There are many ways to make sidewalks for Putz houses. I’ll post some of my favorites here.
I use foam-filled nail files as sanding sticks. When they are too worn and smooth to sand any longer, I use them to make steps and sidewalks.
A single largish piece can be used to make a landing outside a front door. Note that I draw my patterns so the bottom of the door sits up a bit from the bottom of the house, leaving enough room to slide a step in front of them.
This step is made from a 1″ wide nail file. I cut it longer than the door width, so it spans beyond the door on both sides. I paint the step twice, letting the first coat dry. While the second coat is wet, I gitter it with very fine, clear glitter. When dry, I sand the bottom to smooth out any drips, then use hot glue to glue it to the base in front of the door.
This house has a similar sidewalk, but I extended the use of the nail file to make stepping stones. I cut them into rounded shapes. When the paint and glitter were done, I glued them to the base, leaving space between them. I used artificial moss between the stones.
I cut retangular shapes from a nail file, then offset them to make this sidewalk.
Another way I like to make stepping stones is to use the nail file for the step at the door, and paint the rest of the steps right onto the base. Again, paint one coat. Dry. Paint second coat. Glitter while wet. Let dry. Add an outline of moss. Note: This door step is cut from the curved end of the nail file.
This house is done the same way, but with snow.
This Putz has a step at the door, then a long winding path painted onto the base.
The nice thing about painting the sidewalk directly on the base is how easy that makes it to put the sidewalk anywhere it needs to be to fit the space.
This house has no step section under the door. The sidewalk was painted from the door to the fence and outlined with moss and flowers.
The following house has a porch with two steps down to the front lawn. I used a palette knife to spread the snow where the front walk would be.
A palette knife was used for the barnyard of this little barn.
Another sidewalk option is small stones. These can be actual rocks or handcrafted, paper clay rocks. I used real stones.
Curves can give interest to the sidewalk. Stepping stones (real or painted) and a fully painted sidewalk both work for this kind of curving sidewalk.
This house has two steps down to a wide sidewalk.
I used punched hearts from cardstock to make this sidewalk.
Large punched hearts were used to make this one. I punched them from a medium-weight poster board.
Sidewalks can be lined with beads.
This autumn house has a sidewalk paved with foil leaves.
I hope that will spark some ideas for you. Build the sidewalk from stepping stones, foamcore board, nail files, etc. Line them with stones, beads, chenille stems, plants, moss or flowers. Make them straight, make them curved. Whatever makes you happy! Do that!
You can see more of my Putz houses and Christmas ornaments in my Etsy shop.
If you are interested in crafting Putz houses of your own, check out my Putz tutorials for more information. Putz House Tutorials
I am always happy to answer questions about the process. Please ask, if you are wondering about the details of putzing!
All proceeds from my Etsy shop benefit Kenya Mercy Ministries. They work with the urban poor of Nairobi, Kenya, particularly the children and their families who live in Kibera, the largest slum in Africa. Thank you for your part in helping these children when you purchase items from my shop!
~~Rhonda