Craft a Timeless Holiday Tradition: Your DIY Vintage Advent Calendar Garland Tutorial

Welcome, fellow creators and holiday enthusiasts! Get ready to embark on a delightful crafting journey that culminates in a truly enchanting Christmas decoration: a DIY Vintage Advent Calendar Garland. This project is more than just a craft; it’s an opportunity to infuse your home with festive cheer, create lasting memories, and build anticipation for the most wonderful time of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting, this updated tutorial makes it easy to bring a touch of vintage charm to your holiday traditions.

The timeless appeal of this Advent Calendar Garland design traces its roots back to the incredible creativity of **Andrea from The Cottage Market**. We’ve always adored her original concept, and over the years, it has continued to inspire countless crafters. To ensure this beloved project remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone, we at The Graphics Fairy have partnered with the talented Rebecca from The Bookery to meticulously recreate and enhance this tutorial. You’ll find a more detailed, step-by-step guide, accompanied by stunning, larger photographs, and newly updated printable files. This meticulous update guarantees a smoother and more rewarding crafting experience for you.

While the original design featured charming wooden discs, which are still a fantastic option if you prefer that rustic touch, for this rendition, we’ve opted for readily available **cardboard circles**. This substitution offers a lightweight and equally beautiful alternative, making the project even more budget-friendly and accessible. It’s truly a joy to create, and a perfect activity to share with family, bringing smiles and festive spirit into your home. Though this particular recreation was initially presented in late 2019, the magic of a handmade Advent calendar is evergreen. It’s never too late to start a new holiday tradition!

Rebecca here from The Bookery, and I’m thrilled to guide you through crafting this fun and simple Christmas project. We’ll be utilizing 25 exquisite Graphic Fairy Vintage Christmas images, thoughtfully curated to evoke a nostalgic holiday feel. Most likely, you already have many of the necessary supplies on hand, making this an ideal last-minute holiday endeavor or a delightful undertaking for next year’s festivities. The truly exciting part? We’ve prepared a convenient Printable PDF of all the images, ready for you to effortlessly print and punch out. So, gather your supplies, find a cozy spot, and let’s dive into the creative magic!

Essential Supplies for Your Vintage Advent Calendar Garland

Before we begin crafting, let’s gather all the necessary materials. Having everything organized and within reach will ensure a smooth and enjoyable creative process. Most of these items are standard craft supplies, easily found at your local craft store or even around your home.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Vintage Advent Calendar Garland

Now that you have all your supplies ready, let’s bring this beautiful Vintage Advent Calendar Garland to life. Follow these detailed steps to create a stunning and cherished holiday decoration.

Step 1: Prepare and Print Your Vintage Images

The foundation of your charming Advent calendar lies in these beautiful vintage images. Begin by opening the provided Vintage Advent Calendar Printable PDF. It includes 25 unique designs, each numbered for a seamless Advent experience. Print these images onto your heavy cardstock. Using heavy cardstock is crucial as it provides the necessary durability and stiffness for your calendar discs, preventing them from bending or tearing over time, ensuring your garland lasts for many holiday seasons.

PRO TIP: If you’re using an inkjet printer, print quality can sometimes be susceptible to smudging, especially when handling. To prevent any smears or damage to your gorgeous vintage prints during the crafting process, lightly seal the printed sheets with a coat of hairspray or a dedicated spray fixative. Apply it in a well-ventilated area and allow it to dry completely before moving to the next step. This simple trick will protect your images and keep them looking pristine.

Step 2: Precisely Punch Out Your Calendar Images

Once your images are printed and thoroughly dry (especially if you’ve applied a fixative), it’s time to transform them into individual circular discs. Carefully punch out each of the 25 circular images using your 1-1/2 inch round punch. The key here is precision to ensure each image is perfectly centered within the circle.

PUNCHING TIP: To achieve the best results and ensure accurate placement, I highly recommend turning your punch over. This allows you to see the exact edges of your punch around the image, making it much easier to align perfectly. Take your time with each punch to avoid miscuts.

For some punches, especially if the images are printed close together, you might find it necessary to trim the edge of the printable sheet very closely to the circles. This ensures that the punch can properly fit over the image without obstruction. As you can see in the image below, I often trim near the top of previously punched images to create enough space for the punch to maneuver.

Occasionally, your punch might snag or create a slightly rough or ragged edge on one of your circles. Don’t fret! Simply grab a small, sharp pair of scissors and carefully trim away any imperfections. This extra minute of care ensures all your discs look professionally finished. If you don’t have a punch, a pair of sharp scissors and a steady hand will also work perfectly – it just takes a little more time and patience to fussy cut each circle precisely. In just a few minutes, all your images will be punched out and ready for the next exciting step.

On a side note, the leftover cardstock with the circular cutouts is far too good to waste! I always save these for future mixed media projects, where they can serve as unique stencils or textural elements. In my studio, every piece finds a new purpose!

Step 3: Add Sparkle with Mod Podge and Glitter

This is where your Advent calendar truly starts to sparkle! The glittered edges add a wonderful festive touch that catches the light beautifully. To begin, prepare your workspace by placing small puddles of Mod Podge (which we’re using as our adhesive here) and glitter onto separate flat plates. I find that a puddle about the size of a quarter for the Mod Podge is usually sufficient. The goal is to use just enough at a time to create a fine, clean line of glue around the edge of your discs, avoiding globs or excessive application.

Before committing to your main images, it’s a good idea to do a few test pieces. You can see my initial tests on the punched paper remnants to the left in the photo. For this technique, I typically use about 1/4 teaspoon of glitter per color. Since I chose three distinct glitter colors – copper, gold, and silver – I arranged my numbered discs in order and then divided them into three stacks, much like dealing cards. This systematic approach helped me decide which discs would receive which beautiful glitter hue, ensuring a balanced and varied look across the garland.

Now, for the application: Hold one of your punched images gently between your thumb and finger. Carefully dip the very edge of the image into the Mod Podge puddle, keeping it as perpendicular to the dish as possible. The aim is to get a thin, even line of glue only on the edge. I found it easiest to roll approximately half of the circle’s edge in the glue, then immediately roll that glued section into the glitter. This technique helps control the application and prevents the Mod Podge from drying prematurely or spreading too far onto the image itself. While you might be tempted to do the entire image at once, I often found that resulted in a messier outcome! (WINK!)

If you accidentally get a bit of Mod Podge too far onto the image, don’t worry! Quickly grab a baby wipe and gently wipe it away before it dries. Once half the edge is glued, roll it thoroughly in your chosen glitter. The glitter will adhere beautifully to the Mod Podge. Repeat this process for the other half of the image’s edge, ensuring a complete and even glittered border.

ARTIST’S TIP: Keep your artist brush handy. After glittering a few images, gently sweep the glitter back into a neat pile on your plate using the brush. This keeps your glitter concentrated and minimizes waste, making it easier for the next dip.

And yes, **you have my full permission to double dip!** If you notice any areas where the glitter is sparse or an edge was missed, feel free to re-dip that specific section in both glue and glitter. This is your chance to perfect each disc! Before you clean up your workspace, take a moment to carefully inspect all your glittered images and make any necessary touch-ups. Once you’re satisfied, repeat the process with your other chosen glitter colors, if you’re using multiple. After all the images are glittered, place them on a non-stick surface, such as wax paper or a silicone mat, and allow them to dry undisturbed for several hours. I typically let mine dry for a minimum of three hours to ensure the Mod Podge is completely set and the glitter is firmly adhered.

Step 4: Finishing Touches – Addressing Messy Backs (Optional but Recommended)

While the front of your calendar discs will be beautifully glittered, the backs might end up a little… well, a little messy (see image below left). This is often an unavoidable consequence of glitter and glue, but if you’re like me, you might find that you can’t live with a less-than-perfect finish! **NOTE**: If you’re naturally meticulous with glitter and your backs are already pristine, you can happily skip this step. Just ensure you use hot glue for attaching the twine or ribbon later for a secure hold.

However, if you, like me, prefer a clean and pretty look from every angle – especially since these discs might playfully flip around when hanging – then this optional step is a must. To achieve a polished finish, punch out 25 additional circles from festive Christmas Scrapbook Paper using the same 1-1/2 inch punch (see image below right). These decorative backing papers will cover any glitter fallout or glue smudges, giving your Advent calendar a truly professional and elegant touch, no matter which way the wind blows (or the garland sways!).

Step 5: Assemble Your Garland: Attaching Images to Twine

With your beautiful, glittered (and optionally backed) discs dry, it’s time to bring your Advent calendar to life by assembling the garland. Here’s my preferred method for securely attaching the images to your chosen twine or ribbon. Having the backing papers, if you opted for them, makes this step even easier and cleaner.

Lay out a generous length of your twine or ribbon on a clean, flat surface. Take one of your glittered discs and, if you’re using backing papers, spread a thin, even layer of Mod Podge on the “wrong sides” of both the backing paper and the main image disc using your artist brush. You want enough to create a good bond, but not so much that it oozes out. Now, here’s a handy trick: I use my finger as a simple spacing jig between each image. As you can see in the photo below, I position the backing paper underneath the twine and the main Graphics Fairy image over the twine. This effectively sandwiches the twine between the two paper discs. It’s crucial during this step to ensure all your numbered images are in the correct numerical order (1 through 25) and are facing the same direction, so your calendar is legible and appealing.

IMPORTANT PLACEMENT NOTE: When positioning the discs, I intentionally leave a little more area of the circle showing below the twine than above it. This creates a visually pleasing balance and allows the twine to sit snugly at the top of each disc. Press the front and back pieces firmly together over the twine. The beauty of Mod Podge is that it allows for a few seconds of adjustment if you need to fine-tune the placement before it sets.

While working with Mod Podge, it’s the perfect time to emphasize the importance of keeping your fingers clean! I found myself washing my hands multiple times throughout this process. If your fingers are sticky with glue and glitter as you press the images together, you risk transferring that mess onto the front of your beautiful discs. A quick wash or a wipe with a baby wipe can save you from a big, sticky situation (ICK!). Once all your images are securely attached to the twine, allow the entire garland to dry for at least an hour or so, ensuring the Mod Podge creates a strong, lasting bond.

Step 6: Prepare Your Sweet Surprises: Attaching Hershey Kisses

The anticipation of a daily treat is a core joy of any Advent calendar! While your garland is drying, you can begin preparing the delightful Hershey Kisses. I always take a moment to locate Kisses that have those charmingly long “Ho Ho Ho” papers sticking out of the foil, as they add an extra touch of festive whimsy, as seen in the left image below. (Your Kisses might have different messages, which is just as lovely!).

ATTACHING TIP: I’ve found it significantly easier to clip the Hershey Kiss to the tiny clothespin *before* attaching the clothespin to the calendar disc. This pre-assembly step allows for a more stable grip and ensures the Kiss is well-secured. Go ahead and clip all 25 Kisses to their respective clothespins while you wait for the garland to dry completely.

Once your garland is fully dry, it’s time to attach the clothespins, complete with their sweet cargo, to the back of each numbered circle. Use your hot glue gun for this step, applying just a tiny, controlled drop of hot glue to the back of each disc where the clothespin will sit. Hot glue provides a quick and strong bond, ensuring your Kisses stay put until their appointed day.

For an extra touch of charm and visual interest, leave a little bit of the clothespin’s tip showing just below the bottom edge of the circle, as demonstrated in the image below. This subtle detail adds to the handmade aesthetic of your garland.

Your Beautiful DIY Advent Calendar Garland is Complete!

Congratulations, crafter! You’ve successfully created a truly magnificent and heartwarming DIY Vintage Advent Calendar Garland. Each handcrafted disc, adorned with its unique vintage image and subtle sparkle, contributes to a garland that is not only a functional countdown to Christmas but also a stunning piece of holiday decor. Hang it proudly on your mantel, drape it across a doorway, or display it on a wall to bring daily joy and festive anticipation to your home throughout the Advent season. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of giving and the magic of the holidays, one sweet treat at a time!

Download Your Free Vintage Advent Calendar Printables

To help you create this gorgeous Advent Calendar Garland, we’re delighted to offer you a free 4-page Printable PDF. This comprehensive printable includes two distinct sets of the vintage images: one set with numbers (1-25) perfectly suited for your Advent calendar, and another set without numbers. The unnumbered images are incredibly versatile! They are absolutely perfect for crafting charming little gift tags for your holiday presents, creating beautiful Christmas cards, or even incorporating into other festive mixed media projects. Download your copy today and let your creativity flourish!

I sincerely hope you had as much fun creating this enchanting DIY Advent Calendar Garland with me as I did sharing the process! This project makes a wonderful addition to your list of cherished Christmas craft projects, whether you decide to make it this year or add it to your plans for the next holiday season. Beyond crafting, I also share my passion for digital artistry by creating insightful Photoshop Elements tutorials and engaging craft project videos, which you can explore further on The Graphics Fairy Premium Membership site. For even more of my books, unique art, and whimsical creative shenanigans, be sure to visit The Bookery. Happy crafting and joyous holidays!