how to | making an everlasting gingerbread village for christmas

This week I'm transforming my kitchen window display into a winter wonderland with a charming gingerbread village-no baking required! In this video, I’ll show you step-by-step how to create a Christmas scene using simple materials like cardboard and white-colored hot glue sticks. These DIY gingerbread houses are easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for spreading some holiday cheer.
💡 Materials You’ll Need:
Cardboard houses (or any type of non-edible houses)
'White' colored hot glue sticks and a glue gun
Scissors or a craft knife
Paint (optional instead of hot glue)
LED string lights or tea lights for illumination
Cotton batting for snow
Please make sure that you LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE! Plus, y’know… if you’re feeling spicy, share this video with a friend.
-Sean
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Do you have a question/thought/comment on something you saw in today’s video? Perhaps something flipped the switch toward your own inspiration? Leave a comment below and let me know! I love hearing from you!
Check out restoringsean.com for all sorts of additional information and goodies:
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High-resolution images of my first two houses, the Manor & the Ranch, with the Estate on its way!
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* Links to product in the video * *
Hot Glue Pen - a.co/d/iddrYeG
LED String Lights - a.co/d/31eiTha
Cardboard Village - a.co/d/i912N0N
White Colored Hot Glue Sticks - a.co/d/fXnkrQI
Puck Lights - a.co/d/1Bjbd0V
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[@bobbystrickland2572]

So cute, almost as cute as you are!

[@restoring_sean]

Hahaha thank you!!

[@chrismuramatsu6600]

Awesome gingerbread village. I love how the houses turned out, but I especially love the other design touches like the hanging snowflakes and the gorgeous garland around the room side of the bay. Very magical!!

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you very much!!

[@Fenrir-cf5rt]

Somehow, I missed this one. You never, cease to amaze!!!! So creative, and real! This is a great alternative to making edible gingerbread village!!!!!

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!

[@АлександрДемидов-э3г]

Wonderful decoration for Christmas! Gingerbread village! You did a great job with the design!👍❤😉

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!

[@mikevalvano2670]

Just love your Christmas decor and passion, we have a lot in common. You are funny and a beautiful man ❤

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you 🥰😘

[@mikevalvano2670]

@@restoring_sean Florida here ! Cold this morning 😎

[@restoring_sean]

@@mikevalvano2670 it was -5 in Wisconsin this morning, but I suppose cold is relative hahaha!

[@mikevalvano2670]

@ I’m a Florida boy , love the hot weather. I work in a resort, I’m the grounds manager for all the landscaping. It’s my passion, love plants ❤️🎄😘

[@restoring_sean]

@@mikevalvano2670 that sounds delightful!

[@Spirits2000]

I LOVE IT ♥️ BEEN LOOKING THIS WEEK TO DO A GINGER BREAD VILLAGE 🥰

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!!

[@mariesmith9507]

You did a nice kid Sean👍

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!

[@beverlycarr5905]

I think your “icing” designs turned out really nice. I must say that I love a man who tells his cat that he loves it!😻

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you! And I probably tell my cats too many times through the day that I love them, hahaha, coupled with "did you know you're my favorite boy cat/girl cat?" Pride and joy

[@sablecrow737]

This is really fantastic. What a great job and love your charisma.

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you very much!

[@_m00n_strider_]

Wow! This is so beautiful! Loved the change of color on the ribbon, made this look more organic (and nordic).

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you! I couldn't believe I forgot about that ribbon, lol, and my first thought when I realized it was "well... do you REALLY need to change it?" I'm glad I did!

[@Stephh2425]

It turned out really nice! 👏🏼 Steph

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you Steph!

[@bmwutah]

I love how these turned out. You are amazing and I love the idea of using somthing thzt is more user friendly and longer lasting than gingerbread. ❤

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you! I'm definitely thrilled to be able to haul these out every year going forward!

[@RandyDavis-nj9sm]

Looks fantastic

[@restoring_sean]

Thanks!

[@williambender6711]

Nicely Done! Looks Great!

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!!

[@mikeclark37]

This came out great! Love your videos! You are so cute! 😍

[@restoring_sean]

Hehehe thank you!!

[@JeffBitler]

Hi Sean! Ambitious and determined...well said! I really appreciate the more-than-30 hours you painstakingly spent to achieve this look. Excellent! For all the tips you shared with us, here's a couple for you. Puffy paint works well to create faux icing. I wasn't familiar with that detail glue pen, so I definitely want to get one of those. Also, regular sewing thread can be used instead of fishing line so you don't see the shimmer of the nylon. Depending on the dominant background color of the space, you can choose a color thread to match and it nearly disappears (especially at night!). Keep in mind the weight of what you're hanging and get a guage strong enough to support it. BTW - the 'actively falling' snow during the "how it all came together" was a nice effect! You take home the gold with this one! Nice, nice job.

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you so much! For the compliments and the tips!!

[@richardsmall8122]

Finished result is fantastic. All those hours of hard work paid off. I think I might need a hot glue laser pen thingy!

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you! I think everyone needs one, I should trademark that name, lol.

[@jack6964]

Great job! Very impressive! I have to say that you have a lot of patience to finish this project.

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!!

[@benjaminl.dallaire9890]

You did wonders with this display. I really enjoy your videos, you are inspiring!

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you very much!!

[@dleespence]

Looks great! You did a great job. 👏 👏👏

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you very much! Cheers!

[@markwagner4909]

It’s adorable

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!

[@ToniaRoberson20]

Loved it. Ok, I'm caught up now. You are not lazy!

[@restoring_sean]

Hahahaha thank you!

[@SABOREAME68]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ You're being too hard on yourself, every single house & building came out magnificent. Having said that, I'm not trying to patronized you, but they look like a real village near my home in Europe. Lastly, the snow outside falling makes it more realistic. P.S. Paolo is adorable...Happy Holidays... Abrazos

[@restoring_sean]

The snow definitely helped! And I bet that village is beautiful! Thank you for the compliments

[@FingalsMyst]

Love the project. Ya always know it’s good when you make it look so easy. Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you! I'm glad it looked easy! Means the tears were worth it, lol. Merry Christmas to you!

[@TheSkellingtonGhost]

When it comes to making accessories for your villiage. I'd save it for a next year thing. It's more cost effective to keep the theme you have and expand it in future years. So next year could be for people and trees and year after can be little cars and roads. You never know. But never feel like you have to do way to much the first time you start a villiage. These houses are cute. You can add more next year

[@PhxVanguard]

why was the reveal, with and acoustic Auld Lang Syne playing gently, and actual snow falling out the window, so beyond magical and beautiful?

[@restoring_sean]

It so weirdly turned out that way in a season that has been mostly void of snow here! Thank you so much for saying that, it made my day

[@Ion467]

They look great, Sean! Loved the colored lights in the windows. It went from «cozy little village» to «witchy shit is going down in that church». Well done 😊

[@restoring_sean]

I think ‘witchy shit is going down in that church’ would make for an excellent novel. Imma get started on that 😂♥️

[@Ion467]

😄Great idea! I’ll illustrate it. It will be a best seller, and we will get filthy rich! ❤️

[@jackspence1]

Love it ... and you are adorable.

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you 🥰

[@stephaniejohnson3499]

Bless you for sharing your talent with us. You’re such an inspiration.

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!

[@p.wesleyburrowsjr6576]

Love your videos.

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!

[@Morrell.]

New subscriber from Canada and I am hooked. Looking great.

[@restoring_sean]

Well thank you very kindly!

[@debbiekelly1800]

Watching you from Australia, having enjoyed your xmas tree series. Love your style, you have a new fan! Thanks for your inspiration. Gingerbread is big in Oz in 2024.❤

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!! I love Australia and hope to get back some day!

[@Spirits2000]

Oh my word your just like me when I’m doing so many and I do time myself to so I know how many hrs to go and then I go what was I thinking 😳

[@restoring_sean]

I'm usually too far in to quit when I realize how long something is going to take, hahaha!

[@terryjones9399]

Adorable, love it.

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!

[@sandrabenitoa7650]

Absolutely beautiful! The only way to know that they are cardboard is because you told us . Fabulous.

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you! Even in person when you glance, it's hard to tell!

[@jamesrossiter4256]

Again, another fabulous video!! Can't believe these are cardboard!! Love your kitty!

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you! Paolo is turning into a star from this video, apparently, I should start him his own channel lol.

[@jillbruce3624]

Yikes. Outstanding. Cannot say enough good things about it. The number of hours you put into these houses is amazing. I am so very happy to have stumbled upon your channel. God Bless and Merry Christmas.

[@restoring_sean]

That is so kind of you! Thank you! So many labors of love this season, and these were right at the top. I’m so happy you enjoyed!

[@dennyparker7157]

So cool! You did an awesome job on this project! I love everything about it! Paolo is such a help, too!

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you! He really is, if only he had opposable thumbs, then I could really put him to work.

[@Traylor_Cort]

Awesome job, Sean. The glue actually looks like icing

[@restoring_sean]

Doesn’t it?! Thank you!

[@Traylor_Cort]

@@restoring_sean You’re welcome handsome

[@richf623]

A-lot of detail work but it looks fantastic. Well worth the effort. (The final reveal music sounds like a Holiday "Brokeback Mountain" instrumental - nice choice). Kudos!

[@restoring_sean]

Hahaha thank you!

[@keifers]

This looks fantastic! And you are so stinking cute! 😁 Merry Christmas from Indiana.

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you 🥰 Merry Christmas from Wisconsin!

[@philipholder5600]

I made cardboard gingerbread houses using 10 inch square boxes. I cut the eaves of the house,cut out doors and door. Painted them. I cut out doors and windows. I used paint puff paint and ordered plastic pepper rounds and candy canes.

[@restoring_sean]

Very nice!

[@tulsatinystuff1616]

nice job, recently found your videos. You do great work!

[@restoring_sean]

I appreciate that! Thank you!

[@davidmcclellan9959]

OHH SEAN THEY LOOKS SO REAL GINGERBREAD HOUSES LOVE DAVID😀🥰🥰🥰🎅🎅🎅❄❄❄❄❄❄☃☃☃🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

[@lyndareith1206]

I may be changing my mind on becoming a fan of this stuff thanks to you. Gorgeous and such beautiful derailing on the houses!!

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!

[@dougcoutts5353]

Well done Sean. You are very talented. Love seeing your kitty. You’re clearly a good papa.

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you! Those cats (the other seldom appears) are my heart and soul

[@dougcoutts5353]

@ I am the same. Lost a little girl and boy last year (both 17). Now I have a new boy. He’s 7. (Thought I would skip the kitten stage 😂😂). I just can’t get enough of him. Love your videos. Keep them coming.

[@frankvitier6086]

Great job!!!

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!

[@sylviashanabrough6515]

Oh my goodness! Boy did you put the big pot in the little one on this one. You kept saying it can't be perfect, but everything was completed with pains taking perfection. Those are some fancy gingerbread houses you have there. It looks like a peaceful little village out of the 1800s. I love the music at the end and the day fading into evening. So pretty.

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you! I feel like I'll never be the person that finishes something and says "There, perfect, best it'll ever be!" That's my character flaw, lol, I always want to do better. But again, thank you, I really appreciate that

[@dennisang1432]

I'm so inspired by this. They really turned out great! I dig that the garlands are not hanged symmetrically. It is 30hrs. well spent! ❤👍

[@restoring_sean]

THANK YOU! And I am so happy that you're inspired by it! The instant I started applying the 'decor' of glue, I fell in love. It took forever but I truly was excited almost the entire way.

[@dennisang1432]

@@restoring_sean ❤❤❤

[@davidalanmors3233]

So pretty.

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!

[@michaelblayney9873]

I said it once , and I’ll say it again ! You are too cute , and your ginger bread town is to die for! Good job ! And I love how you love your precious sweet cat ! Many blessings to you and yours! Merry Christmas , Michael from California!❤

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you so much Michael! Merry Christmas to you!

[@rayrae204]

I love crafts and Doll houses and Christmas decorating. This video was so special to view and I am very grateful to you for sharing. I also love my 🐈‍⬛ kitty and it's great to see you ❤ your lil fur 😇.

[@restoring_sean]

That 'lil fur (and his sister) are the absolute joy of my life. I'm so happy you enjoyed this video! Thank you for reaching out

[@louiscecere5636]

Just found your program. You have created a wonderful romantic village. Love it!

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!

[@ronaldmacdonald938]

I was distracted by the handsome man

[@restoring_sean]

Well thank you kindly

[@lucreciagerstner7020]

you did great, looks great

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!

[@shanemunson6541]

This looks so cool love the color combo perfect for your window would look great at night to very charming Sean

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!

[@LeighWalker-dd9bg]

They are better than any other faux gingerbread houses that I have seen. I asked about time in the short version but you have answers end that in this one. The window area is perfect

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!

[@impajamas]

I just want to be the cat🥰🤣 That turned out pretty cool! Looking forward to see more arts and craft from you! New sub here🥰🫶🏻

[@restoring_sean]

Hahaha thank you! And welcome!!

[@raymondscottii6251]

Very cute. Definitely some aspects I may be borrowing. Merry Christmas!

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you! I hope you do, let me know how they turn out! And Merry Christmas

[@gail9227]

Absolutely beautiful display !!! And what luck it was snowing outside in the background . Loved the little pat your kitty gave you for attention. Aww ! Thanks for sharing this project . May make something like it but log cabin style

[@restoring_sean]

I bet that would look great! And I definitely lucked out with the snow, considering it is bone dry outside right now, haha. Paolo is definitely a good foreman, he makes sure everything is moving on track lol

[@bow1976]

Stunning! 🤩

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you!!

[@guillaumesorel1557]

So simply beautiful .... wahou.... ❤❤❤👍👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Technosquid]

Your tiny gingerbread men can have some tiny gingerbread raves with those funky lights 🚨

[@restoring_sean]

They sure can, they know how to get down and have a jolly time.

[@musicsaga6764]

Fall in love with you in first sight ❤️ and subscribed ❤. You are adorable and talented 😍. love your videos 😍.

[@restoring_sean]

Well thank you!!

[@musicsaga6764]

Welcome cutie 🥰. I am still watching your Gingerbread project 😊. And every moment is so beautiful. Your project is so precious 💕

[@restoring_sean]

@@musicsaga6764 thank you for saying so 🥰

[@CraigH-w6h]

25:12 Hi, New to your videos. Enjoying them. Your Village looks amazing! You are skilled. Have a Merry Christmas! Craig

[@karenkollects9277]

Next year for those of us who are anti gingerbread everything LOl! Could you please use the buildings and do a Victorian village for those of us who are so refined we just can’t do gingerbread!!! LOL Merry Christmas!

[@restoring_sean]

Hahaha I'll do my best!

[@matthewdarnell3535]

C’mon Toni Collette!!! ❤

[@restoring_sean]

Hahaha you know what's up!

[@robg2657]

GOOD GRIEF!! That was entirely too meticulous for my patience. Much like actual buildings, this project would have taken me several years to complete. 😔 Your dedication, bordering on militant, was worth it. It really looks quite lovely!! 🎅🏻

[@restoring_sean]

I think referring to it as 'militant' is so painfully accurate, hahahaha. I blame it on ADHD and my hyper-fixation on doing things. Thank you!!!

[@bobhrfarm]

Love it! Do the tissue paper windows before you assemble the buildings, no?

[@restoring_sean]

Thanks! Just learning as I go

[@LeighWalker-dd9bg]

So beautiful. Ho long did it take you to do them? And what part of the country do you live?

[@restoring_sean]

From start to finish, all together this took about 36 hours! And I am up in Wisconsin!

[@philipholder5600]

Helpful hint. Put your tissue window before you glue them together.

⚜ Hey baby, you can come on over to my house for all the cookies you can eat! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Such a sweet Christmas, I am sure!

[@restoring_sean]

Hahaha thanks!

[@texasrascle]

Great video, thanks. Also, where did you get the small wreaths on the cabinets?

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you! Those wreaths came from I believe Hobby Lobby last year, and I know I saw them this year as well.

[@andreulariolopez7402]

Sean Where can you get those houses? do you have the link?

[@restoring_sean]

Of course! Right in the video link below, I got them from Amazon!

[@andreulariolopez7402]

@@restoring_sean thks Sean

[@tonicasson4991]

It’s absolutely beautiful. Please be very careful with your cat with all of the fluff etc.

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you! They're too old to even bother getting up to snoop, but I've always got an eye open!

[@davepane7306]

When an xmas video basically becomes an only fans request.

[@restoring_sean]

Hahahaha I'm flattered!

[@davepane7306]

@restoring_sean what's the bar on the counter behind you?

[@davidmcclellan9959]

HI SEAN I LOVE CHRISTMAS DECORATION WINDOW AND CHRISTMAS TREE YAY YOUR MAKING CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD I LOVE YOU SEAN LOVE DAVID😀🥰😀🥰🥰🥰🥰🎅🎅🤶❄❄❄❄☃☃☃☃🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

[@eastendflowerfarmny14094]

could this guy be any cuter?????

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you 🥰

[@dpberry]

I think you forgot a dot on the front door. My worst personality trait is seeing what’s missing. 😬

[@restoring_sean]

Hahaha well then it'll live on in imperfection!

[@j.w.kelley-hnatio6995]

Marry me please!!!

[@restoring_sean]

😂😘

[@RalphGranata]

FANTASTIC

[@restoring_sean]

Thanks!!

[@CraigH-w6h]

25:12 Hi, New to your videos. Enjoying them. Your Village looks amazing! You are skilled. Have a Merry Christmas! Craig

[@CraigH-w6h]

25:12 Hi, New to your videos. Enjoying them. Your Village looks amazing! You are skilled. Have a Merry Christmas! Craig

[@restoring_sean]

Thank you so much, and welcome! Merry Christmas!