Make a Tree-Shaped Cardboard Tube Advent Calendar

Transform discarded wrapping paper tubes into a colorful, tree-shaped Advent calendar the kids will love.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Related To:

Count Down for St. Nick

Give kids surprises each day as they count down to Christmas with this handmade Advent calendar. You'll need: cardboard gift wrap or toilet paper tubes; utility knife; hot glue gun; hot glue sticks; pencil; colored craft paper; rub-on letters and numbers or vinyl letter and number stickers; small toys, candy, etc.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Cut Cardboard Tubes

In order to create a uniform Advent calendar structure, it's important to cut all cardboard tubes to the same length. Three inches works best on tabletop surfaces or for hanging on walls. Press the top of the tube nearly flush with the bottom, then cut to size using a utility knife. Repeat this step to complete the 24 days of the Advent calendar.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Trace + Cut Out Paper

Place a small round object with 3 1/4-inch diameter on craft paper, then trace a perfect circle using a pencil. Next, use scissors to cut out the circle. The circle will be slightly larger than the opening of the cardboard tube, allowing the paper to wrap around its sides.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Add Backs to Tubes

Cover the backs of all cardboard tubes with circular paper cut-outs. Once each circle is wrapped around the open end, secure it in place with glue.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Add Toys + Treats

Gather a variety of toys and trinkets as mini gifts to receive each day leading up to Christmas Day. To ensure all objects fit, make sure they're small enough to fit inside the tubes without being squished.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Add Numbers

There are two different ways to add numbers to the paper cut-outs — you can use rub-on letters and numbers or vinyl letter and number stickers. Rub-on letters must be placed on top of the paper, then transferred by rubbing the backs of their application sheets with a pencil or burnisher. Vinyl stickers simply can be peeled from their application sheets, then pressed in place firmly by hand.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Add Fronts to Tubes

Once all 24 days of the month have been added to the fronts of the cut outs, attach them to the fronts of the tubes by covering the openings with the paper and securing them in place around the sides with glue.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Assemble Tree Structure

To create the shape of a Christmas tree, arrange the tubes in seven rows with six rows creating the upper part of the tree and its top and one row for the base. Lay all tubes out on a flat, level surface, then attach them to one another with glue.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Start the Countdown

Starting December 1, let the kiddos open their first calendar surprise. Keep the fun going for the next 23 days until Christmas Day.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Make a Tree-Shaped Cardboard Tube Advent Calendar

Related To:

Count Down for St. Nick

Cut Cardboard Tubes

Trace + Cut Out Paper

Add Backs to Tubes

Add Toys + Treats

Add Numbers

Add Fronts to Tubes

Assemble Tree Structure

Start the Countdown

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