How to Make a Set of Hinged Houses for the Perfect Home Decor Piece

:A sweet, foldable row of miniature wooden houses that stand alone as a mantel accent or fold flat for storage — perfect for seasonal displays or gifting. This tutorial shows how to make a set of hinged houses using the Proxxon MICROMOT system.

Supplies:

• ½" Baltic birch plywood, MDF, or hardwood
• Small jewelry hinges with screws or brads
• Acrylic paint, milk paint, or stain of your choice
• Houses 1-2-3 Template
• Houses 4-5 Template

Equipment:

• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/EP
• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TMB 115
• Proxxon Scroll Saw
• Proxxon MICROMOT Flexishaft 110/BF

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Download and print the Houses 1-2-3 and Houses 4-5 templates.
2. Mount the patterns on blanks. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the patterns with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape made removal of the patterns easy without leaving any sticky residue. 
   
   
   
3. Cut the exterior lines using the bandsaw.
   
   
   
4. Use the bench drill press to drill pilot holes for the scroll saw blade in the interior shapes. 
   
   
   
5. Cut the interior shapes on the scroll saw.
   
   
   
6. If necessary, sand any rough surfaces.
7. Finish the houses with your choice of acrylic paint or stain.
8. Measure and mark the hinge placement. The lower edge of the bottom hinge should be ¾" from the bottom of the house. The top edge of the top hinge should be 2¾" from the bottom of the house.
   
   
   
9. Mark the hinge holes on the houses. Drill pilot holes for the hinge screws using the flexishaft mounted with an appropriately sized bit.
   

Options and display:

• Folded configuration: Houses nest flat for storage or shipping.

• Standing row: Open hinges so the set forms a zig-zag freestanding vignette. 

• Illumination: Add battery operated tea-lights or LED mini string lights behind the windows for a warm glow.

• Seasonal swaps: Paint holiday themes and interchange tiny accessories (mini wreaths, pumpkins, snow dust).

These hinged houses make delightful gifts or seasonal centerpieces — small in scale, big on charm.

Carole