Making my the first retro Christmas ranch was so much fun — why not design and make another house for the neighborhood? After contemplating several house styles, it came to me — what else says little mod house in the snowy woods like an A-frame? Using the same methods as the first retro Christmas ranch house, it wasn’t long before this cute little A-frame was built. Read on for more pics, and to download our free pattern to make this new design.
This style is a bit more challenging than the first retro Christmas house because of the number of windows — you need to be very careful when you cut out the thin bits of cardboard between them and which also support the weight of the roof.
To finish the A-frame and add some design interest to the yard, a curved walkway and some bottle brush trees do the trick.
One of the cool details of this house pattern is the way the peak of the roof overhangs more than the bottom — it adds some angular mid century flair.
The back of the house is mostly open to allow for the flameless tea light (battery operated) to go inside and light up the house. Precautionary Pam warns: Probably wise never to leave lighted decorations unattended.
Looks like the beginning of a neighborhood to me.
This mini mid mod mad neighborhood could use one more neighbor — don’t you think? Stay tuned.
Click here to download Kate’s free Putz house pattern
Make more mid century “Putz” style houses:
- See all the designs
- Want to know why these houses called “Putz”? Read our vintage Putz house history and online guide.
Linda Blackmore says
These are the BEST!! I downloaded the first one, and got a perfect piece of lightweight cardboard in something I bought. I was going to make several in the original and just color and landscape them different to make a village. Now I have another model.
Carole says
I’ve missed out! I need to go back and get the first one….Love this btw!
Hubby and I looked at an A Frame years ago when we were first entering the housing market. The master bedroom was the entire upstairs, which looked out over the living room and the wall of windows. I don’t remember why we didn’t buy it, too expensive for what it was or something.
Thank you for sharing these! 🙂
Amy says
What a fun Christmas craft! When I was growing up we had a cardboard village under the tree. I recently looked for something similar and only found a vintage one on e-bay, which I bought. It’s an unused “Winter Village” designed by Wallis Rigby. Must have been made in the 40s or 50s? I love it but I’m worried about putting it together and letting my boys play with it. It seems so old and valuable.
imprinter says
Can’t wait for the next one. These are awesome.
Eartha Kitsch says
I love this little house too! I’m slow getting started so my neighborhood is still in the planning stage. Or applying for permits – yes, that’s it.
Kate says
hahaha yes, make sure to get proper permits….
🙂
Katie B. says
Yay! I am glad that you are continuing this series of posts. I still haven’t made the first one, but I plan to do so. 🙂
I found some trees at Dollar Tree (ha). They have some white ones, green with white tips, and plain green ones in packs of two for $1. Not as good of a deal as Michael’s, but another option if you can’t find them anywhere else.
Kate says
Thanks for letting everyone know about the dollar store trees!
Kate says
Another note on the trees — my mom told me she saw some at Walmart:
bright green, white and frosted darker green and darker green
Small size is about 3″ for 75 cents
Med size is about 5.5 to 6 inches for $1
Larger size was about 8″ and was $2
Bea says
Kate – I finished the other pattern and this time I have supplies!!! I have 3 trees left from the other house. My local Michaels did not have the bottle brush trees, but since Kate had the photo of the bag, I knew what I was looking for. I went to the local hobby shop and the owner’s wife sold me 7 green bottle brush trees for $1.99 from a display in the store. The store sold a lot of train related merchandise. The ranch house looks great! So glad to be starting a neighborhood!!! The houses look fabulous on your mantel together….
Jana (Berniecat) says
The A frame is the cutest match to the Putz. Thanks for sharing your creative ideas with us!
Annie B. says
Oooo, Kate. Great house (the full sized one). The putzies are adorable. Now, you must create a mini Eichler. I know you can!
Atomic Livin Home says
Too, too wonderful for just two!! Make a 3rd…and then a 4th…and so on and so on…!!
Merry MCM Christmas~!
Robin