Cardboard Christmas

I've been working on the proportions for this house. I haven't tried to do a real reproduction. My intent is to make something that looks enough like this house that people who've seen the house will think, "I know that house."

I'm also trying to keep it small enough to display easily. The second photo shows 2 mock-ups of the house. The one on the left is the one I am going with. There's not a dramatic difference between the two - the one I've chosen is 1/2 inch wider, the front tower is 1/2 wider, and the roof angle is a little shallower. I think I'm going to make the house 1/2 inch taller as well for the white foundation.

Does anyone have any good ideas on making the balusters? I don't have a die that will mimic that shape. I'm not capable with an Xacto knife like Howard. I may just make them as straight spindles.

I've learned to draw steeple patterns better using a compass. I will describe the method in the Tools and Tips section in the next couple of days.

Lucy
https://paperglitterglue.com/putz-plan-progress/

For the balusters, you might find a suitable blobular center section if you look at bags holding fruit or vegetables at a grocery store. I have seen several shapes composing net type bags. You will probably have to cut the square upper and lower sections from cardboard and then attach the more rounded sections from behind. Or perhaps a fabric supply store has ribbon with an edging close to the appropriate shape. I have never gone looking for ribbon but do notice a variety of designs when I see it at thrift stores.

This house is really a major project. I am anxious to see it finished and know that you will do it justice.

Lucy...

an ambitious undertaking to be sure...the more i look at the photo the more details i see...lots, and lots of detail...(kinda glad i'm not taking on this one!)...i agree with you...doing a mockup is the best way to approach this type of project...it is time well spent...

i'm with dcrowe...look for some ribon with an edge that will give the impression of the balusters...they could be made, painted and glued in place near the end of the project...

my very best regards...

howard...

Still working on this house. I am making a cardboard prototype to help me envision how much space I need for the details (lots and lots of detail as Howard says). I think I still need to make it wider. My prototype is 4.5 inches across and 4 inches tall. I think I have to go with 5.5 inches across and 4.5 inches tall. I can probably add the double windows and quoins if I have that much space. Also the front porch won't look so squashed with an extra 1/2 inch. The tower needs to come down a little bit.

That's where I am now (prototype #4, the first 3 were made out of cardstock). I will finish this house and then start on the next one as the actual house. If that one doesn't work, then I'm on to number 6.

I have some ideas for balusters. I'll show you as I get to that step. Thank you for your encouragement.

Lucy
https://paperglitterglue.com/wilkins-ho ... ototype-4/

Keep us posted! What a project.....

Hi Lucy! Thanks for sharing your progress - going to be fun to watch!

John

Here is the finished prototype which turned into its own putz house which I call Spring Mansion. It is not my best work. I got lazy about matching up edges on the fence and the porch balusters, but it certainly served its main purpose which was to give me an idea of how to make the real house. I'll go over lessons learned in a different post.

Lucy
https://paperglitterglue.com/spring-man ... utz-house/

Lucy, this is a grand house! I really like the color combination, great chimney looks good gray. I have been looking for windows like this, did you cut these yourself? Thanks

Lucy.... I think this is terrific for a proto-type. It definitely captures the essence of the original, which kinda reminds me of a wedding
cake with a LOT of frosting trim. I'm with you about trial runs... I get so impatient to see if a thing is worth doing that I cut corners. Then, if I'm somewhat satisfied that the idea has merit, I'll remake it. This is a very ambitious project, but I am sure the final version will be a smash.
Keep on keeping on!

Lucy - This is pretty impressive for a prototype!!! I actually like some imperfections - think it adds a bit of character

Love the roof and the dual chimneys too - This one is going to be grand!

Thx for sharing....

John