I made this gingerbread ‘woodcutter’s cabin’ this past winter. (Hurray, I can actually refer to winter as a thing of the past now!) The design is completely from Teresa Layman’s book, Gingerbread: Things to Make and Bake.
This isn’t the first gingerbread house I’ve made, but Teresa was definitely the main inspiration of my gingerbread house making obsession. About 7ish years I ago I decided to try my hand at my first one, and hers was the book I stumbled accross and bought. She describes steps in meticulous detail… She doesn’t leave a stone unturned in terms of explaining things! Not only that, her designs are so pretty and charming. I love her stuff so much I actually contacted her and chatted with her on the phone. She’s such a sweet person. In our conversation I asked if she would be doing any more books on gingerbreading, besides the two she already has published, and unfortunately her publisher told her that there were enough books on gingerbread in the stores. I contacted her publisher and put a request in. Alas, that was about 3 years ago now. (I know, I am crazy aren’t I!? When I like something I really go for it). In my opinion, hers are the best gingerbreading books out there.
This gingerbread house has a few non-edible elements included with it. The chimney has cotton balls for smoke, two dollhouse sugar bags in front of the cabin, and lace on the inside for curtains. You can’t see it, but I also like to put a tealight inside each house. If we don’t eat it, I can insert a long matchstick through the windows and light the candle at night. (It just can’t be on too long… no ventilation).
Cindy says
Wow that is truly amazing… I want to try my hand at making a gingerbread house, it just seems so daunting….I’m going to look for this book and see if I can get brave enough. LOL
Michelle says
Oh my gosh. I am just amazed by your work. My kids and I make a gingerbread house every year, and now you’ve inspired me for next year. I can’t wait to share your photos with my kids!
Michelle
http://oneordinaryday.wordpress.com/
Marian says
Thanks for you compliments Cindy and Michelle! It’s really not very hard when you have good instructions… that and a little bit of time. xD I don’t know about you, but it’s one of my favorite things about Christmas preparations. Can’t wait to see yours too!
cloudystella says
I’ve no words…You ‘re a WONDERFUL artist!!!!!!!! (sorry for my bad English!)
Mona Mendoza-Lopez says
awesome! I wanna make one for xmas hahaha 🙂
hope I am as good as you ^_^*
babskitchen says
Gotta check out the book. This house is adorable. I’ve been wanting to try to make one but have never worked up the nerve. I think your house would do really well in a gingerbread house contest they have each year between T-giving and Christmas at the Cleveland Botanical Center. Don’t ask me why they hold it at a Botanical Center, but they do. If I can find some of my photos from last year, I’ll send them to you.
Marian says
Thanks for the comments cloudystella and Mona!
Babskitchen, I’d love to see your gingerbread house pics!!
Denise says
It is beautiful! Did you use her gingerbread recipe?
Marian says
Yes I did. 🙂
jeanie says
You did a great job on all of your houses! I have Teresa’s books too and have made the Christmas cottage and the Gepetto’s Toys. I am gearing up for the Victorian Farmhouse this year! I have looked at the pictures so many times and am amazed at her talent. I wish she would do another book too!
Jessica says
I love the icicles! The details are amazing!
Dina says
oh my gosh, that is too cute!
deana (lostpastremembered) says
love the lighting.. it felt like a winter day in a sugar wonderland!
Cailey says
oh my gosh!!!that is one of the coolest gingerbread houses i have ever seen!i love the whole wood cabin thing.that definitely gives me some great inspirations and ideas for ours!5 stars!!!;)
Julie M. says
Love this! I’m hoping to try my hand at a gingerbread house competition this upcoming winter and these are definitely inspirational!
marian says
Thanks for commenting and happy gingerbreading!
Jillian_R says
I love those frosting icicles!
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Anita says
Gorgeous gingerbread houses and useful tips, thank you! My friend and I make houses together each year. A lot of fun. I have a request in to Book Depository for Teresa’s book – fingers crossed. I wonder if you could tell me in the meantime how you cut out those gorgeous little square paned windows? Many thanks, Anita
marian says
Hi Anita,
I have a small square cutter which I bought from Teresa Layman as well. When her book first came out she had some to sell (her father made them, but has since passed). I was very grateful to be able to buy some. This was about 10 years ago, so by now there should be small square cutters sold somewhere! I did a google search and found these;https://www.google.ca/search?q=small+square+cookie+cutter&biw=1040&bih=768&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=sXt0VMilJ4ewyQTksILQCw&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ
Seems to be lots of options!
You could also buy a cookie cutter kit (make your own), or find someone on etsy who makes custom cutters. Hope that helps!