Saturday, October 27, 2012

Santa's "Barn"

(Christmas 2011 )
 
I had a request for a tutorial for this project so here we go ... it's long but not difficult ...
 
I bought a bird house from the $1 bin at Michael's (of course I couldn’t buy a single house I bought 12).  Next carve the “window” (my house already had the "half door"),  I carved with exacto and utility knives; sanded to smooth the rough edges.

The base is a flat, 3.5 inch paper mache ornament, I get these at Hobby Lobby
(I can't find these year 'round, only in the fall)

I paint the barn (inside and out) and base with White Acrylic paint, let it dry

I paint the barn’s red areas, and let them dry. 
Then I cover the entire surface with Sparkle Modge Podge
here's some of the supplies used
Now the fence …
well ... on this project it was a challenge, I couldn’t find the fence I previously used ... so after making a big mess I came up with this … 

I used 2.5 inch “craft sticks” or Popsicle sticks cut to fit.  My fence has four pieces vertical and a single horizontal length.  Paint the fence, let it dry, then glue it onto the barn. 

I add a deer under the fence on the back of my barns

When the fencing is in place then glue the barn to the base ... I use a glue gun for pretty much all my gluing.  

Side note here ... days later :) ... I found the fence I wanted at Joann's ... so  you can see  the fencing options and how they compare 
(please forgive my out of focus pic) 

Now you’re ready to embellish your “Barn” 
I add tinsel garland to the base, used 3 tiny trees (the one to the left is decorated with a tiny snowflake garland), all are glued in place, given a coat of Modge Podge Glitter, and then Snowtex.

The rain barrel is a tiny wooden spool covered with flat tooth pics, and painted with brown acrylic, the “band” is picture hanging wire.  The “downspout” is a mini candy cane.


 
The paper images are from various internet sources, I altered the Santa’s head, because I liked the chubby face of this Santa vs the original.  I alter the size of the images to the desired size using Microsoft Word; Picmonkey comes in handy to improve clarity and color. 
All the paper images are painted with Modge Podge (I will abbreviate MP) … 
MP Sparkle on the bag, Santa’s clothing, the deer; MP glossy on Santa’s belt and boots.
I use Puffy Paint on Santa’s beard and fur trim for dimension, I glitter the edges of Santa’s fur trim.  I finish Santa’s back and toy bag by covering with contrasting paper.  
In adding my paper images, I start with both deer, then Santa, and his bag.  The tricky-est part of this project is getting the deer inside the barn !!!  
 
(top of barn looking inside toward floor)
Sorry but you’re on your own here … I have been known to curse during this step …anyway it’s just a matter of twisting and turning and squirting glue blindly toward the barn floor ... whew now moving on ...
Next add a chenille stem around the “door" .... then let it snow and glitter …
 
I use Snowtex (all this from Hobby Lobby) and cover the fence, roof, base, trees, and barrel/downspout … just smear it on to look like drifted snow.  Let it dry.
Finally, when the Snowtex is dry, I dab MP Sparkle over the roof, base, fence and sprinkle on Buffalo Snow (Hobby Lobby).  Let it dry …
 

add the bow, bells and tag, etc.

 
And there you have it !!  it’s not difficult to do but is a bit time consuming because of the steps that require drying.  If any part of this is confusing or you have a question please let me know.
 
Merry Christmas 2012 

I love little shadow boxes and Putz villages, they whisk me into a land of make believe; I love La La land J.  If you build a Santa Barn I’d love to see yours so  please share your pics with me !! 

Thanks for stopping by, 
E

Supplies:
House (wood or make you own with cardboard)
Base (mine is 3 inch paper mache)
Fence (mine is made from 2.5 inch craft sticks, cut to fit)
Modge Podge Sparkle, Matte, Glossy
Snowtex
Buffalo Snow
Paper images
Embellishments – I used tinsel trim for base, chenille stem around “door”, ribbon, bells, plastic holly, barrel (made from wooden spool and flat toothpicks), mini candy cane
Images:
Deer - Free Pretty Things for You (Thanks Keren !)
Santa and bag I think I found these on Flickr, couldn't find the link, but did find this one, the book is for sale.   
Santa face (Thanks Meri !)

12 comments:

  1. Your Santa's Barn is very SWEET! Thanks for the steps in making one. I'm thinking I might make some for my sisters for Christmas. Plus, I'm in a Putz house swap, where we make one, so perfect timing!
    Warmly,
    deb

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  2. ELAINE, Thank you so much for this tutorial! I had to sit here and read with my little house in hand to make sure I noticed every detail. I was so surprised to find the secret compartment for your gift card.
    This little house is the epitome of kitschy Christmas, and I will always remember your kindness in making it for me!
    Thank you again! I have posted my cute house today! Elizabeth

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  3. How cute! I think Im about ready to start on christmas crafting now! I love the JOY letters that Elizabeth made too. I have so many other christmas crafting ideas too..
    But first.. I must finish my bear orders!
    Happy Sunday and Happy Halloween!
    xoxo

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  4. OHHH love this very super cute Santa house!! I think I want to make one of these! :) xo Holly

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  5. I love this! Your instructions are great! I love the candy cane downspout- that is so clever. I am going to try and make one. I do have some wooden birdhouses that I have never used that would be perfect. Thank you for the tutorial, Holly

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  6. How cute! I am working on a putz house swap, and your ideas here are really nice to see, Thanks so much. I found your blog while I was in my Flickr and traced you back to here! Now I am following you and see a few familiar names in your following box! Glad to meet you!
    Blessings
    Susie

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  7. OMG! I saw this over at Miss E's place and just went crazy!!!!! So stinkin' cute as Viv would say!!!!!

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  8. Elaine,
    Could you please email me ? I have a question....Sandy at 52 Lake Street
    sanjos333@gmail.com

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  9. This is just adorable!!! Very nice tutorial, thank you for sharing!!!!

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  10. Awe.... that is so.... cute! I'm going to have to make one of these or maybe two :)

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  11. This is adorable! Thanks for the tutorial.

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