DIY Christmas Village Advent Calendar Wreath

My favorite time of the year is almost here, and I have been busy crafting away to prepare for it. Today I want to share my first Christmas craft of the season. I have so many fond memories of Christmas from childhood. One of my fondest memories came in the form of an advent calendar that my father so meticulously created. It was a wooden advent calendar with drawers that were all hand painted. We used to sit around the dinner table every night and open the drawers with excitement for candy and a scripture in preparation for Christmas. I wanted the same sense of excitement in my children’s faces which is why I created today’s DIY.

I spotted these cobblestone buildings (affiliate link) on a recent trip to Dollar Tree, and I knew they would make the cutest addition to my advent calendar wreath. They even have an opening at the bottom that is intended for a candle, but I think is perfect for candy and a scripture message. I had so much fun customizing these houses to fit my current favorite color combo of pink and red.

The beauty in this DIY is that you can use any color combination you want to fit your holiday decor. You can also use these houses as part of a tablescape, on top of the fireplace, or on a wreath. The crafting possibilities are endless! Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy making yours just as much as I did mine.

For your convenience, I created a step-by-step video so you can see how I made this DIY Christmas Village Advent Calendar Wreath. Then continue below to follow the step-by-step images to make your own!

To make your own DIY Christmas Village Advent Calendar Wreath, you will need:

• Dollar Tree Cobblestone Village (linked above)
• Spray Paint
• Craft Paint
• Craft Paintbrush
• Glitter
• Oversized Tinsel Garland (affiliate link)
• 24 Inch Embroidery Hoop
• Foam Core
• Hot Glue Gun with Glue Sticks
• White Duct Tape

Step 1: Spray paint the houses.

Spray paint two coats on both sides of the houses.

I recommend using 2-3 colors for your wreath.

Ensure the houses dry completely. I let mine dry overnight before I added additional details.

Step 2: Create the wreath base.

Create a thicker base for the embroidery hoop. Trace the foam core around the embroidery hoop.

Use a craft knife to cut the foam core.

Trace and cut two foam cores to fit the entire 24 inch embroidery hoop.

Attach the embroidery hoop to the foam core with duct tape.

Attach a zip tie to the wreath base base to act as a wreath hanger. Then tape it in place with duct tape.

Step 3: Hot glue the tinsel garland to the wreath base.

Wrap the garland tightly around the wreath base to ensure the wreath base is covered.

Hot glue the garland to the wreath base every fourth wrap around for added stability.

Step 4: Decorate the houses.

Paint the tops and the windows with white craft paint.

Then sprinkle glitter over the paint to attach it to the houses.

Paint the house details with a contrasting paint color.

Don’t overthink this step. Just have fun with it!

Cut out the house numbers. I used my secret weapon - Silhouette cutting machine.

Carefully attach the house numbers with hot glue.

Step 5: Attach the decorated houses to the wreath with hot glue.

Apply a generous amount of hot glue to the back of the houses, then attach them to the wreath.

Be sure to place house #1 right underneath the wreath hanger.

You will need to stagger the houses and have them connected to each other so that they fit neatly on the wreath. It may be helpful to lay them out first to ensure you have the placement correct.

I also recommend hot gluing the houses together for added stability. Just ensure you keep the opening at the bottom of the house available for a special treat!

Step 6: Enjoy your custom Christmas Village Advent Calendar Wreath.

I recommend adding a special treat to the bottom of each house, then securing it with duct tape.

I hope you enjoy making your own!