My Advent Calendar Project

[Zonian]

This is my version of a "Christmas Vacation" inspired Advent Calendar I made for the Pope family. Although inspired by the one in the movie, mine is all original. I designed the plans for it and added some features that the movie one didn't have.

It measures just over 4 feet wide, 2 feet tall and about 10 inches deep. All of the windows and doors are hand made, each cedar shake and piece of clapboard siding is individually cut to fit and glued in place, one by one.

Although not my choice of colors (those were chosen by Mrs. Pope) I think the overall effect turned out to be pleasing. Please enjoy the pictures.

May I present, The Pope Mansion, a Victorian Era, Second Empire dwelling that if it were full scale would have been built circa 1860!

 

[Zonian]

A few construction pics. All of the pictures are back lit and the family photos are all changeable from the back. Each of the 24 windows has a different picture, all in the Christmas Season spirit.

 

[Zonian]

And finally, a few shots of the completed project. I hope you like it!

 

[Karmices]

VERY NICE! Looks great!

 

[68custom]

well done and very nice!

 

[Zonian]

Thanks!
It was a little trying at times with all of the little pieces, but it was loads of fun and very rewarding when I finally finished!

 

[Zonian]

I forgot to note the "extra" features my piece has that the movie version did not:

The movie Calendar just has a back lit picture behind the windows, mine has that along with a two inch deep space to put goodies for the kids!

If you look closely at the front door of my project (opened, of course) you will notice a wind up key for a music box (playing Mrs. Pope's favorite Christmas tune), the movie version had no such feature!

 

[JBL GUY]

Very nice!

Thank you for the pictures.

 

[Zonian]

A little sad news...

...the gentleman in the last photo of post #3, Monty Pope,

passed away and will be buried tomorrow, March 13.

He will be missed. He did, however, leave a lasting heirloom for his grandkids. I'm proud to have been a part of that.

R.I.P. Monty.

 

[SuperjazzyJa]

Sorry to hear about your friend passing.

Very nice job on the calendar.

 

[Zonian]

Thank you.