Print and color these beautiful printable paper houses – they are perfect for playing with or even for setting up a decorative village just for fun! You’ll get seven different house designs, plus a blank template so that you can design your own. If you love paper toy templates, you can also try these cool paper glasses!
This post was originally published in August 2017 and sponsored by STABILO. It was updated to make it more relevant today!
I love crafting alongside M and I know that many of you love to bond over craft time as well.
So I designed this fun paper houses craft to be something that moms (or grandmas, aunts, and babysitters) can create together with kids of all ages.
I truly believe that arts ‘n crafts come in all sizes, and I love crafts that ANYONE can do, which is why I took this direction. You can add texture and detail and make this craft more complex.
Or, do like M did and just color for the fun of it!
I pulled out our big stash of coloring supplies, and set it up on the dining room table so that M and I can craft together.
M and I colored these using a mix of STABILO markers. M loves using the Power Max markers because it looks just like the Power markers that I use, but it’s chunkier and easier for him to grip. I love them because they’re washable, and don’t dry out for a long time, even if he forgets to cap them.
Color-in paper toys are the perfect “together” activity, because they are open-ended enough for multiple age groups to enjoy. I designed these with a mature enough style for adults but it’s still relatable for kids.
Even though they’re designed for kids, I found the Power markers to be so much fun to use! The color quality is on par with my “grown-up” markers but it has the same quality as the Power Max markers: if I forget to cap them properly, they don’t dry out for weeks!
These printable paper houses were created in a blend of whimsical and realistic styles.
You’ll find vintage homes, fairy houses, and even an apartment block!
I also included a copy of my “blank template” that I designed as the basis for these so that you can get more creative and design a simple paper house yourself.
You can leave the doors and windows as is, or cut them open. When you’re done, they are the perfect DIY paper toy, holiday display, or whatever you want to use them for! Add them to your car play or to your train set for a customizable play experience for your little ones!
You can also color them in holiday themes to turn them into seasonal decor (especially the whimsical styles!) You can see how I printed these on colored paper to turn them into printable paper houses for Christmas here!
If you’re looking for a more 3-D paper house template try using the template for this gingerbread house craft – it can be made as any type of paper houses!
Ready to get crafting? On to the printable and the tutorial!
What you need to create beautiful paper houses:
- The printables – download them by entering your email address into the form below, and then check your inbox for the PDF file! Print them on card stock.
- Markers
- Optional: acraft knife (adults only)
- Optional: glue stick
How to craft and assemble these printable paper houses:
Watch the video below to see it in action. Or scroll down for step-by-step photos:
1. Color, color, color! This part is the most fun! Use different shades of similar colors for a little extra texture.
Add your own detail, or to simplify things, combine details and color them in together.
Or, add your own detail to the blank templates.
2. Cut out your printable paper houses using scissors. If you want (grown-ups only) you can cut out details such as windows and doors. On this one, I even made the shutters open and close.
3. (Grown ups only) use a craft knife to cut slits in the lines underneath your house as pictured.
4. Fold your house on the dashed lines – those are marked for folding.
5. Insert your tabs into the slots from the outside inward. This is a bit difficult. If you pull it through from the inside of the house, it will work, but if need be you can widen the slots (it will just be less secure once assembled).
If you really want the kids to be able to complete this on their own, you can skip the “tab and slot system” and just glue the tab to the base. If you DO use the tab and slot, you can fold them flat for storage, but kids will need help cutting the slots open, and may need help pulling the tab through.
They’ll also need help if you’re doing cutout windows and doors.
Details, details, who cares? The idea is that you have the time of your life creating these paper houses and that you allow yourself and the kids to be creative while doing so.
Don’t be afraid to use color and imagination as I did when creating the templates.
What will you be using these paper houses for? Comment below!
Want more like this? Check out these adorable mix ‘n match animal blocks that are great for crafting together too!
You can also check out the printable paper gingerbread house template!
Still haven’t printed your paper houses? Print them by entering your email address below and then check your inbox! (Check your spam folder too if you don’t see it right away).
