We're having a gingerbread house contest at Sugarland, and I planned on building one with the usual supplies, but changed my mind and decided to go another route after considering the time and effort that goes into making a cookie house.

I've seen the great felt kits from Twinkle Kids that you can order for $55, but it was too late to order one so I improvised. Rather than waiting for pre–cut felt shapes and candy bits to show up at my door, I went out and bought a few pieces of felt and made my own. It's an easy and fun project that kids and parents can both enjoy.

To see how I made the gingerbread house, read more.

All you need are the following:

• Felt squares (available at most craft stores)
• Glue (hot glue gun works best but school glue will do okay)
• Scissors
• Fabric paints or markers
• A shoebox or some sort of base to shape the house
• Any extra do–dads you want to add on
• A base like a cake platter or piece of cardboard to set it up on if you like

Now you can get started.

1. Paste the base color felt (most likely brown) to the box that you plan on using for your house shape.
2. Start cutting the felt into all shapes and sizes – gum drops, candy canes, bubblegum, lollipops, candy corn, etc.
3. Paste them onto the house.
4. Use the leftover felt to make trees, sidewalks, snowmen, etc.
5. Wash your hands of the glue and take a picture.

You've just created a gem of a "ginger"bread house without all the mess and over-consumption of candy.