How to Make a Log Cabin With a Shoe Box & Pretzel Rods
Log cabins have been a part of American life since the 17th century, when settlers from Scanidinavia brought this home-building technique to their new country and colonists in New England began building structures with logs. Make a model of a log cabin using a shoebox and pretzel rods to understand the construction process or celebrate Presidents Day. When your event is over, disassemble your cabin and eat the pretzel "logs."
Things You'll Need
- Shoebox, 7 1/2 to 8 inches long
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Can of chocolate frosting
- Butter knife or small rubber spatula
- Aluminum foil
- Pretzel rods, 7 1/2 to 8 inches long
- Pretzel nubs
- Cardboard
Instructions
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1
Set the shoebox with the open side up and cut out a door and windows using scissors.
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2
Cut two 1-inch vertical slits on each short side of the shoebox. The first slit should be about 1/2 inch from the top and the second slit should be about 1 inch from the top.
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3
Push inward on the shoebox between the two slits, creating a band on the inside of the box, and insert the end of a pretzel rod in the band. Push the pretzel rod down until it extends about 2 inches below the bottom of the band. The pretzel rod should be upright and straight. Secure it with a dab of frosting. Repeat on the other side of the box.
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4
Cover the shoe box with aluminum foil. Cut an X shape in each door and window opening and fold the foil to the inside of the box along each side.
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5
Spread chocolate frosting on the sides of the shoe box using a butter knife or a small rubber spatula.
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6
Frame the doors and windows with pretzel nubs, pressing them into the frosting around the openings.
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7
Press pretzel logs into the frosting on all sides of the shoebox, beginning at the bottom of each side and stacking them horizontally until you reach the top. Cut the pretzels to fit around the windows and door.
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8
Measure the distance between one top corner of the shoebox and the top of an upright pretzel rod. Your ruler should make a diagonal between the two points. Cut two pieces of cardboard that are as long as a pretzel rod and as wide as this measurement.
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9
Put the long edge of one piece of cardboard on the top of one long side of the shoebox and lean it against the upright pretzel rods. Secure it with frosting at both corners and at the pretzel rods. Repeat with the second piece of cardboard on the second side.
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10
Cut two triangles from cardboard to fit in the open spaces on the short sides of the box, underneath the eaves. Fasten them to the upright pretzel rods with frosting.
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