D-LIGHTS Serving Department 56TM Village Enthusiasts
HOLIDAY DESIGN IDEAS PLUS
Village Photography Tips p.12
The Latest Dept. 56 Retirements p.23
City Lights YEAR ROUND CHRISTMAS & COLLECTIBLES EMPORIUM
When in San Diego why not visit our 40,000 sq. ft. store and view our incredible village displays including most retired pieces.
Can’t make it to San Diego? Visit us online! www.CityLightsCollectibles.com Every Department 56 collectible listed, and most pictured, from Buildings to Accessories to Trees to Walls and Fences.
New Intros, Snowbunnies & Valentines
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TAKING ORDERS FOR ALL 2015 NEW PIECES IN ALL LINES! BRANDS WE CARRY: Jim Shore, Precious Moments, Disney Classics, Just The Right Shoe, Lenox, Ebony Visions, Charming Tails, Christopher Radko, Possible Dreams, Gold Label, G. DeBrekht, Pipka, Harbour Lights, Annalee, Byers’ Choice, Willow Tree, Fontanini, Ne’Qwa, Steinbach, Forchino, Alley Cats, Wee Forest Folk, Britto, Speed Freaks, Trail of Painted Ponies, My Little Kitchen Fairies, Karen Didion, Bethany Lowe, Hansa, Foundations, Mark Roberts, Lynn Haney, Munro Dragons, Fairy Glen, Fairy Divas. B
1212 Knoxville St. San Diego, CA 92110 800-262-5335 Email: info@citylights.com www.CityLightsCollectibles.com Village D-Lights
Winter 2014
WINTER 2014
CONTENTS 4
NCC Update by Mike Goode
8
Village Views by Phil Renninger
Mike Goode, NCC president, reports on the Region 8 Roundup, held in September in San Antonio.
8
Collectors share photos of their village displays.
12
A Little Light On the Subject by Melinda Seegers
14
Village Workshop by Stephen Pepin
18
Lights, Camera, Action by J. Michael Sanders
23
Retirements
Ms. Lit Town offers tips on how to effectively photograph your villages and displays.
The key to a successful holiday display is its foundation. Stephen Pepin shows how to build elevations, hide cords, and much more. How to use lighting and other materials to create icy displays. A list of the Department 56 pieces that will be going out of production at the end of 2014.
25
Richard’s Views by Richard Puckett
30
Collector Spotlight by Stephanie Finnegan
34
State of the City by Phil Renninger
38
On Display by Leigh Gieringer
40
Just So You Know by David Spears
44
Word Search by Matt Gaffney
25
Get the latest news, tips, and commentary on Department 56 product offerings, both new and retired. For Richard Coyne, the true enjoyment of creating village displays is the happiness it brings to others. Third in a series of articles about the construction of a display modeled on 1940s Brooklyn. Tips and tricks for creating a North Pole mini-village display. Display ideas, hints, and opinions.
Complete the puzzle for a chance to win a retired Department 56 building.
34 ON THE COVER
A holiday vignette featuring “North Pole, The Magic of Christmas,” a Department 56 2014 Holiday Special.
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FROM THE EDITOR
D-LIGHTS
With the holiday season underway, you’re probably already busy putting up holiday decorations and pulling your Village pieces together. This issue of Village D-Lights is packed with ideas that will give you a creative boost as you fine-tune this year’s holiday displays and start thinking ahead and planning for next year. In the following pages, you’ll find wonderful insights from our usual contributors. And, starting on page 25, you’ll find a roundup of news and commentary by the magazine’s newest contributor, Richard Puckett, who currently serves as vice president of the National Council of 56 Clubs (NCC). Many of you already are familiar with Richard. He has previously written for Village D-Lights and its predecessor, The Village Chronicle, and he is known for his high-energy and informative workshops at NCC gatherings. I’m pleased to have him back in the pages of this magazine. I’m also happy to announce that I have selected Richard to edit the fourth edition of Village D-Tails, a book that is the definitive Department 56 reference source and secondary market guide. While no release date has yet been established for this book, we’re hoping to have it out in Fall 2015. Richard is already busy pulling information together for the book, including corrections, comments, and suggestions many of you sent us after we released the third edition in 2013. Richard Puckett, NCC Vice President As he works on this next edition, Richard would like to hear more of your input, so please email him at villages@pioneermagazines.com. There’s another Richard featured in the issue. Starting on page 30, you’ll meet Richard Coyne, a collector who lives in South Carolina. He has been creating villages for his family since 1985, and among his achievements is building displays for the Department 56 showroom in New York City. You’ll be inspired by his story and by the photos of his elaborate and beautiful displays. As always, I welcome your comments and feedback. I look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes to you this holiday season! Erich Gaukel Editor egaukel@pioneermagazines.com
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Editor Erich Gaukel Advertising Manager Ronda Jans Creative Director Ann Donohoe Associate Graphic Designer Jordan Voigt Circulation Manager Katrina Brocka Copy Editor Paul Soucy
CEO Jim Slife Publisher Polly Clark Production Twilla Glessner Accounting Manager Allison Volker
Volume 10 / Number 4 TreasuresMagazine.com Phone 877.899.9977 / 515.246.0402 Fax 515.246.0398
VILLAGE D-LIGHTS (ISSN 1555-2918) (USPS 024-048) is published quarterly. Periodical Postage Paid at Des Moines, Iowa and at additional mailing offices. $24.00 per year in U.S., $44.00 in Canada, Mexico, and other foreign countries. Payment in U.S. funds must accompany order. Published by Pioneer Communications, Inc., 300 Walnut Street, Suite 6, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. VILLAGE D-LIGHTS is a Pioneer Communications, Inc. publication. COPYRIGHT ©2014 by VILLAGE D-LIGHTS. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. The opinions in articles written by contributing columnists & writers are solely those of the author & not necessarily those of VILLAGE D-LIGHTS. EDITORIAL & SUBSCRIPTION: 300 Walnut St., Suite 6, Des Moines, IA 50309, Phone: 877.899.9977 or 515.246.0402, Fax: 515.246.0398. ADVERTISING: Call Ronda Jans at 319.415.5639 POSTMASTER: Send all address changes to VILLAGE D-LIGHTS, 300 Walnut St., Suite 6, Des Moines, IA 50309.
Pioneer Communications, Inc. HEADQUARTERS: 300 Walnut St., Suite 6, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. Phone: 515.246.0402, Fax: 515.246.0398. PRODUCTION FACILITY: 316 W. Fifth St., Waterloo, Iowa 50701. Phone: 319.234.8969, Fax: 319.234.8518.
Proudly printed in Iowa by Pioneer Graphics, Waterloo, Iowa “Department 56®, Inc.,” “Original Snow Village®,” “Heritage Village Collection®,” “Dickens’ Village Series®,” “New England Village® Series,” “Christmas in the City® Series,” “Seasons Bay®,” “Profiles Department 56®,” “Literary Classics®” “Alpine Village Series®,” and "American Pride® Collection," are the Registered Trademarks of Department 56®, Inc., Eden Prairie, MN. “North Pole Series™,” “North Pole Woods™ Series,” “The Holy Land™ Collection,” “Little Town of Bethlehem™ Series,” “Hot Properties!™ Collection,” “Disney Parks Village™ Series,” Williamsburg Village™, Winter Frost™, Jim Shore Village™, and “Snowbabies™” are Trademarks of Department 56®, Inc.
Price Fisherw e n The ere ory - wh t c a F Fun s create m a e t 's Santa 's hings. It e playt it r o v a f y box ntire to e n a e li k acked ories p m e m f o uilding. lever b c e n o into ™
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NCC UPDATE
BY MIKE GOODE, NCC PRESIDENT
An NCC Gathering to Remember
Taking a break during the NCC Region 8 Roundup in San Antonio: From left, Department 56 artist Tom Bates, NCC Vice President Richard Puckett, and former NCC Vice President Kirk Wyllie.
I
t’s been an exciting and rewarding year for the NCC. Our membership continues to support our organization with dedication and enthusiasm. Our number of associate members continues to grow, along with the tremendous support they provide. In September, the NCC played a major role at the Region 8 Roundup in San Antonio. One of the most exciting nights during the event 4
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was the NCC Saturday Night Bingo. Almost 250 attendees gathered in the Grand Ballroom of the Omni Hotel to play bingo and have a chance to win some incredible prizes. Department 56 artist Tom Bates and the NCC officers called each of the games as winners came forward to collect their prizes. Lucky players walked away with complete registration packets for the upcoming San Diego gathering, cash prizes, special
Department 56 Christmas ornaments, and, of course, lighted houses. Many members participated in a first-ever “NCC Let’s Make A Deal.” Five winners were allowed to choose from 5 large boxes. They could keep their box or exchange with another player. The boxes contained some amazing prizes. One box was a complimentary one-year subscription to Village D-Lights. It was a great night of fun
Above: From left, Roundup attendees Sharon Gomes, Mary Sites, Tammy Regveg, and Jaylene Wilson. Below right: San Antonio’s iconic building, The Alamo. Below: NCC Region 5 Representative Sue Olson and NCC President Mike Goode.
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NCC officers, from left, Mike Goode, Richard Puckett, and Sue Chretien prepare for the banquet that marked the gathering’s end.
and fellowship. However, the main focus of the evening was to help support the Region 8 Roundup’s charity. Through the generosity of many, NCC Bingo Night raised $1,500 for the Burned Out Survivors’ Fund of San Antonio, which helps people who have been victims of fires. The NCC sponsored several seminars during the gathering. Participants learned how to energize their meetings and connect with nonmembers through Facebook. Other seminars focused on display tips and what collectors should have in their display toolboxes. There was even an seminar for beginning collectors. Two hundred and thirty-six collectors stopped by the NCC table in the Market Place to purchase NCC merchandise and raffle tickets for a “Jack’s Umbrella Shop,” signed by the late Jack Skeels. Collectors
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David Grubaugh, a member of the host NCC club, The River City Villagers, wore his chapter’s T-shirt featuring the Alamo.
also visited with their officers and regional representatives and shared pictures and conversations about their village displays. One of the highlights of the Saturday evening banquet was the announcement of the winner of the NCC-sponsored club newsletter contest. Sixteen clubs participated in the event, and the winner was Southwest Villagers near Phoenix. The club’s prize is a visit by Department 56’s Melinda Seegers at an upcoming meeting. I think everyone left the Region 8 Roundup rejuvenated and prepared to try something a little different in their villages when they arrived home. Each year at this time, the NCC says goodbye and thank you to several very special people. Regional Representatives Barbara Fisher of Region 2, Peggy Culler-Hair of Region 4, and William Dillard
of Region 8 are completing their final terms in office. These three individuals have served the NCC in many ways and have generously given countless hours to our organization. I am certain that all of us wish to say thank you to Barbara, Peggy, and William for serving and for being the voices of many collectors throughout the United States and Canada. New NCC regional representatives are Nancy Mattson for Region 2, Pam Orman for Region 4, and Brandon Taylor for Region 8. We look forward to their contributions to the NCC and their efforts in connecting with their constituents. As I said earlier, it’s been a busy and rewarding year for the NCC. As we close out 2014, let me personally thank each of you who supported us and say that 2015 looks even bigger and better! ®
st beloved Disney's 2 mo the coolest residents have d! e neighborhoo buildings in th 's se and Minnie Mickey's Hou ght filled with bri House - each tions. Can you holiday decora "ears" built find all of the gn? into each desi
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VILLAGE VIEWS
COMPILED BY PHIL RENNINGER
Let it Snow! Wintry scenes from village enthusiasts
Above: Sheila Bussey of Washington state has been a collector for just three years. Her design talent is revealed in her version of the Snow Village parade, with lots of spectators, a marching band, and garland strung high above.
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To be considered for inclusion in Village D-Lights’ “Village Views,” email your best photo, your name, your geographic location, and a short description to villages@pioneermagazines.com.
Above: Marc Bernardin from France has created this highly detailed version of a 19th-century fishing village on the northeast coast of England, where, he says, “fishermen and merchants come together to sell their goods to the villagers, and happy people frequent the taverns of the old port.” Right: This nicely arranged floor-to-ceiling display by Kathy Gibson of Illinois features pieces from more than a few Department 56 villages and, she says, “depicts a time when life was lived with a comforting sigh at the end of every day.” Below right: Chris and Mhel Burger of Ohio created this delightful town with a winter carnival. It features lots of S-gauge trains, a monorail, and an HO-scale mountain railway. Below: Cheryl Banfield of England created this lovely village in the Austrian Alps. She says it reminds her of childhood holidays.
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Designed by Barb Lund
Dickens’ Village, THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS
Peek inside... Santa has a suprise for the elves!
Designed by
Tom Bates
North Pole, THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS 10
Village D-Lights
Catch a glimpse of Father Christmas inside!
Winter 2014
Designed by SCOTT ENTER
Look in the window & catch Santa leaving presents!
Snow Village, THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS
SANTA’S MAGIC SLEIGH Magic Landscape Kit
THE NEW MAGIC LANDSCAPE KIT AND THE ACCESSORY SANTA’S MAGIC SLEIGH ARE PERFECT ADDITIONS TO ANY HOLIDAY SPECIAL.
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A LITTLE LIGHT ON THE SUBJECT
BY MELINDA SEEGERS
From the desk of Ms. Lit Town at
DEAR COLLECTORS,
S
eems like only yesterday we were getting our displays ready for Christmas 2013, and now we’re edging up to Christmas 2014. How time flies! In some cases that’s a good thing. It gives us the opportunity to redesign the spaces we weren’t so happy with last year and to include some of the great new pieces that our artists came up with for this year. (And, of course, we’re all anxious to find out what is in store for 2015!) Once you make the final tweaks to your Village, take a few pictures. If you’re anything like me, by next Christmas you will have forgotten what this year’s display looked like! It’s also a good idea to print some of the pictures, label them with at least the year and slip them into an album. In July, when you’re so hot that you’re melting, you can pull out the album to admire your great work and think about this year’s display with a cool head! Our webmaster, Nate Slavik, who also does the in-house photography of the individual Village pieces you see online, has offered to give a few tips on the best way to photograph your display without washing out the colors. First, he recommends using a tripod if possible. “No one has a perfectly steady hand,” he says, “and when there’s less wiggle, your photos will turn out more clear.” Another tip he showed me is called “bounce flash.” This is really very easy, even for an amateur like me. He showed me the technique in our showroom using a small hand-held camera very much like 12
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I attended the NCC Region 8 Roundup in San Antonio in October. Here I am with with NCC President Mike Goode.
the camera I own. In the photos on the opposite page, the smaller image is a shot like most of us take. The image shows the pieces but not in the best coloring. The buildings don’t even look like they are lit. The larger image uses the bounce flash technique. It shows the warmth that we see when we view the display. The lights in the windows have a warm glow, and the lights on the tree are vibrant. This was so easy— and no special tools were required!
We used a piece of white paper to redirect the built-in flash on the camera to bounce off the ceiling rather than off the scene. And with so much white in the Christmas displays, the image on the left looks really washed out. Try this when you are photographing your Village this year, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see the results! It’s not too late to order some of the mid-year pieces, gift sets, or replacement parts that you have
These two images show the same village scene, but they were photographed differently. The top photo was taken using the “bounce flash” method. The left photo was taken with the flash pointed directly at the village.
been putting off ordering all year. We have made it easy by offering our online store to you at a click of your computer mouse. Product as well as parts ship within a day or so of placing your order, and most orders are shipped UPS so they will arrive in just a few days. Online orders always receive shipping information by email so you are able to track your order and know when it will arrive at your door. Many parts that were out of stock earlier in the year are now available. We try to anticipate what you may ask for and make requests through our factories and our distribution center. We want
to be able to help you with as many things as we can. I am very pleased to be visiting one of the NCC clubs in early 2015. The NCC held a contest to encourage clubs to make some upgrades to their newsletters. We really saw a lot of changes: improved articles, more information from the NCC, and better photos of charity work, meetings, and outings. When the NCC executive board members put their heads together to come up with an appropriate prize, we thought that it should be something that the whole club would benefit from, and the winning club, Southwest
Villagers in Phoenix, was awarded with a visit from yours truly! I am delighted to be able to spend some time with this active club, and I should have photos to share in an upcoming issue of Village D-Lights. If you are not a club member, check out the NCC’s website, ncc56.com, to find the one closest to you. You will be surprised at how much fun these clubs are! As always, happy collecting!
Ms. Lit Town Department 56 Consumer Services
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VILLAGE WORKSHOP
BY STEPHEN PEPIN, SHOWCASE DISPLAYS
2
Foundation Work A good base makes a holiday display easier to set up and manage
O
ver many years of creating displays, I have come to learn that time dedicated to planning will be easily gained back during the construction of a display. Of course, creating a display can be as simple as stacking foam to make elevations and sending all the cords behind it. However, if you want something more elaborate, it’s a good idea to invest some time in developing a general plan. Typically, my own planning starts with understanding the display location. Will it go against a wall? A corner? Or will it be a table centerpiece seen from all sides? The answer to this question defines not only the shape of the display, but also how the
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elevations will flow. For example, a display against a wall will typically have the higher elevations at the back, while a table centerpiece display will have the higher elevations near the center. Photo 1 shows a sample sketch of a display design. This overhead view shows the layout, different elevations, and other key features. While a graphics computer program (ArtStudio for iPad) was used to create it, a sketch also can be hand drawn on paper. Keep in mind that the sketch is just a plan. As you create the actual display from that plan, you make adjustments based on what may make more sense visually. The key here is to avoid analysis paralysis—
3
1 create elevation layers by cutting away each level of my base template and making a copy of each elevation along the way on new foam sheets. At this point, the display has its elevations, but isn’t carved yet to simulate rock walls, brick, etc. Photo 2 shows where we are at this stage.
Managing Cords
overthinking the planning in your quest to have the perfect display. This can sometimes doom a project and prevent you from ever getting it off the ground.
Display Construction
My next step typically consists of transferring my design. This means that I basically redraw the sketch full-scale on a foam sheet that becomes my base template. I then
As part of the design, I also plan for the management of electrical cords. As I generally like to use the space under a display table for storage, my preferred approach is to include removable access panels within the display. This gives me easy access to the cords and power strips inside the display, on the table itself (not under)—all within close reach of the front edge. Here are a few examples of display designs and removable access panels: Photo 3 shows the same display as Photo 2, but completely carved and finished for a Halloween display. Notice that the top panel is not attached to the base, so it can be removed to access power
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VILLAGE WORKSHOP
4
strips and electrical cords inside the display. Photos 4 and 5 show a larger North Pole display with multiple removable panels near the front for easy access. This scene incorporates a train loop, and Photo 6 shows a view of the inside of the display from the rear. Photo 7 is a city-style display showing an open access panel with a power strip inside. This display is a table centerpiece and therefore it is scenic all-around, making it even more critical to have good planning for the electrical cords. In conclusion, when it comes to larger displays, my philosophy is to avoid stressing out about having the perfect design; my larger displays are never really finished 16
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and continually evolve. Perhaps because I enjoy the design aspect of making a display, I have fun redesigning older parts of my displays and seeing them change over time. I hope this gives you some ideas for your own Christmas displays—or perhaps next year’s Halloween displays if you are already set for this Christmas. Merry Christmas, and a wonderful 2015 to all! ® Contact me at stephen@showcase-displays.com. To view my displays and a great selection of Department 56 products, please visit Millie’s Hallmark in Phoenix or the Market Place Emporium at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California.
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BY J. MICHAEL SANDERS
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
Create Icy Displays
F
or many of you, the golden colors of autumn have faded, and the cold winds of winter are blowing. Since we don’t have much ice and snow here in the Arizona desert, we have to use our imaginations or “fond” memories when creating scenes with such features. I’d like to share a few frozen ideas that you might like to incorporate into your display. Some of the ideas here are quite simple to re-create, while others will take more technical ability. In a few instances, you’ll have to do some Internet searching to find the materials mentioned. I hope you find something you can use. By the way, I am excited to tell you
about this ultimate frozen/ice feature: Department 56 just informed me that “Elsa’s Palace” and 4 accessories from the Disney movie Frozen will be coming out in March 2015. Drawings of the proposed items were not available as I wrote this, so I can’t wait to see them! Before we get into this issue’s article, I’d first like to explain some terms I’ll be using: EPS (expanded polystyrene): This white insulating material, usually purchased at a home center, normally comes in ½- to 2-inch thicknesses. Many erroneously use the term Styrofoam to describe this material. In this article, I’ll refer to it as EPS.
C-7 lights: 5-watt, candelabra base lights, traditionally used as indoor Christmas lights. LED lights (light emitting diodes): A relatively new item, now becoming very popular and cost-effective, LEDs come on adhesive strips of various length and are usually powered by a low-voltage power source. They’re great because the strips can be cut to length, and the lights use less power, give off little heat, and have a long life. So, from sunny Phoenix, I hope you have a white Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. Until next time, Happy Villaging!
1
This frozen waterway is created by partially re-attaching the silver Mylar protective cover that comes on EPS sheets bought at home centers. The ripples inherent in the Mylar make a nice ice effect. Here, the Mylar is affixed to the display base, and then carved EPS land areas are added over the material to create the riverbank. Use a water-based adhesive, or completely paint the EPS with a water-based paint before using a non-waterbased spray adhesive. Created by J. Michael Sanders and Ed Lobenhofer
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2
This optical crystal mountain effect is created by layering three polycarbonate panels and one hardboard panel. Start by cutting Lexan ¼-inch thermo-clear multi-wall polycarbonate sheets into two mountain-range shapes. Make the contours different, and make one lower than the other. Trace the contour of the taller polycarbonate panel onto hardboard, and then cut so that it is identical in shape. Next, create a fourth panel—this time of EPS. Cut the same profile as the hardboard panel. When you’ve completed it, cut 2 inches off the bottom. This EPS panel will be the back panel and will be hidden from view—its purpose is to hold a hidden-from-view string of C-7 lights and an LED strip for back glow. In front of this panel, place the hardboard panel and cover the front (visible) side of it with aluminum foil (shiny side out). Attach a string of mini Christmas lights attached randomly to its face. The two polycarbonate panels are then placed in front, leaving ⅜-inch between each panel. Use screws and pieces of scrap polycarbonate to attach the panels together at their bases. Created by J. Michael Sanders and Jeanne Freeman
3
Using the same Lexan material as in Example 2, a completely different effect may be achieved by cutting between the ribs, as shown in the photo below, and then bending the material as you add it to your display. When C-7 lights are placed in the cavity behind the material at various distances from the face, the reflections from the bulbs flare out in the direction of the bend. Created by J. Michael Sanders
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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
4
Only the most sure-footed elves would attempt to climb this spiral ice-block stairway. Half-inch-thick EPS is cut into rectangular shapes and glued into the spiral configuration. A dry-brush application of blue paint creates the icy effect. Created by Judy Severance
5
Looking out, looking in! Placing a flatscreen TV or monitor directly behind a real window frame, and then running a continuous video loop of a snow scene creates a wonderful snowfall effect. Created by Linda and Bob Brittain
A
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In Photo A, clear LED mini lights built right into the scenery, or placed under the cotton batting, make the snow sparkle. Created by Mary Jewell. In Photo B, the simple addition of an LED strip behind this carved mountain backdrop produces a dramatic effect, and accentuates the mountain carving. Created by John and Penny Kovach.
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B
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Glass blocks—with pretty much any light source behind them—create a realistic ice effect, as shown under this tree and in this village. Scene in Photo A created by Ray and Joan Bukovszky. Scene in Photo B created by Leigh Gieringer.
A
B
8
This dramatic scene is created by combining a handpainted backdrop of the towering Colorado Rockies and actual plaster scenery. The snow on the lower elevation is created by applying lightweight patching plaster to carved EPS and smoothing it with a wet paintbrush. Created by J. Michael Sanders and Don Stewart
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9
This ice grotto was created by cutting EPS sheets with a hot knife in successively smaller contours, then securing them in a stack within a carved-out area in the mountain scene. C-7 lights or LEDs placed at the base of the grotto provide a dramatic lighting effect, enhancing the various layers of the grotto so they stand out. Created by J. Michael Sanders and Barbara Brixey.
B
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In Photo A, Department 56 Village Real Acrylic Ice is generously laid over a bed of aluminum foil and blue mini lights, then dusted with Department 56 Village Fresh Fallen Snow. Similarly, you can also use clear/transparent marbles or aquarium glass rounds. Created by J. Michael Sanders, Phoenix. Photo B shows another variation: Use any colored art paper or paint on the base, then lay transparent/clear mosaic tiles on top. Created by John and Penny Kovach. 速
A
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RETIREMENTS
DEPARTMENT 56 RETIREMENTS Item #, Name, Suggested Retail Price US (Canadian)
CLASSIC BRANDS A CHRISTMAS STORY™
811266 Village Acc Police Car, $20.00 ($24.00) 4026950 Furnace Repair Shop, $64.00 ($77.00) 4026951 Facing The Inevitable, $22.00 ($26.50) 4026953 Miss Shields’ Fruit Basket, $16.00 ($19.50) 4032703 Hohman Delivery Service, $24.00 ($28.80)
DISNEY© VILLAGE
811261 Mickey’s Christmas Castle, $85.00 ($102.00) 811279 Mickey & Friends Sing Carols, $24.00 ($29.00) 4017688 Donald’s Fire Hose, $14.00 ($17.00) 4027600 Goofy’s Gas Station, $75.00 ($90.00) 4027601 Goofy For Gas, $17.00 ($20.50) 4027602 A Special Snack For Pluto, $27.00 ($32.50) 4032412 Mickey Bench, $10.00 ($12.00) 4038638 Mickey’s Crossing Sign, $8.00 ($10.00)
4032428 Holiday Cheer At Moe’s, $24.00 ($29.00) 4032429 Snowball Scores A Squishy, $19.00 ($23.00) 4032666 Holiday Snack, $21.00 ($25.50)
VILLAGES
ALPINE VILLAGE SERIES
4025237 “Rhineland Wine Tavern,” $90.00 ($108.00) 4025239 “Treats for the Nanny Goat,” $17.50 ($21.00) 4030338 “The Goat Herder's House,”$85.00 ($100.00) 4030339 “Peaceful Reflection,” $12.50 ($15.00) 4030340 “Kids With Kids,” $27.50 ($33.00) 807296 “Christmas Market, The Gingerbread Booth,” $45.00 ($59.00)
CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY SERIES
804154 A Great Grinchy Trick, $18.00 ($22.00) 804156 Got Her A Drink, and Then Sent Her To Bed, $18.00 ($22.00) 4027595 Whoville Banquet Hall, $68.00 ($82.00) 4028030 Lets Feast On Roast Beast, $18.00 ($22.00) 4032212 Who Is In The Wreath, $18.00 ($22.00) 4032676 The Last Can Of Who Hash, $18.00 ($22.00) 4038650 Wonky Topiaries, Set of 3, $18.00 ($22.00)
4025245 “Atwater’s Coffee House,” $70.00 ($85.00) 4025248 “A Family Holiday Tradition,” $25.00 ($30.00) 4030343 “Oxford Shoes,” $95.00 ($115.00) 4030345 “Fulton Fish House,” $95.00 ($114.00) 4030349 “Merry Janes For Christmas,” $20.00 ($24.00) 4030352 “Choosing The Day’s Catch,” $27.50 ($33.00) 4030353 “I Promise I’ll Take Care Of Them,” $20.00 ($24.00) 4035565 “Harley-Davidson® Garage,” $125.00 ($150.00) 4035917 “On Top of the World,” $25.00 ($30.00) 4035918 “The Perfect Exhaust Note,” $28.50 ($34.50) 4036084 “Steeplejacks Heading Home,” $22.50 ($27.00) 4036091 “Shooting History,” $17.50 ($21.00) 4036494 “755 Pacific Heights,” $100.00 ($120.00) 808837 “Shoveling Fun,” $22.50 ($27.00)
PEANUTS® VILLAGE
DICKENS’ VILLAGE SERIES
GRINCH™ VILLAGE
4026954 Schroeder’s Piano Playhouse, $80.00 ($96.00) 4026959 Snoopy Smooths The Ice $90.00, ($108.00) 4032210 Tangled Up In Christmas, $23.00 ($28.00) 4032415 Catching Snowflakes, $14.00 ($17.00) 4032416 3 Part Harmony, $23.00 ($28.00) 4038641 Christmas Blues, $26.00 ($31.50)
THE SIMPSONS™ VILLAGE
4032214 Simpson’s House, $60.00 ($72.00) 4032215 Springfield Elementary, $65.00 ($78.00) 4032216 Lard Lad Donuts, $65.00 ($78.00) 4032217 Moe’s Tavern, $60.00 ($72.00) 4032219 Mmm, Popcorn Garland, $30.00 ($36.00) 4032220 Ay, Caramba, $24.00 ($29.00) 4032221 Hathy Holidayth, $19.00 ($23.00) 4032222 How Not To Build Snowman, $24.00 ($29.00) 4032223 Shop, Don’t Drop Maggie, $19.00 ($23.00) 4032224 Mutually Assured Destruction, $19.00 ($23.00) 4032225 D’Oh-Bominable Snowman, $34.00 ($41.00) 4032427 Kwik-E-Mart, $60.00 ($72.00)
4025258 “Royal Mail, Devon,” $60.00 ($72.00) 4025261 “A Night on London Town,” $20.00 ($24.00) 4025263 “Champion Herding Dog,” $25.00 ($30.00) 4030356 “Strawberry Cottage,” $70.00 ($84.00) 4030358 “Miss Lavender’s Soaps & Sachet,” $85.00 ($100.00) 4030359 “C.D. Boz Ink & Pen Co.,” $80.00 ($96.00) 4030364 “New Hats For The Jubilee,” $22.50 ($27.00) 4030365 “Scent Of The Day,” $22.50 ($27.00) 4030366 “Thank You, Mr. Dickens,” $20.00 ($24.00) 4030367 “Sweet Pickings,” $13.50 ($16.50) 4030372 “A Proper Cup Of Coffee,” $13.50 ($16.50) 4030374 “See Dickens’ London,” $25.00 ($30.00) 4030375 “Dickens Acc Queen’s Journal,” $22.50 ($27.00) 4030699 “Purrfect Treats,” $25.00 ($30.00) 4035569 “Ewart Public Library,” $80.00 ($96.00) 4035570 “Bringing Dickens Home,” $22.50 ($27.00) 4036511 “Punch & Judy Theatre,” $90.00 ($108.00) 4036519 “Saturdays With Punch & Judy,” $30.00 ($36.00) 4042397 “Dickens’ Village, The Magic Of Christmas,” $89.00 ($107.00)
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NEW ENGLAND VILLAGE SERIES
4022329 “Kittens ’n Cream,” $20.00 ($24.00) 4025272 “A Salty Dog’s Respite,” $32.50 ($39.00) 4025273 “Green Bean Casserole & Pumpkin Pie,” $25.00 ($30.00) 4025356 “Scaredy Crow,” $17.50 ($21.00) 4030701 “Tucker Point Light,” $95.00 ($114.00) 4030702 “Peekytoe Crab Shack,” $80.00 ($96.00) 4030703 “The Dirty Owl,” $85.00 ($100.00) 4030704 “Corwin House,” $85.00 ($100.00) 4030705 “The Lightkeeper’s Hobby,” $20.00 ($24.00) 4030706 “Another Crabby Christmas,” $20.00 ($24.00) 4030707 “To A Good Day’s Fishing,” $20.00 ($24.00) 4030708 “Salem Willows Gate,” $25.00 ($30.00)
NORTH POLE VILLAGE SERIES
4020212 “I Break For Cocoa,” $15.00 ($18.00) 4020951 “Gumdrop Treetop,” $15.00 ($18.00) 4025278 “The Reindeer Stables, Rudolph®,” $90.00 ($108.00) 4025281 “North Pole Bike Shop,” $90.00 ($108.00) 4025282 “Yum Yum Cupcakes,” $50.00 ($60.00) 4025283 “Nana Split’s Ice Cream Parlor,” $90.00 ($108.00) 4025290 “How Bubble Lights Get Bubbles,” $25.00 ($30.00) 4030712 “Star Brite Glass Ornament Shop,” $95.00 ($114.00) 4030715 “Katie’s Candied Apples,” $75.00 ($90.00) 4030718 “The Polar Plunge Warming House,” $85.00 ($100.00) 4030722 “Nice Save,” $15.00 ($18.00) 4030723 “Christmas Toys On Schedule,” $20.00 ($24.00) 4030724 “Santa’s Little Dipper,” $15.00 ($18.00) 4030726 “Another Perfect Snow Cone,” $17.50 ($21.00) 4030727 “Santa’s Polar Plunge,” $27.50 ($33.00) 4030729 “North Pole Nativity,” $25.00 ($30.00) 4035575 “Rebel With A Dog,” $22.50 ($27.00) 4035576 “Knucklehead On A Mission,” $17.50 ($21.00) 4036541 “Baby Doll Boutique,” $75.00 ($90.00) 4042390 “North Pole, The Magic Of Christmas,” $89.00 ($107.00) 799959 “Welcome To The North Pole,” $20.00 ($24.00) 808927 “Best Dressed Snowman,” $27.50 ($33.00)
THE ORIGINAL SNOW VILLAGE SERIES 4016902 “Lynnhaven,” $85.00 ($100.00) 4025318 “Grandpa’s Garage,” $75.00 ($90.00) 4025324 “Hog Heaven,” $35.00 ($42.00) 4025327 “Grandpa’s Little Helper,” $23.50 ($28.50) 4025331 “Snow Village Cars, 2 Assorted,” $25.00 ($30.00) 4030736 “Deep Blue Car Wash,” $120.00 ($144.00) 4030739 “Loon Lake Bait Shop,” $85.00 ($100.00) 4030747 “Support Your Polars!,” $23.50 ($28.50) 4030748 “Loon Lake Champion,” $27.50 ($33.00) 4030749 “Hot Pizza, Fast!,” $23.50 ($28.50) 4035580 “Harley-Davidson® Detail Shop,” $120.00 ($144.00) 4035582 “Bob’s Truck Stop,” $95.00 ($115.00) 4035583 “Keeper of the Flame,” $25.00 ($30.00) 4035585 “A Harley® Legend,” $17.50 ($21.00)
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4036563 “Harley® Racing Headquarters,” $115.00 ($140.00) 4036566 “Stratford,” $95.00 ($115.00) 4036568 “Village Health Club,” $110.00 ($132.00) 4036573 “Harley-Davidson® Race Ready,” $32.50 ($39.00) 4036574 “Harley-Davidson® Top Speed!,” $32.50 ($39.00) 4036576 “First Class Job,” $20.00 ($24.00) 4036581 “Santa Comes To Town, 2014,” $40.00 ($48.00) 4036582 “Oh My!,” $27.50 ($33.00) 4042406 “Snow Village, The Magic Of Christmas,” $89.00 ($107.00) 804453 “An Angelic Scene,” $17.50 ($23.00) 804454 “A Letter To Santa,” $15.00 ($19.50) 805503 “Our Lady Of Grace Church,” $100.00 ($130.00)
THE ORIGINAL SNOW VILLAGE HALLOWEEN SERIES
4020238 “Git Offa My Train,” $18.50 ($22.50) 4022432 “Rickety Railroad Platform,” $55.00 ($66.00) 4025337 “Mordecai Mansion,” $135.00 ($162.00) 4025341 “Hilda’s Witch Haunt,” $75.00 ($90.00) 4025349 “Hilda,” $17.50 ($21.00) 4025350 “Hold Still...,” $27.50 ($33.00) 4028711 “Haunted Rails Sleeper Car,” $60.00 ($72.00) 4030756 “Dolly’s World Of Hypnosis,” $120.00 ($144.00) 4030760 “Hemogoblin Blood Bank,” $115.00 ($138.00) 4030762 “Haunted Rails Grain Elevator,” $85.00 ($100.00) 4030765 “Spellbound By Hypno Girl,” $25.00 ($30.00) 4030767 “Beware Of The Bloodmobile,” $27.50 ($33.00) 4030768 “Wanted: Dead Or Alive,” $27.50 ($33.00) 4030769 “Rats! There Goes My Grain!,” $30.00 ($36.00) 4035590 “No One Rides for Free,” $20.00 ($24.00) 4036593 “Hackmann’s Blacksmith Shop,” $90.00 ($108.00) 4036597 “Is Anyone Watching?,” $26.50 ($32.00) 56.54609 “The Candy Cauldron,” $105.00 ($126.00)
GENERAL HALLOWEEN VILLAGE ACCESSORIES
4020271 “Cursed Fountain,” $30.00 ($36.00) 4025395 “Whack A Zombie, Animated,” $75.00 ($90.00) 4025401 “Bone To Rock,” $35.00 ($42.00) 4025403 “Sell Your Soul, Hearse,” $22.50 ($27.00) 4030782 “Blue, Brown, Or Hazel?,” $18.50 ($22.50) 4033847 “Evil Pumpkin Lampposts,” $27.50 ($33.00) 4033852 “Halloween Sisals, Set of 2,” $25.00 ($30.00) 4033853 “Midnight Sisals, Set of 2,” $25.00 ($30.00) 4033854 “Haunted Branches, Purple,” $30.00 ($36.00) 4038882 “Animated Skulls,” $75.00 ($90.00) 4038887 “Rest in Peace, 2014,” $55.00 ($66.00) 4038918 “Scary Topiary,” $25.00 ($30.00) 810640 “Haunted Rails Crossing Sign,” $22.50 ($27.00) 810641 “Halloween Park Bench,” $5.00 ($6.00)
RICHARD’S VIEWS
BY RICHARD PUCKETT
Excitement by the Numbers! Keep any eye out for “Historic District” pieces
O
ne of the ways Department 56 continues to excite collectors is through the release of hand-numbered limitededition items. As we die-hards know, it all started with the “Dickens’ Village Mill.” As an archivist and historian of the Department 56 product lines, I want to make sure that a special little subset of pieces incorporated into Christmas in the City, titled “Historic District,” doesn’t slip past collectors. In 2012, Department 56 announced the release of “7400 Beacon Hill,” a hand-numbered limited edition of 2,013. It was the first in a continuing series of row houses in the Historic District. The 7400 plays off of the 7400 Flying Cloud Drive address of the headquarters of Department 56 in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Beacon Hill is a nod to the area of upscale homes
“7400 Beacon Hill” (4030346)
by the same name in Boston. In 2013, “755 Pacific Heights” was introduced into the line. It is a hand-numbered limited edition of 2,014. Do you see a pattern in the numbering of these two pieces? The street address comes from the
Department 56 office in Petaluma, California, that also is the home to the Possible Dreams line of figurines. Pacific Heights is a San Francisco neighborhood with lots of Painted Lady Victorian homes, which is the style of this latest piece. The “oh, wow!” moment for me came when I realized that there are fewer of these two pieces than the elusive “Dickens’ Village Mill” (2,500) and the CIC “Cathedral Church of St. Marks” (3,024). So far, the “Dickens’ Village Mill” is the only thing to have escaped my collection. If this numbering system continues (and all indications are that it will), these row houses should be extremely sought-after. So, in a nutshell, if you want a feather in your collecting cap, call a Department 56 dealer, and try to add these to your collection today! ®
EXERCISE CAUTION when removing this piece from the box! The newly released “Downton Abbey” is, by far, one of the most-stately pieces ever introduced by Department 56. Its intricate design and spires do Highclere Castle justice. Collectors should be very careful, however, in removing this piece from the box for the first time. Please consider the following guidelines in an effort to prevent damage to your new treasure: • Stand the box completely upright and remove the sleeve. • Remove the thin foam cover to reveal the facade placed on a sheet of plastic. • Do not grab the plastic and pull from the top—this applies while the piece is upright or on its side. And do not grab the building’s front entry. Doing any of these can cause damage to the spires and/or the attached lights above the doorway.
• Instead, take the plastic, with both hands, from both sides, near the bottom level of the piece, and gently slide it straight out. The assistance of another person would be ideal! • Place a hand over the front of the piece, tilt the box slightly, and let it gently fall straight out onto your hand(s). As you do this, be mindful of the attached lights on the front doorway! ®
“Downton Abbey” (4036506)
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RICHARD’S VIEWS
BY RICHARD PUCKETT
2014 Department 56 Mid-Year Items In Review
“Dickens’ Village, The Magic of Chistmas” (4042397)
B
ack in the spring, Department 56 announced the 2014 MidYear Introductions along with this year’s marketing theme, “The Magic of Christmas, A Holiday Tradition!” As an avid collector, I feel that Department 56 has once again given collectors some very creative product offerings, along with a few surprises and additions. Below are my highlights. All of the new products can now be found for review on the Department 56 website, dept56.com, and by now have reached retail stores’ shelves.
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The Magic of Christmas
2014 brings several changes to holiday sets as we have known them. First is the packaging. The outer wrappers have been designed in storybook format, and the inside flap tells the magical story of each building. This year, there is an individual “Holiday Special” lit-piece offered for the three topselling Christmas lines of The Original Snow Village, Dickens’ Village, and North Pole, with a suggested retail price of $89. Each item has a very detailed interior of
the highest quality that features a scene with Santa as the focal point. Unlike in years past, there is one common accessory, “Santa’s Magic Sleigh,” designed to complement each of the three individual village houses. From a marketing point of view, this is a great strategy and a bold move. Personally, I get it! Having seen all of the pieces in person, online images don’t truly do them justice, and the sleigh is a perfect addition to all. There will also be a four-piece “Magic Landscape” offered, which includes two trees,
“Fisher-Price Fun Factory” (4036546)
snow, and road. Some of the new Department 56 Platinum Retailers are offering it free with the purchase of the other items.
Alpine Village
The addition of “The Pretzel Booth” and “Market Square Town Tree” provides a great opportunity to create stand-alone vignettes or central market areas for all of the Christmas Market Booths that have previously been offered. The “Market Square Town Tree” also appears to be easily adaptable to any of the Heritage Villages, including Christmas in the City, Dickens, North Pole, and New England. I know that I will be doing just that. Complementing the market is another accessory, “Alpenhorn Serenade,” that features two Alpenhorn players and their trusty St. Bernard. This piece, displayed with other previously issued accessories, would add to a very lively and busy area. I can’t wait to see this collection continue to grow!
Dickens’ Village Twelfth Night
“The Three Hens Market” grocer and its coordinating accessory, “Helping Mother Hen,” have been incorporated into a new sub-series of Dickens’ Village called “Twelfth Night.” This slipped right past me in the new “2014 Village Book.” At first, I was confused into thinking that it was tied to William Shakespeare and not Charles Dickens. “Twelfth Night,” in this instance, represents the coming of the Epiphany and the period following the Twelve Days of Christmas. Therefore, it’s a perfect and natural fit! This new sub-series now includes the previously issued “Partridge & Pear” and “Dovington Chapel,” along with their coordinating accessories. Naturally, this will be expanded to encompass all 12 days. And, for Dickens’ Village collectors, won’t this be a great way to
incorporate the previously released 12 Days of Christmas accessories? My mind is already stirring over a vignette. The new “Dickens Village, The Magic of Christmas” lit-house has the address of 1224 Cornhill above the doorway. Like the other “Holiday Specials,” it features a familiar bearded fellow tipping a pint of cocoa for the holiday. This piece’s architecture is a great addition to Dickens’ Village and a sure musthave for all of us Dickens buffs.
“Market Square Town Tree” (4042392)
North Pole
WOW! WOW! WOW! I don’t know what else to say! If you have children or grandchildren, one of the latest licensing agreements is with Mattel Europa B.V. and its Fisher-Price line! “The Fisher-Price Fun Factory” is one elaborate piece that incorporates the best features of some of that firm’most popular toys! Tom Bates has, once again, outdone himself with the unique and accurate details of this
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RICHARD’S VIEWS
“Santa’s Magic Sleigh” (4042422)
piece. He shared with me recently that he had a lot of fun designing this piece! I think it will be one of the hottest items offered for this entire year—without a doubt! The coordinating accessories, “Fisher-Price Toys” and “Fisher-Price Lil Farmer,” portray Santa’s littlest helpers playing with some of my children’s most favorite toys, as well! I am really excited about all of these additions, as you can tell. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of a longterm relationship that will include other buildings and accessories from their many different lines. Harley-Davidson has its second entry into the North Pole with the new “North Pole Harley-Davidson.” Santa can now ensure custom-built motorcycles for all of the good girls and boys—young and old! It has two coordinating accessories, “Snowbike Like a Harley Bike” (gotta love it!) with a snow cycle and the Harley-Davidson logo under construction, as well as “Trike Load of Christmas.” The old Elf Bunkhouse appears to 28
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have been recently remodeled and expanded this year with the addition of the “North Pole, The Magic of Christmas” lit-piece. It has an interior scene that shows Santa stuffing the stockings of his trusted elves while they sleep. The architecture of this piece, featuring hanging stockings, jackets, and peppermint-trimmed windows, makes it a natural must-have for North Pole die-hards!
The Original Snow Village
A gray clapboard-style house is featured in the “Snow Village, The Magic of Christmas” lit-piece. Just like the other two holidayexclusive pieces, Santa is making a special delivery at the tree of this beautifully pine-garlandtrimmed home. Skates are drying outside along with the family sled from a day in the snow while the occupants are nestled and waiting for Christmas morning. The National Lampoon Christmas Vacation expands with the addition of “Todd and Margo’s House.” They
are the new-age, yuppie couple who get the loving surprise of Clark’s new tree crashing through the window! They are also featured in their own accessory “Shopping With the Chesters.” The Coca-Cola licensing agreement appears to remain strong with another creative addition in the form of “Coca-Cola Corner Fountain.” It features a huge Coke bottle on the front (nope, it doesn’t bubble!) of this corner store and coordinates with the accessories “Coke Break” and “Things Go Better With Coke.” The new Chow Town Series in The Original Snow Village gets accessory additions to “La Fiesta Restaurante.” These include “La Fiesta To Go Truck,” “Fiesta Al Fresco,” and “La Fiesta Feast.” A one-of-a-kind repainted variation of the restaurant, food truck, and mariachi band was won by a lucky bidder during the live auction at the NCC Region 8 Roundup in San Antionio in September.
“Toxic Waste Car” (4042419) “HD Juneau Ave. Water Tower” (4042421)
Snow Village Halloween
I have said it before and I, laughingly, say it, again: Snow Village Halloween designer Scott Enter is having w-a-a-a-ay too much fun with Halloween! There is a new addition to the “Haunted Rails Train” in the form of a train car titled “Toxic Waste Car” and a clearly spirited guy who has no-doubt been “Testing the Toxins.” I will just leave it on the tracks with this one! Retailers are saying that these pieces were flying off the shelves like bats at Halloween.
Christmas In the City
Harley-Davidson is really expanding in the Christmas in the City line with another building and accessory that feature a very important figure in Harley- Davidson history! The litpiece “Otto’s Harley Tavern” and coordinating accessory “Otto Walker H-D Champion” directly relate to the famous Harley racer of the early 1900s who was one of the first Harley factory
riders. He set numerous speed records and in 1921 was the first rider to win a motorcycle race with an average speed of over 100 miles per hour! There is also another accessory with a blondehaired female rider (do I dare say motorcycle momma?), titled “My Way on the Highway.” Another new business is working the streets of Christmas in the City in the form of a meal truck providing lunch meals for the many busy, onthe-go city people. I wouldn’t be too surprised if “Hollie’s Lunch Truck” and its coordinating accessory “Hollie’s Lunch with the Works” could possibly have some special tie to one of the village artists. Can’t wait to get the scoop on this one!
Cross Product
Joining the landscape set and the reindeer and sleigh is the addition of the “HD Juneau Ave. Water Tower.” This accessory is a variation of the exact water tower located at the Harley Davidson
Corporate office in Milwaukee. The factory also is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and this accessory is a great piece that can actually be incorporated with any of the villages that are now sporting Harley-Davidson buildings. Another great design strategy by the artists and marketing team! Without question, the 2014 midyears show a great attention to detail in the pieces and colors, along with new and expanded licensing agreements. All of these pieces have natural ties with the villages and series that they are incorporated into. I truly feel the “Magic of Christmas,” and all of the pieces offered enhance that theme. I have to admit that my mind is spinning over what could be coming in the 2015 lineup that will be announced in December! I have already been privy to a few hints, and the magic is going to continue right into next year. I can hardly wait! ®
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BY STEPHANIE FINNEGAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN-MARIE COTE
COLLECTOR SPOTLIGHT
Honoring His
Heritage Rich Coyne began his Department 56 connection through family ties and fate.
M
any collectors profess a deep, abiding love of Christmas; but for Richard “Rich” Coyne, it goes beyond just a personal preference. He is, in fact, carrying on a proud tradition begun by his grandfather 85 years ago. The need to create, build, decorate, display, and share is part of his DNA, and Department 56 has helped him wade merrily into this holiday gene pool. “A village tradition began in our family when my grandfather built Christmas villages,” the 67-year-old Coyne says. “I started doing it for the family in 1985.” For a decade, the talented plein air painter made the items that populated his family’s holiday hamlet—sculpting and
Above: Coyne created this Dickens vignette to represent the activity in a busy port. Right: Department 56 village enthusiasts Rich Coyne and Gabriele Hoffmann.
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making molds of his own edifices. Then “quite by chance” in the mid-1990s, he wandered into the 225 Building in New York City, which was home to a Department 56 showroom. “I must have seemed like a kid in a candy store,” he says. “I had never seen any Department 56 before.” His exuberance attracted the attention of the showroom’s manager, who asked about Coyne’s wholesale order form. Admitting he wasn’t a retailer or a shop owner, Coyne confessed that he had managed to glide into the showroom by mere happenstance. “The manager sensed my enthusiasm and said, ‘Enjoy looking around.’ About a half hour later, he came up to me again. I had what must have seemed like 100 questions for him. I told him about my grandfather and how I had built a village every year for the family.” Intrigued by this unexpected caller, the manager asked Coyne to come back with snapshots of his creations. Coyne did so, and the result was kismet: “The manager said, ‘I’d like to hire you to work with our designers and do our village showroom displays for this year.’ Stunned, I immediately said yes. I learned a great deal that year from them, and they learned some things from me as well.” That fortuitous and fortunate exchange marked the beginning of his love affair with Department 56 offerings. “Department 56 is, without a doubt, the pride of my collection,” Coyne says. “Their design and craftsmanship are unmatched.” Now living in Bluffton, South Carolina, Coyne shares his home and his hobby with his partner of 10 years, Gabriele Hoffmann. Having grown up in the Bavarian capital city of Munich, Hoffmann was not exposed to Department 56. Over the past decade, she has come to enjoy seeing the creations, but she leaves the concepts and constructing to Coyne. In their townhome, space is often an issue that has to be addressed. Coyne is very handy with carpentry and has an agile mind that lets him figure out spatial solutions. That’s a great talent when one’s collection of buildings and accessories has expanded into the hundreds. Coyne has attracted media coverage over the years. A couple of years back, he received what he considers
Top right: “‘The Yuletide Express’ is heading into the mountains in this photo,” Coyne says about the Dickens display. “I’m not a dedicated model railroader, but I like adding trains to my village when I can.” Middle right: In this city shopping tableau, Coyne creates “Christmas Plaza on the Avenue.” Right: “In this photo, I am showing slow, winding traffic on the snowy streets of the city,” Coyne says.
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One side of Coyne’s “Christmas in the Mall” display is captured here. It includes both North Pole and Dickens’ Village.
the ultimate gift: “I was asked if I would consider building my next year’s Christmas display in a vacant storefront at a local mall. The local papers and television had been to my home any number of times, and people in the community are aware of what I do at Christmas, which is why they contacted me. I said yes, and built a 200-square-foot village that year, using Department 56, scratch-built, and other pieces that I thought were appropriate for the piece. Almost 6,000 people came to see it, and it raised donations for several local charities.” Visitors to the exhibition were delighted by what Coyne had conjured up. “To a person, no matter what kind of mood people were in when they got there, they left with a sense of wonder and a big smile on their face,” he says. The reactions of admiration, appreciation, and amazement are a boost for Coyne. He never tires of hearing how his handiwork has helped lighten the moods and brighten the days of viewers: “I’ve 32
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had 70- and 80-year-old people come up to me after looking at the displays and tell me they felt like a kid again. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy being able to do that for people. The sense of happiness that I experience seeing the excitement, wonder, and the pure joy in the faces of the children that get to see the villages is immeasurable. The joy that it brings to people—young and old—is why I do it and what makes my Christmas so special.” A world traveler (he has been to 47 countries), Coyne has always had an appreciation and affinity for other cultures and other lands. When he was a college student, he majored in history, and the displays he constructs often evoke memories of the places and the people he has discovered in his journeys. If pressed to choose a favorite theme or a penchant for the vignettes, Coyne selects mid-20th century and the Dickensian era of Great Britain. For the fivestar Inn at Harbor Town in Sea Pines, on Hilton Head Island in
South Carolina, Coyne designed a 75-square-foot Dickens landscape, complete with seaport, lighthouse, and even dolphins. He meshed the iconic images of a classic Dickens Christmas with the traits that defined the hotel and its environs. “Folks loved the connection, as did the hotel,” he says. “I think the mid-1900s creates a nostalgic feeling—not only for myself, but for others as well. It is a harkening back to what seemed to be a simpler and happier time. I also love the Dickens Tudor look. I like its historical context and connection to Christmas literature. I appreciate the Alpine Holz Haus style, and also the magic and whimsy of the North Pole,” he says. The retiree’s affection for Christmas is heartfelt and sincere— so much so, it inspired him to write a book about his Noel displays. “I hope to publish it one day,” he says. Additionally, he has sculpted and created a 33-square-foot Nativity, which, he says, “touches the deepest feelings that I have about Christmas.
“‘The London Daily’ is rounding the market into town,” Coyne says. “I am not a model railroader. However, on several occasions, O Gauge Rail-Roading magazine and Classic Toy Trains magazine have used my Christmas village layouts because they liked the displays so much.”
I continue to add pieces to it that fit its scale. One can view several videos and images of mine on the web by entering ‘Richard Coyne Christmas Villages.’” His energy and ingenuity has led him down unexpected paths: “I was contacted by a puzzle company that saw an article about me in a national newspaper a few years ago. Later, they used several images from my villages for puzzles.” Coyne has received private and public acclaim for his building and displaying techniques. It has warmed his heart, but the adulation was never the impetus for his immersion: “I continue to purchase whatever fits my needs and my budgets. I would tell folks who wish to pursue a career or a vocation in this field to always trust their feelings about what it is they want to create. If they do, then that will be communicated, appreciated, and enjoyed by all who see it.” ®
This Dickens scenario showcases folks frolicking on a wonderful winter’s day.
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BY PHIL RENNINGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRALAINA A. BLANKENSHIP
STATE OF THE CITY
Making Tracks
Brooklyn New York, December 22nd, 1945: Part Three
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1 Opposite top left: The Shopper’s Express emerges from the fictitious Brooklyn Midtown tunnel on its way to eastern Long Island, returning happy shoppers to their homes. Opposite top right: The extensive elevated and subway-surface lines converge just east of the Fulton Street Viaduct. Opposite bottom right: This is an overall view of the layout showing the small freight yard at the rail tunnel to Manhattan headhouse. The Christmas special is waiting to be loaded. Opposite bottom left: Another view of the elevated railway. This also shows the steelwork for the future Washington Street El Station. And a row of brownstones has appeared in the background.
B
y 1899, New York’s Long Island had hundreds of miles of railroad track in use. Most tracks terminated on the east bank of the East River in the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn. Passengers journeying on to Manhattan had to board one of the many ferryboats to complete their journeys. Bad weather proved to be obstacles to dependable rapid transit. In 1900, the Pennsylvania Railroad purchased
the Long Island Railroad and then undertook a series of massive projects to improve the system’s reliability and safety. Rail tunnels completed in 1910 beneath both the Hudson and East rivers connected north New Jersey with Manhattan and Manhattan with Queens and Brooklyn. Completion of the tunnels coincided with the grand opening of Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan. Additionally, the early 1900s
saw the formation of Brooklyn Rapid Transit, a holding company designated to consolidate all of the small transit companies operating in Brooklyn. The BRT organized the local commuter rail situation and began building subway and elevated lines in both Manhattan and Brooklyn to expand services. The Fulton Street “El” (elevated railway) was constructed from 1895 to 1915, and sections of it
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STATE OF THE CITY
2
are still in use today. In 1923, the BRT was supplanted by Brooklyn Manhattan Transit Lines. Both the Fulton Street El of the BMT Lines and the Long Island Railroad are represented in my new Department 56 display, “Brooklyn New York, December 22nd 1945.” As I began my planning of this Brooklyn-themed display, it became apparent that there would be many new railroading skills that I would have to learn. I would have to use flex and pre-curved track to emulate the tight curves and close clearances encountered in an urban railway setting. On30 gauge uses standard
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HO track. Flex track requires cork roadbed that is glued to the platform along the path the train will follow, and the track is then glued to the roadbed. I chose Atlas code 100 HO track for this layout. For rolling stock, there is only one choice in On30 gauge to represent older commuter rail transit trains: the Bachmann “Spectrum Rail Bus and Trailer.” The appearance of these units is close enough to the 1930s look to be acceptable in a village environment. Also, these units have Bachmann’s E-Z Command Digital Command Control, which allows individual control of each unit from
a single power pack. Photo 1 (on page 35) shows the E-Z Command control panel and the various lighting remotes that I have placed in a drawer in the side of the display. I’m not going to get into a detailed discussion of how to lay roadbed and track and solder and wire it. There are countless instructional videos and model railroading magazines for that. But I will describe some errors that I made. Even though I laid out most of the track and pinned it to the foam platform—outlining and numbering each piece of track
before pulling it up to lay down and glue the cork roadbed— Murphy’s Law went into effect. Photo 2 shows an area where two tracks were too close, and the trains hit each other when they passed. I pulled up the tracks and moved them ¼-inch farther apart by realigning the curves. Photo 3 shows a curve that was too sharp, causing the train’s wheel flanges to bind against the rails. Again, I had to pull up about 5 feet of track, realign the roadbed, and glue down the track along the eased curve. All trains have a minimum track radius that they can negotiate, and the original curve radius was below the minimum. Photo 4 highlights a rail alignment problem where the tracks go through the Brooklyn Bridge anchorage. Misalignment of a rail joint caused the train to derail. It took me about an hour of work to get the proper alignment and get it soldered in place. Fortunately, the mistakes were in areas of track that won’t be seen. I go by the old carpenter’s adage, “If you can’t see it, it’s not a mistake.” Using the flex track for the large, sweeping curves and fixed-curve track for the sharper turns gave me a design that I feel is indicative of inner-city railroading. The three trains run smoothly and reliably along their loops of track, reinforcing the hustle-andbustle atmosphere in the City that Never Sleeps. The elevated trestle structure for the Fulton Street El was scratch built over several months from pieces of pre-made trestle kits and strip styrene shapes. There will be an El station on the curve approaching the bridge anchorage. Also the trains will be re-lettered with their proper railway logos and numbers. I would like to thank Laura Harris, manager of customer
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service at Bachmann Industries in Philadelphia for her timely assistance. Also thanks to Cynthia Vigini of Winnipeg, Manitoba, for her valuable special project. And, especially, thank you to Tralaina Blankenship, my photographer these many months. Thanks, ladies! As always, if you have any questions or comments, I can be
found on Facebook or email me at villages@pioneermagazines.com. The Spring issue of Village D-Lights will show construction of the infrastructure—streets, sidewalks, canals, etc.—of “Brooklyn New York, December 22nd 1945.” Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year to one and all! ® Winter 2014
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ON DISPLAY
BY LEIGH GIERINGER
North Pole Mini-Display Tips for crafting your own tiny village
T
he North Pole Village is huge if a collector strives to acquire it all. Every year, Dept. 56 adds several new buildings. There are sub-series that make it easier to build a small but complete scene. The reindeer stables and accessories come to mind. The newer train depot with its hopefully expanding set of train engine and cars is a welcome addition to a huge village or as a stand-alone vignette. The Disney Pixar series is fun—and it’s designed as a series for those into the Cars movies, while the Harley-Davidson grouping will make a wonderful section within a huge display, or it can be featured by itself. To build a themed North Pole mini-display, first consider the location and amount of space you wish to use. This space can be configured in one larger area, or split among several locations in the room or around the house. Several minidisplays are quite effective in little nooks, on bookcases and shelves, or on top of or inside cabinets. One theme that intrigues me is toys. Boys and girls of every age can relate, especially at Christmastime. A display can combine many different toy-themed pieces, such as the “Lego Building Creation Station,” “ACME Toy Factory,” and Crayola “Polar Palette Art Center.” These three pieces have strong colors that unite them and shapes that complement each other. Likewise, when making your selections, look for pieces that look good together. The three buildings selected for my mini-display are “Marie’s Doll Museum,” “Teddy Bear Training
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Center,” and “Jolly Fellow Toy Co.” Because it’s the North Pole, there will be plenty of ice and snow. You’ll want to create a plan for your water feature, elevations, and building/ cord placements. Paint the open water areas in shades and tints of blue on a baseboard. In my example, the water feature faces the front center. Then you can roughly position foam pieces to form the surrounding areas. Once the elevations have been determined for your rough design, place the buildings where you will want them in the finished display—this will indicate where cord placements will be required.
Many buildings featured in a small vignette can use Display Anywhere Lighting. These lights are usually not as bright as the corded lights, but they’re easy to use because you don’t have to bury or hide any cords. Some pieces require their own special cords, and these will need to be buried or hidden. In these cases, you can run the cords under a layer of foam by creating a channel in the foam. I used sheets of Hot Wire Foam Factory EPS (expanded polystyrene) Construction Foam for my elevation layering and bergs. I had not used this material before, so I wanted to try it out. It comes in 14x22x2-inch
sheets. Compared with construction foam from home improvement stores, it is smoother and much denser. The advantages are its smoothness, rigidity, and ease of carving. In this material, you can create detailed bricks, cobblestones, rocks, icebergs, or whatever is desired. It is best to glue the foam pieces together prior to carving. I used Hot Wire Foam Factory’s StyroGoo, an adhesive designed for use with foam. Let it sit until it sets firmly before shaping the stacks of foam. The heat of a cutting tool will also help fuse the layers securely. This styrene foam is very dense— too dense to cut well with a kitchen knife. Hot Wire Foam Factory’s Industrial 6-inch hot knife melts it like butter (use it in a well ventilated area). After the general shape is complete, come back with a router tool to do the final detailing. The icy water within the cave was created with Woodland Scenics Realistic Water carefully spooned over the painted base. After it set, another layer was added. This one
had white paint mixed into it to simulate ice, some covered in snow. It was placed near the edges of the icebergs, leaving some blue paint visible to represent open water toward the center. A small amount of light blue glitter added some effective pastel tones. A string of 10 cool-white LED lights, mounted in the cave, gives off a subtle blue cast. A string of blue lights can also be used for a deeper color. With the hardest part now complete, let the fun begin! Get out those accessories. In addition to the Dept. 56 accessories, a Christmas ornament sleigh perfectly complements the “Teddy Bear Training” building. I found the wrapped packages and tiny brown teddy bears at Hobby Lobby. A couple of miniature trains were placed near the toy store. Add other miniature toys to complete your scene. Two seals and painted rocks complete the cave scene. Above ground, the green trees in their decorative urns were dabbed with white paint to fit better in a snowy scene. The plastic reindeer in this village
are well trained. They are free to walk around when they are not hauling the wrapped packages to the holding area in preparation for Santa’s Christmas Eve journey! Once the vignette’s base is built, it can easily be modified. These buildings can be removed and others substituted in their place. Or, it could become part of a much larger display. There are several areas intentionally left flat. It would be simple to add another section and join them with some sort of bridge using similar materials and carving techniques. No one would know the sections were not done at the same time. Next year, some additional toythemed buildings can be added. Or, you can change the theme! Keep an eye out for accessories you can use in the future. ® For more display ideas, be sure to check out my videos and books at villagedisplaytips.net. Write to me at villagedisplaytips@cox.net; 3115 South Price Road, Chandler, AZ 85248. Or call 480-600-6099. Winter 2014
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DISPLAY IDEAS, HINTS, AND OPINIONS
BY DAVID SPEARS
JUST SO YOU KNOW . . . A while back I talked about the 1992 and 2013 intros of airports by Dept. 56. Someone suggested that I could use them together. I didn’t think so. Why would there be two airports close to each other. Well, I received a “just so you know” from a person in the airline industry who said New York has LaGuardia and Kennedy only 30 minutes apart— and the Newark airport is just a short train ride away. I’ll have to rethink it. Now, would it be OK to use airports from Snow Village and Christmas in The City in the same display? . . . The tag says “polystyrene fibres.” To me it looks like a small version of our front lawn—some grass, lots of dirt! It will make a great base for a seasonal display. The brand name is Ashland, and it was on sale at Michaels. We paid 40 percent off the $16 price. The size is 6 x 32 inches. . . . From our friend Linda in Pennsylvania: “I was walking through A.C. Moore’s the other day, and I cut down the wedding supply aisle. I saw a box full of topiary trees, which are supposed to be for name cards but are perfect Village-size trees! The package says Kate Aspen, and they are $1.49 each. I can see them spray-painted Halloween colors too! They are a great deal! I bought six!” . . . Tree-bark cliffs might be something we’ll try this season. I found some bark in a neighbor’s yard that looks like it should work. Some pieces only have to be cleaned up—painting might not be necessary.
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. . . Looking for a root beer? Try “That’s The Spirit,” above—it’s a nice two-wheeled cart from the Dept. 56 New England Village Series. The cart features a canopy, two barrels, and a man serving root beer. I’ll bet it goes well with the “Spirit of ’76 Root Beer” building.
. . . “The Brew House,” left, introduced by Dept. 56 in January, should be popular with several local businesses (and customers). Here in northern Minnesota, we have a whole lot of new craft-beer places. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a display building where you can get your favorite beverage? Maybe even add the name of a local establishment. It’s an attractive building that looks like it belongs in downtown Duluth.
. . . A bottle of Cholula Hot Sauce makes a great accessory for a Southwest display/vignette. The coloring and design are good. The finishing touch is the almost ball-shaped wood bottle cap (it looks classy, and it’s different from other sauce bottles). I even had Linda take a picture of it when we were eating at Azteca Mexican Restaurant here in Duluth.
. . . Linda found some wooden facades at Michaels. The small buildings look like something that could be used in a display background. They’re about 7 inches tall, so you’d have to be clever using them as background with Dept. 56 buildings. Probably raise them up, maybe add trees or bushes in front.
. . . Model Rail is a magazine from England. Paging through an issue, I noticed several trains, accessories, and people that sure look like they could work in a Dickens’ display. I plan to keep reading the magazine. . . . Linda and a girlfriend spent three days of “girl time” in the Twin Cities. She brought me “Waste Managing Dept.,” a garbage truck. Is that exciting or what!
. . . Linda and I went on an all-day bus trip to thrift stores—300 plus miles to visit three locations. Among the things we found is a Southwest facade (I actually think it belongs in our outside Southwest garden—Linda’s not so sure). We also found a small Chinese-style boat and a neat building that will fit in our display. We also found some baskets to hang below our hot air balloons (Christmas tree ornaments) to carry people/elves. Linda also found a teapot that is a house. That will certainly be on the counter when we have our next village open house.
. . . NCC California Gold Gathering, Sept. 11-13, 2015, in San Diego. californiagoldgathering.com ® Your comments and ideas are welcome. Contact me at spears.duluth@juno. com, 105 E. Toledo St., Duluth, MN 55811-2356, 218-724-6148. Winter 2014
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“And so, As Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, every one.” We’ve loved and built our Christmas Village since 1986. Every piece is retired and in its original box. None are chipped or damaged. Many are Limited Edition … Dept 56, mostly Dickens and a few New England Village. 71 lighted pieces and 117 accessory sets. Total low value $6400. Total high value $14650. Sell all or none … you pay shipping. Entire lot = $5000. Email for detailed list. Terri0913@gmail.com
FOR SALE DEPARTMENT 56: 162 HOUSES AND 181 ACCESSORIES, DICKENS, NORTH POLE, DISNEY, ALPINE PLUS A FEW STORY BOOK & SNOW VILLAGE. 16 ARE SPECIALITY HOUSES. D-TAILS TOTAL LOW VALUE HOUSES $9,739 HIGH VALUE $18,866. ACCESSORIES LOW VALUE $3,939 HIGH VALUE $8,909. WILL SELL ALL OR NONE (ENTIRE LOT). $15,000. Email: jking123@austin.rr.com
FOR SALE Create-A-Scene Village Backgrounds $16.95(+sh) 12”x5’9” esquedesigns.net 4 Panels per Set
ADVERTISE IN VILLAGE D-LIGHTS! Contact Ronda Jans at 319-415-5639 or by email rjans@pioneermagazines.com
North Pole, Christmas in the City, New England & Dickens Villages 350 Houses PLUS Accessories All Boxed and in Mint Condition. CALL OR EMAIL FOR LIST: 586-677-1037 ryoung001@comcast.net
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Hand-crafted Accessories for Villages & Dollhouses Hand crafted accessories for&Villages & Dollhouses Hand accessories crafted accessories for Villages Dollhouses We will be busy all WinterHand creating new minis. Keep checking our newly revamped website for new Hand crafted for&Villages & Dollhouses crafted accessories for Villages Dollhouses
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Shop securely from our onlinewww.ourminithings.com www.ourminithings.com Shop securely our online catalog Shop securely from our online catalog www.ourminithings.com Shop securely from ourLike online catalog www.ourminithings.com us onfrom Facebook---Click oncatalog the icon from our webpage us onon Facebook---Click onfrom the icon from our webpage us on Facebook---Click onwebpage the icon our webpage Like us onLike Facebook---Click the our icon from our webpage Like us on Facebook---Click onLike theorders icon from For special call Lottie (717) 334-2072 andleave leave a message For Special orders call Lottie (717) Fororders Special orders call Lottie (717) 334-2072 and leave and a messagea message Special call Lottie (717) 334-2072 leave334-2072 a message For SpecialFor orders call Lottie (717) 334-2072 and leave aand message Mailing address: 1907 Old Harrisburg - -Gettysburg, PA17325 17325 Mailing address: 1907 Old- Harrisburg Road Gettysburg, Mailing address: Harrisburg Road - Road Gettysburg, PA 17325 PA Mailing1907 address: 1907 Old1907 Harrisburg Road Gettysburg, PA 17325 Mailing address: Old Harrisburg RoadOld - Gettysburg, PA 17325
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DEPT. 56 VILLAGES and ACCESSORIES SNOWBABIES • MERRY MAKERS SnowbunnieS • All Through The houSe winTer SilhoueTTeS • upSTAirS beArS
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Mail: 119 Rockland Center, Suite 239, Nanuet, NY 10954
VILLAGE HOT SPOTS
Denny’s Gift Den
3257 100th Street Urbandale, IA 50322 515-276-3599 • Toll Free: 877-633-6647 Email: dennysgiftden@aol.com Some of the brands we carry: Boyd’s Bears, Byers’ Choice Carolers, Cherished Teddies, Department 56 Villages, Harmony Kingdom, Peggy Karr Glass, Precious Moments, Rinconada, Webkinz, Yankee Candles, Willow Tree. We Buy Collectibles! GoodThingsForAllSeasons_Winter2014.pdf
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11/12/14
www.christmastreehill.com 1-800-222-8173 Visit our website for special offers on Department 56 Villages and many other gifts and home accents at great prices. Join our e-mail list for monthly specials and information on new village arrivals. We welcome you to visit our 9 Christmas Tree Hill Stores in York, Camp Hill, Lancaser, Gettysburg, PA and more! See our website for all store information and pictures. Store pictured is in York, PA.
4:50 PM
Good Things For All Seasons 334 S. Main St. Grapevine, TX 76051 817-251-3673 contactus@goodthingsforallseasons.com
FLOWERS & GIFTS GALLERY
Club 56, Gold Key Dealer and Platinum Dealer for Department 56
We carry the following brands: Department 56 All Villages, Accessories, Possible Dreams, Snowbabies, Mark Robert’s Fairies, Elves & Santas, Byers’ Choice Carolers, Old World Christmas, Mary Lake Thompson, Glitterville, Christopher Radko. WE HAVE EXCLUSIVE DEPARTMENT 56 AM SuziesHallmark_Winter2014.pdf 1 11/18/14 8:52 PLATINUM DEALER PIECES! goodthingsforallseasons.com We Ship Worldwide! Mon.-Sat. 10-6, Sun. 11-5
suzie’s hallmark shop
18065 Harwood Ave. Homewood, IL 60430 Ph: 708-799-2810 Fax: 708-799-1475 Gold Key Dealer for Department 56. We carry: Hallmark, Department 56, All Villages and Accessories, Snowbabies, Yankee candles, Willow Tree, Puzzles, Scarves & Purses and much more. All purchases receive points on your Gold Crown Card.
Find us on Facebook.
SuziesHallmark_Summer2014.indd 1
1052 Washington Way • Longview, WA 98632 (360) 423-0450 • Fax: (360) 425-7461 jansenflowers@qwestoffice.net Southwest Washington’s Premiere Department 56 Dealer. Also showcasing Snowbabies, Patience Brewster, Possible Dreams, Jim Shore and Willow Tree. From our local area Glass Eye, Moon Struck Chocolates and Margaret Furlong. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
Jansen_Summer14.indd 1
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11/18/14
3:54 PM
8/18/14 8:56 AM
302 Mill Street, Occoquan, Va. 22125 703-‐494-‐4964 www.goldgoose.com goldgoose@verizon.net A Platinum Dept. 56 dealer with all Villages shown in award winning displays. Snowbabies, Possible Dreams, HuntsatSilverLake_Winter2014.pdf 1 11/12/14 4:20 PM Byers’ Choice Carolers, Pipka, Jim Shore, M ark Roberts, Karen Didion, Fontanini, German Nutcrackers & Smokers, Old World Christmas, and thousands & thousands of ornaments.
Hunt’s at Silver Lake Drug & Gift
8/18/14 8:50 AM
2822 West Erwin Street Tyler, Texas 75702 • 903-526-5556 www.christmasstoretyler.com A few of the brands we carry: Department 56 Villages & Accessories, Grinch, Peanuts, and Disney Villages. Bethany Lowe, Patience Brewster, Steinbach Nutcrackers, Fontanini, Mark Roberts, Pre-lit Christmas Trees in all colors and sizes, Custom wreaths and Garlands. A huge selection of themed trees. GrazianoGardensWinter14.pdf
jansen
Family owned and operated for 43 years!
1510 North Broadway • Silver Lake Shopping Center Rochester, MN 55906 • Ph: 507-289-3901 (800) 552-7197 • Fax: 507-289-2934 E-mail: huntdrug@att.net • www.huntdrug.net We carry the following brands: Hallmark, Enesco, Department 56, Willow Tree, Precious Moments, Demdaco, Baggallini. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
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Hunts_Summer 2014.indd 1
280 Elm Street East Longmeadow, MA 01028, 413-525-6137 • email: cdgraz@verizon.net We carry: Dept. 56 Villages and Snowbabies, Byers' Choice Carolers, Possible Dreams, Willow Tree, Jim Shore, Fontanini, Britto. Call or email with your list. Free shipping on orders over $100
8/18/14 8:42 AM
37597 Niles Blvd. Fremont, CA 94536 Ph: 510-791-0298 • Fax: 510-791-2358 crystalaer@comcast.net • www.crystalaerie.com We carry the following brands: Harmony Kingdom, Byers’ Choice Carolers, Munro Faerie Glen and Dragonsite, Lenox Classics, Walt Disney Classics, Disney, all Department 56 Villages, Ne'Qwa Ornaments and much more! Check our website for harder to find, older village pieces!
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Winter 2014
Village D-Lights
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Village Word Search
PUZZLE
By Matt Gaffney
Find and circle these Snow Village
pieces that Department 56 retired 30 years ago (December 1984). Note:
Some of the Word List names may be printed backward and/or diagonally in the puzzle. Good luck! WORD LIST
CENTENNIAL HOUSE FIRE STATION GINGERBREAD HOUSE HOMESTEAD MONKS-A-CAROLING PIONEER CHURCH SKATING POND SWISS CHALET VICTORIAN COTTAGE VILLAGE CHURCH WOODEN CLAPBOARD
Submitted by: Name
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9 + < / . + , 8 ; / ) 7 < = 8 * 2 $ ( 9 , / ; % + =
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. / & & $ : = $ 4 5 4 = ) $ 2 9 + 7 . , 8 + < 2 0 '
* , ; 3 9 0 ' 3 ) 2 $ : + & 2 . 5 4 8 2 1 ) ; 8 = )
2 ) 6 & / & 5 9 & 0 & 1 7 < % < + 1 ; * , * = 1
4 3 5 ' < 4 * / , $ 5 $ $ 0 ; 3 / : ( ) ( 5 1 = (
' 5 = & 6 6 ' 0 ) 8 , 3 4 6 1 * $ $ : ( 5 1 & 4 5 <
% ; 8 8 < < ; + 5 , . * + . , 5 ) / 5 ' 8 / ; 8 ;
The prize for the winner of this issue’s Word Search contest is “Nephew Fred’s Flat” (56.55573), a retired Department 56 Dickens’ Village Series piece.
Deadline: Entries must be received no later than Feb. 1, 2015. One winner will be randomly selected from the valid entries.
Address City State
, 7 ) 8 * / . + 8 1 4 ; 8 1 / 3 = = ( ) ; 7 3 2 ,
To Enter: Complete the puzzle and send it (or a photocopy, a scan, or a photograph of it) to: Village D-Lights Word Search, 300 Walnut St., Suite 6, Des Moines, IA 50309; fax 515.246.0398; email villages@pioneermagazines.com.
Zip
Phone Email
5 % ; 6 5 ; & 2 2 . 6 * 1 1 1 , < ) & 3 ' : ' 0 -
1 . 5 6 1 / ( 7 ) $ < 2 1 ) * 2 < / + 1 1 ( ; * 5
; < 8 / : * & 5 * 1 . , ( 0 < ( = 0 < 8 $ ( 2 8 , '
7 ) . 0 $ , 8 ; 0 , 7 7 ( $ 5 * . ; 5 7 < ' = 1 &
7 * , / 9 . 6 = ; $ 1 3 9 * ; % ' = : & . , 4 2 9 (
& / 4 & . = 6 7 ( ' + 3 & 8 5 ; % . + 7 9 3 ' 2 3
) , 5 0 . 3 4 6 & 0 . ; 6 ; ) ( 2 0 . / $ * 8 * ( :
9 ' $ ( 7 6 ( 0 2 + & 7 < 4 / $ & 6 & < 1 ) : 6 , <
5 , ' 7 5 = = ) $ 6 0 ( ( ' + 9 & , 0 , $ 6 < (
, 8 4 , ; 9 ' : $ $ / , : . + 1 $ 7 8 ; 7 $ 7 7 <
7 = 1 ) 4 % 2 4 * ; / * ( ' + 2 + $ 4 8 8 < 8 ' & =
0 ; ) , $ 6 . 9 7 3 ' ( 3 7 0 8 . . ' , * ( ) 9 9 3
/ * 9 . ) 4 : 1 ; 1 ( 3 7 * 6 3 6 ' 5 . & % $ = .
* $ 2 4 ) 5 9 8 * % ) < , : $ ( 2 ' . = . ) 6 < /
' 1 5 + 6 7 + 2 / ) ( 8 * = 4 3 < ; 9 = , 4 5 ( /
FALL Solution 4 . & 4 & 3 / = + 9 * * ' % 4 2 1 3 & $ + 4 ; $ 5
* , & ; : ' 7 ' = / + * < 6 ' % < ( / ; ( ' = $ 5
7 % / . 1 ' * 7 0 ; / 9 4 + + % $ 5 . & * 7 ( , 2 :
< . < = 8 7 5 & 5 ) , ' % ' 4 ( + * 0 6 & 1 = 7 3
+ ) = 3 ) 3 + 8 * ( $ = 0 7 % 1 4 + $ % + 7 * * % &
2 ' 3 . 6 7 8 ( ' 0 ) * . , . * & = 6 0 9 , ( 1 $
9 < 1 6 , 0 2 6 = 9 8 1 / ' ( % + 5 < < & ( % + 9
; 4 2 : 1 & : 8 4 2 < + 7 : 4 ( 6 8 ) ( < 1 ( ' 0
7 ) , 8 + , 7 2 + = 0 $ 4 6 2 . 5 + 1 ( 8 & + * (
. 1 6 * 9 : 0 + 4 5 & % 9 ' 4 + 5 & 2 ( / < ) 0 3 .
4 * 1 0 $ 0 3 0 5 . : = , $ 2 0 & ' ' < $ 9 / 6 5 3
; * $ 3 $ 7 5 5 & $ $ 4 6 ( + 4 4 ( 4 $ 5 6 % % 1 -
+ ( 0 ) : 4 $ . 0 2 1 7 * 3 ; 2 7 ( 9 ( ) : * 7 <
. 3 , & $ 4 / ) 7 2 , 0 % 3 ) 8 1 1 = 5 % ' ( 7 % ;
, 9 $ 7 2 % 4 < + < ' 6 2 % , % % 8 = ) & * 8 1 0 -
< & 9 $ 5 ( . ) 0 $ * ' : 5 2 1 $ 0 < / 6 0 , 5 *
9 3 ( % / 9 * 2 < = 5 $ 5 2 < 2 + ( + . & = 9 / &
3 0 ' / : 1 6 2 * $ / = = ; 1 7 < ( ; ; : ' ( % 0 2
; 3 5 $ % $ $ 3 ) : 4 % 5 & 9 & + : 2 1 / 2 7 < 9
4 1 2 , 7 $ 7 6 ' $ 2 5 / , $ 5 < 7 ( . & , 5 & 1 $
+ : 0 8 3 7 / 6 * + 2 8 / 6 & + 2 2 / ; & 4 8 ; 5
2 5 , < 7 & , = ) 4 3 6 / 7 ; < . 7 6 < 4 3 ' ' %
= 7 , * < ' = ) = = = 8 5 4 ' ' 3 + / ; . 0 . 1 2 &
* * : 4 9 ( 5 0 2 & ' ) . ; $ ; 4 7 & 0 / ( / + 0
+ 5 < 7 . ; ) * ; ) ) % < + / 1 1 . : ; 1 / 0
. 3 7 3 0 3 . ( 6 / 2 3 % + 1 ; 7 1 ; . ; + 2 4 <
WINNER FROM THE SUMMER ISSUE Elizabeth Mrenak from Eighty Four, Pennsylvania Congratulations, Elizabeth!
No Purchase Necessary. One entry per person or household. Puzzle must be completed correctly to be a valid entry. Village D-Lights and Department 56 are not responsible for lost, incomplete, illegible, misdirected, misdelivered or delayed entries. This offer void where prohibited or restricted by law, and is subject to all applicable federal, state and local rules. Odds of winning depend on number of valid entries received. Winner responsible for all taxes resulting from receipt of prize.
44
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