chalkboard-advent-calendar-how-to-project

Raise your hand if you’ve already started decorating for Christmas.

Oh good….me too.

I can’t help it.

I just ordered a giant box of the most amazing red and white Christmas decorations and they were totally calling my tree’s name.

I know what you’re thinking.

You’re wondering and questioning and shrugging your shoulders and maybe if you are on your second cup of coffee…..you might even be rolling your eyes at me and asking me….friend to friend…..

….WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? 🙂

I can’t wait to show you all the fun Christmas decorating….but in the meantime if you want to start with a little holiday cheer….

…here’s an easy how-to chalkboard advent calendar that I posted last year.

chalkboard-advent-calendar

How to Make a Chalkboard Advent Calendar

Step 1:  Discover that it’s almost December

Check to make sure because it seemed like last week it was Fourth of July.

Remind yourself that this was the year you were going to be organized.

chalkboard-advent-calendar-noel

Step 2:  Start your organizational journey with Pinterest

See this pin from The White Company.

Remember the giant chalkboard that you created for this project.

Get totally inspired.

Peel off all the stickers and round up jute twine and clothespins and the 37 boxes of Christmas decorations from the attic.

chalkboard-advent-calendar-project

Step 3:   Look through all the decorations to find 25 of your favorite ornaments

Discover everything you bought on clearance last year and forgot all about.

Spend 30 minutes arranging a mantel display with all the clearance items and cut out burlap stockings.

Suddenly remember you were going to be organized this year.

Focus.

chalkboard-advent-calendar-star

Step 4:  Cut 4 pieces of jute twine the width of the chalkboard

Staple the twine to the back of the chalkboard.

Sit down to organize the ornaments into the cutest order possible and start watching Snow Bride on the Hallmark Channel.

An hour and a half later remember you were going to be organized.

Focus.

chalkboard-advent-calendar-ornament

Step 5:  Clip ornaments onto the jute twine

Write numbers on chalkboard.

Count down to Christmas by unclipping an ornament every day and hanging it on the tree.

This easy 30 minute diy project only took me an entire afternoon to create…..

….good thing because I need to start getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner. 🙂

PS  Thank you so much for the amazing support and encouragement for my Joss and Main Sale.

It’s still going on for three more days if you want to check it out….here.

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Comments

  1. Image for Julie Julie

    I just had to tell you that I love this project! Thank you for the inspiration. I love your use of silver and gold - shimmery and just what Christmas is all about. Can't wait for tomorrows post.

  2. Image for DEBORAH BURKE DEBORAH BURKE

    Love everything that you do Karianne..love your humor,was having a not so great day until reading your blog,made me laugh,thank you! :-)

  3. Image for Sheryll & Critters. Sheryll & Critters.

    I love this first day of Christmas. Unfortunately I doubt I can get this organized..... a little too late and all that stuff. I am excited though to be reading all the ideas.

  4. Image for Beverly Beverly

    Your organizational style always produces lovely results. Hey, if it works for you go with it. I, on the other hand, am organized to the point of being a bit overboard. But, it works for me. hahaha

  5. Image for Linda Linda

    Thanks for this! I was wondering what to do this year. December did sneak up on me. Love that I can use ornaments I have! No printing, glittering or coloring. Whew! Very pretty and fuss free.

  6. Image for Paula Paula

    Love this project! So glad to know I'm not the only one who has "decorating adhd"! My daughter spent all day Friday telling me to focus.........

  7. Image for Barbara Bussey Barbara Bussey

    What a kick! I'd love to be a fly on the wall, as you put this all together and giggle at your own sense of humor! (I love laughing at my incredibly-funny-self! Perception is everything!) Great project!, Barbara

  8. Image for Alice Hanson Alice Hanson

    Each time I think I am going to read your blog and think I will not enjoy it as much as the the last I am WRONG. I love your writing style and humor not to mention your creative brain! Karianne you are a jewel! Smiles, alice

  9. Image for Donnamae Donnamae

    I pledge every year to be organized...and I do try...then life gets in the way. Looks like you are off amd running! ;)

  10. Image for Peggy Peggy

    Oh Karianne, Where was this late, late last night when I was reminded by the two boys still at home that we didn't have one of those Christmas calendar things... only for me to have to explain that Aldi had sold out of them this year. Yes, at 14 & 17 apparently they still like the idea of the count-down, or at least the chocolate goodie involved! And then what to my wandering eyes (yes wandering because I am supposed to be working on stuff for the jr high youth Christmas party... TONIGHT!) should appear but a great idea for this holiday cheer! Oh have saved me once again!! I have the board (its HUGE) but the tree is still in the box... so I guess day number one will have to be two delightful pieces of imported chocolate (because my guys swore off store bought goodies for the month of November.) Thank you once again! You are truly a delight! Now I must be off to throw a load of laundry in the washer!!

  11. Image for Emilou Emilou

    Your blog radiates smiles. Thanks for your inspiration and fun '30 minute project'!! I love it!! You are so creative. Blessings and smiles, Emilou :-)

  12. Image for Heidi Ferguson Heidi Ferguson

    Wow-how lovely!!! So beautiful! I know you are super busy... but could you tell me where you got the "Noel" gold glitter sign? I have one in the word " Nest" but would love to have a "Merry Christmas" or "Noel" but am having a hard time finding one online. I just had chemo yesterday and won't be able to get out in the stores for a week or so -thought I'd just order online....Thanks so much!! I looked on the link to the White Company and didn't see one.

  13. Image for Christine Christine

    Karianne, I do love silver and gold! I am decorating and have been slowly. We have snow here in Michigan! I already have a white tree with white lights lit up in one of the windows. It's glorious! I can not wait to wake up to all your Christmas ideas. Oh and I hope you stuff a turkey this year and roast it it so easy really! Cheers ole pal! Christine

  14. Image for Jill Jill

    Wow! Your advent calendar is so simple and beautiful. But I am still in TurkeyDayTizzy! My guest list keeps growing and my plate count is low! My bed count is to close to call! Off to throw myself a secondary wedding shower at Bed, Bath and Beyond. After 30 + years, we all need to freshen the towels, pillows and blankets. And plates.... And maybe I should count the silverware! Now I am adding cute ornaments to my list! Thanks for the inspiration!

  15. Image for Regina Regina

    This IS the year I'm going to be organized. For real. I even bought paper products for my Sunday School party already. And those exchange gifts that I usually buy at the ABSOLUTE last minute. Bought. Check. When I got home from Christmas shopping the other day, it was almost a shock to my system, after seeing so much tinsel and glitter, to see my beloved pumpkins and pilgrims . . . I think I was a little TOO focused? LOL!! Perfectly adorable Advent calendar! P.S. Stay warm . . . Baby, it's C-O-L-D outside!! BRRRRRR!

  16. Image for Marisa Franca @ All Our Way Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

    I failed organization for this year :-( I am totally asea and I don't know where I put anything. SO!! I following your example I decided I would be organized for Valentine's Day and start getting things ready now. After all Christmas red is a lot like Valentine's Day red. And if I give a Santa Claus shaped chocolate for Valentine's Day don't you think that would be okay?? Chocolate is chocolate. Perhaps I should let it melt a little bit and smoosh it into a heart. I'll just leave my Charlie Brown Christmas tree out and decorate it with hearts and the twinkling lights can stay. I see the potential here -- I will be so ready I won't have to do anything in February!! Thank you for your inspiration of working ahead.

  17. Image for Laura Laura

    I heart you... seriously. :) I was just thinking today that I'm going to do an advent calendar on my big chalkboard in my kitchen. Not quite sure what to do, but I think it'll be cute. Ha! Maybe not ornaments, but something my daughter can pull off every day. Hmmm... Target dollar spot anyone?? :) So many ideas, so little time!!

  18. Image for Michael @ CraftyDad.com Michael @ CraftyDad.com

    Oh, yes, the Holiday season HAS arrived. Just take a look at the retail stores. Crazy how that works. And I usually get really bummed (almost depressed when the days get shorter and the nights seem to last fore-ever). But...I've told myself that THIS YEAR is going to be different. I'm going to add Joy and Glad Tidings wherever I can. Your Advent Calendar is --- JOYFUL -- to say the very least. Hope your Holiday season is off to a great start. xo Michael

  19. Image for Dawna Dawna

    Thanks for the inspiration on this post. I have decorated my two large window frames for the holiday season and your post was a great help with putting it all together! Pop on over and have a look! What would we do without Thistlewood Farms and all the great ideas you have!!

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