DIY - House Advent Calendar

Once again I'm joining forces with my building friends for another edition of the DIY Challenge! 

Building or creating a handmade gift that anyone would love to receive was the challenge for this month.
And well, with the holidays quickly approaching, I decided to build a House Advent Calendar, which I think is a win-win situation... A gift that's going to hold lots of gifts in it! ;)

At the end of this post, you can find the links to visit all the wonderful gift ideas my friends have created. 

Hint, hint ... Easy projects to start crossing off that list.

For now, let me tell you everything about my House Advent Calendar. I'm so happy about how it turned out! I felt like a little girl playing house while decorating it. The thing is, this house can perfectly double as a playhouse.

This is not a small house, it goes a bit above 40" at its highest point and each one of its 24 compartments can nicely fit a good array of decorative figures/gifts.

I chose half-inch poplar 3-1/2" x 4ft. as the main material for this project, which brought the basic cost of this build to around $60. You can also use plywood which would bring that number way down. But, I really didn't want to rip plywood, since I don't have a good table saw set up just yet.

The hardest part of this project, at least for me, was coming up with a design for all the little compartments. I created five designs on paper and in the end, the one with the most random compartments was the one I liked the most.

Here, I'm sharing with you the complete details about this House Advent Calendar, in case you want to create your very own or want to gift it to someone:

*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

The materials you'll need:
8  -  S4S Poplar board 1/2 in. x 4 in. x 4 ft.
1  -  Plywood 1/4" in. x 25" x 43"
Wood glue
1-1/4" brad nails - 18 gauge
1/2" Staples
Get the plans right HERE.
Get the Free Number Printables right HERE

The Tools you'll need:
Tape Measure - Miter saw - Brad Nailer - Circular Saw or Jig Saw - Stapler - Clamps - Nail set -Hammer - Framing Square - Painting and/or finishing materials

Directions:

1. ASSEMBLE THE OUTER FRAME

Follow the dimensions on the plan to cut and assemble the outer frame. Use wood glue and three brad nails on all joints.

| Ryobi Cordless Brad Nailer |

2. ASSEMBLE THE INNER COMPARTMENTS

In order to better visualize how to put together all the compartments I placed the frame on the floor and using chalk drew a not too perfect replica of the design.

Set the frame aside and start assembling the inner pieces, starting right at the center. 

The reasoning for starting at the center is because the nail gun can't fit in small areas, so you need an open end to have a better angle while driving those nails.

Use a framing square to draw a line for those connecting pieces. It will help you keep those lines straight and it's also a good guide while driving the nails.

Use clamps to keep those boards in place while you secure them together. 

Bring the frame in to continue assembling the entire house. The first part I attached to the frame was the big lower-right hand side compartment. - Make sure everything is square.

Continue assembling all parts. You can also assemble small sections before bringing them inside the big frame.

Even though, you start assembling from the center all the way out, you're going to find many spots that are too small to drive the nails comfortably.  Drive them on a slanted way, they're going to pop-up a bit, but that's something you can fix with a nail set and a hammer.

| Nail set | Hammer |

3. ASSEMBLE AND INSTALL THE ROOF

Connect two 20" long boards at a 90-degree angle to form the roof. With the body of the house on the floor, place the roof centered on top of both upper corners of the house.

| Ryobi Miter Saw | Clamps | Framing Square |

Place a scrap piece of wood underneath the top of the roof to support it while you use a pencil to mark the cutting line.
Use a miter saw to make those 45-degree angle cuts. Then, secure the roof to the house with wood glue and 1-1/2" brad nails.

4. FILL HOLES AND GAPS & PAINT OR STAIN

Apply spackle to all the nail holes and gaps. remove excess with a putty knife. Let it dry, then sand everything smooth before painting it.
I used two coats of Rustoleum white spray paint, sanding again in between coats.

5. INSTALL BACKER

Place the 1/4" plywood backer on the floor (I used beadboard), bring the house on top of it and trace it all around.

Use a jig saw or circular saw to cut all along those lines.

| Dewalt Cordless Circular Saw | DIABLO Finish/Plywood blade |

The final step is to use a stapler to install the backer in place.

| Ryobi Cordless Stapler |

Well guys, you know I love decor... I had a really good time decorating this house. I love it! So much so, that now I just keep on walking through the living room just to look at it. :D

Remember I covered some books with birch bark? You can check that project right HERE.
I used some remnants of the birch bark on some of these little compartments.

I have to give a big shout out to Kasia for these beautiful and Free Number Printables, they really brought this project up to the next level.

I had to go to the basement to find the big box with Christmas ornaments to make it pretty.

Decorating this cute house has got me all excited about Christmas!

I can't wait to start with my own house Christmas decor.

Oh wait, I need to fill those empty spots.

But hey, right now it's the time to get inspired with the wonderful gift ideas my friends have created:

• Wooden Headset Stand- Addicted 2 DIY
• House Advent Calendar - RemodelaCasa - You're here!
• Handmade Wood Gift Box - Jaime Costiglio 
• Service Spoons - The Created Home
• Wood Tray - Anika's DIY Life
• Wine Dispenser - The Inspired Workshop
• Easy Concrete Planter - DIY Huntress
• Hanging Macrame Planter - Reality Day Dream
• Step Stool - My Love 2 Create
• Tree Branch Log Projects - My Repurposed Life
• Desk Planter Card Holder - Ugly Duckling House
• Charging Station - 100 Things 2 Do
• Wood Cake Stand - House Becoming Home

*This post contains affiliate links.

Enjoy what you read today?

SUBSCRIBE HERE