Turn Old Christmas Cards into an Advent Calendar

Got some older Christmas cards kicking around the house? Why not use them to create a one of a kind advent calendar this holiday season? It is really very simple to create an advent calendar and using the holiday wishes of friends and family just makes it extra special.

To get started, you will need two large pieces of poster board about 12" square, an X-acto knife, an assortment of Christmas cards, glue, and one large Christmas image that will cover the entire front of a poster board. Alternatively, you could paint this image yourself, or simply use holiday themed wrapping paper. You may want to use some number stickers or a permanent marker to write the numbers on the little doors that you will be making.

First, glue the paper or scene to the first piece of poster board. This will be the front of the advent calendar. Set it aside to dry while you work on the back.

Cut small scenes out of the Christmas cards. Each one should measure a bit more than 1" square, keeping them all a uniform size makes it easier to design the doors. You should be able to get three or four scenes out of each card by focusing on the elements. For example, in a fun card with a snowman holding a candy cane and a Santa sleigh in the sky behind, you could cut out the snowman's head, the candy cane and the sleigh.

Once you have 24 images, you can begin to glue them to the back piece of the calendar. Measure carefully. If you want a more interesting look, stagger the rows to keep everything from looking too terribly orderly. Glue the images to the board and set aside to dry while you cut the doors.

It is very important that you measure carefully when cutting the doors. They will be 1" square and you only want to cut the top, right side and bottom with the X-acto knife. The remaining side should not be cut so you can bend it back to form the door. If the poster board is very thick, you may need to score the underside of the fold to make it bend back easier.

Finally, you are ready to mount the front board to the back. Glue them together along the edges. If you want to number your doors, go ahead and do that at this point. A loop of ribbon, with the ends tucked between the two halves of the calendar is perfect for hanging the advent calendar on the wall and you can then open the days as they come.