Christmas/Holiday House

Turn a recycled milk or juice carton into a Christmas or seasonally themed house!

To make one you will need:

A clean 1/2 gallon carton (milk, juice, tea, etc.), construction paper, scissors, Christmas or winter themed stickers, glue, and markers 
Optional: Craft knife, yellow tissue paper, glow stick or battery powered candle, old magazines, clip-art, stencils, paper punches, ruler, paint and a paintbrush


Directions:

Cover the house

Cut four pieces of construction paper the width and length of your carton and glue each panel on well. Leave the paper the way it is, or make it look like brick, stone, logs or some another pattern with a markers.

Cover the roof

Cut two panels of paper that will cover each side the way you want it or create a roof of your choice by making shingles, peppermint drops, or something else and glue it in place. If your carton has a twist top cap, cover it up with paper to make a chimney, paint it the same color as the roof, or figure out a creative way to use the space.

Final touches

Add windows and doors to your house and decorate with stickers, cut out construction paper silhouettes, pictures cut from magazines, and/or add clip art pictures – try to be as creative as possible.

Here are some suggestions:

Make your windows and doors different shapes, angles and sizes.

Windows: Add candles, a sill, panes, shutters, curtains, double windows, round windows, etc. 

Doors: Make double doors, a front and back door, and maybe a side door.

Who or what lives in and around your house?

Add them!

Animals: Reindeer, deer, cardinals, raccoon, mouse, bear, etc.

People: Gingerbread people, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Snow people, children, a family, etc.

Objects: Candles, lights, trees, lollipops, candy canes, candy pieces, fence, chimney, snow, snowflakes, border, sleigh, etc.


Variation for a house that glows:

Cut a 1/4″ off the bottom of the carton before you begin, when your house has been completely covered with construction paper, and patterns have been added to the house (brick, stone, etc), cut out windows and doors and cover the holes from the inside with yellow tissue paper and glue. Then decorate your house any way you want. When the glue dries, put a glow stick or a battery operated candle in the bottom and shut the lights off!


Looking for more fun Christmas or Winter Activities?

Christmas Activities
Winter Activities

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