Let's talk about cardboard Christmas houses and accessories
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This forum is a place for our readers to pass on things they've figured out that will help other readers. Several folks who are experienced in building, collecting, and displaying putz houses stop by frequently, so check back for new ideas, and add some yourself. Any suggestions you have, things you've learned that you'd like to pass on, weird problems you need help with, all are welcome here. - Paul
I am hoping others will add to this thread. This is the EASY way to come up with Fuzzy windows that one of the vintage Japanese house makers used. No doubt they silk screened (enamel) paint on cellophane and while wet dumped a lot of flocking on the sheets.
This of coursed made lots of windows but doing the windows by hand is time consuming - and inacurate at best. The more I age the shakier I get. So that rount is out. What I have found are the BRAND NEW just out PETE Oehman paper mullion windows. I discovered I could paint them in enamel paints and flock them and put red cellophane behind them and VOILA Fuzzy Window! They look great though the mullions are a bit overscale to the originals this is the best way to do it. Try it you'll like it!
There are several sizes of the "mop" brushes and I think this is the smallest. Great for us oldsters who get the shakes. Makes a nice steady line much easier. Tom
I have used the flocking fibers and found them good, but not quite right. Seems the original "fuzzy" windows don't have as much depth as the flocking fiber. Then I tried embossing powder, which seems a bit closer to the originals and can be applied using the same method (cover window mullions with glue or other adhesive, then press the mullion sticky side down into a plate of embossing powder, tap off excess). Embossing powder can be found in a gazillion colors at Michaels or AC Moore type craft stores... it is a bit pricey but a little goes a long way.
I did set up a window display this year and am having it photographed (hopefully) tomorrow evening. Pix from previous years can be found on Papa ted's site under Putz Displays... "Barb's Hardware Store", etc.
