Repairing Cellophane Windows in Cardboard Houses

Hi All Do you have some favorite Cardboard Village Houses that are in need of window repair? It is very typical for the red cellophane windows to become loose from age and use. The cardboard has become dry with age, and the older glue used seems to let go quite easily. Also they seemed to get damaged from handling, fingers, and other decorations that poked through the cellophane easily. When you are ready to repair them here are some tips to help you out.
Sometimes the easiest thing to do, is try to use a pair of tweezers. Have the new red cello windows cut and ready to go, a couple drops of clear duco cement...seems to work very well. It is in a green tube, available at wal-mart. If the light opening in the back is too small to work with, you can try to separate the base from the house itself....use an exacto knife, and very carefully score around the base of the house. Once separated, it is much easier to repair the windows.
If using the tweezers, overcut the cellophane bigger than the window opening, and put a drop of the duco cement on all for corners of the new cello window. Pick it up with the tweezers, and gently place it through the small opening in the back, and set it into place. Use a small pencil with an eraser to help press the cello firmly against the cardboard. Allow to dry overnight, and enjoy!
To reglue the house to it's base, I like to use elmer's glue....line up the house to the score markings, and use a small amount of glue to resecure it. If you happen to have a box of mica snow, you can always sprinkle the snow around the base to cover any excess glue that may leak out....it will now blend in much better. Please understand that in repairing these houses, the dollar value of the house may diminish, however, the value itself will be much less if the windows are damaged and need replacing. Take your time, and your end results will be well worth it. Paul