Learn how to make a DIY pizza pan Christmas countdown using scrapbook paper, Mod Podge, and vinyl! A cute holiday decor project on a budget.

How to make a Christmas countdown craft using a Dollar Tree pizza pan.

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Why I love this craft

I’m all about simple, budget-friendly crafts that look like you spent way more time (and money) than you actually did—and this pizza pan Christmas countdown checks every box.

There’s something so satisfying about turning a plain metal pan into a cheerful, interactive countdown that the whole family can enjoy. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your own papers, vinyl, and embellishments.

supplies to make a dollar store Christmas countdown

Crafting with Dollar Tree Pizza Pans

If you haven’t started crafting with Dollar Tree pizza pans yet, you’re in for a treat. These round metal trays are the perfect blank canvas for seasonal signs, countdowns, wreath bases—you name it.

They’re lightweight, sturdy, and take paint and Mod Podge like a dream. For this countdown project, the pizza pan becomes a decorative frame for your holiday scrapbook paper, vinyl labels, and magnetic countdown ring.

The inspiration for this craft:

I had previously made a Christmas countdown clock from a dollar store pizza pan – but that craft was an actual clock. This time, I found this “Christmas countdown” in Cricut Design Space that was just a little bit different, and I knew I had to make a craft with it!

Video Tutorial: Pizza Pan Christmas Countdown Craft

Watch this quick video to see how this craft came together:

gingerbread scrapbook paper and black vinyl Christmas countdown craft

Pizza Pan Christmas Countdown Craft

Create a charming DIY Christmas countdown using a Dollar Tree pizza pan! A fun and festive holiday craft that’s easy, budget-friendly, and beginner-approved.

Materials

1 Dollar Tree pizza pan
White spray primer (optional but helps paint adhere)
Light brown chalk paint or acrylic paint
Christmas-themed scrapbook paper (preferably thick cardstock)
Matte Mod Podge
1.5" wooden ring
Black adhesive vinyl (or any color of your choice)
Faux greenery garland or ribbon for embellishment
Twine or thick baker’s twine
Self-adhesive magnet strips
Clear contact paper (Dollar Tree)

Tools

Mini heat press or dry household iron
Sharpie or marker
Craft scissors
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Silicone fingertip protectors (optional but recommended)
Flat 1" paintbrush
Cricut or other cutting machine (or pre-cut vinyl words)

Instructions

Watch video. Follow along with the tutorial for a step by step walkthrough on how to create your own Christmas countdown craft using a pizza pan.
Prep and paint pizza pan. Start by lightly spraying the outer edge of your pizza pan with white primer. Once dry, brush on a coat of light brown chalk paint. Let it dry completely before moving to the next step.
Cut out your scrapbook paper circle. Flip your scrapbook paper over, lay the pizza pan label on top, and trace one half. Flip the label and trace the other half to complete the circle. Use craft scissors to cut it out cleanly.
Attach paper with mod podge. Apply a layer of Mod Podge only to the center of the pizza pan—where your scrapbook paper will go. Press the paper down flat and let the Mod Podge dry.
Use the heat press method. Place parchment paper over the scrapbook paper and press it with a mini heat press or dry iron (no steam!).
Add the vinyl countdown design. Using your Cricut, cut out a festive “Christmas Countdown” label or numbers using black vinyl. For a gentler adhesive, use clear contact paper instead of regular transfer tape to avoid damaging the paper background. Gently press your vinyl onto the center of the pan.
Embellish the edges. Add faux greenery, braided ribbon, or jute around the edge using hot glue. Glue a few inches at a time, pressing the greenery in place with a silicone fingertip protector to avoid burns.
Make the moveable countdown marker. Paint a small wooden ring white.

Once dry, hot glue curved pieces of magnet strip to the back. (Trim them to avoid showing from the front.) This ring will act as your countdown marker.
Attach the ring with twine. Thread a piece of twine through the wooden ring, tie a bow, and measure the length so the ring can reach any part of the pizza pan. Double knot the other end of the twine and hot glue it to the back of the pan to secure.