Hogwarts Advent Calendar

The Inspiration: Bringing Hogwarts Home

Like many fans, I fell in love with a beautiful wooden Hogwarts Advent Calendar but found it impossible to purchase in my region. Rather than giving up on the dream, I decided to tackle the project myself using my 3D printer and CAD skills to create something.

This model is a labour of love—a modular, two-part system designed to resemble an antique, leather-bound chest, opening to reveal 24 drawers ready to be filled with treats and surprises.

Key Features

• Modular Design: The calendar prints in two halves (Left and Right) and connects with two cabinet hinges.

• Realistic Wooden Look: Designed specifically for Wood PLA filaments to achieve an authentic antique appearance.

• Illuminated Scenic Backing: Two panels feature layered scenic illustrations (Castle/Bridge/Train, Castle/Trees/Stag) backlit by fairy lights, creating a magical, glowing effect.

• Customizable Details: Includes mounting points for real brass latches, rivets, and leather straps to enhance the high-end, antique aesthetic.

Printing Notes

• Size: The main box components (left and right) are each 240mm wide. This model requires a standard or large-format printer and may not be compatible with "mini" printers.

• Filaments Used:

  • Box Shell & Decor Frames: Dark Wood PLA (I used Spectrum PLA Wood Ebony Black).

  • Drawers: Constrastic Wood PLA (I used Polymaker Panchorama Matte Wood Brown).

  • Scenic Backgrounds: Wood and Transparent/Clear PLA.

• Drawers: Print all 24 small numbered boxes.

Hardware & Assembly

This project may seem complex, but assembly is advantageous. You will need:

1. Medium Antique Latch (x1)

2. Cabinet Hinge (x2)

3. Leather String (15mm width, approx. 2.5 meters) 

4. Single Cap Rivets (10mm)

5. Fairy Lights/LED String (x2, battery operated)

Assembly Steps:

1. Hinges & Latch: Mount the hinges and latch using the provided screws.

2. Leather Straps: Cut eight leather strips. Punch holes and attach the single cap rivets. I've used epoxy to securely glue the leather straps to the sides of the case.

3. Scenic Illumination:

   • Super-glue the layered decorative plates in order

     • Scene 1: Transparent background > Distant Castle > Bridge/Train > Trees.

     • Scene 2: Transparent background > Close Castle > Trees > Stag.

   • Secure the spacers in place.

   • Hot-glue the fairy lights into the back sections and insert the batteries.

   • Tip: Use a small piece of transparent tape on the back panel for easy on/off switching of the lights.

4. Finalise: Insert all 24 numbered drawers. The magic is complete!