Triple Shotgun Houses

This vibrant 1/24-scale diorama captures the lively spirit and architectural charm of a classic New Orleans Uptown block. Created with care and character by Sandra Young, the piece features three distinct shotgun houses standing side by side, each with its own personality yet beautifully unified as a neighborhood.

The far-left cottage evokes a relaxed coastal vibe with soft beachy colors and hanging ferns. The center house, a cheerful watermelon-inspired camelback, bursts with bold pinks, greens, and bright yellow columns. The far-right cottage celebrates Mardi Gras with rich purple, gold, and green accents, sunburst detailing, and festive flourishes.

Every element is meticulously hand-sculpted and painted. Working house numbers (722 through 726 :), detailed porches, chimneys, decorative trim, and lace-like gingerbread work bring authenticity to each façade. A continuous hand-sculpted black iron fence encloses the shared front yard, accented by brick walkways, potted plants, flower beds, street lanterns, and carefully placed landscape elements. Soft internal lighting and exterior lanterns bring the scene to life after dark, giving the piece that special “lived-in” feeling.

Dimensions: Overall approximately 10” high × 15.50” wide × 18.25” long

Materials & Techniques:

Hand-sculpted polymer clay elements, PVC board, acrylic and enamel paints, epoxy clay, plants, plant and grass flocking, hand-sculpted rod-iron fencing, internal lighting, and external lantern lights. Every component was shaped, painted, and assembled entirely by hand.

This original artwork includes a numbered Certificate of Authenticity signed by both artists, verifying its authenticity and provenance.

This one-of-a-kind commission celebrates the color, density, and enduring spirit of New Orleans’ historic shotgun houses — a joyful labor of love and a standout addition to any collection of fine miniatures