Now that I'm officially a mom, I want to make this holiday season extra magical for Leon - our newborn son. I know he can't exactly take part in the festivities, or he may not even remember this year, but hopefully it will lay the foundation for him to love and enjoy the magic of Christmas.
I really wanted to make a gingerbread house for him, but knew that it would have to be super simple, since I'm so short on time between all the feedings and the burpings!. While shopping at Flying Tiger this week, I noticed a gingerbread kit for $5, so I quickly added to my basket. I didn't realize until after I was home, that the kit is only gingerbread, and doesn't come with icing or candy.
Last year I did a little 'hack' and used hot glue instead of royal icing, so I thought - why not do the same this year? All you need to make a quick, whimsical gingerbread house are some bottles of puff paint, hot glue, and old candy from the pantry. It's easy! Here's how I made this one:
Start with a simple gingerbread house kit such as this on from
Flying Tiger.
Assemble some puff paints (I love these from
OOLY), a hot glue gun, and some leftover candy or craft accents that you have laying around. I had some old heart candies from Valentine's day that worked perfectly!
Pipe the puff paint like icing around the windows, doors and roof. Allow all the sides of the gingerbread to dry while lying flat. Hot glue any candy on during this stage as well.
Hot glue the bottom of each gingerbread wall to a piece of cardboard or other sturdy material. Add the roof last.
*I was unable to fit the chimney pieces - they just didn't line up! - so I hot glued some candy to the roof instead*
Display your gingerbread house on a pretty cake stand or elevated tray.
It might not be edible, but it sure is pretty!
Enjoy everyone and please do leave a comment if you try this one out!
xox
