Hey friends — it’s Teresa from Teresa’s Spot for Art, and today’s blog post project is one of my absolute favorites: turning a plain old papier-mâché advent calendar box from Hobby Lobby into a festive, custom piece of holiday joy. 🎁
If you love creative projects that bring peace, calm, and a touch of magic to your home, this one’s for you. Grab your paintbrushes, Mod Podge, and my printable design (link below!) — and let’s get crafting.
✨ The Inspiration Behind This Project
Every year, I find myself drawn to advent calendars. There’s just something about the countdown to Christmas that brings out the kid in all of us. I have always gotten my girls those cheap ones filled with a piece of milk chocolate in each opening. I still mail one to them- even if it gets there late. This year I got them something special but that is for another day!
This year, I stumbled across a papier-mâché advent calendar box set at Hobby Lobby. It was cute, but it had major potential — that “blank canvas” just begging for a makeover.
So naturally, I had to give it my own creative spin! I designed a coordinating printable set — complete with numbered squares (1–25), patterned sides, and even a few extra decorative options for those of you who like to customize. You can grab it from the link in the video description or on my website.
🖌️ Supplies You’ll Need
Here’s what I used to transform the box into a holiday showpiece:
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Papier-mâché advent calendar box (from Hobby Lobby, about $7.49 on sale)
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My downloadable printable advent calendar set (five pages total)
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White or pale pink acrylic paint (for the base coat)
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Mod Podge (your crafting BFF)
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A small paintbrush
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Scissors or a paper cutter
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Optional: ribbon, bows, and embellishments for that finishing sparkle
🩷 Step 1: Prepping the Box
Before diving in with Mod Podge, I gave my box a quick coat of paint — just enough to cover those raw cardboard edges. You don’t need full coverage here; think of it as a primer to help your printables “pop.”
👉 Pro tip: If you skip the paint, your printables may look a bit darker or muted since paper is slightly translucent. I like using white or even a super soft blush pink — it makes everything glow!
Or head to Youtube for the step by Step Video
🌸 Step 2: Cutting and Layering the Printable Strips
Once your paint is dry (and yes, make sure it’s really dry), it’s time to cut out your printable pieces. The sides of the box are a little longer than standard 8.5x11 paper, so the strips overlap slightly.
I just trimmed the corners, folded the tabs, and worked one side at a time with Mod Podge. You’ll overlap the ends around each corner — kind of like wrapping a present. Take your time, work in small sections, and smooth as you go.
Don’t worry about perfection — that handmade charm is what makes it special. 💫
🌿 Step 3: Decorating the Drawers
Now comes the fun part! Each of the 25 little drawers gets its own numbered printable. You can go in order, or just randomly place them — I love the idea of mixing it up so every day feels like a little treasure hunt.
Inside each drawer, you can tuck in tiny surprises — candies, jewelry, inspirational notes, or even handmade “coupons” for things like a hug, a coffee date, or a cozy movie night. 💕
Once the drawers are all covered, give them a gentle top coat of Mod Podge to seal everything in. Be sure to go around the edges so your paper doesn’t lift later.
🕯️ Step 4: The Finishing Touches
While the boxes dry, I brush a light seal coat of Mod Podge around the frame and border. This helps hold everything down and gives it a beautiful soft sheen.
Once it’s completely dry, use scissors or a craft knife to cut out the little finger slots on each drawer — carefully! If the paper’s still damp, it might tear, so patience here pays off.
And because I know future me will forget where I bought this box, I glued the Hobby Lobby label to the back. (Highly recommend this step — trust me, your future self will thank you.)
After that, all that’s left is to pop the drawers back in, tie on a ribbon, maybe add a bow or some faux holly — and voila! You have a stunning, one-of-a-kind advent calendar ready for December 1st. 🎅
🎁 The Best Part: You Can Make It Your Own
This printable set comes with extra box covers and some without numbers, so you can design your calendar however you like.
You could even reuse the box after Christmas! Add new printables next year, or turn it into a keepsake box for mini treasures or affirmations.
🩵 Why I Love Projects Like This
There’s something so soothing about slowing down, painting, and gluing — letting your mind wander while your hands create. It’s not just crafting; it’s a moment of calm in the holiday chaos.
When we create with intention, even something as simple as a paper mache box becomes a reminder of joy, patience, and the beauty of handmade things.
🛍️ Grab Your Printable
You can find the printable advent calendar design linked in the YouTube video description or on my website under the “Printables” section.
or here:
DIY Hobby Lobby Paper Mache Advent Calendar Printables
Make one for yourself, or gift it to someone who could use a little Christmas cheer. It’s the kind of project that reminds us all what the holidays are truly about — creativity, connection, and simple joy.
📌 Pin This Project for Later!
If you love holiday DIYs, save this tutorial to Pinterest so you can find it again next year.
And while you’re there, follow me for more printable crafts, junk journal ideas, and relaxing art projects to bring peace and creativity into your every day.
-teresa xo
