Bedford Woman Crafts Stunning Gingerbread House Inspired by Maud Lewis

A resident of Bedford, Nova Scotia, has turned her culinary skills into an artistic tribute by creating a gingerbread house inspired by renowned local artist Maud Lewis. Michelle Giles and her son embarked on this creative journey, producing two gingerbread houses this year—one for a competition and another to celebrate the legacy of Lewis and her husband, Everett.

The inspiration for their project stemmed from a serendipitous find at a thrift store. According to Giles, her son discovered a painting for just $1, which sparked their interest in Maud Lewis. “We love thrifting for treasures at thrift stores. A couple of years ago, my son found a picture in a toy room, and he really fell in love with the colours,” she explained. After realizing the significance of the Lewis name, Giles researched the artists and uncovered the poignant story behind their work.

As their fascination with Maud Lewis grew, the pair delved into her life and art by watching films and visiting the Maud Lewis Museum multiple times. This newfound passion inspired them to recreate Lewis’s iconic house in gingerbread form. “We wanted to recreate her house, and we had fun doing it,” Giles stated.

Details of the Gingerbread Creation

The Maud Lewis gingerbread house is not only a visual delight but also a testament to their dedication to detail. Completely edible, the house features intricate elements, including paintings made with food colouring and an edible window adorned with a tulip design. The interior showcases a print of the actual house from the museum, and it even includes figures of Everett with his chickens and fishing tackle box.

Giles mentioned that they also crafted a second gingerbread house, themed around the classic story “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” This two-storey, 20-inch tall creation was sent to Chester to be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting the local food bank.

Giles expressed gratitude for the thrift store find, acknowledging that without it, they might never have discovered their passion for Maud Lewis or engaged in this creative endeavor. “Next year we will definitely try making a gingerbread house now that we know all the techniques, and we will do some local competitions,” she said.

Support for a Good Cause

In a generous gesture, Giles has donated the Maud and Everett Lewis gingerbread house to the Christmas Daddies charitable auction. The 62nd annual Christmas Daddies Telethon is scheduled for December 6, 2023, airing on CTV Atlantic from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This event aims to raise funds for children in need across the region, making Giles’s contribution even more meaningful.

Through their artistic efforts, Giles and her son not only honor a significant figure in Nova Scotia’s cultural history but also support a charitable cause that helps improve the lives of others. The gingerbread house serves as a delightful blend of creativity and community spirit, reflecting the enduring legacy of Maud Lewis.