Chipboard Gingerbread House

Nothing says Christmas is coming in my home more than the traditional building of the gingerbread house. My six year old grandson, Gabriel, and I have been making them since he was just a baby. We came up with some awesome houses, but then couldn't bear to part with them after the holidays. One house didn't get tossed out until Valentine's Day. And then, it hit me . Chipboard ! And we can use it year after year. So, I got this adorable Maya Road chipboard kit from Flamingo Scraps and went to work.

Before we put our "candies" on the house, I gave it two good coats of Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist (Suede), making sure it dried completely between coats. Next, I took a piece of Webster's tulle with dots on it to cover the roof. The "frosting" that usually holds the house together, is hot glue painted white after it cools. I used the crystal Stickles for an added frosted look on the painted glue. The best part about this entire project was that it didn't matter if everything was even or perfect. In fact, it actually enhanced the look. I had some Webster's trims and ribbons and decided they needed to go onto the house, making adorable curtains. From a Maya Road Christmas tree album kit, I borrowed the candy canes, striped them with Stickles, then used a wreath from the same kit.I used Glimmer Mist on the wreath, then coated it with the Distress Crackle from FS to give it a textured look.  We used beads from my stash for the candy around the windows and door. Gabriel picked out all the colors for the windows.  I KNEW I'd use the pom pom trim from Flamingo Scraps for something, and see ! I was right. The gingerbread people used for the bottom trim are from my stash, and the window on the door is from the larger windows on the side of the house.

Front view                   LOVE the tiny mini bottle cap we used for the door knob !

 Side view        Curtains made with Websters laces and trims with a piece of waxed paper behind it.

I was especially pleased with the way my little chimney turned out. I couldn't find a tiny paint brush in my collection, so being the creative genius that I'd like to think I am, I opted for a toothpick, and simply drew the lines for bricks.

 

The little chipboard book that came with this kit went to Gabriel so he could create something for his mother. But, being  of the mindset that I might need more than what comes with the kit, I bought two of these adorable houses, and decorated the book pages to use recipe cards. Each card measure 4.75 inches x 4.75 inches. I can store my Christmas cookie, candy, and dessert recipes in the house, and pack it all away with the ornaments, while keepingmy recipes in one place.

 

 

We now have fond, permanent reminders of our gingerbread houses for years to come. Maybe even pass them down to Gabriel to share with his children. Although, I'm pretty sure we'll continue to make those edible houses and look at them in awe when we finish .

 

 

This particular house has been discontinued by Maya Road,  but you can find them at your local craft store around the holidays, or better yet, contact Suzanne at flamingoscraps@yahoo.com for the Melissa Frances chipboard houses. They make several designs that can be special ordered!

 

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Have a Scrap Happy day !!

 Kathleen