3D Outhouse

While I am still working on a building pattern for April, I thought I would sneak in this pattern for a little outhouse.

For Christmas each year, I make a different miniature (less than 2″ high) aluminum can building ornament for each of my nephews. This last Christmas, I had thought to make a schoolhouse for them, but my sister mentioned that her boys hadn’t actually been in school since early March – so she didn’t think it fit the circumstances. Getting in the spirit of what fit 2020 best, I made the boys little miniature outhouses. I even cut up toilet paper and made a miniature roll for each outhouse, using part of a toothpick to roll up the toilet paper. Of course, I probably should have had empty rolls in each outhouses to commemorate the great TP shortage of 2020.

Though sized to fit with the Tim Holtz Village, this pattern is also works great for ornaments. I glue a little jump ring onto the roof to hang with a hook. Though I have been in a Victorian mood recently and hence added lots of trim to my my outhouse, the pattern works fine without the trim too. I show a trim-less version below.

While I used Kraft Board and aluminum cans for my models, 100 lb. cover cardstock would work very well too.

How You Make the 3D Outhouse

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Materials to Make 3D Outhouse

My free pattern for the 3D Outhouse from the A Cottage in the Forest Library – get the password for free by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
100 lb. Cover Cardstock, Cricut Kraft Board or aluminum cans – your choice!
Glue – for the Cover Cardstock or Kraft Board, I like Aleene’s Fast Grab Tacky Glue. For aluminum cans, I use Aleene’s The Ultimate Glue.
A Cutting Machine like a Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore or X-Acto knife or Cricut TrueControl Knife. I know the Cricut TrueControl knife looks expensive next to an X-Acto knife. I have both on my work desk, the X-Acto for aluminum cans and the TrueControl Knife for cardstock and cardboard. I really like the TrueControl knife because the blade doesn’t twist loose while you are working. I am constantly having to tighten my X-Acto knife.
An Embossing Machine and folders. I used the Sizzix Notebook embossing folder for the vertical stripes on the walls of my aluminum can model.
Bone folder (optional) A bone folder helps you make sharp folds when you are using cardstock or cardboard. I have found it even helps with aluminum cans. I now use my bone folder to deepen score lines all the time.

How To Make The 3D Outhouse

Download the 3D Outhouse Pattern

Download the 3D Outhouse pattern from A Cottage in the Forest Library. Don’t forget to unzip it. The pattern is available in multiple formats – as a SVG (scalable vector graphics), DXF (drawing eXchange format) or PDF file.

Import the 3D Outhouse into Design Software and Cut

You no longer need to worry about changing and attaching the score lines if you use Cricut Design Space!

Cut out all of your cardstock, cardboard or aluminum can pieces using my pattern.

Texture The Pieces

If desired, texture each of the house shapes using your embossing machine and texture folders. I used the Sizzix Notebook embossing folder for the vertical stripes on the walls of my aluminum can model

Glue on Door and Trim

If you decide to use it, glue on the door and the trim. You can add them after you put the outhouse together, but it is much easier to add before the building is constructed.

Assemble the Outhouse

Fold up the toilet and glue against the back wall.

Fold and glue the outhouse into a square.

Glue the shingles onto the roof. Then glue the roof onto the building.

That’s it! Enjoy adding your 3D Outhouse to your Holiday Village! I would love to see pictures of your buildings using the outhouse. Please share photos with me by emailing me at Jackie@acottageintheforest.com.