Half-timbered Christmas village: 6 handcrafted holiday luminaries handmade of heavyweight watercolor paper, folds flat to store
$228.00
It is even Christmas without a merry village brightening the mantle?
If you’ve been wondering the same thing, this handmade paper village, a double-version of my Etsy Design Awards Finalist, is the perfect way to create holiday magic.
Gather the houses into a cozy scene, or sprinkle them throughout your home to be discovered one by one.
It makes a lovely gift for Mom, Grandmother, or a friend. Did someone just move into a new home? Celebrate the first Christmas in their dream house with the gift of holiday cheer!
DESIGN
For 2022 I have reimagined each of these houses, updating timbers and roofs with stunning wood-grained paper. Rich and beautiful, this paper brings buckets of charm everywhere it's featured.
And look closely: the smallest cottages have stone-textured chimneys, the regal townhouses each displays regal shield, and even the shutters are 3D. All roofs are cut from a stunning black timber paper.
If you wish to include the Nordic church, more photos can be found here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/912089571/.
And if you prefer a grander centerpiece, the timber cathedral is here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1103567749/ and here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1073089086/.
This collection includes six houses ranging from 3.75 to 5.75 inches in height, and both churches are 7.5 inches tall.
HANDMADE
I use creamy, heavyweight watercolor paper, acid-free and very strong, as the foundation layer for each piece.
Then I assemble every piece by hand, adding layers of meticulously cut paper until every piece is literally ready to shine. These layers also enhance the strength and durability of each piece.
And I always cut with a blade, never a laser, so you will never see a “toasted” edge in my work.
Zoom right in to see every crisp, clean 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 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.
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.
Got questions? Send them my way.
~Use flameless LED lights only.
© 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
1-2 business days
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 (14)
Average:
Aug 26, 2023
Exactly as shown in the pictures! So cute and perfectly made. Can’t wait to decorate around them for the holidays.
C B
Aug 22, 2023
I love these; I can't wait to put them up during the holidays!
Maya Griffin
Jan 28, 2023
Stephanie Sguigna
Dec 18, 2022
Absolutely beautiful. The seller was very accommodating too! I could not recommend her enough!
Aegis Fate
Dec 15, 2022
Absolutely beautiful! Amazing craftsmanship and design!
Christina Gallagher