Casa de Rosas – Southwest Architectural Model

Post by **Howard** » Thu Jun 26, 2025 8:24 am

Greetings,

This model deviates from the typical "Little Glitter House" covered with snow. It was custom-built for a longtime friend from the Cardboard Christmas Forum, who is an avid collector of architectural models. Unfortunately, the historical background and exact location of the building remain unknown. However, the architecture strongly suggests a Southwestern influence.

The construction was based on a single vintage postcard, requiring improvisation and educated guesses to recreate unseen details. A homemade proportional divider was instrumental in transferring measurements from the photograph to paper and then to cardboard. YouTube provides ample resources for understanding the design, creation, and application of this analog drawing tool.

The base dimensions are 8 1/2” x 11” x 3/4” thick, with the main body consisting of a 5 1/2” cube plus the width of the porte cochere on the side. The overall height of the model is approximately 7”. Model railroad scenery materials were utilized for the roses, ground cover, and shrubbery. Sections of green pot scrubber pads, cut with pinking shears, were also employed. The fence was constructed using 1/4” grid galvanized hardware screen and 5/16” diameter wood dowel posts.

This project presented several challenges but maintained a steady flow of creative energy.

Howard

Post by **Lynn** » Thu Jun 26, 2025 8:52 am

What a great piece, loads of detail. You did a fantastic job creating this one!!

healey36 · Post by **healey36** » Thu Jun 26, 2025 4:10 pm

Terrific, Howard; the design details are really nice (the second-floor "veranda" effect is neat, as is the side entryway porch and the faux tile roofing). It even has an adobe look about it. A truly great "house of roses". Reminds me of the old hotels in La Jolla, California.

Post by **DCrowe** » Mon Jun 30, 2025 9:36 pm

Very beautiful "Castle of Roses," Howard. Thanks for sharing pics.

Post by **maria** » Tue Jul 01, 2025 9:03 pm

Simply stunning. We have a church out on Long Island in this style. We call this style---up north--and perhaps they call it something different elsewhere---"Spanish Colonial" .