can hold a small surprise for every day between now and Christmas Eve!

What you need:

Tins
Paper
Pencil
Scissors
Particle board
Jigsaw
Sandpaper
Spray paint
Epoxy
Numbers

What to do:

1) Dig out the candy tins that you've been collecting in your junk drawer (c'mon, you know you can't bear to throw those cute Altoids tins). Arrange 24 tins in a tree shape on a large piece of paper. Trace around the tree and around each tin. Cut out the tree pattern and use then transfer it onto the particle board. (Note: I actually did the layout directly on the MDF, but it's easier in the long run to create a pattern.)



2) Cut out the tree using the jigsaw, then sand rough edges and wipe off residual dust. Spray paint the tree and the tins, adding extra coats if necessary.





3) Figure out which tin goes where by referring to your pattern, and then attach the tins to the tree with two-part epoxy. Apply number decals to the tins, add some candy or other surprises, and then count the days until Santa arrives!





Don't miss unique gifts like this for sale at Gainesville's first Handmade Holiday Bazaar on December 6th at Loop de Loop (205 NE 16th Ave.)

This column will appear in the December issue of The Satellite, North Central Florida's premiere alt-monthly.