Create a festive clothespin wreath Advent countdown with this easy Christmas craft tutorial. Using glittered clothespins, jingle bells, and ribbon, this handmade wreath lets you clip on daily treats and count down to Christmas in a simple, joyful way.

Perfect for family traditions, budget-friendly holiday decorating, and nostalgic Irish-inspired Advent crafts.

As Christmas approaches, I'm always drawn to crafts that invite us to slow down and savor the season day by day. Growing up in Ireland, Advent wasn't marked by store-bought calendars or chocolate behind shiny doors. Instead, we counted the days in simple ways, marking time, sharing small treats, and building anticipation together as a family.

This Clothespin Wreath Countdown to Christmas is a lovely way to bring that spirit into your home. Made with glittered clothespins, jingle bells, and ribbon, it's part decoration, part tradition, and full of festive cheer. Best of all, it's interactive and perfect for children (and grown-ups!) who enjoy a daily ritual during Advent.

Two bags of glitter crafthing clothespins and a bag of craft bells

Equipment Needed

Wire coat hanger or thick jewelry wire
24 glittered clothespins
Jumbo jingle bells
Ribbon
Hot glue
Candy, small treats, or notes
Optional: marker or number stickers

How to Make a Clothespin Advent Wreath

Here are the step-by-step instructions for this craft.

Step 1: Shape the Wreath

Begin by twisting your wire coat hanger or jewelry wire into a circular shape to form the base of your wreath. Leave a small overlap where the ends meet.

Threading glitter clothespins and bells onto a wire

Step 2: Add Clothespins and Bells

Thread the wire through the spring of a clothespin, then through the loop of a jingle bell, alternating as you go. Continue until all 24 clothespins and bells are threaded in a pleasing pattern around the wreath.

Clothespins and bells on a Christmas craft

Step 3: Secure the Shape

Once the pattern is complete, twist the wire ends together firmly to secure the wreath shape.

Step 4: Stop the Spinning

Turn the wreath over and add a small dab of hot glue behind each clothespin and bell to keep them from sliding or spinning on the wire. Allow the glue to dry completely.

Step 5: Add a Ribbon Bow

Flip the wreath to the front. Tie a festive ribbon into a bow and attach it at the top, covering the twisted wire join.

Clothespin Advent wreath with chocolate treats

Step 6: Fill with Treats

Clip a small candy, note, or tiny surprise onto each clothespin.

Advent Christmas wreath made from clothespins with chocolate treats attached

Step 7: Countdown to Christmas

Remove one treat each day as you count down to Christmas-a simple ritual that builds excitement and togetherness.

Optional Step

Number each clothespin from 1 to 24 to help keep track of the days.

Christmas Advent wreath made from clothespins with text banners

Printable Craft Instruction Sheet

Here's an instruction sheet you can print for your files.

Clothespin Christmas wreath with chocolates attached

5 from 1 vote

Clothespin Advent Wreath Craft

Total Time2

Keyword: Advent Wreath Craft, Clothespin Advent Wreath, DIY Christmas Wreath

Equipment

1 Glue Gun Hot glue

Materials

1 Wire coat hanger or thick jewelry wire
24 Glittered clothespins
12 Jumbo jingle bells
18 inches Ribbon
24 Candies, small treats, or notes
24 Number stickers Optional - or use a marker

Instructions

Bend the wire into a round shape to form the base of your wreath. Slide the wire alternately through the metal spring of a clothespin and the loop of a jingle bell, spacing them evenly to create a decorative pattern.
Once all the clothespins and bells are in place, twist the ends of the wire together securely to hold the wreath shape.
Turn the wreath over and add a small dot of hot glue behind each clothespin and bell to prevent them from turning or shifting on the wire.
Allow the glue to dry completely, then turn the wreath right side up. Tie a ribbon into a bow and attach it at the top, covering the twisted wire.
Clip a small candy, note, or treat onto each clothespin.
Remove one treat each day as a fun way to count down to Christmas. For added organization, label each clothespin with a number or date to mark the days of Advent.