A few more photos of the Christmas 2016 Villagescape

It's been quite awhile since I've posted to this blog, and my intent in publishing and maintaining this blog has changed since that time. I now create Christmas and Autumn Villagescapes for the sheer enjoyment of doing so. This is the most recent layout I designed and unveiled during this past Christmas holiday season. The video was filmed and produced by my stepson, Ryan Foss, and wonderfully allows me to share the passion for creating these miniature villages with all of you. Turn your sound up when viewing the video below. 

It's been awhile since I've posted anything on here, having moved to the east coast of the United States to attend Physical Therapy. I have never lost the passion though for villagescaping, and hope to one day soon continue exploring new designs and layouts for my Villagescapes

Having relocated to New Hampshire, I've been fortunate to be exposed to some of our country's greatest visual treasures, as this part of the country is running over with historical inspiration.  Much of my design work has been inspired by the natural beauty that fortunately has been maintained in this part of the country.

Henniker, New Hampshire

Finally getting a chance to witness that part of our country where it took root.  Moved to New Hampshire recently to attend grad school and was pleasantly amazed by the overwhelming scenery everywhere.  They get their share of rain, and the snow season is approaching.  Right now we're going through the fall change of colors.  I've included a few pics as examples.  I'm getting a lot of inspiration for the next Villagescapes I do, especially the Harvest version.

Sunapee Village, New Hampshire

For those of you looking for new ideas to spruce up your next Christmas Village, consider adding landscaping detail to your shoreline or streamside in the form of reeds that populate these areas in real landscapes. Here's a photo I took just yesterday along a creek showing what I'm referring to.

THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE BY MELISSA ANN GOODWIN: Sequel to The Christmas Village

Great news from Melissa Goodwin announcing the writing of a sequel to her successful book "The Christmas Village"

THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE BY MELISSA ANN GOODWIN: Sequel to The Christmas Village: Yes, it's true! So many of you said that you hoped I would write a sequel to The Christmas Village and that's what I'm doing! It will take ...

The Christmas Village: The Best Christmas Present Ever!

The Christmas Village: The Best Christmas Present Ever!: I received this wonderful note in my email the other day! Dear Miss Goodwin, My name is Peter and I am in the 3rd grade. My mother just ...

(Came across this while searching for village-related things) Wish this book was out when I was a kid.

Inspiration for Villagescapes by Village Fantasies

The inspiration for our Villagescapes that this kind of scenery provides is spectacular. Our snowed in street in Arrowbear Lake

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Heartland Valley Water Mill is Back

Villagescape showing Heartland Valley Village Water Mill

It's back. We're so happy to see that Ace Hardware has contracted once again to carry the Heartland Valley Village Water Mill during the holiday season.  This was hard to find anywhere previously.  We have since painted the wheel of our only working model in a dark brown for a more realistic appearance.

You'd be hard-pressed to find another miniature mill anywhere that has a working wheel that uses real water.

Some New Villagescape Inspiration for Village Fantasies

A day after we moved to Arrowbear Lake we received an early season light snowfall. Our first gift of inspiration to come.

A neighborhood view from home

Downtown Arrowbear Lake

A Big Move for Village Fantasies

We'll be making a big move to a new setting at month's end to the scenic and very inspirational San Bernardino Mountains here in California.  We're moving to the small hamlet of a town called Arrowbear Lake nearby the more well known Running Springs.  Arrowbear Lake is as the name signifies, half way between Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead.  We're looking forward to the majestically forested canyons and peaks providing multitudes of inspiration for many a Villagescape to come. Pray for us though and our sanity as we make this trip up the hill.

Apple Season in Historic Oak Glen

The fall season hasn't officially arrived here in Southern California, nor the cooler temperatures that typically accompany it, but that's no reason for the arrival of the apple season to be held up in historic Oak Glen, nearby in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains.  Things are in full swing with all of the local orchards and vendors offering a multitude of local apple varieties for sale, in addition to entertainment, great food, and fun away from the hectic pace of city life below.  If you haven't checked out what Oak Glen has to offer, it is well worth the trip.  

A Return to Elgin Park

I thought this was worth a repost.  Take a minute to check out Michael's talents at bringing a miniature world to life.  I can appreciate his skills. Our mutual fascination for detailing the villagescapes of yesteryear tells me we're cut from the same cloth.  Everything in his photos are miniature except for backdrop trees and skies.  Amazing work. Check it out.  http://elginpark.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Elgin-Park/11485172_4X4fK8#809002693_VNe7n

A Return to 1906 San Francisco

This is quite a magnificent tour down Market Street in San Francisco just days before the horrific earthquake in 1906 that destroyed much of the city.  From watching the way the cars and people darted in front of the cable car, this is way before drivers training and pedestrian crosswalks were created. Enjoy.

Why Christmas Villages

Someone asked me once, "Why are you so interested in designing and displaying Christmas Villages for others to see?" My answer to the question wasn't preplanned, scripted, or sugar-coated.  It was one of passion and of shear love for the history of our country and its beginnings.  There is a reason why I choose to depict scenes from out country's earliest days in my village displays.  I was the kid in school who loved reading about American history.  I wished we had spent more time though on the pioneering and Colonial periods.  That could be the essence of what pushes me to a sense of realism in my village displays, and depicting true to period decor and dress.