Christmas Tree Advent Calendar

Hi there Core Fans!  It’s Joann with you today and with the Christmas season officially started I wanted to share with you a fun twist on the traditional Christmas Advent Calendar.

here is a closer look at the detail on the tree topper.

and the base with all those drawers to hold some special treats!

Christmas Snow Globe Supplies:

• Core’dinations Spotted Cardstock
• Core’dinations Glitter Silk Cardstock
• Core’dinations Core Couture Glitter Cardstock
• Sand It Gadget & Dust Buddy
• 3d Christmas Countdown Tree Drawer Stacker By  Snapdragon Snippets
• Bling From My Stash
• Liquid Adhesive
• Silhouette Cameo

To make this project follow these steps.

Step 1
Identify the parts and cut the quantities needed. You will need Base (1) and Reinforcing Base (1).  Pole (1), Tree Wedges (6), Tree Topper Shapes (6) and finally Shelf shapes (6 of each of the 4 sizes).

Step 2

Fold each shelf shape inward on all perforations. Apply glue to the long side tab. Overlap straight edge of opposite side, align edge exactly at perforation fold and apply pressure until glue is secure.  Repeat this step for all 24 shelf shapes. Organize six sets of shelf sizes 1-4. Note that each size shelf shape has the “level” number cut out from the side flange.

Step 3
Organize six sets of shelf sizes 1-4. Note that each size shelf shape has the “level” number cut out from the side flange.

Step 4

Arrange so that decorative front edge is on TOP. Apply glue to the UPPER surface of the largest (shelf 1). Align the next level shelf (2) exactly over shelf 1 and hold in place until glue is secure. Apply pressure to the entire areas to be glued by moving fingers around, front to back, sides, etc. “Perfect” alignment and precision adhesion at edges will help with the final product.  Repeat until all four shelves in a set are attached in this way.  Repeat until all six stacks are completed.

Step 5

Fold one tree wedge shape with inward folds up “spine”.  Fold bottom tabs inward, too.

Apply glue to one side of the stack and position with back corner aligning with corresponding spine perforation. Once the first side is secure, open tree shape, apply glue to the second stack side, re-wrap tree and repeat alignment and securing process.

Fold the post on all perforations as inward (“mountain”) folds. Position the long tab edge under the opposite straight edge. Apply glue to the tab, overlap edge to perforation exactly, hold in place until glue is secure. It will help to insert a long dowel or equivalent inside to provide a “push-against” surface while the glue is curing. Move fingers along the top surface to ensure even adhesion and accurate gluing.

Step 6
Insert tab end of pole through hexagon hole from face side slotted base shape. Fold pole tabs outward. Slide so tabs are flush with backside surface. Apply glue to tabs and secure in place. Next apply glue to bottom of wedge with stack assembly. Position on base shape and slide tabs through base slots. Pull tabs through to backside completely. Apply adhesive to INSIDE surface of each tab, then fold toward center and hold until secure. Separate the tree spine area and the pole as much as possible to apply glue to spine. Realign and apply pressure until secure.  It will help to insert the dowel or other tool into the pole so that pressure can be applied to help stack attach securely.

Step 7
Once the first stack is secured, repeat step 6 for the remaining 5 stacks.

Step 8
Identify the four sizes of drawer shapes (each has a different symbol punched into the back center tab).  Fold each drawer shape on all perforations as inward folds. NOTE that this includes the tiny triangle tab at the center back.  Apply glue to the folds to form the drawer holding each fold until it is secure.  Repeat for all 24 drawers.

Step 9
Prepare the tree topper shapes by folding inward at center fold, folding narrow tabs outward. Also fold the bottom tabs back.  Apply glue to all tabs. Position the topper shape in between tree sides near top of assembly. Push into place so that back tabs attach to the spine area. Push bottom tabs into place so that they attach to top of shelf shape. Adjust sides so that space between each flange of tree is about the same.  To help tabs attach, it may be helpful to use the side of a thin credit card to push into the narrow spaces until glue is secure.

Step 10
Identify shapes for the “25” topper and gut them out of an assortment of glitter papers. I cut all the pieces 2 times so that the same color was on both sides. Attach all shapes together including the numbers. Once completed slide the stem into top of pole opening.  Also cut drawer fronts out of your favorite Core paper to “Core Up” your project.

Step 11

Sand your drawer fronts before you attach them to the drawers.

Place something into each drawer, and enjoy the fun as your favorite little people enjoy the anticipation of Christmas with something to do, eat, or experience each day.  Besides small pieces of candy, you could include clues to find larger objects or treats such as juice bottles, mini-box cereals, bakery sugar cookies, etc., that can’t fit into the boxes.  An alternative to treats is to place an activity description written or typed onto a slip of paper.  Have fun using your imagination!

Thanks for stopping by for a peek… Have a wonderful day my crafty friends!