This putz house is what I like to call the Palm Springs rick rack roof ranch (try saying that three times fast!). This model is challenging — that rick rack roof, combined with large windows means lots of careful cutting and scoring — but oh what fun it is to decorate!
First of all, I want to note that it would have been much easier to use a thinner piece of cardboard for the roof. The accordion folds were not easy to do with thick cardboard at all. Thinner card stock would be much less bulky in the valleys of the roof, folding and lining up with the front wall much easier.
That being said, gaps and a multitude of other sins can be covered with hot glue and glitter.
The carport would be a great place to park a matchbox car or the like. Those festive striped support posts are none other than a paper drinking straw that I cut down to size and glued in place. Paper drinking straws (or plastic straws) in combination with just the right bead or bauble would also make a great light post.
You might recognize another new addition…
A mini Modbox — larger than scale of the house — because if it was to scale, you would need tweezers to put it together.
Yes, this Palm Springs ranch house even has a yard ornament. I purchased this four pack of pint-sized Department 56 Village flamingos(affiliate link)at the end of season sale at Menards last year for just such an occasion.
Don’t forget to make sure a little snow falls on your flamingo too!
Click here to download Kate’s free rick rack roof Putz house pattern
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 our putz house patterns
- Want to know why these houses called “Putz”? Read our vintage Putz house history and online guide.
Michelle says
Thank you so much for these, we needed a new tradition to start and we had such a blast making several of these and have plans to build many more. Looking forward to looking for tiny things to decorate all year long. You brought us a lot of happiness in a dark time. Thanks again. ❤
melanie says
I’m a little late to the party but I lived in so calf for 25 years and still have family down there. It has snowed in palm springs several, times. But its all about fantasy anyway.
My real problem is I can’t download the patterns.. I was able to do the very first one but the others just take me to a blank page. Maybe someone can help.
Thanks so much, my glitter is waiting
pam kueber says
hi Melanie, I tried a few, they worked for me. Try clearing your cache and trying again
Melanie says
Than you, I’ll try that
walt says
may i use these plans for a craft show / sale item our church is having this coming winter (2015)? i love the idea of a craft night to invite friends into.
thank you
pam kueber says
Walt,
Are all profits going to the Church? (Not to you and your friends, personally?)
Paul Parker says
I just read the cheating comment; I cheated too. I cut the cereal boxes to 8.5×11 and fed them through my old printer. It worked perfectly.