Christmas Tealight Houses: Three Roof Styles

Posted by Raminta Sorokin on November 27, 2024

Christmas Tealight Houses: Three Roof Styles

With Christmas just around the corner, I’ve crafted three tealight houses, all using the same base but featuring different roof designs. These charming decorations are perfect for adding a cozy, festive touch to your holiday décor. You can either draw the house shapes yourself or save the template provided at the end of the post.

Tutorial on YouTube

Creating the Base

The base structure is the same for all three houses, made primarily from cardboard with a toilet paper roll chimney. Here’s how you can make it:

Cut and Assemble the Walls:
- Cut out the walls from cardboard.
- Use masking tape and school glue to attach the walls together. To speed up adhesion, add a small amount of hot glue at the corners.
- The front wall should be set about 1 cm inside the base, while the back wall aligns flush with the corners.
Add the Chimney and Cover Edges:
- Attach the chimney made from a toilet paper roll to the roof.
- Cover exterior cuts and joints with masking tape for a smoother finish.
Create Textures:
- Add egg carton pieces around the chimney and door to mimic stonework.
- Use twisted packing paper for the edges of the base to create a rustic look.
Paint the Interior:
- Paint the inside of the house white before gluing the bottom in place. The white interior will reflect the LED light better.
Finish the Base:
- Glue the bottom to the house and reinforce the connection by adding packing paper around the edges.

This base method works for all three houses, so you can focus your creativity on the roofs!

The Roof Designs

1. Pinecone Roof

For this house, you’ll use pinecone scales to create a textured roof that resembles shingles.

Prepare the Pinecones:
- Use pliers to tear off the individual scales.
Attach the Scales:
- Starting from the bottom, glue the pinecone scales to the roof using hot glue.
- Work your way up to the top.
Seal the Roof:
- At the top, use napkin paper to connect both roof sides. Paint it to match the pinecone scales.
Paint:
- Since pinecones are naturally dark brown, I painted the roof in complementary shades of brown. Feel free to choose your favorite colors!

2. Rounded Tile Roof

This roof mimics traditional tiles and is made using food packaging cardboard, such as cereal boxes.

Prepare the Tiles:
- Cut the cardboard into strips, then cut into smaller rectangles or squares. For rounded tiles, trim the corners of each piece.
Attach the Tiles:
- Starting from the bottom, glue the tiles in overlapping rows using wood glue or school glue.
- Since my tiles varied slightly in size, I glued them in pairs or individually for a better fit.
Seal and Paint:
- Use masking paper to connect the roof sides at the top.
- Paint the roof in your preferred colors—experiment with earthy tones or bold festive shades!

3. Straw Roof

For a rustic look, this roof uses toilet paper roll strips to create a "straw" effect.

Prepare the Straw:
- Cut toilet paper rolls into thirds, then make small cuts along one edge, leaving the opposite side intact.
- For added texture, use zigzag scissors to create uneven ends.
Attach the Straw:
- Start at the bottom and glue the pieces onto the roof using wood glue or school glue.
- Overlap the layers as you work your way up.
Seal and Paint:
- Connect the roof sides with a small piece of packing paper at the top.
- Paint in your desired colors—shades of golden yellow or beige give the most authentic straw look.