This is such a simple and inexpensive project for the holidays! If you’ve been following, you know I love all things Hygge, which in this case means creating an intentional and sentimental homemade project, using natural materials, working with my kids, which means working slowly and building our relationship at the same time. It is a phenomenal way to incorporate Hygge components in my home during this season. Whether this is how you feel about it or not, it’s still an adorable project that can be customized to suit any home style. They also make incredibly thoughtful gifts!
You’ll need:
Lumber: I wanted miniature houses so I used one 2×2 board (8 feet long). You could use a 4×4 if you wanted bigger homes. An 8ft long board got me 20 miniature homes.
A combination square like the one found here
A sand block like the one found here
A miter saw likes the one found here
Paint: I use acrylic craft paint like these
Step One: Marking
We want to make our marks using the combination square and a pencil. Use the 90 degree angle to mark a straight line for the base of your house. We’ll need to know where to make our roof markings in the next step. If the end of your piece of lumber is flush, feel free to use that as your initial base. I prefer to give mine a clean cut to start.
Next we’ll be making the base of our roof mark. You’ll want to decide how tall you want each of your houses to be to know where this mark will be. I wanted varying heights for my homes so I made these marks at different places. If you wanted them uniform heights, then choose a measurement (i.e. 6 inches) and use that each time.
Now we’ll be marking our roof angle lines. For the roof angles, use the 45 degree angle of your square to mark one side, ensuring the bottom corner of your roof mark hits the base line you made earlier.
Flip your combination square tool over and use the 45 degree angle to mark the second side of your roof. After those four markings, you should have your piece of lumber looking like this and ready to cut. You’ll be 3 cuts: one along the base, and two along the X to make the roof.
For variations, change the angle of your cuts to be steeper (increase the degrees) or more shallow (decrease the number of degrees). I also experimented with uneven roof angles and started cutting without marking, as well. This made for some unique asymmetrical roof designs which I loved. It’s absolutely your personal preference.
You could make all your markings first and then all of your cuts. I preferred to mark then cut each house at a time. This is because I kept changing the variations in roof angles and house heights as I went. Up to you!
Step Two: Cutting
Using a miter saw, you’ll want to cut your base along the straight line mark you made earlier. Then you’ll change the angle of the saw to 45 degrees. Make your first cut along the 45 degree angle mark you made. Then, change the angle of your miter saw to the opposite 45 degree angle and cut your second roof line.
Step Three: Sanding
Taking the time to properly sand all of the house edges and faces will really help with giving them a polished look but also giving the paint a smooth surface to adhere to. This is my preferred sanding tool. I personally sand the edges a little more because I like a softer look.
Step Four: Painting
I always use parchment paper as a base because the wood pieces won’t stick to it.
I have made a few sets using various painting techniques. My kids wanted green and red Christmas homes and they make such an adorable design.
I also loved the idea of doing brown and white gingerbread house designs, which was more labor intensive and so cute.
You could go absolutely minimal and leave them in all their natural wood grain glory.
My favorite is this Nordic set, with simple white paint and a minimal amount of black windows.
Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite style! Tag me if you give this a try @these_reveries.
View comments
+ Leave a comment