I decided to bring out my Dickens Village pieces and use them again. It's been a long time since I've put them out. I decided to use the Étagère to stage some of the pieces on to it. I couldn't use everything I have but I was happy to get as much on there as I did.
I collected the Dept. 56 Village pieces for a number of years like so many of us did and eventually stopped displaying it. I think once the kids were out of the house it seemed less fun but truthfully I still enjoy seeing them.
I'll start from the top down. I placed the church on top with some faux greens and brick walls. That's the fun part of building these scenes- using the little extras and snow which ties it together so nicely!
I love to create the scenes...your mind can make it's own story up!
I've always been a fan of the "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens and the story about Ebenezer Scrooge. I remember seeing it as a little child and being so frightened by Marley's Ghost!
The Ghost of his business partner Jacob Marley who visits to warn him that if he doesn't change his ways his future will be like his bound in chains and an unbearable purgatory. Marley informs him that he will have three spirits visit him that evening. The hope is that Ebenezer will take heed and change his ways.
The first visit is from the Ghost of
Christmas Past which shows Ebenezer Scrooge how he once was a happy young man
in love and the best times when he was working for Mr. Fezziwig before he became obsessed about money
and lost his compassion for his fellow man. He begs her not to show him anymore as it hurts to much to remember it again.
The 2nd visit is from the Ghost of Christmas Present who takes him around to see his delightful young nephew Fred and his employee Bob Cratchit where he learns about a severe health problem that plagues little Tiny Tim.
The 3rd visit is from the Ghost of Christmas yet to Come where he shows him he will die and no one will care about him. By now he's begging to know if he changes his way will he be able to alter the future.
It's a classic tale and the message still holds true.
These next scenes are to depict people out shopping and enjoying themselves
Peddling their wares!
The train station bringing people home and taking people away on holiday!
A coach arrives with more travelers
Families seeing each other again!
Outside of the city is a skating pond
Bob Cratchit has brought Tiny Tim for a little outing!
A father and mother encourage their daughter to learn how to skate!
The market for fish
Supplies for the visiting fishing ships
I always enjoy looking at the villages lit up at night....adds to the fantasy!
I would like to thank my production assistant Teddy. He was involved in every step...and I mean every step!! LOL....
I'm joining
Ivy and Elephants
for
My Kentucky Home
for
Wow, Liz, your village is so pretty! I've always wanted one; but, just never had a space to properly display it. My youngest daughter says that she will definitely collect one, when she gets her first place. Yours is awesome!
ReplyDeleteHi Liz! I love your little village and that is the perfect place for it. Looks so pretty at night time. Hope you're doing well.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Tell Teddy he did a great job. lol Your Dickens village is so enchanting, especially in the evening when the lights are on. I am so glad you shared this with us. It's beautiful. I have one village piece that had belonged to my mother and each year I set that out, but I love all the pieces you have and the story they tell!
ReplyDeleteYou and Teddy did a fabulous job with your village. I think I could stand and stare, and imagine for a long, long time at your Dickens Village. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed looking and reading about your glorious Dickens village. It's so nice! I collected Dept 56 items over thirty years ago and once my son grew up I didn't enjoy putting them out any more. I even had a skater that moved around on a pond which I loved watching. When we downsized, I donated them to AmVets. Now I'm sorry that I did.
ReplyDeleteYour village looks awesome on that pretty metal stand...love the night shots!!
ReplyDeleteHi Liz, your village looks beautiful on your corner stand. I too love the Christmas Carol and saw it in a theater play here a few years ago. It was fabulous. The lights at night is so Christmas cozy. I did not put my villages up this year. I have two sets, large and small.
ReplyDeleteYour sweet helper looks pleased with the results.
Happy December!
Hugs
I really love your Dicken's village, especially the church! xoox
ReplyDeleteOh my Liz...I am enjoying your display as I have Dicken's Village too...been collecting it for many years..have about 75 houses and I have not displayed them in years for the same reason as you...I have 6 out of the 7 original pieces...I got most of them on clearance after Christmas and then all of a sudden they were hard to find as they became so collectible...now the "collectability" has worn off some...One year I will take them all out and display them...you have brought back many memories!...Beautiful display!!
ReplyDeleteLiz, it looks fabulous on your étagère! I have a small collection of about 25 houses. I have 5 of the original 7. Which I see that you have some also. I haven't displayed mine since I moved here. I blamed it on the fact that I didn't have my hoosier here. Years ago hubby drilled holes in the back for the cords to go through. But I got my hoosier here last year, but It just seemed to me that it needed to be filled with Gingerbread stuff. Thought I would do it this year, but decided to wait. Maybe next year. I do love how magical it looks all lit up. When my kids were little I put it under the tree. They would lay on the floor and make up stories and look at it for a long time. They were very good and hardly bothered it. Now and then I'd find a little figure in a different spot.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Liz this is just lovely, I never collected any of the villages mainly because I didn't know how I would display the pieces. Using your etagere is a perfect way to display, each level tells a story but without overtaking your whole home. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLiz, this is gorgeous how you have it all displayed. The villages and characters are lovely and really make the scene pop! Story telling at it's best. It looks fantastic all lit up. You have a great partner there....
ReplyDeleteHello Liz,
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely charming village and Teddy is gorgeous. Will come back when I have more time to snoop around your lovely blog.
Anyes
xx
Your collection is truly, truly amazing! SO extensive!!! This is a Christmas tale that will never grow old, especially the way our world is today with this lesson having to be taught again and again and again. I even remember a loose remake of the movie starring Nicolas Cage and Tea Leoni in the late 90s or early 2000s. Still just as relevant with the same basic message. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI admire how you have carefully collected and pampered each piece. Year after year you can continue to create stories in your mind about each scene...that has GOT to be fun to do!!!