Winning idea Häxehüsli - VBS autumn craft competition 2023

The idea for the decorative witches' cottage was sent to us by Core from Switzerland.

Use this idea as inspiration for your own little witches' cottages and treat yourself to some great modelling fun!

Materials

In addition to FIMO modelling clay, you will first need a screw-top jar. You can use a used jam jar with a screw top or the storage jar from the materials list.

Also use a polystyrene ball that is slightly smaller in diameter than the lid and have a chain of lights ready for decorating later.

Design of the roof

First cut the polystyrene ball in half. This is best done with a heated knife. Glue the half of the ball to the lid of your jar using hot glue.

FIMO Soft modelling clays are used for modelling. It is particularly easy and precise to work with if it has been kneaded by hand for some time before moulding.

Use FIMO in different shades of brown for the shingles. Roll out the smooth polymer clay into a flat dough, cut out the individual shingles from the clay and model the edges smoothly.

Now place the small shingles on the polystyrene in alternating colours. Next, mould the top of the roof and place it on the shingle.

How the house is built

Start by modelling the windows in transparent FIMO and shape the entrance door. Create marble-look polymer clay panels from the different shades of brown to form the house wall. Work the windows into the "wall". Place the modelling surface on the glass and work out the joints.

Before hardening everything in the oven at 130 °C for approx. 30 minutes, check the surface for fingerprints that have formed during modelling and remove them if necessary (simply brush over them). Once hardened, your work will remain in the modelled shape and can no longer shift.

Modelling decorative ornaments

Now you can decorate the basic shape of the witch's house as you wish. For example, twist two strands of modelling clay into each other and place them on top of each other as window frames. Mould small leaves and flowers and place them decoratively on the house. You can also harden them in the oven and fix them in place with hot glue.

Finally, place the LEDs in the glass.