Thank you WinterPep. Of all the details in this years presentation, I like the roads best. Because they are real looking and relatively easy to install. Because I added a stream this year, which, for space conservation purposes, looks more like a canal, I was able to build a few bridges which was also fun and relatively easy.
Thank you it’s a labor of love that I recommend to anyone who want’s to get into the Christmas spirit in late October. I have to warn you if you are not already, itis addictive. It takes about three weeks to build full time as I am retired with nothing better to do. I made the walls from stone that I bought at a garden store, cheap. I did, however, have to separate out the stones that were too large. I just placed the stones in a form and poured a liberal amount of Elmer’s wood glue on the top. The glue finds its way to the bottom. The forms are the tough part, I’ve tried different approached. The first walls I made came out pretty good. I build a frame about 8”x10”x 2” deep out of wood. I then added some patricians made with balsa wood. I had to cover all services that would be exposed to the glue with wax paper so I could remove them from once dry. You’ll have a real problem if you do not do this step. Once dry I removed them from the form and slapped on a coat of snow, voila. The most fun for me is creating the accessories like this. My roads are new this year and I consider them to be an epiphany. In past villages, I was never satisfied with the roads so this year I was determined to improve them. I now can make roads comfortably fit the terrain, which is a must if you are looking toward making the village look realistic. I am already thinking about the next village and the freedom I will have because of these roads. It should be like none of my previous attempts. Thanks for stopping in.
Thank you so much for your instruction. I began my village the year my son was born with 3 buildings on a small tripod table. I've added to it every year since, sometimes with buildings and sometimes just with accessories. He's 26 now and I'm up to 18 buildings. This is the first year that it's mid-March and I'm still excited and my imagination is captured for wanting to build next year's display. I have 4 non-village related projects to complete then I can spend the rest of the year playing with it. I created a similar wall for my wharf area this year just by hot gluing the stones together - mine is about a foot long. I think I like your plan better. Again - thanks!
I think you are in fact addicted, sorry. Another way to make the forms is to cut them out of Styrofoam. That works but you still have to cover the surfaces with wax paper or scotch tape. I think that is easier than the other option that I gave you. Other features that I am proud of are my grave yard and my vineyard which was added this year. Next year I plan to do a better job with my stream maybe a waterfall. Looking forward to see your village on TH-cam.
Oh, Golly. I do good just to post photos on FB for my friends. Doing a video us pure fantasy at this point - but, we'll see. I'm actually, currently going through all of my rubbermaids and playing with construction paper again drawing and cutting out the footprints of my buildings so I can play with layouts easier. I'll ask my son if there's a way for me to post my wharf area (which was my 2017 project for the village) somehow here so you can see it. I was pleased - but now after weeks and weeks of watching these fabulous videos, I'm thinking it's way too large. Thanks for chatting with me.
Beautiful! I came here from your fb post in the Village group. Thanks again for sharing your process with us. ❤
Thank you for seeing my Christmas village. I liked yours and your idea of gravel and arch bridges is great.
Greetings.
Awesome village! 2018 village season is almost here.
Thank you CV, yes I think I will be starting next weekend.
Very nice, I confirm, the gravel roads are very realistic!!! I like that! Is it permanent or you can modifiy it like you want?
Thank you WinterPep. Of all the details in this years presentation, I like the roads best. Because they are real looking and relatively easy to install. Because I added a stream this year, which, for space conservation purposes, looks more like a canal, I was able to build a few bridges which was also fun and relatively easy.
How did you make all the rock walls bordering the yards? This is fabulous - thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you it’s a labor of love that I recommend to anyone who want’s to get into the Christmas spirit in late October. I have to warn you if you are not already, itis addictive. It takes about three weeks to build full time as I am retired with nothing better to do. I made the walls from stone that I bought at a garden store, cheap. I did, however, have to separate out the stones that were too large. I just placed the stones in a form and poured a liberal amount of Elmer’s wood glue on the top. The glue finds its way to the bottom. The forms are the tough part, I’ve tried different approached. The first walls I made came out pretty good. I build a frame about 8”x10”x 2” deep out of wood. I then added some patricians made with balsa wood. I had to cover all services that would be exposed to the glue with wax paper so I could remove them from once dry. You’ll have a real problem if you do not do this step. Once dry I removed them from the form and slapped on a coat of snow, voila. The most fun for me is creating the accessories like this. My roads are new this year and I consider them to be an epiphany. In past villages, I was never satisfied with the roads so this year I was determined to improve them. I now can make roads comfortably fit the terrain, which is a must if you are looking toward making the village look realistic. I am already thinking about the next village and the freedom I will have because of these roads. It should be like none of my previous attempts.
Thanks for stopping in.
Thank you so much for your instruction. I began my village the year my son was born with 3 buildings on a small tripod table. I've added to it every year since, sometimes with buildings and sometimes just with accessories. He's 26 now and I'm up to 18 buildings. This is the first year that it's mid-March and I'm still excited and my imagination is captured for wanting to build next year's display. I have 4 non-village related projects to complete then I can spend the rest of the year playing with it. I created a similar wall for my wharf area this year just by hot gluing the stones together - mine is about a foot long. I think I like your plan better. Again - thanks!
I think you are in fact addicted, sorry. Another way to make the forms is to cut them out of Styrofoam. That works but you still have to cover the surfaces with wax paper or scotch tape. I think that is easier than the other option that I gave you. Other features that I am proud of are my grave yard and my vineyard which was added this year. Next year I plan to do a better job with my stream maybe a waterfall. Looking forward to see your village on TH-cam.
Oh, Golly. I do good just to post photos on FB for my friends. Doing a video us pure fantasy at this point - but, we'll see. I'm actually, currently going through all of my rubbermaids and playing with construction paper again drawing and cutting out the footprints of my buildings so I can play with layouts easier. I'll ask my son if there's a way for me to post my wharf area (which was my 2017 project for the village) somehow here so you can see it. I was pleased - but now after weeks and weeks of watching these fabulous videos, I'm thinking it's way too large. Thanks for chatting with me.