Advent Calendar

By Jaime Costiglio
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Kreg Academy Kreg Academy

Make this fun Christmas decor using your Kreg pocket hole jig. The pocket holes make a perfect spot for a dowel with a holiday shape on the end to move along as we count down to the big day. Designed with a solid base and optional spot for a sign this advent calendar is fun for the whole family.

Difficulty moderate

Tools

Kreg Tools

Other Tools

  • Jigsaw
    Jigsaw
  • Miter Saw
    Miter Saw
  • Scroll Saw
    Scroll Saw
  • Tape Measure
    Tape Measure
  • Impact Driver
    Impact Driver
  • Sander
    Sander
  • Tape Measure
    Tape Measure

Materials

Wood Products

  • 1 Board , 2x2 , 72"
  • 1 Board , 1x5 , 4 1/2" scrap
  • 1 Board , 2x6 , 5 1/2" scrap
  • 1 Board , 2x8 , 7 1/4" scrap
  • 1 Board , 1x8 , 6 1/4" circle
  • 1 Plywood , 1/4" Thick , 5 3/4" circle
  • 1 Board , 1x6 , 4" star

Hardware & Supplies

  • 6 2 1/2" spax wood screws
  • 4 1 1/4" spax wood screws
See All Tools & Materials

Cut List & Parts

  • 1 Post , 2 x 2 @ 57"
  • 1 Base 3 , 3/4" x 4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
  • 1 Base 2 , 1 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"
  • 1 Base 3 , 1 1/2" x 7 1/4" x 7 1/4"
  • 1 Small circle sign , 1/4" x 5 3/4" diameter
  • 1 Large circle sign , 3/4" x 6 1/4" diameter
  • 1 Star , 3/4" x 4" star
  • 1 Sign dowel , 5/16" x 3"
  • 1 Star dowel , 5/16" x 4"
See Full Cut List & Parts

Directions

  • Dimensions

    Overall dimensions 66 3/4h x 7 1/4" x 7 1/4"

    Step 1

  • Step 1

    Starting 2” from the end attach one pocket hole jig at center using the face frame clamp and drill a pocket hole. To make the next pocket hole line up the jig using the edge of the first hole as a guide. This will ensure about ¾” spacing between pocket holes. Repeat this process until you have 25 pocket holes.

    Step 2

  • Step 1 IRL

    Step 1 IRL

    Step 3

  • Step 2

    Attach post to base 3 at center using wood glue and at least 2 – 2 ½” countersunk wood screws. Considering predrilling so the post doesn’t split.

    Step 4

  • Step 3

    Prepare the remaining base 1 and base 2 pieces by attaching the smaller base 2 to the larger base 1 using wood glue and 2 ½” countersunk wood screws.

    Step 5

  • Step 4

    Attach the post / base 3 portion using wood glue and 1 ¼” countersunk wood screws.

    Step 6

  • Step 5

    To make the circular sign at top cut out the two wood circles. Paint as desired and then attach the smaller ¼” plywood circle to the larger back circle using super glue or wood glue. Drill a 5/16” hole into the larger circle and insert the dowel using wood glue. Predrill a 5/16” hole at the top center of the post and insert the dowel with the sign.

    Step 7

  • Step 6

    Cut out the 4” star from ¾” thick plywood (use pattern below). Paint as desired. Predrill a 5/16” hole at center bottom and insert the 5/16” wood dowel using wood glue.

    Step 8