Are you looking for the perfect housewarming gift? Or perhaps you're stumped on what to give the person that has everything? Then head over to Art Department's website and take a look at their "Happy Houses". Not only do they have brightly colored replicas featuring different house styles — everything from a California Bungalow to New England Saltbox — but they also do small-scale custom houses based off photographs that the customer provides.
We briefly featured Art Department here, way back in 2007. It's been quite sometime since they've been mentioned, and with all their new work, I figure it's the perfect time to revisit them.
Art Department says their most rewarding work is doing custom jobs such as recreating a client's home. They've designed ceramics for Marriott resorts in Arizona and created a replica of the Italian-style villa that is home to the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa. These miniature clay houses are sculpted from images that the customer provides, making sure to also note any important details that one wants included, such as a specific tree or car. Because of the small scale nature of the work, some elements must be omitted or simplified, as this is an artistic rendering of a home — not an exact model.
Prices for custom houses start at $275 per project and can vary according to the complexities of the architecture. You can find out more information about commissioning a house here.
Images: Art Department
MORE ART DEPARTMENT
• Art Department Ceramic Buildings







Nomade Express Slee...
I'd rather have a nice bottle of wine...
hahaha I couldn't agree more.
Does anyone have a source for a nice line drawing of a house? I'd like to have one made as a house warming gift.
omg, now I know what I can make with that 10 lb bag of white air dry clay I bought...a replica of my own house, as I want to see it after the DIY projects!!!!!!! It's kitschy, and absolutely adorable, I love it.....thanks for the idea!!!!!
Gifting these replica to friend is really a very cool idea. I am gonna gift such a house to my friend.
Free Car Insurance Quotes