Mini Holiday House Contest

This is first year of the Mini Holiday House contest where my readers enter their favorite little house creations. The size constraints for the house is 10 inches wide, 10 inches tall and 7 inches deep. The base for the house is restricted to 12 inches wide and 8 inches deep.

Ok, here are the winners of the 2020 Mini Holiday House Contest. (Judge's notes now added, in the contest house list, below.)

First place: Manfred's Mid-Century Modern House

Second Place: Teri's Tiny Irish Cottage

Third Place: Dickens House

Then I gave each judge an option to give an award for a house that really touches them.

Judge No. 1 Pick: Deb's Christmas in the Hill Country

Judge No. 2 Pick: Lee's Blue House with Six Gables

Judge No. 3 Pick: Linda's Icicle Church

Judge No. 4 Pick: Lara's Log Cabin Under Glass

Judge No. 5 Pick: Kringle Kandy Shop

Maybe it will be an annual event? What do you think?

So here are all the houses in the contest. The judge's comments follow my little intro.

No. 1 Holiday House

What a great tiled roof! I've never done a tiled roof before, but after seeing this one, I know I need to do one.

Judge's comments:  The features of this beautiful house that I loved the most are the light in the front yard, the hedge surrounding, the terra cotta roof and the very authentic hall light! The shoveling workman is a nice touch! Sometimes being the first submission is a challenge, but this fearless entry is special, indeed.

No. 2 - Snowy Roof Cabin

The log siding is beautiful as is the snow on the roof.

Judge's comment: Snowy Roof Cabin displays stunning attention to detail, with red garland around windows and doors, a magnificent bell dominated door wreath and cheerfulness in every window! I could celebrate Christmas here!

No. 3 - Manor with the Snow Play

One aspect of this house that I really enjoy is the lively landscaping. It's a great scene that makes me smile.

Judge's comment: This lovely submission expresses great Christmas joy! There are Christmas toddlers, baby reindeer, a snowman, a wonderful snowflake entrance walk and bright lighting to welcome! This is one of the most 'social,' 'for children' submissions, so important in these distanced times. Delightful!

No. 4 - Kringle Kandy Shop

The pastel colors are so fun on this house.

Judge’s comment: The Kringle Kandy shop is a pastel vision of Christmas joy. I love the candy canes, the trees and the window details! It's always inspiring when people find such lovely ways to express their hearts. It looks like unique designs in EVERY window!

No. 5 - the Bell House

Judge’s comment: The choice of a bell for an unconventionally shaped Christmas house is inspired, in this 'Howard' creation! It has a great front yard with a tree, and perhaps the most welcoming Santa in this contest! Applause for a super creative/imaginative submission!

No. 6 - Elegant Mansion

Judge’s comment: This submission is also a marvelous presentation, particularly with the reindeer and the feathery white trees! They have no equal! A particular favorite is the candy cane lines along the roof peak!

No. 7 - the Gold House

Judge’s comment: This golden house is a testament to consistent vision and glittery Christmas joy! Such a cohesive submission, very well conceived and executed. You should be proud of such an imaginative creation!

No. 8 - Tiny Irish Cottage

This little house is based on my Irish Cottage pattern, but reduced to an adorable size to fit in an ornament.

Judge’s comment: This tiny Irish house is one of the most complete Christmas submissions. The ornamental nature is brilliantly complemented by the lit candles, the wispy ribbon, the Poinsettias and the delightful little gazebo in the back!

No. 9 - Windmill House

The windmill blades actually turn!

Judge’s comment: One of the most imaginative things about this fine 'Howard' house, for me, is the incorporation of kinetics, with the windmill! Magnificent! The fir tree on the right is stunning!

No. 10 - Silent Night Elegant Church

Judge’s comment: This magnificent little church is set off by the exceptional lettering and poinsettia garland! Wow! I never thought of a gold roof, but I think it works brilliantly in this submission! And rhinestone highlights?! So creative!

No. 11  - Mid-Century Modern Holiday House

This is a mid-century modern two story house that is so beautifully done.

Judge’s comment: I just love the stone work on this split-level home! The trees in the landscape are incredible, and the roof lighting unique, and it really sets off the presentation! Excellent car under the eave on the right! And an antenna?! Only from his creator!

No. 12  - Christmas Wreath

Now you may wonder about this as an entry. I have included it as one number even though the wreath doesn't fit the rules as one entry. Individually, the houses do fit the criteria so that is how I am going to tell the judges to evaluate them as individual houses. Also I thought you might like seeing the entire wreath.

Judge’s comment: This delightful creation incorporates 13 unique houses arranged around a wreath! There is also an exquisite winged angel holding up one of them! I have a deep appreciation for the creativity involved in making and decorating so many beautiful houses for this submission!

No. 13 - Miniature Church in Classic Putz Style

This little house is made in the classic Putz house style with arched windows and vintage graphics.

Judge’s comment: This 'Howard' submission stands out for the stunning sparkle! The trees and the wintry background are particularly nice touches! Wonderful house!

No. 14 - Stenciled Brick House

I just love the stenciled brick on this little house. This is the Gingerbread Cardboard Cottage.

Judge’s comment: Lucy loved the stenciled brick on this house, but the curved edging on the roof is also quite wonderful! I particularly loved the heart-shaped window on the door, and the hearts on the window shutters! Heart is the name of the season!

No. 15 - Pink Turret House - A Christmas Victorian in Miniature

Another delightful holiday scene!

Judge’s comment: You can always tell when someone has 'gone to live,' for a little while, in the little world they've created. That is certainly so for this marvelous house! Every detail shouts quality and commitment.

No. 16 - Another Classic Holiday Putz House

A beautiful classic Putz house with elegant gold windows.

Judge’s comment: As one might expect, with a Howard house, the accomplishment stands out, with the most realistic falling snow effect I've ever seen on the face of the house and he steps. The trees, with the red ornaments, are magical!

No. 17 - Toyland

Look those great toys in the front with wonderful colors, too.

Judge’s comment: What says Christmas more than toys and children? I think the blue roof goes exceptionally well with the tan, Fachwerk-facing of this beautiful house! Special credit for making the house FOR children!

No. 18 - Victorian House with a Barrel Front Gable Design

For this house, the thing that stands out the most to me is the front extension at the roof. Very unique.

Judge’s comment: No detail of House 18 has been overlooked or neglected. The landscaping, the gift-bearing (and masked!) fellow on the porch, the trees and landscaping … It's not possible to create all of this in cardboard! You did it!

No. 19 - Candy Land House

Here's another view to a slightly different angle and more of the landscaping.

Doesn't Candy Land just make you smile?

Judge’s comment: What a remarkable candy-motif'ed creation! I count 6 ginger-persons, and magnificent candy-cane swirl stepping stones, gingerbread steps and a tremendous gingerbread Christmas tree in the back, with a gingerbread queen superimposed! The lacy roof detail is magical, topped by the crossed candy canes atop the gable. Just wow!

No. 20 - Holiday House with Two Dormers in the Front

The snow on the ground and the delightful frosting (glitter) really appeal to me. But the flower boxes? Great imaginative detail.

Judge’s comment: This fine Christmas house has a moose on top! The trees, wreathes and window boxes are just magical! What a beautiful scene!

No. 21 - Holiday House with a Center Chimney

What do you think of the asymmetrical entry and chimney? It's such a unique house that I just love.

Judge’s comment: This lovely Christmas cottage has a delightful background. For me, a particularly nice touch is the beautiful brick re-emerging from the stucco! What a nice, creative thought!

No. 22 - Marshmallow Mansion

This makes a wonderful Victorian scene perfect for any Christmas decor.

Judge’s comment: Undaunted by complexity and time commitment, this creator has created a small world, rich in detail and humanity. Brilliant creation, with festive community and lovely, two-story porches, complete with gazebo! And the tower! A true achievement.

No. 23 - Two Whimsical Holiday Houses

These houses have delightful proportions that are so appealing and whimsical. The steep angles are especially wonderful. And the front window adds to the magic of these exceptional creations.

Judge’s comment: This creator has submitted a pair of lovely houses, so well-suited for the wintry scene! I really love the chimney, on the left, and the lovely picture window on the right, a symbiotic balance!

No. 24 - Christmas in the Hill Country

Judge’s comment: I have always had a soft spot for country cabins like this. The boots, the birds, the gifts and the puppy really make it for me, and I love the striations in the roof, that run both horizontally and vertically! Well done!

No. 25  - Whimsical House with a Delightfully Steep  Roof

I've included two views to give a better idea of the incredible angle on the roof of this house which enhances the whimsy.

Judge’s comment: This pastel creation has excellent snow effects on its steep roof. The window box is lovely, and the trees are also wonderful! The beautiful Christmas arrangement in the background only enhances the quality of the submission.

No. 26  - Santa's Visit - Holiday Mansion

Judge’s comment: This is a house rich in detail and complexity, with a marvelous tower on the left and a prominent gable on the right. Just a wonderful house, with great lighting and a happy Santa on the steps! Creative commitment shows!

No. 27 - Blueberry Hill Miniature Christmas Mansion

Judge’s comment: Red, white and green often seem to dominate Christmas colors, but this beautiful house shows how well a brilliant blue can fit into the season! I love the wreaths/ribbons, and the folks in the front yard by the snowman! Christmas spirit in scene!

No. 28  - Snowy House on a Birch Log

Judge’s comment: It can be surprising how fitting more subtle colors can be to the Christmas season, but that's how it is after a delicious snowfall. For me, much of the magic of this house is in the icy patterns that emerge on the frosted face of the house. This artist has an exquisite sense of detail and authenticity. Lovely! Placing this creation on a birch base was a great choice!

No. 29 - Christmas City Bank

And later the City Bank was glittered. This is still the same entry.

Judge’s comment: I thought the first picture of City Bank was special, but nothing like once it was finished with the frosting! It's easy to forget business establishments at Christmastime, with the emphasis on home and family, but a 'Wonderful Life' is more involved than that, as this submission shows

No. 30 - Bob Cratchit Cottage

Judge’s comment: I think my favorite things about the Cratchit Cottage are the stones peeking out from the stucco, and the magical wooden  effects in the unique roof and front patio! Exceptionally well done!

No. 31 - Colonial House with 3 Deer in the Front Yard

Judge’s comment: This pastel Christmas house has a great wreath over the door, with excellent glitter effects both in the house and in the lovely trees! Then three deer in front are one of my favorite touches in all of these submissions!

32. Classic Christmas Putz House

Judge’s comment: This submitter really knows what s/he's doing with these lovely little houses! And what a great snowman, to be the first greeter for guests!

33. Red Holiday House

I love the deep red color and the interesting roofline.

Judge’s comment: This red holiday house has a stunning roofline, alright, with the a-frame style roof paralleling in the front entrance gable. Unique structure! The trees, the wreath and the candle decorations complete the fine submission!

34. Gnome and Gnome Snowman Holiday House

Who can resist a gnome and what looks like a little gnome snowman?

Judge’s comment: I think Lucy has it exactly right with the gnome snowman! The candy cane entrance to the yard is very special, and I can only wish I had a better view of the tower in the background! Super Christmas-y submission! Speaks to my 'inner child!'

35. Grey Colonial Christmas House with a Candy Cane Fence

Judge’s comment: The most marvelous houses often focus on the winter magic of the season, as this lovely little house shows! The beautiful trees, Santa and the reindeer only tie it all together! The smoke from the chimney is great!

36. Three Frosty Pastel Miniature Houses

Each house counts as one entry.

Judge’s comment: This lovely pink house with pink dormers just shouts Merry Christmas! The wonderfully decorated trees really set the tone!

Judge’s comment: I really like the blue pastel of this house! Yet again, the trees with their decorations welcome, and there are delightful pastel variations in the roof texturing!

Judge’s comment: The decorative touches of this house are just magical! So seasonal and joyful! I love the trees and the sparkly windows and property edging! This submitter should be very proud to display this house this Christmas season!

37. Dickens House with a Stone Wall

This house has a real Dickens feel to it so that is why I named it that way.

Judge’s comment: I think the Dickens house has the best brickwork I have seen. The house appears slightly offset, which I just love, for perspective. The wooden elements on the windows and doors are exquisite, with a marvelous light post! Excellent submission! STILL Wow'ed by how well the brick works in this house!

38. Yellow Colonial Christmas House

Judge’s comment: This lovely yellow Christmas house depicts a festive joy and love of the season! The decorated shrubs in front are beautiful! And I really liked the little animals in the front yard! A place anyone would love to visit at Christmas!

39. The Bluebird Christmas House

Judge’s comment: I think the idea of making a birdhouse into a Christmas house is inspired! These bluebirds are as Christmas-y as it gets! I particularly love the little perch peg below the entrance! So thoughtful! A lovely display! With a mailbox chock full of Christmas cards!

40. Named the Covid Winter House

The truck loaded with packages is a great detail.

Judge’s comment: This Christmas cottage has a stylized, 3D aspect I just love! The tree is magnificent in that, as is the truck, down to the Fedex package, the Amazon Prime box and a USPS mailer complete with Postnet barcode! Wow! So imaginative!

41. The Stone Church

Judge’s comment: The stone walls work so well for this little Christmas chapel! I love the garland around the entrance, and the glorious steeple stretching into the skies!

42. Red and White House

Judge’s comment: This marvelous house shows how wonderful symmetry can be in a Christmas setting! The colors work wonderfully, down to and including the snowmen on each side, with asymmetrical scarves! Love the Christmas tree backdrop!

43. Green Pastel Glitter House

This house reminds me of the old Sears houses. What an interesting roofline! I love the vintage car too.

Judge’s comment: I really like the green pastel of this house! Yet again, the trees with their decorations welcome, and there are delightful pastel variations in the roof texturing! The Christmas tree atop the car was a great touch!

No. 44 - Blue House with 6 Gables

This is a very beautiful design with incredible roof lines.

Judge’s comment: I am just blown away by how wonderfully well blue works in Christmas livery! This 6 gable house is just a beautiful expression of the season!

No. 45 - Tiny Birdhouses

The two birdhouses count as one entry.

Judge’s comment: These delightful little bird houses appear to have been created as ornaments, but they succeed at that exceptionally well! I particularly love the redbirds and the ivy embellishment. And both houses are so frosty! Delightful!

No. 46 - Irish Cottage

Judge’s comment: The little Irish Cottage has marvelous trees in different configurations, but for me, the submission is all about the light! The glow in the door is wonderful, but my favorite is the light accent under the tree on the left, and behind the house on the right! So natural!

No. 47 - Little Church with a Stone Surface

And here is the delightful little church on display.

Judge’s comment: This marvelous little stone church seems to emphasize the community aspects of the holiday, with singers standing outside with their hymnals … I like that the foreground couple is blurred, with the focus on the church and the singers. Even more wonderful in the broader display!

No. 48 - Log Cabin in a Dome

Judge’s comment: I don't think any submission is richer in color and concept than this cabin under glass. I love the Christmas tree and the natural tree, curving along the glass surface at the top, the snow … this is a special creation

No. 49 - Dollhouse for a Dollhouse

What a great idea for this contest - a dollhouse for a dollhouse!

Judge’s comment:  The genius of this Christmas house is only revealed when it is turned to reveal the cutaway … wow. For me, it emphasizes that the soul of the house is really where the inhabitants live, and this home is rich, full and festive! Meant to be played with! Magical in concept and execution!

No. 50 - West Coast Style Holiday Christmas House

Don't you love the colors for this West Coast style house?

The details on the roof (including a flying Santa and reindeer)and the stonework are especially appealing.

Judge’s comment: There is so much to love about this little house! The stonework, the wreath, the presents, the sleigh … but perhaps the greatest magic lies above, in Santa's sleigh and the reindeer, with a brilliant light effect glinting through what appear to be clouds! Unique!

No. 51 - Mid-Century Modern House with Abstract Trees

Exceptional selection of retro colors. And the roof line really appeals to me.

Judge’s comment: It's always a joy when you find a contestant with a sense of diversity, of the value of difference in artistic ideas. This more modern submission to this contest shows just how timeless the power of Christmas is. I particularly love the car that has just barely topped the curb, and the lovely cat by the front door! Well done!

No. 52 - Tiny Faded Mansion

This house is based on my Faded Mansion, but scaled down to only 3 inches high - which is an impressive feet. It's really well done.

Judge’s comment: Much of the brilliance of this tiny mansion is how well its creator miniaturized its features, without compromising the detail quality at all! Magnificent! It is a beautiful little house! Topped by an excellent red Christmas bow!

No. 53 - Gingerbread House with Cookies and Candy

What a yummy little house!

Judge’s comment: The little Santa pitchers on each side of this submission radiate their approval of the gingerbread theme for this festive scene! The guardian gingerbread man's smile, in front of the door, promises that he will happily stand aside after hugging guests! I love the infinity signs on the front porch, and the promise of pi on the front-door wreath! So mathematical! All placed on a Reese's cup?!

No. 54 - Fezziwig's Warehouse

Judge’s comment: If, like me, you are a chocolate lover, you will find Fezziwig's Warehouse a dream! And the roof! Chocolate terracotta! The residents inside seem t be dancing! Or perhaps they're forming an arch to welcome guests!

No. 55 - Holiday House with a Snowman in Front

Such fun details inside the house, too.

Judge’s comment: This delightful house features great brickwork, in the fence and the chimney, and it works well with the rockwork on the house! The snowman with the corncob pipe is marvelous, as are the glimpses into the house! The lampshade almost looks like E.T. visiting! And I love the lights rigged along the roof! Even the catty-cornered placement of the house on the property appeals! Well done! But much of the real magic of this submission is the revelation that the house is visible in cutaway from behind! This creative attention to detail is wonderful!

No. 56 - Holiday Tent

I am impressed with the creativity in making a Christmas tent.

Judge’s comment: Front and rear views of this holiday tent reveal just how wintry it is! I love the tent peaks, the reindeer and the magnificent tree! It looks to me as if the windows show frost on the inside from condensation! Magical! Even a tent can be a loving holiday home! Another candidate for 'outside the box thinking' award!

No. 57 - Dutch Colonial Christmas House

Judge’s comment: This Dutch Colonial House is set in such a snowy scene! The snow effects on the marvelous fence are particularly impressive! I also love the snowman and the family frolicking in the brisk weather! Soon to go in for warmth and, perhaps, hot chocolate!

No. 58 - Lavender Victorian House

Judge’s comment: The great matching fence-bedecked after a recent snow-really sets off this house. Santa is emerging after a late delivery, leaving the warmth of someone's beautiful home to continue on his way.

No. 59 - Classic Putz House in Red and Green

Judge’s comment: This classic Putz house shows just how well red and green and white express Christmas spirit and joy! This creation features excellent use of glitter to highlight the warm decorations of wreaths, ribbons and the green shrubbery in the landscape.

No. 60 - Classic Candy Box Holiday Houses

This little house is based on a type of vintage Japanese Putz house called a candy box . The house concealed a box where you could store treats. This is a beautiful reproduction - accurate down to the type of Santa.

Judge’s comment: This Candy Box house has a great tower in back and Santa in front! Am I the only one who envisions excited kids inside, just waiting to break out and begin throwing snowballs from the ramparts?!

No. 61 - Santa on the Roof Candy Box

Once again, this is a reproduction of another candy box. The windows are based on vintage Japanese Putz houses. Even the Santa is faithfully reproduced from a vintage candy box design.

Judge’s comment: It's amazing how well three different colors can mesh when the creator has a sense of color! I really like this house, and the terrific Santa overseeing the scene! Even if he has to climb back up for the delivery!

No. 62 - Pink House with Two Front Dormers

Love this elegant color scheme.

Judge’s comment: Pink works so much better in a Christmas display than I ever would have imagined! The trees, shrubs and the reindeer are so beautiful! But the snowflakes on the windows are really special! Great touch!

No. 63 - Candy Cane Lane

I added a second photo so you could see the snow angel a little more clearly. Penny's doghouse is in the background.

Judge’s comment: Candy Cane Lane is a bold submission, indeed, with the large blue mansion, magnificent bows and plentiful candy canes! Perhaps my favorite element is the curlicue tree against the lovely backdrop! But to put in a snow angel in the foreground?! What imagination!

No. 64 - Glittery Red Roof Church

I'm including two views so you can see the church better.

Judge’s comment: I loved so many things about this woodland chapel, the steeple, the crucifix above the door, the garland-enshrouded fencing, the trees, the snow effects … but I'm not sure I don't like the door most of all, with its delightful, detailed hinges.

No. 65 - Peach Colored House

The lacy accents really make this house stand out. And the angel. She works perfectly with this house.

Judge’s comment: How can you resist a house held forth by a beautiful child angel?! But the deer, lace and pearls only recommend it more highly! A Christmas vision!

No. 66 - Tiny Golden Village

I am including this as one entry. I think these houses are from my Tiny House series in the 12 Day Craft-Along. For this entry, I included two view so you could get a better idea of the shine of the golden paper that was used.

I really like that the barn has a silo. It's a great addition to the tiny village.

Judge’s comment: A little church is central to this golden community! My favorite elements are the exquisitely scalloped roof on one, and the excellent barn! What a beautiful village!

No. 67 - Sparkly Green Roof House

I love the garland on the fence as well as the green sparkly roof.

Judge’s comment: Sparkle is the name of the game with this Christmas house! The roof just glows! The bead garland makes a delightful contrast, but perhaps my favorite feature with this submission is the marvelous star wreath over the door! Lovely!

No. 68 - Teal Holiday House

I think the glittered teal color is so appealing. And the vintage red auto in the front just makes it even better.

Judge’s comment: A veritable forest of snow-covered trees surrounds this lovely Christmas house! One of my favorite features is the tree tied to the top of their car (is it a vintage Rolls?) by candy cane roping! The reindeer is a nice touch, but I really like the silver wreath mounted high above the door!

No. 69 - Icicle Church

I've never made icicles like this. It's a great effect.

Judge’s comment: Three little white Christmas trees flank the entrance to this lovely little church! I love the icicles and the silver cross above the door! But I think the swirls painted on the wall of the church are terrific! That leads to the final question: Is this little church sitting in front of a chocolate-covered pretzel cone?!

No. 70 White Church with Silver Accents

What an elegant, sparkly church!

Judge’s comment: As a complete scene, this fine submission ranks very highly. Particularly nice is what seems to be an excellent Christmas wreath hovering over everything, and the manger scene next to the church is delightful!

No. 71 - Gingerbread Christmas

I just love the dancing Gingerbread on the lawn of this little house.

Judge’s comment: My favorite elements in this submission are the wonderful gingerbread folk! For me, they accentuate the value of social engagement in the holiday! So important, this year more than all others!

Well, I think that is it. Please check out all the entries because they will make you smile. If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected]

Lucy

Rules for the 2020 Mini Holiday House Contest

Entries are now closed. The winners were announced December 20th. The judges had a very difficult job. Thanks to everyone for entering.

Prize list:

• First place - $150 Amazon gift card
• Second place - $100 Amazon gift card
• Third place - $50 Amazon gift card
• Four Judges discretion awards - $25 Amazon gift cards (because the judges really wanted to award more prizes since they loved the entries so much)

Rules:

1. Have fun. The entire purpose of this is to have fun. Really.

2. There are 3 ways enter a house in the 2020 Miniature Holiday House contest:

Post your design in the Paper Glitter Glue Facebook group with the tag #2020MiniHolidayHouseContest

Follow me on Instagram and post your house with the tag #2020MiniHolidayHouseContest

Email me a photo. The address is [email protected] Please include the title 2020 Miniature Holiday House in your email title so I can find the photo easily.

3. In doing so, you are giving me permission to post your project on my blog just like I did for the Halloween house contest. I love to share your projects because they are all so incredible.

4. Size requirements - I am making the size requirements bigger to allow for steeples and taller houses and more landscaping. The base can be 8 inches deep x 12 inches wide. House height - 10 inches tall, house width - 10 inches, house depth 7 inches. That's really a large house.

5.  You can use your own pattern, my patterns, a Tim Holtz house, or even a purchased pattern.

6. The house mostly needs to be made out of cardboard. No wooden houses. 

7. Creativity and originality are important and will be emphasized in judging.

8. You may enter more than once.

So that is the Mini Holiday House Contest for this year. I will let you know about the next contest. If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected]

Lucy