How to Build a Log Cabin Craft

Make a miniature log cabin with strips of paper.

Spend an afternoon creating a model log cabin craft out of things you probably already have in your home. While you can use new supplies, this project is also a good way to recycle cardboard boxes and the brown paper bags you may have accumulated from trips to the grocery store. Children may need help building the log cabin craft, but they can enjoy decorating the model home with buttons, colored paper and craft glue.

Things You'll Need

• Brown paper
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Clear tape
• Cardboard
• White craft glue

Instructions

1. Cut the paper into approximately 24 strips measuring 2 inches by 3 inches.

2. Wrap each piece of paper around a pencil to form a 3-inch tube. Secure each tube with a few pieces of clear tape and slide it off the pencil.

3. With the glue, draw a 3-inch square on a piece of cardboard that is at least 4 inches square.

4. Press paper tubes onto three sides of the glue square.

5. Cut one of the tubes into thirds and press one piece onto each side of the last line of glue, leaving a 1-inch opening in the center for the door.

6. Continue to add layers of glue and paper tubes until the log cabin is five tubes tall.

7. Trim several paper tubes and stack them with glue at the front and back of the log cabin to form triangles.

8. Cut two 3 1/2-inch cardboard squares and glue them to the top of the paper tubes to form a peaked roof on your log cabin craft.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace the paper tubes with cinnamon sticks to create a fragrant log cabin craft.

• Roll up a 5-inch square of paper into a tube to form a chimney for your paper log cabin. Attach the chimney with white craft glue.

• Glue flat buttons to the cardboard base in front of the log cabin to create a stepping stone path.

• Glue small pieces of colored paper randomly onto a paper square and glue it onto the side of the log cabin to create the appearance of stained windows.

References

• Disney Family Fun: Paper Log Cabin