
But the fantastical hides something dark, as does much of McConnell’s art. This isn’t just any gingerbread house — something threatening lurks behind the beautiful facade. The tableau she created is none other than the witch's house from Hansel and Gretel. (McDonnell herself posed as the witch and her nieces played the parts of Hansel and Gretel once the home makeover was complete.) The frightened gingerbread men on top of the house are the only warning that something isn’t right — until you notice the girl screaming on the second floor, already trapped inside.
McConnell told us over email that it took seven days and around 105 hours of labor to realize her vision, which included hand-making the costumes. Her hard work paid off. We’d say that the end result looks good enough to eat — if we didn’t already know that eating it is exactly what can get you into trouble.
Click through for more pictures of McConnell bringing Hansel and Gretel to life.
Opener: Tetra Images/Getty Images.

The house, before its holiday transformation.

McConnell's least favorite part was creating and hanging the netting (top right and lower left) that would make the roof look like it was covered in icing.

She did, however, enjoy creating the trim. Here are some of the hand-painted peppermints in process.

McConnell's peppermint detailing makes the existing shingles look even more storybook.

Details, like the trapped prisoner on the second floor and screaming gingerbread man, hint at the house's darker nature.

The completed house, with McConnell as the witch and her nieces as Hansel and Gretel.

The final product is even more stunning at night.
For more of McConnell's surreal creations, check out her Instagram.
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