I was super pumped! I love focusing on the details instead of the overall curb appeal, and no need to please the kids! So I went with a very basic house structure and fancied it up as best I could with some fun confectionery treats. This year I decided to switch it up and do a different contest. Once I entered, I found out that the judging was done by a panel instead of by popular vote. I worked really hard on my Cardinal Birdhouse, but I just don’t think it had the same curb appeal as the winner. Last year I decided to defend my title and enter the competition again. In the end, my house got the most votes and my obsession began. I spent the whole next day fretting over the outcome and stalking the gingerbread tent. I showed up to drop off my entry and was floored by the level of game that the other competitors brought. I honestly thought I went a little overboard on my Victorian-style house. I took home first place and was totally hooked. Two years ago, I entered my first Gingerbread House Competition. Growing up around a bunch of boys, I developed a bit of a competitive streak.

There are a lot of people out there who make gingerbread houses around this time, and they’re just doing it because it’s fun and festive.

It’s that time of year again! Gingerbread house making! It’s a great community of people talking about gingerbread! Share your project photos, ask questions, make suggestions, and laugh a little! LOVE GINGERBREAD? Join my Facebook Group, “Gingerbread Tips & Tricks”, where I post tutorials and videos for different techniques.

Crib style stacked board construction