San Francisco Victorian Christmas Village House - handmade of beautiful cold-pressed paper, folds perfectly flat to store

Who says a Christmas village has to be, well, a village? This illuminated paper townhouse was inspired by San Francisco’s stately urban Victorians. Small enough to fit anywhere, yet detailed enough to create a striking statement, it’s just right to spark holiday joy or year-round delight. Bask in its cozy warmth after a long day, or send it to a loved one who loves San Francisco. LED tea lights are included with US purchases.

There's a story behind this paper luminary: When the 1906 earthquake struck San Francisco in the hours before dawn, my husband's great-grandmother was a little girl, asleep in her family home. As the house began to dance and shake, a cat suddenly appeared in the children's bedroom. They didn't know where it came from, but they never forgot their brief friendship with that little cat, the perfect distraction on a very intense morning.

Each San Francisco Victorian luminary has a cat in the window. And, because the Victorian is so often purchased in sets of two, I place the cat at different windows throughout the front of the house to keep things interesting.

Somehow, just like that original kitty, it has found its way into several of my other favorite pieces, too.

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 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 box and slip them into a drawer. They hardly take any storage space, because no one needs more bulky stuff.

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.

I ship my luminaries in a thin cello sleeve to protect from winter moisture. If you prefer a paper sleeve, just mention it during check out, and I will happily make that switch.

GIFTING

In need of a gift for someone special? I would be happy to wrap it for you, and even include a handwritten note -- just tell me what you would like it to say.

Got questions? Send them my way.

~Use flameless LED lights only. Do not bring into contact with flame.

© 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.