2026 Project No. 3 — Twin Tower Castle

[Howard]

Greetings to all,

Introduction
Castles have always been one of my favorite subjects to build. For this month’s project, I chose to reinterpret a design featured in Papa Ted’s history section, listed under “COMPOS.” To see the reference, please visit the link below and scroll near the very end.
https://cardboardchristmas.com/papateds/goldenage.html

Materials and Construction
Unlike the original, my version is constructed from cardboard rather than being cast. To simulate the appearance of individual stones, I cut separate pieces of cardboard and glued them onto brown paper. This brown paper is then used to cover the towers, the front wall to the left of the stairs, as well as the front and right side of the bump-out section.

Structure Overview
The main structure consists of two cardboard tubes connected by a central section. Additional features include a bump-out with stairs and a sturdy base.

Surface Texture and Painting Techniques
For a realistic, textured finish, I applied sand using matte Mod Podge. After priming and painting the structure, I added detail by painting selected bricks in various stone colors. Areas were further highlighted using the dry brushing technique. If you are unfamiliar with this faux painting method, I recommend searching for online tutorials to help you achieve similar effects.

Patterns and Construction Details
The pattern sheets, available in the PDFs below the work-in-progress photos, provide templates for the major components of the castle. Detailed construction notes are also included on the pattern sheets. Please note that not every piece is represented on the pattern sheets; only the primary elements are included. Trim and other parts will have to be measured, cut out, and trimmed to fit during assembly.

Conclusion
Stay tuned for further updates, including additional work-in-progress details and photographs.

Howard

[Howard]

I quickly reached the limit of attachments allowed in the first posting of the castle project. Here are two more images. Pictures of the completed castle in several different settings will be posted later.

Howard

[Howard]

UPDATE 2/22/2026

See the updated photo below.

[Howard]

Greetings to all,

Here are three photos of the finished castle. Please note that lighting differences (the Kelvin Scale--and too nerdy to go into here) affect the color appearance; the snowy scene intentionally looks wintry. The green ground cover is a blend of dried leaves, sawdust, straw, and model railroad grass turf, run through a blender, sifted and applied with white glue. The photos highlight the sand texture, dry brush effects, and gold paint accents. The window mullions are hand cut from cardstock, painted gold and backed with red acetate.

Stay creative and stay tuned for more Little Glitter House projects.

Howard

[healey36]

A terrific result, Howard. Your replication of the stonework is genius. Brings back memories of the German pre- and post-war Elastolin castle sets that turn up occasionally at the toy soldier shows. Thanks for the build record.

Paul R. II