If you've been looking for a handmade Christmas gift that's genuinely personal — something a paper crafter or journaler would actually want to receive and use — this tutorial is for you. I made an advent calendar in book form using upcycled book pages, pre-made envelopes, scrapbook paper scraps, and whatever else was already in my stash. The result is a 25-pocket book where each pocket holds a little surprise to open from December 1st through Christmas Day. I'll walk you through making the pockets, planning and binding the book, gluing everything down properly so nothing rips, and filling all 25 pockets with real, usable paper craft supplies.
What we cover
This tutorial covers building an advent calendar in book form — choosing or constructing your base, making pockets from book pages (including large full-page ones), gluing them down so they can be filled without tearing, numbering and closing each pocket, and filling all 25 pockets together on screen. I also share a full list of pocket-filler ideas for paper crafters and show how I decorated the cover using thrifted and upcycled materials.
What you'll learn
How to choose or construct the book base, including:
- Using a upcycled ring binder (my choice here — an old recipe book) for its sturdiness and easy page-adding
- Folding card stock into signatures and binding with three-hole pamphlet stitch if you don't have a ring binder
- Using the twine binding method — wrapping elastic cord around the spine — for a relaxed, decorative alternative that still holds firmly
How to calculate your page count before binding — figure out how many pockets you want per page (I fit four small ones per spread, or one large one), multiply up to 25, and account for any pages you're not using for pockets. If you're using a ring binder, you can skip this and just keep adding pages as needed.
How to make book page envelopes and pockets, including:
- Folding single book pages into small pouches, using the printed lines as a guide for symmetrical folds
- Overlapping two smaller book pages to create a large full-page pocket when you don't have oversized paper
- Making pockets with straight edges, triangular flaps, or decorative variations
- Sewing pockets closed with a straight stitch or zigzag stitch on a sewing machine for a decorative finish
- Gluing pockets closed with a glue stick and sealing edges with washi tape if you're not using a sewing machine
Why I paint or watercolor the envelopes before assembling — plain book pages work fine, but adding color (watercolor washes, a swipe of acrylic, even leaving some natural) gives the finished spread a cohesive, layered look. You only need to color one side, and mixing painted and plain pages actually looks better than doing them all the same.
How to glue pockets onto pages so they don't rip — apply glue only in a small central section, well away from all edges, so the pocket has real give when filled. This is something I'd do differently if I were starting over: I left some space but not quite enough once the pockets were packed full.
How to make and apply pocket numbers as closures, including:
- Layering cut numbers onto scrapbook paper and then onto gold card stock for a rich, cohesive look
- Applying numbers after filling the pockets, so you can judge exactly how much of the flap to cover
- Gluing only the very bottom edge of the number so the flap opens and closes easily
How to set eyelets in ring binder holes — the pages get heavy once filled. Eyelets reinforce the card stock around the holes and prevent tearing as you turn pages.
What to put in the pockets — I filled all 25 on camera, so you can see how it actually looks and how much fits. Some ideas I used: washi tape swatches wrapped around playing cards, mini journals made from two folded pages, paper bags and glassine bags, fabric scraps, napkins for decoupage, tags, bookmarks, die cuts, buttons sewn onto scrapbook paper, lace offcuts, charms, jump rings, stencils, ephemera, postage stamps, stickers, sequins, punchanella, and paper flowers. The idea I came back to throughout: each pocket holds a little mix of things, not just one category, so every day feels like a proper surprise.
Tips & gotchas
A ring binder is worth reaching for specifically because the rings stay out of your way — you're not writing in this book, so the rings don't interfere with anything, and they make it easy to add or rearrange pages as you build.
When folding book page envelopes, turn the page upside down before you start folding. That way, when the envelope is closed and sitting in the book, the text reads the right way up. It's a small thing but it makes the finished spread look intentional.
Only glue pockets down in a small central section — not all the way to the edges, not with double-sided tape. Double-sided tape will rip away as you pull things in and out. Even a generous glue-stick application can cause problems once pockets are packed full; give them more room than you think you need.
Apply your pocket numbers after filling. That way you can see exactly how much flap is exposed and glue only the very bottom of the number down. If the number covers too much of the flap, it becomes a wrestling match to open the pocket.
For tiny pockets, cut a small notch in the opening edge. It seems like nothing, but it makes pulling things out much easier and prevents little fingers (or impatient adult fingers) from tearing the paper.
Reinforce your ring binder holes with eyelets before you start filling pages. Once pockets are stuffed and the book gets heavy, plain card stock will start to tear at the holes — the eyelets stop that from happening.
If making 25 pockets from scratch feels like a lot, it is — I worked on this from Sunday to Wednesday without touching any other projects. Pre-made envelopes of different sizes save a huge amount of time and still look wonderful once you've numbered and embellished them.
Before you glue anything down, do a planning round with prototypes. I made a few test pockets in plain paper first, laid them onto the page to check sizing and spacing, and used those as my templates. The spreads where I took the time to plan are the ones I'm happiest with.
A book like this doesn't have to be Christmas-themed or even December-based — you could build a "30 days to your birthday" version, or a craft-supplies-of-the-month gift for someone who journals. My daughter sat next to me while I was planning this video and immediately started folding her own little envelopes and numbering them. That felt like the whole point: the format is simple enough that once you see it, you just want to go make the thing.
