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Winter Turns to Spring

Village D-Lights Article by Leigh Gieringer

 

Leigh Gieringer is an incredibly talented Department 56 village display artist who had an article featured in Village D-Lights magazine in Winter of 2019-2020 which talked about making a display detailing the transition between Winter and Spring.

spring department 56 display

“Village collectors do not have to feel a void after they box up and put away their Halloween and Christmas villages. Creating a spring themed display is something to consider until those very special holidays return again the following fall and winter. Plus, you can enjoy your villages from a different perspective; and help develop your creative talents.”

-Leigh Gieringer

In the article, Leigh talks about giving your display the appearance of a lower-elevation environment than is typical for village displays, creating a more mountainous look with light snow drizzled on top.

spring department 56 display

She also details the various features that can be carved out of foam, such as cobblestone streets, stone steps, retaining walls, tunnel facings, stone bridges and more.

spring department 56 display
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spring department 56 display
spring department 56 display

Next, she talks about theming and basing which Department 56 pieces you pick off that theme. For this display, she used buildings both with and without snow on them, placing buildings with snow at higher elevations.

spring department 56 display

To read more great village-related articles, subscribe to Village D-Lights by calling (800)765-1690.


Suggested tools/materials for this project:

Pro 8-Inch Hot Knife • Pro Model 3-In-1 Kit (Freehand Router, Sculpting Tool, Engraver Tool) • StyroGooCreate Coat