An Erzgebirge Christmas Village

Auction catalogs have frequently been a source of inspiration for me. A couple of years ago, in a toy auction catalog, I found photos of old

Vintage toy Erzgebirge village set in an auction catalog.

Vintage toy Erzgebirge village set in an auction catalog.

Erzgebirge village sets, complete with tiny trees and their original chip-wood boxes and wondered how hard it would be to make something like that in 1/12 scale.

I looked on-line for more photos and eventually bought a set of

A vintage Erzgebirge set on E-bay.

A vintage Erzgebirge set on E-bay.

vintage buildings and trees on E-bay. With some actual pieces in my hands, I started digging around in my bag of wood scraps. With a scrap of basswood stock wedged in my mitre box I was able to use my handsaw to cut a decent roof line. Basic

Miniature Erzgebirge buildings (houses are approximately 1/4" wide) in front of a vintage toy Erzgebirge church.

Miniature Erzgebirge buildings (houses are approximately 1/4" wide) in front of a vintage toy Erzgebirge church.

craft paints worked to give them color, and another small piece of wood served as a ‘stamp’ to add window and door blocks of color to the basic shapes. A fine paintbrush added window and door frames and mullions. Not easily.

My little buildings still seemed to be lacking something, so, using light card stock, painted, I cut roof panels to overhang the edges just slightly.

I experimented with churches and barns and even tried trees shaved from a toothpick. The ‘chip-board boxes were made from card stock and brown paper.

One Response to An Erzgebirge Christmas Village

  1. Corky says:

    I love the little ‘little village’ you created. Not only is it fun for Christmas, it can spread into January and February as well. Always good to have extended seasonal decor!

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