I’m not very crafty but I do love a quick and easy do it yourself and my DIY wood gingerbread houses are my favorite thing this Christmas! I love that you can personalize them any way you want and this is a fun project for the whole family not to mention they make the perfect gift. I love the way they look grouped together as a snow covered village in my kitchen but they would also make a beautiful centerpiece, cute gift toppers or even ornaments.
I love decorating with little Christmas houses! Remember the Doodle Houses I made a few years ago?
Below, you can watch a short video of my painting process.
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Tips for Painting Wood Gingerbread Houses
I found the little wood houses at the Target dollar spot area but these wood houses are similar and perfect for adding your artistic touch. Below are some plain wood houses waiting for your artistic touch.
Use this Puffy Fabric Paint for a 3-dimensional effect.
You can get different effects by globbing the paint on in dots and dashes or you can let the paint applicator tip touch the wood for a smoother finish. My favorite is adding snow covered peaks and icicles dangling from the rooftops.
I painted the fronts of the houses and sides of the rooftops but you could paint both sides of the houses if you want to use them as a centerpiece. I recommend letting each side dry for 24 hours.
These are far from perfect and I like them that way! There is always time to wipe off the wet paint if you make a drastic mistake!
When I look at this little gingerbread village, I’m reminded of my trip to Amsterdam last year and the charming houses that line the canals.
Funny story about the making of this video: I asked my husband to video me as I decorated the gingerbread houses and after telling him exactly where to stand and what angle I wanted, he completed his task and was all proud of himself. When I went to check his work few minutes later, I saw he had taken a photo … not a video! Eventually, the video was shot but now my husband lives in fear that I’ll ask him to do it again!
If you love the look but not the idea of doing it yourself, these are some beautifully painted little houses below.
More little Christmas houses this way …
Little Christmas Houses – Creative Decorating Ideas
I’m decking the halls and trimming the trees and can’t wait to bring you more Christmas decorating ideas. In the meantime, don’t miss last years …
Please Come Home for Christmas Home Tour
Such a great idea Kelly! I love the uniqueness of each house. Such a simple craft but the end result is beautiful. You could even add twinkle lights!!
I thought about putting lights behind them Lisa but need to find ones that have a timer!
i saw these at target but convinced myself i didn’t need them. i was so wrong.
Target always leaves us wanting more!
These are super cute! I love the puffy paint look- easy to do and adds some dimension. I am going to have to check out the $1 bin at Target!
Thanks Susan! Just so you know, the houses were $5 for a pack of two large or four small.
Thanks Kelly i love these, have to go to Target anyway, i will look and see what i can find. You did a great job and i love how they look, your husband tried and that’s what counts,lol!!
He wishes he didn’t have to try and that I would just leave him alone!!!
Love these gingerbread houses.
We’ve decided to do a zoom call and paint together as a family! Bought the chunky ones off Etsy! Some may be chalk painted!
Thanks for your wonderful inspiration!
BB – grandmother to 14
How fun Betty! Send me pics of your finished masterpieces!
Super cute houses
Thanks Laura – I had fun making them!
So cute!! I love Target I havent been since February. So I miss the bullseyes playground. I wish more of those items were available online. Thanks for sharing.
Did you purchase the taller wooden houses on the bottom row at Target? Really cute!!
I apologize – I just saw your comment about the pack of four and two !
No apologies necessary! I hope you find some Tricia!
MY FIRST CHRISTMAS WITH YOU, AND I LOVE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE, THANKS FOR SHARING.
CAN YOU TELL ME WHERE YOU PURCHASED THE WHITE HOUSES WITH YELLOW ROOFS? ON THE MANTLE? THOSE COLORS WILL MATCH MY COLOR SCHEME. WHERE DO YOU FIND THE GALVINIZED HOUSES , THEY ARE SO UNIQUE
THANK YOU , FAY MCFARLAND
Hi Lillian! Welcome! The houses on my mantel with the brown roofs are from HomeGoods years ago and the galvanized houses are from Target a couple of years ago!