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.
Paul Parker says
I love the two new additions.
I made myself a set of houses last Christmas, but this Christmas I made a set of six with the two new ones as my gift for our family gift exchange. I used green glitter paper for the “yard” and white glitter paper for the roof because if it snows in Florida, it doesn’t stay on the ground. I bought plastic palm trees and doused them with glitter glue and glued some baubles on them: voila, Florida Christmas.
I felt like a little kid making these.
I use cereal boxes; much easier to cut and glue.
Jan Sobbe says
You have inspired me. I cheated and made the patterns into templates on my craft cutter but I am obsessed with making tiny mid-century homes! (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1”; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Post by Janet Hudgens Sobbe.
Carrie says
Hmmm, yes PF Flyer. Highly suspect you know…come to think of it, I have never seen glitter along roof edges, nor pink trees. But, those seemed to have passed your criticisms…
PF Flyer says
I’ve visited Palm Springs ten times in the last eleven winters and have yet to see snow on any roof out there…just sayin’…
tammyCA says
Super Palm Springs house! Lovin’ those little details like the mailbox and flamingo! Ooh, maybe a tiny Frank Sinatra, too. 🙂
Kate says
hahaha I think a tiny Frank Sinatra cardboard cut out would be hilarious! 🙂
pam kueber says
You need a putz house with a piano shaped swimming pool – signature Frank. See: https://retrorenovation.com/2010/05/11/st-charles-steel-kitchen-cabinets-are-restored-to-frank-sinatras-iconic-palm-springs-home-twin-palms/
Jay says
Well then, it’s time to place your Putz houses where they belong – in a proper MCM sub division cul-de-sac Putz village under the Christmas tree.
Robin, NV says
Yes! 😀
Kate says
Good idea Jay! 🙂
Robin, NV says
Wow Kate, your imagination (and talent) knows no bounds! Can we get a group photo of all the Putz houses together?
Kate says
I’ll try to remember to take one when I get the other six out after Thanksgiving — but they won’t all fit on my mantel! 🙂
Chris says
Absolutely love these!
Gemma Hobbs says
These are fabulous! We host a gingerbread party every year for our daughter and her friends (she’s 16 now and we are in our 11th year). I am definitely rocking the Palm Springs house this time. THANK YOU
pam kueber says
YAY, Yes, I LOVE having little parties to make things like this! Such a great way to connect with friends. There’s just something about crafting…..
Pamela H. says
So cute!! My favorite of all your houses!