Tell us we’re not the only ones spending our winter nights crafting while watching cheesy holiday movies. 😅

That cozy kind of evening is exactly why we love advent calendars as handmade gifts. They’re beautiful, personalized, and filled with 24 tiny treats that say, “I was thinking of you.”

This one by our lovely Artisan Alena Lara is such a delight. Alena used Partridge Lane and Victoriana to upcycle her advent calendar, and the result is an absolute dream. 

It’s also the perfect time to start crafting advent calendars for the grandkids next year. Imagine pulling this out, year after year, as part of their Christmas tradition.

By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have the perfect countdown to Christmas, with a little personalized treat or trinket tucked behind each door. Gather your IOD supplies from your local or online stockist. ❤️

IOD Products Needed: 

• Partridge Lane Transfer
• Victoriana Mould 
• IOD Air Dry Clay 

Other Supplies: 

• Brick Red Chalk-Type Paint*
• Liquid Gold 
• Craft or Thrift Store Advent Calendar 

*we used a chalk-type paint in this tutorial, but there are many brands and types of paint, talk to your stockist to learn which one is right for you!

Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: PREP YOUR TRANSFERS 

Start by snipping out each number from the Partridge Lane Transfer. You’ll need a few sets to cover all 24 days, but we have a feeling you won’t mind having extras. Partridge Lane is one of those transfers that could be used on everything—tags, ornaments, coasters, sweet giftables…you name it.

And because these are limited edition, it’s not a bad idea to tuck an extra set (or two 😉) into your stash for next year’s holiday projects.

STEP TWO: PAINT YOUR CALENDAR 

In this tutorial, Alena paints her advent calendar in a beautiful brick red chalk-type paint. She applies two even coats, and before long, it starts to look like the sweetest little holiday house.

Let your advent calendar dry completely before moving on. Depending on your paint and climate, it may need to sit overnight.

STEP THREE: APPLY YOUR TRANSFERS 

Single digits are easy to place, but the double digits need just a bit more finessing. Snip each number nice and close, then nestle them together so they sit neatly on the calendar doors.

STEP FOUR: ADD FINAL TOUCHES 

Once all your numbers are in place, it’s time for a little shimmer. Add a touch of liquid gold around the edges of the calendar—don’t forget the chimney and base. This simple step instantly elevates the whole piece.

Alena tied everything together by layering in pieces from the Victoriana Mould, which brings such sweet harmony to the whole project.

The beauty of this project is that your advent calendar is just the beginning. Once you see how these pieces come together, it’s easy to imagine making one for the grandkids, a dear friend, or even just for you. A little handmade charm has a way of making the whole holiday season feel more tender and thoughtful.

If you ever feel stuck on products or techniques, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local stockist or pop into the Creative Tribe for ideas and encouragement. We’re all in this making journey together. Wishing you the sweetest time creating, and the coziest of holidays. 🎁

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!