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Wednesday, January 27, 2016

How To Make A GingerBIRD House




What do you do with that gingerbread house kit that you didn't have time to put together and decorate over the holidays? You turn it into a gingerbird house! This is a fun winter craft that is perfect to make on a snowy winter day. Everyone in the family can join in, and the supplies cost next to nothing. 

Here is what you will need:
Gingerbread house (you can also build one out of graham crackers)
A large plate
Small bowls

A butter knife or spatula
Peanut butter
Assorted snacks to adhere to the house:
Stale cereal, pretzels and crackers

Peanuts
Birdseed, sunflower seeds


If your gingerbread house is not yet constructed, it is best to first construct the walls and roof of your house and then allow it to dry overnight. I used classic royal icing to glue mine together (powered sugar and water mixed together to form a thick icing the consistency of brownie batter). I got my gingerbread house kits at my local grocery store around the holidays for about $5 each. This included only the gingerbread walls and roof parts and I had to make my own icing and construct it myself. You can also make your gingerbird house out of graham crackers, but the gingerbread is much more sturdy. Okay, so put together your gingerbread houses and allow to dry overnight, or if you're in a hurry, allow them to dry for at least 3-4 hours. 


Construct your houses on large plates.



Gather your small bowls. I picked a variety of pretty ones, just because I had them at home. 


Now fill your bowls with your stale snacks. Having the snacks in small bowls will help keep your work space neat and organized! These snacks are your building materials for your gingerbird house!


Another reason I like having everything organized in little bowls is that you can see everything out in front of you at one time, and this allows you to start to think creatively and plan in your head how you might use these materials.


I used cereal, some crackers and pretzel sticks, and popcorn. You can also use birdseed and peanuts. Be careful that you don't use anything that might harm wildlife. I stuck to grains.


Use your old peanut butter first!


Use the fanciest butter knife you have :) It makes it more fun! 


Completely cover the outside of your house with a coating of peanut butter. Use your butter knife to spread it on.

Here my house is completely covered with peanut butter. Now its time for the fun part! 

I started with the roof of my house. There is no right or wrong way to work. Start wherever you like. 

I couldn't resist putting the spikes on the peak of the roof. :)


I make a cracker roof. Next came the popcorn wall! 







The great wall of corn flakes.

The psychedelic wall of froot loops!






When finished, place outside. I landed up putting my gingerbird house in a hanging wire garden basket. Now wait and watch for it to be devoured! 

What do you think?

Enjoy your day!
Love, 
Laura

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