How to Make Gingerbread Houses Out of Cardboard Cutouts
Gingerbread houses are a quintessential part of holiday decorating, but they don’t always have to be made of actual gingerbread! With cardboard cutouts, you can create charming, lightweight, and long-lasting gingerbread house fronts to decorate your walls, windows, or mantle. This project is a wonderful way to upcycle cardboard and bring some holiday cheer to your home.
Materials Needed to Make Gingerbread Houses out of Cardboard
- Cardboard (recycled boxes work perfectly)
- Scissors or a craft knife
- Pencil and ruler
- Acrylic paint (white and other festive colors)
- Small paintbrushes
- Water
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Cardboard Gingerbread Houses
1. Prepare Your Cardboard
Collect sturdy cardboard and cut it into flat pieces. Determine the size of your gingerbread houses based on where you’ll display them. Use a pencil and ruler to sketch house outlines with peaked roofs. These can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Using scissors or a craft knife, carefully cut along the outlines of the houses.
2. Design the Details
Sketch front doors, windows, chimneys, and other features onto your cardboard houses. Feel free to draw multiple houses with different motifs to add variety.
Gingerbread House Design Ideas
Here are a few motifs to inspire your designs:
- Front Doors:
- Arch-shaped doors with a wreath drawn above them.
- Rectangle doors with “plank” detailing for a rustic look.
- Candy cane columns on either side of the door for a festive feel.
- Windows:
- Classic square windows with crisscross panes.
- Round windows to mimic portholes or cozy attic windows.
- Heart- or star-shaped cutouts for whimsical designs.
- Roof Shingles:
- Overlapping scallop shapes for a classic gingerbread roof.
- Square “tiles” to create a more modern design.
- Zigzag frosting patterns for a playful look.
You can mix and match these ideas to create a village of unique cardboard gingerbread houses!
3. Painting the Gingerbread Houses
Mix white acrylic paint with a bit of water to achieve a smooth, fluid consistency. This will help you paint delicate details.
Use the HARD END of a paintbrush dipped in the diluted white paint to “draw” frosting lines. This technique allows for precise, fine details. I find it easier to paint uniform lines this way compared to using the bristles.
Displaying Your Gingerbread Houses
Once your cardboard gingerbread houses are complete, they’re ready to be displayed. Here are a few ideas:
- Prop them on a mantel or shelf, leaning against the wall.
- Attach string to the back and hang them on your Christmas tree.
- Use them to create a whimsical holiday window display.
Why This Project Is Perfect for the Holidays
Creating gingerbread houses out of cardboard cutouts is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to celebrate the season. It’s a great activity for kids, as it allows them to design and decorate their own houses with minimal mess. Plus, these houses are reusable and can become part of your annual holiday tradition.
So gather your supplies, get creative with your designs, and enjoy crafting your very own gingerbread-inspired cardboard village!
