DIY Projects & Crafts Holiday Crafts Christmas Crafts How to Make a Shoe-Organizer Advent Calendar Youngsters can hardly contain their excitement this time of year. Add to their fun with this DIY advent calendar. By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on November 9, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: ADDIE JUELL Before you begin, cover the work surface with newspaper to protect it from stray markings. Press each compartment well with an iron to remove wrinkles and creases. Once prepped for stenciling, it's a good idea to place a piece of scrap cardboard inside the bag (this creates a flat surface and prevents the paint from seeping through). When stenciling, apply stencil to the compartment, and press to adhere. Let dry for a few minutes, then carefully peel off stencil. Once removed, wipe repeating number stencils clean with a damp paper towel before reusing. (A clean stencil lets you see the fabric underneath more clearly, which makes it easier to ensure you're leaving a clean, even design.) For more ideas, scroll through our entire collection of handmade advent calendars. What You'll Need Materials Hanging shoe organizer (HomeCrate 24-pocket Hanging Canvas Shoe Organizer in Beige) Paint Numbered stencils Foam pouncer Instructions Stencil numbers onto a 24-pair canvas hanging shoe bag; let dry completely. (Tip: Customize the countdown to your family's celebration: Do all 24 pre-Christmas days of December, or trim off a few rows to encompass Hanukkah's eight nights.) Stuff some compartments with wrapped gifts, and filled the rest with supplies for holiday merriment. (The ninth, for instance, holds kid-size utensils for a cookie-baking spree they'll love looking forward to.)