Christmas Village Luminary Church - handmade from layers of classic watercolor paper, folds to store
$158.00
Ready to sprinkle some twinkling magic over your mantel for the holidays, or all year round? The statuesque half-timbered church, glowing with gentle light through its many diamond-paned windows, is just the thing.
It's a perfect centerpiece for any of my Christmas villages, here: https://belgianpaperworks.etsy.com?section_id=31496937
Small enough to fit anywhere, yet detailed enough to create a striking statement, its countless features make it irresistible -- with its finials, layer upon layer of intricately cut trim, and even the deeply inset grand doorway, it is by far my most elaborate piece to date.
DESIGN
I use creamy, cold-pressed watercolor paper (acid-free and very strong) as the foundation for each piece. Then, I assemble every luminary by hand, adding layers of meticulously cut paper until every piece is literally ready to shine. Layers enhance its strength and durability, too. And I always cut with a blade, never a laser, so no matter how closely you look, you will never find a "toasted" edge in my work. Zoom right in to see every crisp detail.
SET UP & STORAGE
Your luminary church will arrive fully assembled. All you need to do is pop it up and put the tabs through the slots - no glue or tape is required. Tuck in the LED tea light included with US shipments, and sit back to enjoy the glow.
At the end of the season, simply fold your church back into its small shipping box and slip it into a drawer until next time. They take up almost no space, because no one needs more bulky stuff to store. (Because of its unique steeple design, this piece is thicker than most when folded -- close to 1".)
SUSTAINABILITY
Here in Northern California, sustainability is a way of life. Please see my FAQs or About section for information on my sustainability practices. Thank you.
Got questions? Send them my way and I'll get right back to you.
~Use flameless LED lights only.
~Listing is for one church; village is available separately.
© 2020 Anne Louvau, all rights reserved. Usage, reproduction, or altering of artwork is not permitted without permission. Each piece of artwork is an intellectual property and is protected by copyright law.
Shipping from United States
Processing time
2-3 weeks
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery
Conditions of return
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Questions about your order?
Please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Privacy policy
Information collected when you purchase from Belgian Paperworks will only be used to process your order.
All payments are handled through Etsy’s third-party payment processor and/or Paypal. Other than the amount of your order, your financial information is never shared with Belgian Paperworks.
Personal information, including name, address, email, and other details of your order will be shared with shipping providers as needed to deliver your order to you, and will never be shared with any other third party. For the purposes of maintaining the shop owner’s tax records, your information will be retained for a period not to exceed seven years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How I make my paper houses
I use creamy French watercolor paper, beautifully textured and very strong, as the foundation for each building.
I cut meticulous details with a blade, not a laser -- this means every cut is crisp and beautiful, never "toasted".
Everything is hand-assembled, with some luminaries having as many as nine layers, or close to 80 pieces.
Finally the most delicate bits are reinforced until every house is, literally, ready to shine.
The finished houses are folded flat for shipping and storage.
Your paper lanterns may differ slightly from the photos. As each one is made especially for you, every building is unique.
Set up instructions
Your pieces will arrive fully assembled. All you need to do is pop them up and put the tabs through the slots - no glue or tape is required. Tuck in the LED tea lights included with US shipments, and sit back to enjoy the glow.
At the end of the season, simply fold your luminaries back into their small shipping box and slip them into a drawer until next time.
They take up almost no space, because no one needs more bulky stuff to store.
The surprising durability of folding paper lanterns
Far thicker than traditional card stock, my 140 pound French watercolor paper is not only beautiful, it is strong.
With this mighty paper for a foundation, my buildings are designed to last for years. And unlike ceramic or wooden Christmas villages, these resilient paper lanterns are more likely to survive an accidental fall from a mantel, or from curious little hands.
Storages tips
Paper naturally absorbs humidity from the air over time, so it's important to stow your houses in a dry location with a constant temperature.
An interior space, such as a closet or a small box under the bed, would be ideal.
Then, when you pull your houses out next winter, they will be fresh and ready to go. Or, to glow!
Sustainability
Here in Northern California, sustainability is a way of life at home as well as in my business. I am proud to say that my studio is largely powered by geothermal energy.
I constantly search out papers from climate-mindful mills sharing my concern for our planet, including papers that are FSC-certified, CO2-neutral, or Cradle-to-Cradle Certified Silver. And because my papers are acid-free and archival, they'll last for decades.
My ornaments are created from the paper offcuts left after cutting larger pieces, allowing me to substantially minimize waste in the studio. And because my luminaries fold flat and ship in a small box, they require significantly less shipping materials (and less transport fuel) as they make their way to you.
Reviews (10)
Average:
Dec 10, 2023
Stunning detail, the perfect addition to any holiday decor!
Carolyn Powers
Jan 14, 2023
Love the half-timbered cathedral! Very well made and I can only imagine how much work goes into making it. I have a book shelf that is in a darker part of a room. I put the cathedral on the shelf and it gives out a very cosy feeling. I am saving up for a village next! Thank you Anne for a lovely piece of art.
Ove Veggerby
Nov 26, 2022
Just beautiful and elegant. This was my 3rd or 4th order as I keep adding to my collection. I just love the way they all come wrapped. So classy.
Dianne Joy
May 18, 2022
Absolutely stunning! The church is so intricate and beautiful! I’m so lucky to have been able to buy this beautiful heirloom. Anne is exceptional at what she does!
Mitchell Serrato
Mar 16, 2022
I absolutely love my Belgian paperworks Christmas village. Adding to it a piece at a time. I'm tempted to leave it assembled and displayed all year round! Anne is so pleasant to deal with; and was kind enough to send me pictures of the item in process.
Sandra Levin