How to Make a Shoe-Organizer Advent Calendar

Youngsters can hardly contain their excitement this time of year. Add to their fun with this DIY advent calendar.

shoe organizer advent calendar hanging on wall
Photo: ADDIE JUELL

Before you begin, cover the work surface with newspaper to protect it from stray markings. Press each compartment well with an iron to remove wrinkles and creases. Once prepped for stenciling, it's a good idea to place a piece of scrap cardboard inside the bag (this creates a flat surface and prevents the paint from seeping through). When stenciling, apply stencil to the compartment, and press to adhere. Let dry for a few minutes, then carefully peel off stencil. Once removed, wipe repeating number stencils clean with a damp paper towel before reusing. (A clean stencil lets you see the fabric underneath more clearly, which makes it easier to ensure you're leaving a clean, even design.)

For more ideas, scroll through our entire collection of handmade advent calendars.

What You'll Need

Materials

  • Hanging shoe organizer (HomeCrate 24-pocket Hanging Canvas Shoe Organizer in Beige)
  • Paint
  • Numbered stencils
  • Foam pouncer

Instructions

  1. Stencil numbers onto a 24-pair canvas hanging shoe bag; let dry completely. (Tip: Customize the countdown to your family's celebration: Do all 24 pre-Christmas days of December, or trim off a few rows to encompass Hanukkah's eight nights.)

  2. Stuff some compartments with wrapped gifts, and filled the rest with supplies for holiday merriment. (The ninth, for instance, holds kid-size utensils for a cookie-baking spree they'll love looking forward to.)

Originally appeared: MARTHA STEWART LIVING, DECEMBER 2018
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