Drop Cloth Advent Calendar DIY

Growing up, we had plenty of family traditions around the holidays, but using an advent calendar was not one of them. Now that I’m a parent, I want to begin this tradition for my daughter. So, I made my first drop cloth advent calendar.

I’m happy to be joining some blogger friends again this week for the Let’s Get Festive! Christmas Blog Hop, hosted by Rachelle of My Hubbard Home. We’re all sharing our own DIY advent calendars. If you’re stopping by after a visit with Rachelle, welcome! I just love her black and white French inspired advent calendar!
Last week, the theme was DIY Christmas ornaments, and I made some mason jar lid ornaments. I’m really enjoying getting an early start on Christmas crafting!
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How to Make a Drop Cloth Advent Calendar
I have to admit, I’m a little obsessed with drop cloth! I love the neutral color and nubby texture. It’s just fun to craft with! Here are three of my other drop cloth crafts:
Here’s what you’ll need to make a drop cloth advent calendar:

- About 2 yards painter’s drop cloth fabric
- 24 small round wood slices
- 24 mini cloths pins
- black Sharpie
- fabric scissors and/or rotary cutter
- sewing machine and thread
- jute twine
- hot glue gun and glue sticks

Step 1.
To make little bags, cut the drop cloth into (24) 2-sided rectangles measuring 4×6 inches. It’s a lot faster with a rotary cutter, but you can also use fabric scissors.

Step 2.
Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, sew together three sides of each rectangle leaving one narrow end open.

Step 3.
Turn each rectangle right side out.



Step 4.
Fold the top over about an inch. Then fold over again another inch to form a cuff. Trim off any frayed strings if you’d like. The bags will have a rustic, imperfect vibe.

Step 5.
Using a sharpie, write the numbers 1-24 onto the small wood slices.



Step 6.
Apply hot glue to the back of the wood slices and glue one to the bottom of each bag.

Step 7.
Attach the bags to a length of jute twine with the mini cloths pins. Hang the bags against a wall in two rows.

I set mine up against the bulletin board in my daughter’s room. She is so excited! I put little treats, toys and notes into them for her to open each day in December before Christmas.

I added a chalkboard sign above the advent calendar to give it some holiday cheer. I also set up a small Christmas tree below the calendar.


I really love my neutral, rustic drop cloth advent calendar! It’s going to be fun to use for years to come 🙂
I’m the last stop on the hop. If you haven’t already, go check out the other advent calendar projects below!
Until next time!
Rebecca



This is such a great idea for an advent calendar!
Thanks, Kim! I just need to add some goodies and take some more photos!
This is so cute. I love the rustic look and how it can definitely grow up with your daughter as she gets older. So fun.
-Lauren
I’m another one who didn’t have advent calendars growing up!
Your use of drop cloths was a smart and really cute way to make the little bags. And folding them over to make a cuff at the top was another cute part.
Your daughter will carry another sweet memory of Christmas because of you!
That is so adorable and so sweet Rebecca! No wonder your daughter loves it! I didn’t grow up with the advent calendar tradition either, and I think it’s so fun to start new ones. I love your ideas for it! 🙂 So fun hopping with you!
Cute cute Rebecca!!
Your calendar is so rustic and lovely, and I absolutely ADORE those tiny little wood circles! I have used my wood burner to make ornaments on larger circles, but have never seen these tiny ones. So CUTE!
Fun “hopping” with you!
-Niky @ The House on Silverado