Our trip to The Hukilau — which immediately transformed both Pam and me into tikiphiles — left little doubt that one of our new Putz house designs would be a tiki hut. The famous Kahiki, the bygone tiki restaurant that once reigned over Columbus, Ohio, was a particular inspiration. The pattern itself is super easy to cut out and assemble, so you can get to the fun part — the decorating — quickly. This tiki hut Putz house can live in a snowy winter climate, or a tropical paradise — you decide!
Since the roof on my tiki hut is so large, this pattern requires that you join the two roof halves instead of just scoring and folding them like my other Putz patterns.
You’ll need to score each roof side along the dotted line on the pattern just a bit so you can fold the roof slightly and get the right angle for the roof peaks to align. For this pattern, I recommend using heavier duty cardboard (I used a cardboard box) instead of card stock — this makes it easier to put together, requires less painting (tiki huts are rustic!) and provides extra support for whatever you decide to use to create roof thatch. Note: If you are using cardboard as suggested, there’s no need to use the roof tabs on the pattern as the cardboard will be thick enough to provide a surface for glue during assembly.
Speaking of thatching the roof — I used several hundred toothpicks to get the job done. No, I didn’t apply each one by hand — I cut a strip of tape and attached 6-8 toothpicks at a time to the tape, making a strip of toothpicks that I could then glue down to the roof. If you use this method, make sure to use enough glue so that the toothpicks don’t run the risk of falling off later when the tape adhesive dries up.
Once the roof was attached, (or before if you prefer) I used some watered down acrylic brown paint to “stain” the thatch roof and give it a more realistic look. Since this tiki hut is in a tropical climate, I only gave the overall roof and some of the “ground” a light dusting of glitter for snow.
Looks pretty thatch-like to me!
If you are wondering, the larger stick in the roof peak is a shish-kebab skewer. I used small strips of cardboard to create a walking bridge up to the front door.
I had the most fun making several ‘tiki carvings’ using leftover cardboard scraps, glue and a black marker/paint. You could also try carving some tikis out of soap and then painting them… or, if you want “real” tikis, small ones are made for aquariums.
Make sure to create a variety of sizes, shapes and expressions for your tiki carvings.
Get our pattern for this little Putz house:
Click here to download Kate’s free pattern
for Putz house pattern — the tiki hut
- For basic instructions and a list of materials needed for this project, see my first mid century 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.
Katie says
I decided to build a Winter Village based on your Putz houses! I’m using balsa wood instead of cardboard and I’m so happy with how my first one turned out. Now I’m building the Tiki Hut. Thanks for putting such great, easy to build houses on your site!
Laura Adams says
Ok, faaaairly late to the game here, but Oh, My! I have found Putz Nirvana! (I hope you still monitor these comments once in a while.) This brought back so many memories for me! I was born & raised in Columbus (still live there), and our parents used to take us to the Kahiki once a year when we were kids (as well as The Jai-Lai, trying to instill some culture & good manners into their 4 heathens). Such a thrill! That wall of a tropical fish aquarium?! And I seem to remember some type of rainforest area. But the bridge on your Putz was what brought it all back to me; that and the famous roofline, of course. Bravo! Thanks for the revisit to my childhood! And a BIG thanks for sharing these!
Marie Gamalski says
Kate….you’re kinda amazing, but you probably know that!! This and the rick rack are my faves…. the attention to detail is stunningly crazy…. in a good way!!????????
Meagan says
I am so in love with these Putz houses. I’m recreating last year’s Martha Stewart Putz house wreath with these mod homes for myself and a friend. (I print them at 50%.) I actually started work just after Christmas and took a prolonged break to do other projects. (I’ll share pics when they’re done!)
Will there be any additional designs for this year? Fun fact: I found a #9 rick rack roof in my small town!
pam kueber says
Sounds fun! Yes, there will be three new designs this year.
Lynne S. says
Oh, in gingerbread with a pretzel stick roof!
Scott says
Just a thought, a Putz House uploader might be fun sometime during the holidays. I’ve been kind of dying for an excuse to buy some of those little trees anyway.
pam kueber says
Okay – I’ll add it to the list
paul lunemann says
When do we see Number #9?
pam kueber says
Monday!
Scott says
Ah, what a great way to remember Kahiki, by building your own. Between the wreaths and putz houses you guys are going to make a crafter out of me yet! 🙂
pam kueber says
🙂