![thumbnail](https://i3.ytimg.com/vi/iKtf2AuxsPs/hqdefault.jpg)
Difficulty
Beginner
Duration
2-4 hours
Presented by Ashley Basnight of Handmade Haven
Learn how to make a metal snowflake advent calendar that makes counting down to the holiday even more fun. This guide will show you step-by-step instructions to create a DIY calendar that you can use year after year using just a few tools and materials.
Mark Triangle Cuts
![A T-square is used to create a tree shape. A T-square is used to create a tree shape.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-make-a-metal-snowflake-advent-calendar-step-1.jpg)
After you have gathered all of the materials needed for this project and prepped your work area, it's time to mark your triangle cuts.
- Using a T-square, measure and mark the appropriate cuts on your 3/4-inch piece of plywood to create a triangle.
- First, make a marking at the top center of the plywood board (14 3/4-inches).
- Then, draw two lines on each side connecting the bottom corners to the top marking.
Cut Out Triangle
![A circular saw is used to cut wood. A circular saw is used to cut wood.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-make-a-metal-snowflake-advent-calendar-step-2.jpg)
Clamp a straight edge to your plywood board to enable a straight cut. Using a circular saw, cut out the triangle.
Sand Triangle
![Wood is sanded with an orbital sander. Wood is sanded with an orbital sander.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-make-a-metal-snowflake-advent-calendar-step-3.jpg)
Using your orbital sander and 80-grit sandpaper, sand down the triangle. Then sand again with 220-grit sandpaper.
Cut Out Aluminum Snowflakes
![Metal snowflakes are cut out using snips. Metal snowflakes are cut out using snips.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-make-a-metal-snowflake-advent-calendar-step-4.jpg)
Using your snips, carefully cut out your metal snowflakes from the aluminum sheet. This project calls for 25 snowflakes.
Spray Paint Snowflakes
![Metal snowflakes are painted blue. Metal snowflakes are painted blue.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-make-a-metal-snowflake-advent-calendar-step-5.jpg)
Spray paint your snowflakes with the color of your choice. Be sure to spray lightly and evenly for a nice clean look.
Drill Pilot Holes for Hooks
![A drill is used to make holes for snowflakes. A drill is used to make holes for snowflakes.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-make-a-metal-snowflake-advent-calendar-step-6.jpg)
Drill a pilot hole where you think the snowflake is best placed. Be sure to not drill in all the way but slightly, just enough to make it easier to screw in the cup hook.
Add Cup Hooks
![Cup hooks are added to the board. Cup hooks are added to the board.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-make-a-metal-snowflake-advent-calendar-step-7.jpg)
- Screw in cup hooks tightly.
- Hang your snowflake on top of them.
Add Numbers
![Adhesive numbers are added to metal snowflakes. Adhesive numbers are added to metal snowflakes.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-make-a-metal-snowflake-advent-calendar-step-8.jpg)
- Add the applicable numbers by using number stickers. Peel off the numbers and place them evenly on the snowflake.
- For the double numbers, layer one number on top of the other. Use craft scissors to cut off the excess adhesive.
Cut Smaller Triangle
![A smaller triangle is cut using a saw. A smaller triangle is cut using a saw.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-make-a-metal-snowflake-advent-calendar-step-10.jpg)
- Using excess wood from the larger triangle, cut out a smaller triangle with your circular saw. This smaller triangle will hold your metal snowflakes as you remove them from the calendar.
- Sand the small triangle down with an orbital sander.
Add Bottom Frame
![A bottom frame is attached using a nail gun. A bottom frame is attached using a nail gun.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-make-a-metal-snowflake-advent-calendar-step-9.jpg)
Cut down the 1 x 3 board to 39 1/5 inches and attach it to the assembled advent calendar using 2-inch brad nails and a brad nailer.
Attach Cup Hooks
![Cup hooks are added to the smaller triangle. Cup hooks are added to the smaller triangle.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-make-a-metal-snowflake-advent-calendar-step-11.jpg)
Repeat the same steps above to add one cup hook to the smaller triangle.
Let the Countdown Begin
![A woman stands next to her completed advent calendar. A woman stands next to her completed advent calendar.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/how-to-make-a-metal-snowflake-advent-calendar-step-12.jpg)
Now set up your advent calendar and enjoy counting down the days until Christmas!
Learning how to make a custom metal snowflake advent calendar is a creative project that can be done as a family or on your own. It's also a fun way to add a bit of personal style to your holiday decor. Looking for a product to complete your project? We have options to deliver online orders when and where you need them.