Supplies and Equipment

Supplies

• Dollar Tree hanging sign with top and bottom faux wood bars
• Calendar page with Christmas or winter artwork
• Mod Podge
• Double-sided tape
• Coordinating ribbon—I used teal velvet ribbon
• Hot glue sticks
• Optional: paint or scrapbook paper to finish the back

Equipment

• Sanding block or small sanding tool
• Paintbrush or foam brush
• Scissors
• Parchment paper
• Small craft heat press suitable for your materials
• Hot glue gun
• Cloth or small vacuum for cleaning up sanding dust

Picking a Sign and Calendar Page

Look for a Dollar Tree hanging sign with a flat center panel and decorative bars across the top and bottom. Mine was a Thanksgiving recipe-style sign with a raised embellishment and glitter lettering.

For the artwork, I chose a Christmas calendar page with a snowy village and snowman scene. Pick an image that fits the center panel and coordinates with the trim you want to keep.

I worked on the front to preserve the faux wood finish on the bars. You can also use the back of the sign to avoid removing the front decorations, but you may need to paint the backs of the bars for a finished look.

How to Make a Dollar Tree Calendar Christmas Sign

Step 1: Watch the Video Tutorial

Watch the video tutorial located above, right here in this blog post, to see how I prep the sign, attach the calendar artwork, and finish it with a velvet bow. Then follow the steps below to make your own.

Step 2: Remove the Decorations and Smooth the Sign

Carefully remove any raised embellishments from the front of the sign. Sand away leftover hot glue and glitter until the center panel feels smooth.
Take a little extra time here. Any glue bumps or glitter left behind can show through the thin calendar paper.

Brush or wipe away the sanding dust before moving on. My little desktop vacuum came in handy for this messy part!

Step 3: Check the Fit and Center Your Artwork

Place the calendar page over the sign to see how the picture fits between the top and bottom bars. Trim any extra height as needed. Mine needed a small trim along the bottom.

You can leave extra paper along the sides to fold around the back later. Before adding adhesive, check the image placement carefully. Look at the scene itself as well as the paper edges, and make sure your favorite details are where you want them.
I thought mine was centered, but the finished sign told a different story. Do as I say, not as I do on this step!

Step 4: Attach the Calendar Page

Brush an even, generous coat of Mod Podge over the sign’s flat center panel, avoiding the faux wood bars.

For the heat-setting method, allow the adhesive coat to dry before positioning the calendar page over it. Place the artwork where you planned it, then cover it with parchment paper. Using a craft heat press, begin in the center and work outward in sections toward the edges. This helps you smooth the paper without trapping bubbles in the middle.

Keep the parchment paper between the heat press and your artwork, and avoid pressing over the raised trim. Let the sign cool, then check that the paper is attached.

Step 5: Fold and Secure the Side Edges

Turn the sign over and fold the extra calendar paper around the sides onto the back. Add a few pieces of double-sided tape to secure those folded edges. This was an easy way to finish the sides without trying to trim the paper perfectly flush.

You can leave the back as it is, paint it, or cover it with coordinating scrapbook paper. Just keep the original hanger clear so the sign is ready to display.

Step 6: Add a Velvet Ribbon Bow

If your calendar page has a hanging hole near the top, cover it with a little ribbon bow. I used teal velvet ribbon that picked up the colors in the winter scene. Tie a simple bunny-ear bow, adjust the loops and tails, and trim the ends.

Add a small dab of hot glue and attach the bow over the calendar hole. Easy peasy, and a pretty finishing touch!

Simple Ways to Customize Your Sign

• Change the artwork. Try a Christmas tree, winter landscape, or floral calendar page.
• Match the ribbon to the picture. Velvet adds a cozy touch, but checks or a simple solid ribbon work, too.
• Use the back of the sign. Paint the top and bottom bars if you prefer to skip sanding the front.
• Finish the reverse side. Add scrapbook paper for a tidy back.

A Seasonal Sign Gets a Christmas Makeover

This Dollar Tree calendar Christmas sign is such an easy way to put pretty calendar artwork on display. The faux wood trim frames the snowy scene, and that little velvet bow covers the calendar hole while adding a pop of color. Just remember to check your centering before you commit—your future crafty self will thank you!