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This week I was so excited to share some of my new Christmas Decor and that included my DIY Cardboard Christmas Houses on my mantel!
I wanted big impact and no surprise… low cost… so as I was preparing to do wood cut out houses, I realized that it would A. take more time and B. would have to be seriously attached so as not to fall on my children’s heads.
I decided to use my once a year Lightbulb Moment and came up with thick foam cardboard- easy to cut, and half off at Hobby Lobby Score (similar found here)! After I cut out the house shapes and some windows, it occurred to me that you can buy window forms for doll houses. I popped back in to Hobby Lobby and sure enough- little windows, doors, and even shutters- why not add a little personalization?! (similar windows found here but more choices at Hobby Stores with coupons!)
I ended up not using the shutters because I liked the simpler look, but all I did was trace around the windows and then use an X-Acto Knife to cut out the foam. I lightly pushed the wood window frames in and voila!
The doors and larger windows I cut looked a bit boring after the cute windows were in so I grabbed some Balsa wood trim that I used to create my Faux Tobacco Basket. It is super thin and can be cut with scissors so I just measured, cut and hot glued it around the doors and windows! (also found at Hobby Lobby)
I also cut down the edges of the houses but not all the way through the foam so that they could stand on their own and block the view of the twinkle lights taped to the back.
The next step was to tape some battery powered twinkle lights up to the backs to add a nice glow!
See all of those fun accents that make the scene come to life? All found at The Container Store! The wood cut out trees, the red pom pom ribbon, the adorable little gift boxes… between those and their gift wrap, I was in that store for a long time and beyond excited!
To see the rest of the Holiday Decor, including my festive dining room, Click Here!
Let me know if you have any questions!
xoxo
B
I love your mantel! It is beautiful and the houses are adorable. Did you make the trees as well? they’re cute too. I’m going to try this for my mantel.
Thank you Peggy! I actually got the trees at The Container Store- I know you can order them online too!
Adorable idea, well executed and it looks fabulous on your mantel!!! Incredibly creative – you did great!!!
Do u have templates for the houses – thanks
I’m afraid I don’t- I just cut them to the sizes I wanted:)
Thanks Bee – will have to get the old brain working lol
Bee, your idea is so refreshing!!! I just adore it……..
The use of the mirrors to reflex the light by your houses as well as the one by the tree is smart!!!!! A+++++++…really adore it..Merry Christmas!!
What kind of paint would work best if I decided to do that? I think you are a genius!!! How beautiful…….
Thanks so much Susan! I would probably say craft paint. But I bet chalk paint would be ok too!