@pammyj100 I just watched your new video where your village has everything working...all I can say is...AMAZING!!!!!!! I smiled the entire time! It's a "must watch" for everyone on youtube! Just wonderful!!!!
I love it that you take time to reply to everyone who writes in and I think you are a very generous soul to share your techniques,- this video is very clear and easy to follow and I am sure many a novice would find a wealth of good useful information by watching it many times over. Personally, I prefer a more open, less busy display, with lots of home-built content, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate your hard work and attention to detail. Thanks for sharing !
This is definately a passion and an addiction for those of us that build villages, wouldn't you say! I consider it therapy and usually lose all track of time when I'm wrapped up in it. I've already started planning the layout ..LOL. I have so many ideas floating around in my head...Thanks for the inspiration!
This is incredible! My husband would quiver at the cords, he worries about overload. I am up to 12 houses and bought a bunch of trees today. November 1 I'm setting up, thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you Donna. I don't use the individual cords that come with the houses. I use a string of c7 Christmas lights. I loosen the bulbs that aren't in use (DO NOT REMOVE THE BULBS THAT ARE NOT IN USE, JUST LOOSEN THEM SO THEY DON"T LIGHT). I also had an electrician wire me outlets for my village. Good luck with your village.
I am soooo smiling at this!!! My villages take me days to put up and I am now waaay behind! Thanks so much for sharing--I wish I had found this in July---I would be on track with my own 200 houses.
I love your Christmas village display "how to" ideas and video. I think the overall look of your village and waterways, ponds, cars, monorail and amusement park are really well executed. I collect Dept 56 as well and I have only a very small space to do my Dickens village in. I trade out my Dickens with New England depending on where I am living. I really like your ideas on the night starry sky and the finished look of the velvet skirt with the garland... really nice details. Thank you.
Seeing all the work that went into constructing the under structure is nothing short of mind boggling! I think I'd leave it up all year long! This is quite an investment of both time and money. It's beautiful! Such a labor of love! Thanks for taking the time to make this video! Happy holly!
Thank you Martie! I have learned that "Villaging" is a true labor of love. It is my way of relaxing after a long day at work. I find it quite peaceful to saw 2 x 2 's, tote lumber and crawl around the floor underneath the platform. I'm glad you enjoyed. Check out my latest video. It is even larger this year and is housed on a separate floor of my home. Merry Christmas!
This is really beautifull, but I don`t have the place to put this big of a village and for me it is also a little bit to much, but you did a great job and nice of you for showing it to us, how you can fix it, with normal materials.
+Ziggy1951August Thank you Ziggy, setting up a village is my way to relax after a long, busy day at work. Oh and no husband assist, this is all me. Merry Christmas
Hi David, I purchased the drill on ebay. It is called Mansfield cordless dual head drill. I paid around $70 for it a few years ago. I just looked on ebay and there are a couple for sale from $39 to $128. It is the BEST money I ever spent on a tool. Easy to use, convenient, and has great power. Good luck!
I love the way you use the blue fabric with lights behind them to simulate the sky. I was surfing the internet to get inspired for my Christmas Village and I'm going to give that a try this year. I love the way yours came out
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It was very helpful and gave me lots of ideas. Your village is amazing and you have some very unique pieces. I agree that you should leave it up all year long. It's too beautiful to put into storage.
Thank you for the nice comments Winsunn. I'm glad it gave you ideas. I am always searching ebay for things that are different. And I love to "tweak" some of my pieces to make them unique. The only problem with keeping it up is it gets so dusty and that would drive me nuts lol. Thanks for viewing.
We have only just started our little collection of Dept. 56 and I was looking for inspriation on how to set it up. I certainly stumbled onto the right video. Your village is stunning and I LOVE the blue fabric with the icicle lights. I want to use that idea in a smaller scale. Thank you! & Merry Christmas! ~Christina
Hi Christina, I'm glad the video gave you the right encouragement! I too started with a couple pieces and this year my village has it's own floor in my home lol. If you have any questions and I can help you let me know. I love to share my ideas. Merry Christmas, Pam
Stunning!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼Absolutely top-shelf! Well done!👍🏻👍🏻I especially love the zoo,the amusement park and the skiers on the slopes. Amazing! I sure hope you have plenty of grandchildren to amaze with this. Lol
I can only imagine what something like this costs. Probably 6 months of my rent. Still beautiful and amazing. I can only wish to be able to have a hobby like this one day. 👏🏻👏🏻
They say Rome wasn't built in a day lol. I have been collecting for 40 plus years. I started out with homemade ceramic houses that my grandmother made for me. once dept 56 came on the market, I couldn't help myself....I started buying everything. at last count my complete collection has been appraised at over $15,000. YIKES....I'm out of control lol
What a wonderful job you did! I noticed the football players wearing black and gold and I thought maybe that's just the colors they were available in. But then I saw the Steeler Water Tower and my heart warmed. I live in Shadyside this is the perfect Village! I love it love it love it
Thank you for the nice comments. The roller coaster is Disney's and I purchased on ebay about 3 years ago. It's Call Screamin Roller Coaster Model by Disney. They sold them in their Parks several years ago for about $100. I think I paid about that for it. It is a kit that you put together.The coaster cars are battery operated. It sticks in a couple places, but overall is a really neat piece and a great visual. Good luck finding!
I really enjoy collecting and planning my village. I like to talk to others to get ideas as well as share mine with them. I'm humbled by people writing me with comments about my videos. I've also enjoyed your videos and thank you for sharing.
Hi Kary, it's called "starry night" . JoAnn Fabric Store special ordered it in for me, however, you may be able to find it on line. It is a cotton fabric so it wrinkles when folded or stored but I steam iron it before I hang it. Good luck....don't forget the lights...they really make it!
Hi Sherry, Thank you so much for your great comments. I'm so glad you found the video! I do take the frame apart, it is so easy to store by doing so. Also, I reuse the fabric for years, I even save my snow and reuse it lol! I always moved my furniture to set up my village but several years ago, I put an addition on my house. I use it as my dining room during the year, but come September, it houses my village, matter of fact, I started working on it this past week. Good luck, ask ??? any time
Thank you Tracy! I start my village the first week of September and have it finished by Thanksgiving. I pack it all away about the middle of January. The mountains are Lemax and Dept 56. They are made of foam. I'm glad it gave you ideas. Please let me know when you post photos or videos of yours. Thanks for the nice comments
Wow!!! That's gorgeous. This coming Christmas will be the first that I will have a Christmas village display. You gave me some good ideas. And "how to" ways :) And that night sky with the stars in the background absolutely FANTASTIC! Thanks for posting :D
Hi Chris, The buckets are screwed together and screwed to the base. I'm careful to balance everything prior to building up another level. I find the buckets to be easier for me to do so many different levels....need it higher add a bucket, need it lower take one away.
Thats quite impessive! We have some very similar displays and some of the pieces too! My sky and stars are done same way and in my dining room..with abay window no less. Pretty soon Ill have to clear out my furniture also :-)
Hi, thanks for the quick reply. I have made my NE village little video last year with my Dad but I have not posted it. I have to find it first LOL! I am working on a Disney themed village for about two years now and hope to at least display it this year for the first time although it is not near finished. I will write you if I have a chance to post a video. Thanks again for all your great ideas - you have inspired me for the holiday season to come for 2012!
Beautiful village! I very much enjoyed your step by step slides. I would love to see a video of your finished display with everything working. I bet that would be fantastic! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Hi Kelly, glad you found a roller coaster...those are far and few between! The Jailbirds are Homies. I found them on ebay. The handcuffs (chains) are a key chain like one that is on a rabbits foot, I opened up the one end and put in into the Homie's arm or leg. Good Luck & Happy Holidays!
Do you know how to make plastic snow cheap ? Get some of that crystalline white craft foam (such as Micheals sells), chop the sheets/blocks up into little pieces, the grind them up as fine as you like in a blender. The resultant ground foam looks just like real snow. Spread it all over your village and put some on top of your train cars for a real nice effect !
Hi Junken, thanks for the nice comments. I have a lot of Lemax pieces, they are very natural looking and well priced. I also collect Department 56. Google both of those and when you get on their web page, you should be able to ask them where you can purchase in New Zealand. You will also be able to view their gallery of houses, people, scenery. Also, I buy on ebay. Good luck with your new (expensive) hobby. I look forward to seeing photos of your village.
Very nice. I also put up and take my Marx train Christmas village every year. So I appreciate the amount of work involved. I'm glad to know there are other crazy people in the world. P.S. I may have to borrow (steal) your blue sky and lights idea. Crazy in Kentucky.
@tolebear the McDonald's is Department 56. I purchased on ebay several years ago for about $50. There is also a really cute McDonald's arch sign sold seperate-lights with a d56 adaptor. Also purchased it on ebay for about $15. Good luch in your search!
Thank you for your opinion, you're right "what is the point of viewing it if it's going to fast." I will keep it as it is. Well I have some catching up to do as far as the mountains go. I will definitely post it this Christmas for you, before Christmas actually. As of now still formulating a plan. Thank you so much for everything. Talk to you soon, have a great day.
Thank you Gina, the mountains are mostly Lemax with a few Dept. 56. They are made of styrofoam so I trim some to fit into the landscape. I purchase on line from a company called ehobbytools , sometimes they give a 10 % discount and ship for only $7. Also, I often find them on ebay or Michael's Craft Store. Good luck in your search
Thank you for your nice comments. I'm glad you got some ideas from this video. I have been villaging for over 30 years. I start setting it up in September and depending on my work schedule, it takes me about 4 to 5 weeks to complete. I will look forward to seeing your video this year. Drop me a line if I can help you with any questions.
Hi Spike, the creek is dept 56 they come in 10inch sections..straight and curved and other pieces like a small waterfall, a fork or split section, and the bridge with the fishermen. the mountains are Lemax & D56. The monorail is from Disney, I found it on ebay. The cable car is d56 and the two houses that flank the cable car wires are attached to mountains. I purchas alot on ebay. No real water. Check out my 2012 video too...I just posted it today. Good luck on setting up your display
Thank you xmas lover 1000, I'm glad the sky description helped you and you are more than welcome to copy it. I viewed you videos...great job! (I like the people riding the top of the train) Villaging is addictive! I too am planning for Christmas already. Good luck with the sky!
@BonnieJean437 thank you> I really have fun setting up my village. It's relaxing to me after a long day at work. Thank you for your nice comments and I look forward to seeing your video some day soon. Happy Holidays
Thank you tolebear for your nice comments. I would love to see photos or video of your village. The burning building is easy to do. I purchased flickering candle bulbs. Then, I took a building (Al's TV Shop) and busted out 3 of the windows with nose pliers and a little out of the base to fit the candle bulbs and cord into the building (I used three candle bulbs). Next, I hot glued the cord to the inside walls of the building close to the three windows. Use black paint to make burn marks.
Thanks for the video, your setup is amazing, ive only just discoverd christmas villages (im obsessed already and i havent even brought my first peice yet haha) Im looking to start collecting this year, im not very in the know the only brand i can find where i live is Lemax and the variety is not that big (we live in new zealand),do you know of any good websites that ship over seas? thankyou for your time and for inspiring so many people :)
LOL, your town will be up and running again in October...can you wait till then??? lol. Thank you for your great comments! I find Villaging to be so relaxing, you too? I have also enjoyed your videos. Great job!
I just viewed your WONDERFUL display, and I'm amazed at how great it looks. I really appreciate your video on how to set up a Miniature Christmas Village, especially creating stars with blue material and icicle lights. How long do you leave your display up? It's worth looking at everyday. Your mountains, what type of material are they made of (you said they can be cut to fit village)? Please let me know. Hope to create something just as amazing. Thank you for the tips and the video.
Greetings from Monster Hobbies in High River, Alberta, Canada. Love the Christmas Village! Would really like to see a video of everything running, especially the Roller Coaster and the Monorail!
I used a cotton fabric that was purchased at our local fabric store "JoAnn Fabric". I had to special order a bolt to fit the room size. They usually have several racks of holiday fabrics. Good Luck!!
Hello again dmestan, I tried the balancing act only to have one or two of the buckets slip so now I put a screw through the bottoms of the buckets to hold them together. Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for viewing.
I did--it's on here--but it doesn't hold a candle to this one. I have been inspired to set up something similar and will post here after it is set up! BTW, I hand painted each house myself! Every year I paint 5-8 houses while watching the college football games on TV. My team sucked this year so only 5 houses got done :-)
Thank you Shabri for viewing. I am lucky I have a lot of space to set this up....I wish I had more space to make it bigger. A lot of people set up smaller villages which can be just as nice as a larger one. I wish you a Happy Holiday Season.
Hi Tracy, I have the older version the speed you see it going at in the video is the true speed. I'm not aware of a newer model. I like the speed it travels at. I don't like when trains, cars, etc. travel so fast that you can't even view them . As far as the mountain count goes....my guess is 40. I have cut some to fit the layout and I have pieced some that I have cut. Good luck and please post your village, I would love to see it.
LOVE THIS!!!!! Where did you get the creek, mountains, monorail, and the cable cars in the mountains? In the creek, was there actual water running? How did you do that, if so? Please let me know! I'm already planning for this years village!
Hi Julia, Thank you for your nice comment. Villaging can be a very expensive hobby or maybe I should say habit,lol. I stopped counting at $5000. The houses and accessories are mostly Department 56 with some Lemax. Both can be purchased second hand on ebay. Are you planning to set up a village? It can be very addictive....but very fun. Happy Holiday to you. Thanks for watching.
Hi Twitchster77, I do not keep it up year round. I start to set it up September 1 (usually takes me til mid November with my work schedule), and I take it down the first or second week of January. The waterfall was one of my favorites too. Be sure to check out this years video to see what I did with the duck pond and let me know what you think. I'm working on it now and it is turning out pretty good. I usually post the video by Thanksgiving. Thanks for you nice comments.
WOW....you have a big collection! Setting it up is so much work, but so rewarding. Do you post a video of your village? Please let me know if you do. Thanks, Happy Holidays!
Thank you Jolanda, the rollercoaster seems to be everyone's favorite! I'm glad you liked the video. I hope it gave you some ideas. Have a Wonderful Holiday.
@mafiaking1993 the cable cars are department 56 and was put out several years ago. You may find on ebay. The kids sledding are Mr. Christmas...however, department 56 also have a nicer one...try ebay again for that. good luck!
Hi Pammyj100, I've been reviewing your video again, and wanted to know if you have the upgraded version of the monorail (ie; faster with white lights vs the green they come with)? Just wondering if that is worth the upgrade. Your village is so Amazing you can't tell if the monorail is moving at its normal speed or has been upgraded. would love your feedback. Struggling with the upgrade option. Thank you and have a great day.
where did you get your roller coaster. i love it. have been looking online for weeks to try and find one like yours. Please let me know where I can find one,. Love your work
It’s really great looks amazing. Like how u used buckets to make levels and I also use lights to light the house. One question where did u bought? Where can I find that piece. I will like to have audition to my village. If u can let me know.
I am so jealous. I thought our 4 X 8 sheet of plywood with 4 stories was big I would have to build a room on my trailer to make one this big (I'm thinking it might be worth looking into.)
Thank you for your great comments. I really enjoyed making this video. If you have time, please check out my videos of my finished product. Do you have any posted? I would like to see yours also.
hello 60mew ...most of the mountains are Lemax and there are a couple of Department 56. I purchased from ebay , Michaels Craft Store , and a place online called ehobbytools
@phillygal347 Thank you, there is alot of little details I didn't get to on the video...lol it would be a couple hours long if I shot all the little stuff that makes a village lol. Thank you for posting.
@pammyj100 I just watched your new video where your village has everything working...all I can say is...AMAZING!!!!!!! I smiled the entire time! It's a "must watch" for everyone on youtube! Just wonderful!!!!
I love it that you take time to reply to everyone who writes in and I think you are a very generous soul to share your techniques,- this video is very clear and easy to follow and I am sure many a novice would find a wealth of good useful information by watching it many times over.
Personally, I prefer a more open, less busy display, with lots of home-built content, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate your hard work and attention to detail.
Thanks for sharing !
This is definately a passion and an addiction for those of us that build villages, wouldn't you say! I consider it therapy and usually lose all track of time when I'm wrapped up in it. I've already started planning the layout ..LOL. I have so many ideas floating around in my head...Thanks for the inspiration!
This is a huge help to me. This year I abandoned large parts of my village because I could not make a proper base. Now I’m all set for next year!
I'm so glad it was helpful. If you get stuck, let me know, I'll help you figure it out if I can!
This is incredible! My husband would quiver at the cords, he worries about overload. I am up to 12 houses and bought a bunch of trees today. November 1 I'm setting up, thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you Donna. I don't use the individual cords that come with the houses. I use a string of c7 Christmas lights. I loosen the bulbs that aren't in use (DO NOT REMOVE THE BULBS THAT ARE NOT IN USE, JUST LOOSEN THEM SO THEY DON"T LIGHT). I also had an electrician wire me outlets for my village. Good luck with your village.
I am soooo smiling at this!!! My villages take me days to put up and I am now waaay behind! Thanks so much for sharing--I wish I had found this in July---I would be on track with my own 200 houses.
I love your Christmas village display "how to" ideas and video. I think the overall look of your village and waterways, ponds, cars, monorail and amusement park are really well executed.
I collect Dept 56 as well and I have only a very small space to do my Dickens village in. I trade out my Dickens with New England depending on where I am living. I really like your ideas on the night starry sky and the finished look of the velvet skirt with the garland... really nice details. Thank you.
Seeing all the work that went into constructing the under structure is nothing short of mind boggling! I think I'd leave it up all year long! This is quite an investment of both time and money. It's beautiful! Such a labor of love! Thanks for taking the time to make this video! Happy holly!
Thank you Martie! I have learned that "Villaging" is a true labor of love. It is my way of relaxing after a long day at work. I find it quite peaceful to saw 2 x 2 's, tote lumber and crawl around the floor underneath the platform. I'm glad you enjoyed. Check out my latest video. It is even larger this year and is housed on a separate floor of my home. Merry Christmas!
Your presentation is so clear... I am totally inspired for Christmas 2021! Thanks for sharing!
thank you! Happy New Year
This is really beautifull, but I don`t have the place to put this big of a village and for me it is also a little bit to much, but you did a great job and nice of you for showing it to us, how you can fix it, with normal materials.
Awesome job - beautiful!!!! I'm in awe of your patience, dedication and good taste!!! Kudos to your husband for his help also!!
+Ziggy1951August Thank you Ziggy, setting up a village is my way to relax after a long, busy day at work. Oh and no husband assist, this is all me. Merry Christmas
Hi David, I purchased the drill on ebay. It is called Mansfield cordless dual head drill. I paid around $70 for it a few years ago. I just looked on ebay and there are a couple for sale from $39 to $128. It is the BEST money I ever spent on a tool. Easy to use, convenient, and has great power. Good luck!
I love the way you use the blue fabric with lights behind them to simulate the sky. I was surfing the internet to get inspired for my Christmas Village and I'm going to give that a try this year. I love the way yours came out
thank you Kevin. I think it really adds to the village and it's so easy to do.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It was very helpful and gave me lots of ideas. Your village is amazing and you have some very unique pieces. I agree that you should leave it up all year long. It's too beautiful to put into storage.
Thank you for the nice comments Winsunn. I'm glad it gave you ideas. I am always searching ebay for things that are different. And I love to "tweak" some of my pieces to make them unique. The only problem with keeping it up is it gets so dusty and that would drive me nuts lol. Thanks for viewing.
We have only just started our little collection of Dept. 56 and I was looking for inspriation on how to set it up. I certainly stumbled onto the right video. Your village is stunning and I LOVE the blue fabric with the icicle lights. I want to use that idea in a smaller scale. Thank you! & Merry Christmas!
~Christina
Hi Christina, I'm glad the video gave you the right encouragement! I too started with a couple pieces and this year my village has it's own floor in my home lol. If you have any questions and I can help you let me know. I love to share my ideas. Merry Christmas, Pam
Stunning!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼Absolutely top-shelf! Well done!👍🏻👍🏻I especially love the zoo,the amusement park and the skiers on the slopes. Amazing! I sure hope you have plenty of grandchildren to amaze with this. Lol
thank you for your kind comments! No grandchildren but lot's of other youngsters that stop by every year to see the village.
Great thanks for the info. you did a great job on your village! i love it and can't wait to see this year's. Thanks for sharing
OMG!!!! I love this. I had one up once and it stayed up for years. I haven't seen my houses for 10 years probably. You have inspired me!!!! Thank you
thank you! Sometimes, a little inspiration is all we need...I know that's true for me! Hopefully, I will be viewing your video next year.
I can only imagine what something like this costs. Probably 6 months of my rent. Still beautiful and amazing. I can only wish to be able to have a hobby like this one day. 👏🏻👏🏻
They say Rome wasn't built in a day lol. I have been collecting for 40 plus years. I started out with homemade ceramic houses that my grandmother made for me. once dept 56 came on the market, I couldn't help myself....I started buying everything. at last count my complete collection has been appraised at over $15,000. YIKES....I'm out of control lol
@greatqueenesther thank you. This is how I relax, I truly enjoy it. Happy Holidays.
What a wonderful job you did! I noticed the football players wearing black and gold and I thought maybe that's just the colors they were available in. But then I saw the Steeler Water Tower and my heart warmed. I live in Shadyside this is the perfect Village! I love it love it love it
Thank you for your nice comments, we are neighbors lol. I am in the South Hills of Pittsburgh near Bridgeville. GO STILLERS!!!
@@pammyj100 Go STILLERS!! Highway to 7 baybeeeee!!
Thank you for the nice comments. The roller coaster is Disney's and I purchased on ebay about 3 years ago. It's Call Screamin Roller Coaster Model by Disney. They sold them in their Parks several years ago for about $100. I think I paid about that for it. It is a kit that you put together.The coaster cars are battery operated. It sticks in a couple places, but overall is a really neat piece and a great visual. Good luck finding!
I really enjoy collecting and planning my village. I like to talk to others to get ideas as well as share mine with them. I'm humbled by people writing me with comments about my videos. I've also enjoyed your videos and thank you for sharing.
Your videos are helping me prepare for my 2018 village. Amazing job!
Hi Kary, it's called "starry night" . JoAnn Fabric Store special ordered it in for me, however, you may be able to find it on line. It is a cotton fabric so it wrinkles when folded or stored but I steam iron it before I hang it. Good luck....don't forget the lights...they really make it!
Yes, I looked at it after my last post. Very nice,the houses are beautiful. Good luck with your village.
Hi Sherry, Thank you so much for your great comments. I'm so glad you found the video! I do take the frame apart, it is so easy to store by doing so. Also, I reuse the fabric for years, I even save my snow and reuse it lol! I always moved my furniture to set up my village but several years ago, I put an addition on my house. I use it as my dining room during the year, but come September, it houses my village, matter of fact, I started working on it this past week. Good luck, ask ??? any time
Thank you Tracy! I start my village the first week of September and have it finished by Thanksgiving. I pack it all away about the middle of January. The mountains are Lemax and Dept 56. They are made of foam. I'm glad it gave you ideas. Please let me know when you post photos or videos of yours. Thanks for the nice comments
Wow!!! That's gorgeous. This coming Christmas will be the first that I will have a Christmas village display. You gave me some good ideas. And "how to" ways :) And that night sky with the stars in the background absolutely FANTASTIC! Thanks for posting :D
it's part of having a village...and it takes just as long if you want to store your village safely and in an orderly fashion...
This is absolutely bananas. You, sir, are an inspiration. One could only hope to measure up to this level of epic.
Video is very well made . Very helpful. Thanks
thank you so much! I'm glad it helped you!
Hi Chris, The buckets are screwed together and screwed to the base. I'm careful to balance everything prior to building up another level. I find the buckets to be easier for me to do so many different levels....need it higher add a bucket, need it lower take one away.
Thats quite impessive! We have some very similar displays and some of the pieces too! My sky and stars are done same way and in my dining room..with abay window no less. Pretty soon Ill have to clear out my furniture also :-)
Hi, thanks for the quick reply. I have made my NE village little video last year with my Dad but I have not posted it. I have to find it first LOL! I am working on a Disney themed village for about two years now and hope to at least display it this year for the first time although it is not near finished. I will write you if I have a chance to post a video.
Thanks again for all your great ideas - you have inspired me for the holiday season to come for 2012!
I enjoyed watching this! I love the stars! Thanks for sharing!
WOW! I am speechless! You made this look easy. Someday I hope to have half the village you have! :) BEAUTIFUL!
Just love those Lemax carnival pieces!!!!
The Carnival is my favorite
Beautiful village! I very much enjoyed your step by step slides. I would love to see a video of your finished display with everything working. I bet that would be fantastic! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Hi Kelly, glad you found a roller coaster...those are far and few between! The Jailbirds are Homies. I found them on ebay. The handcuffs (chains) are a key chain like one that is on a rabbits foot, I opened up the one end and put in into the Homie's arm or leg. Good Luck & Happy Holidays!
It's really beautiful the night view. Good work man, it's amazing and beautiful.
Do you know how to make plastic snow cheap ? Get some of that crystalline white craft foam (such as Micheals sells), chop the sheets/blocks up into little pieces, the grind them up as fine as you like in a blender. The resultant ground foam looks just like real snow. Spread it all over your village and put some on top of your train cars for a real nice effect !
Hi Junken, thanks for the nice comments. I have a lot of Lemax pieces, they are very natural looking and well priced. I also collect Department 56. Google both of those and when you get on their web page, you should be able to ask them where you can purchase in New Zealand. You will also be able to view their gallery of houses, people, scenery. Also, I buy on ebay. Good luck with your new (expensive) hobby. I look forward to seeing photos of your village.
Very nice. I also put up and take my Marx train Christmas village every year. So I appreciate the amount of work involved. I'm glad to know there are other crazy people in the world. P.S. I may have to borrow (steal) your blue sky and lights idea. Crazy in Kentucky.
@tolebear the McDonald's is Department 56. I purchased on ebay several years ago for about $50. There is also a really cute McDonald's arch sign sold seperate-lights with a d56 adaptor. Also purchased it on ebay for about $15. Good luch in your search!
I will post some from last year which it was my time. I liked your awesome ideas and I am looking forward for this years. I will keep you post it :)
Thank you for your opinion, you're right "what is the point of viewing it if it's going to fast." I will keep it as it is. Well I have some catching up to do as far as the mountains go. I will definitely post it this Christmas for you, before Christmas actually. As of now still formulating a plan. Thank you so much for everything. Talk to you soon, have a great day.
Thank you Gina, the mountains are mostly Lemax with a few Dept. 56. They are made of styrofoam so I trim some to fit into the landscape. I purchase on line from a company called ehobbytools , sometimes they give a 10 % discount and ship for only $7. Also, I often find them on ebay or Michael's Craft Store. Good luck in your search
Hi, and yes I do have facebook. Thank you for the tip, just started looking at photos. Many are great ideas. So I joined. Thanks again
Ah, a string of Christmas lights would illuminate many buildings, rather than the 6 bulb string from Dept 56. Very clever. I like it.
I'm speechless - what a labor of love!
Thank you for your nice comments. I'm glad you got some ideas from this video. I have been villaging for over 30 years. I start setting it up in September and depending on my work schedule, it takes me about 4 to 5 weeks to complete. I will look forward to seeing your video this year. Drop me a line if I can help you with any questions.
Hi Spike, the creek is dept 56 they come in 10inch sections..straight and curved and other pieces like a small waterfall, a fork or split section, and the bridge with the fishermen. the mountains are Lemax & D56. The monorail is from Disney, I found it on ebay. The cable car is d56 and the two houses that flank the cable car wires are attached to mountains. I purchas alot on ebay. No real water. Check out my 2012 video too...I just posted it today. Good luck on setting up your display
@debintexas77 glad you enjoyed! Lot's of people have commented about the stars...it took me a long time to figure out how to do them. Happy New Year
Thank you xmas lover 1000, I'm glad the sky description helped you and you are more than welcome to copy it. I viewed you videos...great job! (I like the people riding the top of the train) Villaging is addictive! I too am planning for Christmas already. Good luck with the sky!
@BonnieJean437 thank you> I really have fun setting up my village. It's relaxing to me after a long day at work. Thank you for your nice comments and I look forward to seeing your video some day soon. Happy Holidays
miniature??? this might be the biggest village i've ever seen. i love the disney monorail at 5:22
lol , I put an addition on my home a few years back and the village has already out grown it.
Thank you tolebear for your nice comments. I would love to see photos or video of your village. The burning building is easy to do. I purchased flickering candle bulbs. Then, I took a building (Al's TV Shop) and busted out 3 of the windows with nose pliers and a little out of the base to fit the candle bulbs and cord into the building (I used three candle bulbs). Next, I hot glued the cord to the inside walls of the building close to the three windows. Use black paint to make burn marks.
Thanks for the video, your setup is amazing, ive only just discoverd christmas villages
(im obsessed already and i havent even brought my first peice yet haha)
Im looking to start collecting this year, im not very in the know the only brand i can find where i live is Lemax and the variety is not that big (we live in new zealand),do you know of any good websites that ship over seas? thankyou for your time and for inspiring so many people :)
LOL, your town will be up and running again in October...can you wait till then??? lol. Thank you for your great comments! I find Villaging to be so relaxing, you too? I have also enjoyed your videos. Great job!
Impressive, congrats! Beautiful village :)
I just viewed your WONDERFUL display, and I'm amazed at how great it looks. I really appreciate your video on how to set up a Miniature Christmas Village, especially creating stars with blue material and icicle lights. How long do you leave your display up? It's worth looking at everyday. Your mountains, what type of material are they made of (you said they can be cut to fit village)? Please let me know. Hope to create something just as amazing. Thank you for the tips and the video.
Greetings from Monster Hobbies in High River, Alberta, Canada. Love the Christmas Village! Would really like to see a video of everything running, especially the Roller Coaster and the Monorail!
I used a cotton fabric that was purchased at our local fabric store "JoAnn Fabric". I had to special order a bolt to fit the room size. They usually have several racks of holiday fabrics. Good Luck!!
Hello again dmestan, I tried the balancing act only to have one or two of the buckets slip so now I put a screw through the bottoms of the buckets to hold them together. Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for viewing.
Amazing! you should leave it up all year round.
thank you. After having this up for 4 months I can't wait to take it down so I can dust lol.
I did--it's on here--but it doesn't hold a candle to this one. I have been inspired to set up something similar and will post here after it is set up! BTW, I hand painted each house myself! Every year I paint 5-8 houses while watching the college football games on TV. My team sucked this year so only 5 houses got done :-)
Thank you Shabri for viewing. I am lucky I have a lot of space to set this up....I wish I had more space to make it bigger. A lot of people set up smaller villages which can be just as nice as a larger one. I wish you a Happy Holiday Season.
@mtb200562 thank you. they are from Lemax and Department 56. Good luck finding
Hi Tracy, I have the older version the speed you see it going at in the video is the true speed. I'm not aware of a newer model. I like the speed it travels at. I don't like when trains, cars, etc. travel so fast that you can't even view them . As far as the mountain count goes....my guess is 40. I have cut some to fit the layout and I have pieced some that I have cut. Good luck and please post your village, I would love to see it.
you inspired me to build my village larger this year
Wonderful! I'd love to see photos when you are done
il be decorating next weekend so il send some then
LOVE THIS!!!!! Where did you get the creek, mountains, monorail, and the cable cars in the mountains? In the creek, was there actual water running? How did you do that, if so? Please let me know! I'm already planning for this years village!
Hi Julia, Thank you for your nice comment. Villaging can be a very expensive hobby or maybe I should say habit,lol. I stopped counting at $5000. The houses and accessories are mostly Department 56 with some Lemax. Both can be purchased second hand on ebay. Are you planning to set up a village? It can be very addictive....but very fun. Happy Holiday to you. Thanks for watching.
This is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for this vid!
Muito linda essa vila . Parabéns!
Obrigado por suas palavras gentis!
That is gorgeous 😍😍😍
Thank you philygal347. I am in the process of filming a video. I will notify you when I get in loaded (maybe another week). Thank you for viewing.
Beautiful.
Hi Twitchster77, I do not keep it up year round. I start to set it up September 1 (usually takes me til mid November with my work schedule), and I take it down the first or second week of January. The waterfall was one of my favorites too. Be sure to check out this years video to see what I did with the duck pond and let me know what you think. I'm working on it now and it is turning out pretty good. I usually post the video by Thanksgiving. Thanks for you nice comments.
WOW....you have a big collection! Setting it up is so much work, but so rewarding. Do you post a video of your village? Please let me know if you do. Thanks, Happy Holidays!
Thank you Jolanda, the rollercoaster seems to be everyone's favorite! I'm glad you liked the video. I hope it gave you some ideas. Have a Wonderful Holiday.
Thanks Nikon! Happy Holidays!
@mafiaking1993 the cable cars are department 56 and was put out several years ago. You may find on ebay. The kids sledding are Mr. Christmas...however, department 56 also have a nicer one...try ebay again for that. good luck!
No. I'd like to do one but I'm not patient enough like to even finish it. Anyway, keep up with the good work, it's amazing!
This is a good video, but I got to ask, what kind of electric drill do you have, the one with two chucks? Never seen a drill like that before.
Absolutely stunning. Lots of great ideas to use! How long did this take you to create?
thank you. I usually start my village mid August and finish by mid November. thanks for watching
Beautiful but wish there was video to see the finished animated scenes.
Hi Pammyj100,
I've been reviewing your video again, and wanted to know if you have the upgraded version of the monorail (ie; faster with white lights vs the green they come with)? Just wondering if that is worth the upgrade. Your village is so Amazing you can't tell if the monorail is moving at its normal speed or has been upgraded. would love your feedback. Struggling with the upgrade option. Thank you and have a great day.
where did you get your roller coaster. i love it. have been looking online for weeks to try and find one like yours. Please let me know where I can find one,. Love your work
It’s really great looks amazing. Like how u used buckets to make levels and I also use lights to light the house. One question where did u bought? Where can I find that piece. I will like to have audition to my village. If u can let me know.
I'm not sure which house you are refering to. At what point in the video is the house you are searching the name of?
@@pammyj100 oh sorry I was referring to the roller coaster? That’s crazy cool piece to have. Look amazing
I am so jealous. I thought our 4 X 8 sheet of plywood with 4 stories was big I would have to build a room on my trailer to make one this big (I'm thinking it might be worth looking into.)
lol. my first village was 4 x 8 under our Christmas tree. Look out!!! This is habit forming, not to mention expensive
@@pammyj100 I've noticed but now I get a couple new pieces a year as gifts and if I'm lucky I get to buy one for myself!
Thank you for your great comments. I really enjoyed making this video. If you have time, please check out my videos of my finished product. Do you have any posted? I would like to see yours also.
hello 60mew ...most of the mountains are Lemax and there are a couple of Department 56. I purchased from ebay , Michaels Craft Store , and a place online called ehobbytools
thanks! keep watching, this years village video will be posted with in a couple weeks
wow! Spectacular!
Hermoso, un gran trabajo!!
amaizing!!!!!! wonderful work!
I feel your pain MrShaun! But what a reward at the end of the tunnel! Happy New Year and Happy Villaging!
@phillygal347 Thank you, there is alot of little details I didn't get to on the video...lol it would be a couple hours long if I shot all the little stuff that makes a village lol. Thank you for posting.
The village is most awesome!
Thank you so much Sharon. Merry Christmas!