What is a Putz House and How Do You Make One?

Keep reading to find out more about what a putz house is, find inspiration from beautiful Christmas putz houses, and learn how to make your own to add an authentic touch to your Christmas decorations.

Christmas putz house history

In the early 1900s, tiny decorated buildings, known as putz houses, began to appear around nativity scenes during the festive season. Putz is said to come from the German word, ‘putzen’ meaning to ‘clean’ or ‘decorate’. 

Putz house design and materials 

Glitter houses have undergone a significant transformation over the decades in terms of both their design and the materials used to make them. 

In the early history of DIY putz houses, the materials used were often quite simple. Traditional putz houses were made from lightweight cardboard, painted, and covered with mica dust to give them a sparkling finish. This is how they derived the name ‘glitter houses’.

Today, these festive houses often feature precise architectural detailing and come in a myriad of colours, styles and sizes to suit any Christmas village setting, which still symbolizes the warmth of home.

Putz houses aren’t just for Christmas! While originally designed as part of a Christmas scene, they can be made any time! A spooky putz house scene would be a great Halloween project.

DIY putz houses are typically made from card or even paper. It should be thick enough to stand on its own, but still thin enough to fold. You can recycle cereal boxes or pick up cardstock.

Beautiful Christmas putz house examples

If the discussion of putz houses has you interested in crafting your own little festive village, you’re in luck. 

Whether you want to recreate a classic vintage Christmas look, aim for a modern architectural design, or wish to design a whimsical fairy house, there’s a pattern for you!

Not all of the examples below are DIY putz houses, but you can still use the designs for inspiration!

This tiny treat truly embodies the DIY glitter house!

For a retro twist, you can follow this step-by-step YouTube tutorial.

Minimalist, colour-coordinated putz houses look great grouped together in a village.

A beautiful, traditional Christmas putz house with decorative beads.

Customizing an existing house is a great way to DIY without building from scratch.

This may not be a house, but this tiny putz caravan is surely a home!

I love how boxy and retro this putz house looks, down to its hand-made Christmas trees.

A putz house complete with gables and a garage!

These patterns offer step-by-step processes, making it feasible for even beginners to embark on this artistic journey. A DIY putz house project can also be an engaging and entertaining family activity around the holiday season. Happiness, after all, is often found in these handmade, heartfelt additions to our holiday decorations.

So why wait? Explore the diverse world of putz house patterns and start planning your own miniature wonderland today!

What size is a putz house?

There isn’t a strict standard size for putz houses, as they can vary widely based on personal preference, design, and the intended use within a holiday display. I’ve found some sources that suggest glittery houses are usually on the transport modelling scale HO or O, which is 1:87 and 1:48 scale, respectively.  The average house size is around 18-25 feet, so based on these two scales, a putz could range from a few inches (2.5 approx) to a ½ foot. 

You can choose what size you make your putz house based on available space or your holiday display. Some people prefer smaller, more intricate putz houses to create a detailed village, while others may opt for larger structures that serve as focal points in a display. You can even mix and match putz houses of various sizes to create a visually interesting and dynamic Christmas village scene.

How to make putz houses?

Here are the basic steps to making a glitter house. One of the great things about putz house DIY-ing is that you can make the tiny glitter house as simple or as intricate as you like!

Here are some essentials you should have handy when making your Christmas putz house.

Materials:

• Cardboard or foam board
• Craft knife or scissors
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Acrylic paint or markers
• Glitter or fake snow
• Craft glue or hot glue gun
• Small decorations (miniature trees, figurines, etc.)
• Battery-operated LED lights (optional)

Steps:

Design

Decide on the size and style of your putz house. Pick out a template or create your own design on paper.

Base

Cut out the base of your house from cardboard or foam board. This will serve as the foundation for your putz house.

House Structure

Cut out the walls, roof, and any additional features (like chimneys or dormer windows) from the cardboard or foam board. Use your template or design as a guide.

Windows and Doors

Cut out windows and doors from the walls. You can leave them open or cover with coloured tissue paper or transparent plastic for a stained-glass effect.

Painting

Paint the walls and roof with acrylic paint or markers. Add details and decorations as desired. Let the paint dry completely.

Glitter and Snow

Apply craft glue to the roof and sprinkle glitter or fake snow over it. This will give your house a festive, snowy appearance.

Assembly

Use craft glue or a hot glue gun to assemble the walls and roof of your putz house. Allow it to dry completely.

Decorate

Enhance your glitter house by adding small decorations such as miniature trees, figurines, or other festive elements. Glue them in place.

Lights (Optional)

If you want to add a warm glow to your miniature house, insert battery-operated LED lights inside. Be sure to create openings or windows for the light to shine through.

Finishing Touches

Add any final touches or details to complete the look of your putz house. This could include additional painted details, landscaping, or other decorations.

Display

Place your putz house on your holiday display, mantle, or as part of a Christmas village. Enjoy the festive atmosphere it adds to your home!

Putz Houses FAQ

What is a putz house?

A putz house is a miniature house initially used for Christmas decorations around the nativity scene. Nowadays, it is also known as a glitter house, a little cardboard house, or a paper house. These charming structures have been part of holiday traditions for about 100 years.

Where did the term ‘Putz house’ originate?

The term ‘putz house’ has its roots traced back to the Moravian church in Germany. The word comes from the German word ‘putzen’, which means to clean or polish. In this context, it signifies the tradition of ‘decorating’ or ‘beautifying’ the nativity scene with miniature houses.

How have the design and materials of putz houses changed over time?

Over the course of a century, the designs and materials used for making glitter houses have evolved significantly. While the essence of these miniature houses remains the same, changes in design trends and available materials have led to a variety of styles and aesthetics in putz houses.

Can I create my own glitter house?

Yes, you absolutely can! There are numerous DIY patterns available for making your own putz house, or you can pick up pre-made templates online that you can decorate yourself.