Hi from Gary

Putznutz · Post by **Putznutz** » Mon Dec 17, 2012 5:42 pm

I'm a retired Architect with plenty of architectural model building experience. I was introduced to the smaller Putz houses in the late 1950's, a set my mother purchased from W.T. Grants. They were only to be used under the Christmas tree along with my Lionel trains.
My renewed interest came about when I found a box in a thrift store which contained seven of the larger 1930s (6 x 4 base) vintage Japanese Putzes. All of them had broken windows, but no serious damage to the structures or to the bases. At that time I made my own windows, I did not know of Paul's site cardboardchristmas.com where replacement windows were available. I searched around the local craft store and found red translucent cellophane gift wrap and a gold paint marker. I crafted red windows and doors with gold trim work, just like the originals. It took a good long time to replace the windows, but the finished product looks great.
Now for upcoming new Putz projects I want to expand the scope of repairs. My previous "minor repairs" to the houses was limited to the white walls and snow on the bases and to re-glue loose items. Now I considering taking on some of the more heavily damaged Putz houses listed on eBay, if their colors can be matched. So if any one knows were to purchase the matching colors used on the Japanese house please let me know.

Post by **maria** » Mon Dec 17, 2012 11:09 pm

if you are looking for the "coconut" fluff--this guy has found the secret and can match colors http://cardboardputzhouses.com/

Post by **paulrace** » Mon Dec 17, 2012 11:17 pm

Hi, Gary, welcome aboard. Is it possible that the paint is UNDER the mica and that the mica is clear? In which case could you buy normal "clear" mica and mix paint to match with your acrylic set?

Pete and http://cardboardputzhouses.com also has windowframes that you can use with red mylar and get VERY close to the originals. A few days ago I saw him selling some sets on eBay, but he promises to make them available on cardboardputzhouses.com eventually. Best of luck!

Paul

Post by **Howard** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 5:46 am

"hello" to gary...

"welcome!"...you'll like this forum and the info provided...i like to say that it's a big hobby...room for all...makers, historians, collectors and interested observers...

could you post some pictures of your windows?...i use a similar technique...but i can always learn from how others do it...

how about some before and after pix of houses you've rescued?...

my very best regards...

howard

Post by **Janet** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 9:48 pm

Looks like the "Putz" bug has you. Good luck with your restorations and Tom Hull is the master restorer! He has some great tips on Papa Ted's Place and Pete has some great coconut fiber in many colors and can even do custom colors. Good Luck...