Village People. . .

As long as I can recall, I have been one of those ‘VILLAGE’ people.

No, not the singing group, but those people who love mini houses.

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Whenever I spy one I begin to smile and my mind starts to wander.

It’s almost as if I am imagining my own little world.

For years I have decorated the tops of my cupboards with snowmen.  This year I wanted a change. So I picked up a few new cardboard village houses at T.J Maxx and Home Goods.  I didn’t pay over 12.99 for any of them.

I usually don’t start my Christmas decorating until the day after Thanksgiving.  However, I have been in a bit of a ‘cleaning’ mood.  Must embrace it when it happens. lol!  It only comes around every so often.

I cleaned the tops of my cupboards and decided to put out my new village houses.  I will add fresh greenery and a few baubles later, but for now here’s what I’ve done.

I stuck three bottle brush trees in my long narrow metal planter.  No village would be complete without trees. I think I will add a little something hanging from the bow when I pull out more décor.

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2011-11-20 Village houses

The houses do light up (by batteries), but I haven’t turned them on yet.  Thought I would do that Dec. 1st. But look, how magical it is that they already have a gleam shining from their windows.

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The cake plates will get a sprinkling of snow.  It’s still packed away.

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This house had a different look, but I loved the bird and the music.

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I have quite a few small village houses that I have collected over the years.  I love creating mini scenes with them.  There is something quite magical about a wintery scene under glass.  They will be making their debut soon.  Until then. . .

Here are a few that I created last Christmas.

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Last night I made this tray of trees.  Inspiration came from my new Better Homes and Garden magazine.

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They each will receive a glittery star on top.

It just so happens that I have a wonderful collection of glitters.  Look at this give away I just got in the mail from  Donna.  Visit her at http://cottagedays.blogspot.com/

It also included these darling notecards, and a ‘to do’ notepad.  she threw in the cute little Anne of Green Gables pin and tissue holder as a (little something extra).  How sweet is that?

2011-11-16 give away win

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The cards were created by Donna.  I love the scenes.  This one is my favorite.

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Thanks again to Donna for my wonderful gift.

If you’re not one of those ‘village’ people, just gotta say, give them a try they are ever so magical.

Jann

I will be linking this post with:

c.r.a.f.t. for Making Monday Marvelous Day

Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday

Dear Little Red House for Mosiac Monday

a bran new linky party:

sasssundaybutton

Sassafrass Salvation for Sunday Salvation Show

Marilyn at the Artsy Girl Connection

35 comments

Unknown said...

Very pretty! I like your little houses.

Christine @ Stonehouse Living said...

Hi Jann,

Love the village you have created! I bet the nicest people live there...
Love those candy cane bottle brush trees, very unique...are they vintage?
It will be a winter wonderland on top of your cupboards...What a great addition to the Kitchen!
And so it begins :) Have fun!
All the Best,
Christine

camp and cottage living said...

Jann
What a neat idea for decorating your cabinet tops. I like the snow covered vignettes too.
Congrats on your wonderful give away win.
Is Donna from PEI by chance?

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

SOMEbody had FUN today! Love it!

Helen and her Daughters said...

Oh how sweet your little houses are. I love the little bird house one. I also really love your tray of trees. I have been struggling with whether or not to start decorating, you have inspired me so I think I will!

Shannon said...

Those are beautiful...I would not imagine that they are cardboard. I bet they are magical when they are lit up. I love the decorated little tray. You have such vision, I truly love your ideas!

eileeninmd said...

Your village houses are really cute, what a great idea. You are looking festive. Wonderful photos.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Your gift from Donna is so thoughtful and sweet...just like her! And I love your village houses and trees! Such a fun way to decorate! ♥

mimi_62 said...

Knew you couldn't wait. Christmas just keeps on calling, huh? Looks good and is a GOOD start considering you have so-oooo much more to put out.

Splendid Little Stars said...

Oh I love the villages! I fell in love with then last year and wanted to make some. Sadly, I haven't yet. I love how you've decorated. I think the house and tree in the footed bowl is especially cool!
Congratulations on receiving all those giveaway goodies!
No, I don't still have that antique iron:(

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

Omigosh! I love glitter houses. Yours are just too cute!

Diane Writes said...

Hi Jann! I can feel the warm of Christmas in your home and crafts!!!!

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

I always enjoy seeing what you're up to. Love your laundry room. It's full of vintage charm. I like your vignettes under glass too. You've given me a few ideas for some new Christmas decor.

Pondside said...

I like Christmas villages too. Perhaps next week I'll catch the cleaning bug and get things ready to start decorating!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Oh Jann, They're magical already! I can just imagine them lit up! And I love the tray of trees you made. Very, very cute! A star on top will be like icing on the cake.

I can't wait to see photos of your house all decorated! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Beautiful decorations. I especially like the trees! Wishing you a wonderful week and a Happy Thanksgiving! Cathy

Ingmarie We said...

Such lovely houses.You are very talented building these. Have a fine week.

Unknown said...

What wonderful treasures! I loved reading Anne of Green Gables!

Brenda ~ The Heminger Farmhouse said...

Hi Jann, come stop by my blog as there is some very exciting news just for you!

Sherri said...

I have 3 very special orniments that go on my tree every year from my childhood made of cardboard and glitter like these houses. Love this look. Thank you so much for your kind comment on my blog. I am following you also! Love the paper christmas trees too!

Sass - aka - Kathy said...

Thanks so much for linking up. This little project is so adorable. I particularly like your little cloche houses.

Marilyn said...

Sooo creative and beautiful.. I absolutely love this.. I have a linky party happening for Christmas and I will LOVE for you to please share this lovely feature with me and my friends please : )) http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/2011/11/special-christmas-soiree1st-feature.html --officially following your inspiring space here.. wishing ya a great start to your week. TY

Karen said...

I love your villages! So my style!! I have a large collection of Putz Village houses (for sale in my booth at an atiques mall) and now have quite a few of the large, newer "Putz-style" houses. So much fun. And I won't even mention all of my Dept. 56 Snow Villages. I think I'm a little like a kid with a toy train set. lol
Happy Thanksgiving!
Karen
Ladybug Creek

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh my sweet Chzech friend, you're prettier than the tea set, lol! Such gorgeous Christmas houses and bird houses, I don't have none like this! Too lovely Xmas decor. Chzech things are so beautiful and not very expensive as Bavarian, English, Fench, etc., and they're so beautiful. Here in Ecuador, they bring it a lot specially Bohemia glasses and beautiful crystal, as it's not price scary priced...hey, not cheap either, but affordable. Thanks for your visit and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. FABBY

Carla's Cards said...

I do enjoy the little village idea, I have been playing with making little pop up house with my Cricut die cut machine......such fun! I'm here following you now!

Anonymous said...

When I was a young girl, (I am now 70)our neighbor had a complete paper village that was placed under the tree til Christmas. No gifts til Christmas Eve. All of the children in the neighborhood took turns viewing this magical village! Thank you for reminding me of a time for simple pleasures. Mad-

Donna said...

That is a lovely village set! Oh, I want to get some of those bottle brush trees, but I never get to go out shopping before they run out at the store, LOL. There's always next year!

I am delighted that you love the giveaway prizes! Enjoy and sparkle up your world!!!

Jennifer said...

Love them all! So vintagey which is what I like for Christmas! And so cool they light up! Thanks for sharing at our Special Christmas Soiree!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

3 Advent Calendars?? I would have to have a supply of Xanex!! No one knows until they make one how much intense work they are....they LOOK so simple!!

The Polka Dot Closet said...

I love your little houses!! I have started to become a fan of them too. What a win all that glitter, lucky girl!!

Carol

Snap said...

Love your little village. I remember my grandmother having little houses and a church. The houses would fit on the bulbs on the Christmas tree ... between the bubble lights! Sweet memories!

Carrie said...

I love the design of your houses...they are each quite unique and attractive!

Diane Mars said...

Wow you sure do have a vast collection, I too love the little Christmas houses! Hugs, Diane

Pamela Gordon said...

I am a Village People! I have a few of those sweet little houses and they are old ones too. I saw a new one at Winners the other day and almost bought it. Wish I had now as it will be gone I'm sure. Blessings, Pamela

Vicki/Jake said...

Makes me want to start decorating :) Can't wait to see what comes next....you do such a great job!

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