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Monday, December 7, 2015

"Village Churches" Mini Makeover

I think many of us collected the various "Village" Houses and Churches back in the late 90's. I know that I concentrated on finding just the white churches, without giving in to the obsession of collecting a whole village of people, shops, churches, houses, and figurines. Last thing I needed was one more "collection" of anything...






So, the lighted churches won out.
But, I would look at the boxes packed away each year
 when it came time to decorate for Christmas.
They took up a lot of space so I only used them a few times.

Do I put them in a garage sale, 
or do I try to make them work with my decor.


Here are the "befores" of 2 that I decided needed a mini makeover.



As I started going lighter in my decor,
 the darker color of the rooftops that were so predominate
didn't appeal to me.

Nothing that a little coat of white paint couldn't fix.



...and here they are "after".






Here they are on the mantel, with my Holly Topiaries,
some faux greenery, and a Hurricane Globe with Candle and Poinsettias.






 I'm glad I made the effort to be able to use them again.









and here they are lit up at night.




I like them so much better, now that they blend in with the white and snowy theme.



YAY, My "O Come, All Ye Faithful" Merry Christmas Mantel!



I love imagining them with a cozy group inside on Christmas Eve,
singing carols and lighting candles.


Are you still using your "villages" or have you "retired" them by now?


Please come by and link up to the Party
starting Tuesday Evening at 6:00 pm Central.



Joining in Here:

Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings
Show and Share at Coastal Charm
The Scoop at Stone Gable
Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Share Your Style at 21 Rosemary Lane


 xoxo,





18 comments:

  1. Great idea, Debra! These are now perfect for your home.
    Happy holidays.
    Sherry

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  2. Those are so pretty! I love that you gave them a facelift so you could love them again. They look so pretty lit up at night.

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    1. that's exactly how I felt. If I didn't do it, I would have let them go. so glad I didn't!

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  3. Love the churches...and they look fab on the mantle. I love your Monogram on the mantle wreath, is that custom or did you just buy that somewhere, Thanks for the good ideas, Sandi

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sandi, I bought it from a shop on Etsy. Elegance Letters, here's the link. https://www.etsy.com/shop/EleganceLetters. I sanded and painted it myself. Love it, and it stays there on the mantel all the time.

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  4. LOVE, love your Christmas churches, Debra! I also prefer the white and yours really are sweet. Thank you for sharing them with us.

    Christmas blessings,
    Sandi

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  5. Hi Debra,
    I used to have an entire village but they are now long gone. Wished I would have kept them after seeing your makeovers. Love the little churches and they look so pretty on your mantle.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  6. They're really pretty! You were smart to stick with one type of collection.
    Brenda

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  7. What a great idea. I really just thought about doing that to one of my houses recently but I felt so guilty. That is funny that they are a 90s collectible, I have one from the 90s but the rest of mine were collected around 2009. I'm always late to the party, I guess. I love your mantel. It must be so pretty at night.

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  8. Your churches have a nice cottage look now that you've whitewashed them, Debra. They look so pretty lit up at night and you don't have to light any candles!

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  9. Wow, what a transformation! That largest church is absolutely beautiful! Believe it or not, this is one collection I do NOT have! Your deep mantel is the perfect place for those, Debra. Lucky you to have accessible power there.

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  10. What a fabulous idea! Mine, too have sat on the shelf in the basement, being under utilized and under appreciated! This makes them worth their $$$ again, and with minimal effort and maximum F.U.N!:-)

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  11. Beautiful mini makeover, Debra! Gorgeous mantel!

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  12. These are just beautiful, Debra...and look so lovely lighted!

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  13. Loving the white churches. I will look for some for next year.
    *Smiles*

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  14. So beautiful!! I love that you rehabbed them rather than retiring them!! What a peaceful vignette!

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  15. How lovely! They all look amazing now and I love how you have then on display.

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  16. Debra,
    Oh, my how lovely the Churches are with a 'lighter' look!!!
    Your mantel is elegantly lit at night, dear friend!!!
    I didn't collect the Villages, new house payment and college tuition hit us in the 90's!!!
    Thank you for sharing yours!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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