This cardboard house craft for kids is inspired by the beautiful wooden houses of Bryggen.
Bryggen is an old wharf in Bergen.
This wharf is recognized as a World Heritage Site, and is a reminder of Bergen’s important role in trade in the 14th-16th centuries.
Although many fires have destroyed the wooden houses of Bryggen again and again, they have been rebuilt using old patterns and methods.
These relics of ancient Norway were the inspiration for this cardboard house craft.
Although this project is exceedingly simple, I have found that this type of art activity really provides space for kids to get creative. Plus, it opens up great discussions on the different architectural features that live on the homes in your own area.
Here’s how we made these cardboard houses.
Supplies:
- Cardboard
- Scissors or utility knife
- Permanent marker
- White paint
- Paintbrush
- Placemat (optional, but recommended)
Directions:
- Use scissors or a utility knife to cut a piece of cardboard into the shape of a house.
- Draw windows, doors, shingles, bricks, etc. onto your house’s façade using a permanent marker. A façade is the front of a building. Need inspiration for your cardboard house? Try going for a walk in your neighborhood or looking at photos of Bryggen in Bergen, Norway.
- Use white paint to add contrast and interest to your cardboard house.
Looking for more Norwegian-themed activities for kids? Check out this blog post on making Norse runes out of tin foil. In this craft, tinfoil and cardboard are beautifully transformed into Norse Runes.
You may also enjoy this Norway Activity pack for kids. These 10 easy, low-prep activities to help your little ones learn about the fabulous country of Norway while also developing their number recognition, nurturing their fine motor capabilities, expanding their vocabulary, and so much more!
Happy creating, friends!