There’s something magical about the architecture in Scandinavia—those cozy little turf-roofed houses that seem to sprout right out of the earth. During my trip there, I fell completely in love with how seamlessly they blend into the landscape. They feel like they’ve been plucked from a fairytale and grounded in reality. Ever since that trip, I’ve wanted to bring a piece of that charm into my home. But how?
Fast forward to a cozy afternoon in a café when inspiration struck. I noticed how beautifully moss pairs with the rugged texture of cement, and an idea began to form: what if I made modern, minimalist versions of those Scandinavian houses as decorative vases? Not only would they remind me of that incredible trip, but they’d also add a fresh, natural vibe to my home decor. And the best part? It’s a project anyone can tackle with just a few materials and a bit of patience.
This craft combines creativity, a touch of mess, and that satisfying moment when your vision comes to life. Let me share the full process with you so you can make your own little slice of Scandinavian charm.
Key Takeaways Before You Begin
- Why you’ll love this project: It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and brings nature indoors.
- What makes it unique: The combination of raw cement, textured surfaces, and lush moss gives these vases a modern yet rustic feel.
- Challenges to watch out for: Cardboard molds can warp if the cement isn’t supported, but this adds a natural charm to the final piece.
- Versatility: Decorate your vase seasonally—think flowers in spring, pumpkins in autumn, and evergreens for the holidays.
What You’ll Need
- Cement (or cement mixed with sand, more on that in a bit)
- Water
- Cardboard (cheap and surprisingly effective for molds)
- Stabilized moss (I used two shades of green for a natural look)
- Test tubes (plastic or glass, your call)
- A branch or seasonal decor
- Glue gun
- Sandpaper
- A sharp knife
Step-by-Step Guide
Creating the mold is where it all starts, but it’s also where patience is key. I used cardboard because it’s easy to work with and gives the final cement a unique, slightly rough texture—perfect for mimicking weathered Scandinavian houses.
Print a simple house outline, cut it out, and trace it onto cardboard. You can download templates for both houses I've made at the end of the post.
Cut strips of cardboard about 6-7 cm wide for the house’s sides. Glue these strips to the outline using a hot glue gun. Reinforce the seams with extra pieces of cardboard for stability.
For the hole where the test tube goes, I used two wine corks glued together to create a tunnel. They were the perfect size and easy to remove once the cement set. A little tip: double-check that your test tube fits snugly before pouring the cement!.
Here’s where I experimented a bit. I tried two different mixtures: Cement + water: This gives a smoother, shinier finish but dries faster and is harder to sand. Cement + sand (1:1) + water: Darker and more porous, but easier to shape and sand. I ended up using both for the house in the photos. The mixture should be thick, like yogurt, so add water slowly until you get the right consistency. I poured the cement into a plastic bag for control.
This step can get a little messy, but it’s kinda fun. Slowly pour the cement into the mold, tapping the table lightly to get rid of air bubbles. Make sure the cardboard sides are reinforced with masking tape or small weights, so they don’t bulge out. Let the cement set for about 12 hours (15 hours if you’re using the sand mixture).
Peeling off the mold was both nerve-wracking and exciting. Carefully tear away the cardboard, and you’ll see your house start to take shape.
If it’s still slightly damp, you can trim any rough edges with a knife (works better for cement+sand mixture). For tougher spots, I used sandpaper to smooth things out while keeping that lovely textured finish.
If the cement feels too hard to work with, try soaking it in water for a few minutes. Trust me, this trick saved me more than once!.
Clean it.
To protect the cement and prep it for decorating, I applied two coats of cement primer with a brush. It’s quick and easy—just make sure to let each coat dry completely before moving on.
This is the most magical part of the process. Using stabilized moss in two shades of green, I hot-glued it onto the roof. Let it drape a bit over the edges for that natural, overgrown look. I also added a few patches of moss to the walls for extra charm. It’s such a simple touch, but it really brings the whole piece to life.
Pop the test tubes into the openings. If they’re loose, secure them with a bit of glue. I went with plastic tubes because they’re safer, especially if you’re planning to add water and flowers. For spring, I added a budding branch with blossoms made from crepe paper. You could switch this up depending on the season. Summer: Bright flowers. Autumn: Golden leaves and tiny pumpkins. Winter: Evergreen sprigs with mini ornaments. The possibilities are endless!.
The template for a tall house.
The template for a small house.
Final Thoughts
These Scandinavian-inspired house vases are now one of my favorite home decor pieces. They’re versatile, budget-friendly, and bring a little slice of nature indoors. They’re more than just decorations—they’re conversation starters and a way to connect with nature in a stylish, modern way. What I really love about this DIY is how flexible it is. You can customize the size, texture, and decorations to match your personal style. And honestly, it’s not just about the finished product. It’s about the process—the little messes, the moments when you’re not sure it’s going to work, and then the triumph when it all comes together.