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Drop David a note if you read this. He would like to hear from you. Any comments, suggestions, additions, critiques or questions would also be appreciated. Email David at: spears.duluth@juno.com Just so you know! August 31, 2010 www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/homepage.jsp The first of St. Nicholas Square is on Kohl's website. Enter: st nicholas square village - No individual people so far. To be honest, nothing of special interest - yet. Thanks to Stacey for the information. Michael's is offering the Spooky Town Collection 30% off (through September 4). Saw it in an ad in Sunday's newspaper. Hawthorne Village has added another 'theme' On30 train. This one is the 'Civil War Confederate Express.' They describe it as "Rich with authentic period artwork and motifs, the Civil War Confederate Express is just the ticket for history buffs." www.bradfordexchange.com - Although I find the word Bachman anywhere in the ad, it sure looks like the same train many of us have from Dept 56 (just different artwork). Just so you know! August 24, 2010 Linda spotted some puzzles at Target in Duluth/Hermantown (MN). She thought they could make good display/vignette backgrounds. Three that we felt were best suited for our use were from Terry Redlin. They are 'Sweet Memories,' 'Trimming The Tree' (both are outside winter scenes) and 'Times Square.' 12" x 34" for $9.99 (maybe 1,000 pieces). They also had a couple of puzzles with castles and small houses that might also be useable. I would suggest that if you go for a puzzle background, you might want to have someone in mind to assemble it (I did and was I every happy about that). Tinker Bell, from Disneys Lost Treasurers, is a nice set of five Fairies that would work in the right vignette. The set also includes two big 'bugs' that I'm not so sure we can use. The 'Fairies' are about 2 1/2" tall. I'm hoping their wings come off so they look a bit more like people. We saw that at Target Store - $10.09 for the set. Menards in Hermantown (MN) has their Halloween stuff out - including Lemax Spookytown. The same items as the West Duluth Menards, but nothing is lit, or moving, in Hermantown. And also they have a couple of accessories an aisle or two away from the display - not sure why. We bought the new Lemax Spooky Town 'Sword Swallower.' I'm pretty sure that he will work out great in our carnival. He looks like a vampire and comes complete with a scary black cat. Remember to let me know if you see anything village-wise so that I can share the 'knowledge' with others. Just so you know! August 21, 2010 http://happytrailsaz.com is the web site for the Arizona Gathering in 2011. The dates are September 29, October 2, in Litchfield Park, AZ. http://www.ourminithings.com/oriental.htm now has Lemax Rickshaw Rides available (only $7.00). Jean and Lottie found a source for them to fill the requests they've had for them. Linda and I already have three rickshaws, but. We'll see what happens at the September Michigan Gathering. My thanks to Lottie for the information. I'd never heard of a pot topper, but they could be a new addition to our 'ground cover' possibilities. It seems they look like grass. They're used with 'fake' flower displays and available at Michael's. I saw an article in Model Railroader and now we have to see how they work. Lemax 'Spooky Town' is out at the West Duluth (MN) Menard's. Among the 2010 items are a 'lighted billboard,' 'Scary Mailbox,' 'Creepy, Faceless, Ghoul,' 'Spooky Mailman,' 'Werewolf,' 'Sword Swallower ($4.99),' 'Spooky Table' selling pumpkins ($11.99),' 'Soups On!' witches lowering a man into pot ($34.99),' and my favorite, 'Coffins R Us.' That one features four vampire salesman selling coffins(6). Some of the signs say "New and Used," and "Try one on for size." They have six or seven buildings in their display as well as maybe forty accessories/people from previous years. They have a few things not seen at Michael's so it might be worth a visit if you are a Halloween person. I'm not sure the quality is changing with this line. Unfortunately that means some things are OK and others not so good. - My thanks to John Rapacz who gave me the 'heads up' 'cause his store in the Twin Cities had Spooky Town out. I'll bet it's available at other Menards as well. - One more thing, Menard's does have a whole bunch of other stuff for Halloween as well - much more that most other stores we have visited. How about a 'Taco Truck?' Well actually a truck that vendors use to sell tacos. Die-Cast Direct has added a 1:43 scale taco version to go with their ice cream and snack trucks. Not fancy, but for $6.95 (plus shipping) they look pretty darn good in the photo. And I like trucks (and tacos!). You could find at model railroad stores, some 'big box' stores, or www.diecastdirect.com The September issue of Classic Toy Trains has an article on 'Making a fun mining scene.' What attracted my attention was the builder, Peter H. Riddle, using a geode as the inside of the mine. He defined a geode as "hollow rock containing crystals formed from minerals deposited by ground water. The crystals are revealed when the rock is broken open." It's a hole, and sparkles, and looks like a real nice amethyst mine opening to me. He said he found his geode at a local souvenir shop. Woodland Scenics has added a whole bunch of new trees. They ain't' cheap, but they are nice. If you need a special tree or two, see their web site, www.woodlandscenics.com or a local hobby shop. In our area, try Carr's Hobby (Duluth's West End) or Hobby Town (Miller Trunk/Hermantown, MN). Just so you know! August 11, 2010 OK, he is called the 'Evil Clown Juggler,' but I made the purchase anyway. He's part of the '2010 Spooky Town Collection' from Lemax - cost at Michaels in Blaine (MN), $4.99. The flyer shows eleven new figurines (and two older ones). They include the usual trick or treaters and other Halloween things. However, they also have kids doing some more normal Fall stuff. You know, picking out a pumpkin, playing Peek A Boo with a scarecrow and playing with a dog in a pile of leaves. The Halloween figures are: 'Creepy Faceless Ghoul;' 'Wicked Wanda' (a witch); 'Boolloon Seller;' 'Trail of Terror' (a horseman); and 'Grave Robber.' The new Table Accents (larger accessories) are: 'Scary Stories,' (told in the Halloween woods); 'Scary Acres Cemetery;' 'The Grim Reaper Rides,' (on a motorcycle); 'Building A Scarecrow' (not scary); 'Terror Bridge,' and 'Ticket Booth.' The new 'buildings' are: 'The Wheel Of Horror' (Ferris Wheel); 'Dreaded Zeppelin,' (Linda liked revolving blimp full of 'people'); 'Little Monsters' School House;' 'Transylvania Zoo;' 'Vicki's Cattery;' 'Haunted Cabin;' 'Peters Pumpkin Patch;' 'Grisley's Greenhouse' (with people eating plants);and 'Brickles Residence' (decent looking 'normal' house). Prices from $119.99 for 'Ferris Wheel' to a couple of pieces for $39.99. In my opinion, some of the pieces are done pretty well, others, not so much. You'll have to see them 'in person' and make up your own mind. And yes, the Duluth store does have all of these items on the shelf. Village North Collectors Club meeting, Wednesday, August 18th, 6 P.M. at C's in Superior, WI. Note: Wisconsin eating establishments are now smoke free. I found a 'Village & Classic Brands' Winter 2010 Dept 56 brochure at CJ's of Cloquet (MN). We also picked up our 'Jade Palace Chinese Restaurant' on our recent visit to Cloquet. I forgot to ask if they had the coordinating 'Eat in & Take Out' accessory. And, Cece is in process of redoing their Dept 56 displays. Die-Cast Ford Model T's: 1910 Touring, 1911 Town, 1909 Sports and 1912 Speedster (approximately 4 1/2 x 2 x 2) - $6.95 each. Too large for all but maybe the Dept 56 Snow Village. Saw them in the LTD Commodities catalog. (847) 295-5532 or order on-line at www.ltdcommodities.com Just so you know! August 6, 2010 My friend Lani says Lemax Halloween is in at Michael's in Duluth, MN. I haven't been them yet but she says "some are cute and are not so well done." In my mind, that would be sort of like the past several years. But, we always find a few things that we just gotta have. Received my Village D-Lights for August/September today. I'm always interested to see what I, and others, have to say. Also the 2nd Edition of Village D-tails arrived in the mail. Still looking it over. It is nice to have a 'carry around' record of what we have (or want). Gordy's in Hermantown (MN) has finally received the Spring 2010 Department Village & Classic Brands brochure. It includes images of the village 'midyears,' the Williamsburg introductions, Disney, and Pumpkinseeds. At least you can take home a picture of the products, if not the 'stuff' itself. Linda really liked the garden house that we saw at Winter Greenhouse this past week. It is meant to be used with living plants and be the center piece of a miniature garden. It must be at least 2 feet square and maybe 16 to 20 inches high. It has a whimsical look in earth tone colors. At almost $300, it is very expensive, but then you only have to buy one. No, we didn't buy one (and we didn't even ask the prices for the accessory bench or bridge or arbor). Oh yes, it designed to be used outside. Just so you know! July 30, 2010 Village North members - Kandi will be mailing club picnic details, and directions to their cabin, to each club member. She plans for them to be in the mail yet today. Remember the picnic is Saturday, August 7th. Some folks are planning on a stop at the Spooner Dept 56 store and others are looking at going to Lucius Woods for music after the picnic. Sears and Kmart are doing a Christmas in July. Apparently it is all on the Internet with no local 'pickup' at their stores in Duluth and Superior. All I have found of interest to some of us is a Dept 56 'A Christmas Story' houses. Just so you know! July 23, 2010 Sears has three Dept 56 houses from A Christmas Story available on their web site. They are 'Ralphie's House,' 'The Joke Shop,' and 'Cleveland Elementary School.' Each sells for $39.99 plus shipping. Looking at the web site it looks like they want you to order on line and then pick up the item at your local Sears. Unfortunately the local stores in Duluth (MN) and Superior (WI) either aren't participating in this promotion or they don't stock the item. I still sort of like The Joke Shop. Just so you know! July 14, 2010 A reminder that CJ's of Cloquet (MN) began receiving new Dept 56 a month ago. You can call Cece if you would like to know what they have. (218) 879-1343. Just so you know! July 12, 2010 I wrote to Dept 56 about the possible hold on the 2010 Dept 56 releases. Following is the reply I received today from Dept 56: "David, the information you were reading about concerns ENESCO UK, the European arm of ENESCO which operates as a separate company. So that information would have to do with products and shipping for Europe, not the United States." - (signed) Melinda Seegers, Consumer Services, Department 56/ENESCO. Just so you know! July 10, 2010 We now have a two inch cowboy from 'Toy Story.' He came as part of a 'Lolli Pop Up.' The flavor I got is Green Apple. He is from Disney/Pixar, I found him at a Michael's for $2.79. A nice customer in the store told me the cowboys name is Woody. Walgreen's has a funky looking Tiki Bar with their outdoor summer accessories. Not sure about the size or cost, but it is on sale, 50% off. Saw it in there Sunday newspaper flyer. More Than Memories has at least a dozen Dept 56 houses for sale. Most appeared to be Dickens' Village. 5705 Grand Ave in Duluth (across from KMart). (218) 733-5640. Sets of 3 Holiday Yard Stakes are available a www.ltdcommodities.com You have your choice of three cute pumpkins or three cute snowmen. The set is $14.95. They are the kind of thing you could use along side your sidewalk or driveway. 1-847-295-5532. They also had some 'Happy Halloween' and 'Merry Christmas' garage door magnets. Not sure how these would work on a door that you open and close. Called Seasonal Garage Magnets, $9.95 per set. I'm always looking for 'racing' vehicles to use in some sort of display. Today I found a 'Mariokart' from Nintento. I'm pretty sure I can remove the 'Klik Candy Dispenser' and keep the little go-kart (with driver) intact. It is from Au'some Inc. for $2.49 at Michael's. 2 1/2 inches long x 1 inch high. Linda found some possible village accessories at Claires in Duluth's Miller Hill Mall. In the 'Best Friends' line of necklaces she found a Snow Village size hamburger, French fries, pop, hot dog, ketchup, mustard and cakes. They are expensive at $14.50 each, but if you 'need' one, this might be the source. For $7.50 they have ear ring pizza, cakes, hamburgers, hot dogs, pop, French fries and donuts. These are a bit smaller and some are only half of the item mentioned. These were also from the 'Best Friends' line. I see some conversation on the Internet about Dept 56 2010 releases will not be available 'til 2011. The info is on the Felina World site in the Netherlands. The way it is worded it would effect the April 2010 introductions. There is nothing about it on either the Dept 56 or ENESCO web sites. I've E-mailed Dept 56 with the question, I'll let you know when I get a reply. Just so you know! July 6, 2010 During her shopping trips in Thailand Linda found these village related items for our displays: a Tuk-Tuk (named after the 'put-put' sounds of a 2 cycle engine). These are overloaded, colorful, three-wheeled, golf cart type vehicles used to haul people/cargo around the very crowded streets of Bangkok. Ours is 2 1/2 inches long. It's made from a discarded can of 'Lager Beer - The Original Thai Beer Since 1933" * * * A women in a small boat selling covered vases. She saw a lot of these 'real' boats in the 'floating markets' in the many canals. Ours is much smaller, 3 inches long, 1 3/4 inches tall. * * * In a small gift store, in a mall, she found what looks like five Oriental children playing some sort of game. I have no idea what they are doing. They are all wearing colorful shorts and T-shirts. They are 1 1/2 inches tall. * * * Shopping at a 'night market' Linda found a 6-inch tall elephant she thinks should lead our 'display' parade. It has a blanket on its back and a 'cap' on its head. Both are very colorful. Linda was on a real elephant while on her trip - she doesn't recommend riding them down hill. * * * We now have two Buddha’s. One is bright 'gold' and very typical of Buddha's found all over Thailand. He is 3 3/4 inches tall and the cost was approximately $4 (after asking for the 'discount' and then 'dealing'). The other is ebony colored and 4 1/2 inches tall. * * * Oriental fans make great display backgrounds and we now have two new ones. One is 36 inches from tip to tip and the other 16 inches. They are decorative, hand painted and very, very colorful. The large one is almost scary impressive. They both feature small boats on a typical canal with homes right up to the waters edge. * * * Shrines can be found outside of every native house. They are there for 'items of thanks.' Some are natural teakwood, most are very colorful. They come in all sizes and are everywhere. Linda found a 6 1/2 inch tall, 5 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch teak version for us. * * * We now have a plant holder she found in huge market place in downtown Bangkok - Linda just thought it looked nice. Not (yet) sure how we will use this in a display. * * * One of the few figurines/people she found was a ceramic Chinese fisherman (seated), 1 1/2 inches tall - we discovered we bought one just like it years ago at a gathering in the US. * * * We also have a two inch, covered, terra cotta, Oriental vase, intricate and neat looking. You can never have too many vases in some displays. * * * A couple of additional notes: She did find the miniature store that was mentioned in a shopper’s guide, however the people were much too large for villages. And, the 'night market' where they shopped was in Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand (3 hours from Bangkok). * * * Linda also found some interesting postcards, jewelry, silk scarves and ties, T-shirts, and a neat Cooley hat. Rather than shaking hands, in Thailand it is polite to greet people with a wie ("wai," Thai gesture of greeting). If you visit a McDonald's in Bangkok, you will even find Ronald with his hands clasped together in front of him and his head slightly bowed. On her way home, Linda found a Geisha, a pretty Oriental girl in red with fan (2" tall) and a Ninja, in black with sword, 2" tall (really cute/neat/etc.). Also purchased was key chain Oriental child 1 1/2" (not real looking). She bought them all at the airport in Tokyo, Japan. 'Wild& Free Express' On30 train from www.bradfordexchange.com. Looks like the Dept 56 Bachmann train except brown in color with horses on the sides of the engine, tender and cars. By Hawthorne Village, 9210 N. Maryland St., Niles, IL 60714-1322. The price of $69.99 for each piece includes a 'horse figurine.' I saw it in a Sunday newspaper flyer. Just so you know! June 30, 2010 There will be a collectors event to introduce a new Dept 56 series inspired by buildings found in Colonial Williamsburg. Melinda Seegers, Dept 56/ENESCO Consumer Services, announced it will be held Oct 22-24, 2010 at the 'Woodlands' in 'Colonial Williamsburg.' Among the guests will be Jeff Junkins, the artist who designed the new series. To register for the event, call 1 (800) LIT TOWN (548-8696). CJ's of Cloquet (MN) is beginning to receive new Dept 56 village pieces. According to store manager Cece, they have quite a few 'Dickens' pieces, one from 'Snow Village,' one from 'Christmas In The City' and one 'Halloween.' She says "If there is anything in particular that people are looking for let (her) know." cjsofcloquet@aol.com or (218) 879-1343. We've put our name on a Christmas In The City 'Jade Palace Chinese Restaurant' Linda has returned from visiting her twin brother in Thailand. She had a great time but is very happy to be home. I will detail the village display related stuff in the near future. Other purchases? well you'll have to ask her. Just so you know! May 29, 2010 New facades from Dept 56 - hard to find?? I know that none of the dealers in our area are stocking them. We still think they'd make great display backgrounds so we be looking. I would like to see them 'in person' before spending any real money. "Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated" - who knew! I found that important information inside the cap of a bottle of Snapple (Snapple 'Real Fact' #906). Craftsman Gallery features "detailed miniature Thai houses and village scenes." I mention this because my lovely wife Linda will be visiting her twin brother in Bangkok (Thailand) this June and that is where the Gallery is located. We plan/hope she will be able to do some 'display' shopping for us. Her little 'guidebook' shows three other miniature shops. They feature things like Thai and international figures, rural life models, temple scenes and even a Chinatown. I'm really hoping for some neat, and different, additions for our displays. If you happen to be in Bangkok, Craftsman Gallery can be found in Amarin Plaza. 'New Bike in Town,' a 16x34 puzzle #42060 and 'Quilting Show Circuit,' 19x30 #67829 - We saw them at Wild Birds Unlimited in Duluth (MN). Linda thought the would great backgrounds for displays. www.sunout.com Just so you know! May 30, 2010 'Little Race Cars - Huey, Dewey and Louie,' #811035, will make a great addition to our Dept 56 'Ice Races Today!' animated accessory. It's from the new Dept 56 'Mickey's Christmas Village.' I saw an image on http://www.citylightscollectibles.com/citylights/dept.asp?dept_id=3510 The cost is $8.99, dimensions: 1.5" x 2.5" x 3." The official description says "Wave the checkered flag and the race is on! These three little duckie drivers appear determined but are also experts in having fun." Sounds like something we would like/need. Burrito Union, Duluth (MN) - I saw the Cholula Hot Sauce (original) 5 oz bottle, nice round (ball) wood top (cap). It could make a nice addition to a taco stand display or Mexican restaurant. It's colorful, bright, not too large. It looks very southwest. They also had a paper basket/tray line decorated with many colorful, but plain, peppers - not so much to look at. Mallory in North Carolina contacted me about her storage solution for village pieces. She has a separate storage building/workshop for her stuff. It has even been 'added on to' to make room. I'm pretty sure there was some mention of help from a spouse. I want to thank her for contacting me. Linda and I, on the other hand, still don't have our additional shelves up in the basement. Just so you know! May 12, 2010 Enesco has put their catalogs on-line which includes the estimated arrival of the products. According to the dates, old product began shipping late March and new products June 1 through August. This is a bit later than before. Mid year's pieces will probably arrive late fall. From the Enesco Home Page, click on Department 56, then click on a Village icon, then click on "Shop Now." There are also links for artwork and artists page. The rumor is that we won't have printed catalogs next year. The on-line catalog is great. As I write this folks around the country have already received 2010 Dept 56 houses and accessories from some dealers. And, some new releases are available on places like eBay. September 29 - October 2, 2011 - Those would be the dates for the Arizona Department 56 Clubs Arizona Village Collectors, Desert Villagers and Southwest Villagers (along with the volunteer posse from Region 10 and others) will be your hosts for the 1st gathering in Arizona. Info from the web site says: "History, charm and authentic Arizona await at the destination hotel the Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa, 300 East Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, Arizona. If you are flying you'll want to fly into Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. Litchfield Park is just outside of Phoenix to the west -www.wigwamresort.com They have rustled up a great rate of $125/night (plus tax). Call the Wigwam at 623-935-3811 or 800-327-396 and mention "Happy Trails to Arizona" or enter the following code: HAI29A if you book on line for the great rate. - The Southwest Villagers web site is updated as more information arrives - www.southwestvillagers.com I'm thinking about using 'real' balloons with a carnival display. If I plan do it right, I could have them filled with Helium so that they float over the midway. Hey, it's only an idea! 'Angel's Blessings Stamps' - these are rubber stamps used for card making or scrap booking. The handle is a three inch see-through angel. $6.49, Ambika Wauters. Could look nice as a ice sculpture in a village display. If you want to build a zoo, Lemax really has you covered. To go with the 'City Zoo Visitor' they have at least nine animated accessories. They are: 'Polar Bear'- 84847; 'Panda Cage' - 93770; 'Monkey Habitat' - 042229; 'Mom and Baby Elephants' - 93752; 'Lion Cage' - 93758; 'Gorilla Habitat' - 03803; 'Giraffes' - 84848; 'Tiger Family' - 03846; and 'Zebra Family.' You should be able to find them this fall display season at various stores - Michael's and Shopko in our area (and maybe Menard's). Some were available last season as well. The sell for $17 to $30. We have the City Zoo Visitor which has one cage with birds and another with monkeys. It's fairly large, but does feature six couples 'walking around' the cages. We also bought the much smaller Giraffes cage. It has two of the animals traveling around a rock in the middle of a cage. Based on the identical size and appearance, I would guess that the other 'animals' are animated as well. The only one that adds sound is the 'Visitor.' All of them moving might be a bit much so think about wiring at least a few of them separately so they don't all have to be on. The NEW 2010 Dept 56 'A Christmas Story' pieces are shown at: http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com The building is: 'The Joke Shop,' $49.99. Accessories: 'Farewell To The Leg Lamp,' $15.99; 'Then They'd Be Sorry,' $15.99; 'Ralphie and Ol' Blue Save The Day,' $18.99; and 'Good Finds At The Joke Shop,' $14.99. No snow fall in April in the entire state of Minnesota - first time ever!! Dolphin car air freshener - about three inches in a translucent blue. Not sure of the fragrance - could be used in a zoo or water show. Less that two dollars. 'Cottage Table Light' 7 3/4" x 6 1/4" x 5 3/4" - $14.99, one C7 bulb, "architectural detailing, flower and greenery in the yard" Collections Etc., www.21mallorylane.com or 1-620-584-6000. Don't know about using it in a display, but it might make a good stand alone vignette. And, it's cheap. Village North Collectors Club meeting - May 19 at C's in Superior, WI. 6 P.M. Just so you know! March 20, 2010 We have stored most of our Dept 56 houses, in their original boxes, in those large plastic storage tubs for the past many years. We have been thinking that we need a new way to store them. Right now we are looking at a whole series of shelves with the houses still in their boxes (but no tubs). Not yet sure how that's going to work, space-wise. Our Christmas village display was popular at the nursing home so we made a conversion. Now it's a 'non winter' version and it'll remain up for a couple more months. John Rapacz suggested some LED lights from Menard's. I've got to go and see just what they are. He is using them to light the areas where he has his village and trains. I'll let you know. An ENESCO web site shows the 'Jade Palace Chinese Restaurant' in the 2010 intros in Dept 56 Christmas in The City. What confuses me is that it is listed in a (sub?) Series called 'China Town.' When did they create China Town? An 'Eat In & Take Out' accessory also says China Town. It's a family of three carrying what sure looks like those Chinese takeout containers (and the little guy looks like he is directing a band with chopsticks). Of course we are already planning on purchasing them, China Town series or whatever. We were going through photos of our displays when we noticed something - parts of the display look better in the photos that they did in real life. That is especially true in close ups (at least in our village). Many times the 'action' and detail of Dept 56 people (and animals) really come through. I really like them. 'Mac Evoy's Pianos' was are first ever building with an "inside view." We bought it for less than $20. It's from Lemax Caddington Village 2000. Folks always notice it in our displays and it fits right in Dickens,' Christmas in The City, or New England Village displays. Our friends Lani and Mike did it again. This time it's arches made of Dept 56 'Flexible Sisal Hedge' and a string of lights. They used three of them over a walkway. It was a very nice addition to a park in their Christmas In The City display. Can I say they were eye catching without being distracting. Linda found a set of rustic outhouses in a Collections Etc catalog. I used three of them side by side in a Dept 56 New England Village display (I was afraid no one would notice just one). To add a bit of whimsy I put a couple of people in line waiting to use the 'facilities.' This was one instance where my 'idea' was truly appreciated. Well at least a whole lot of folks noticed the outhouses. www.collectionsetc.com or (620) 584-8000. Not sure what we paid, but it was under $20 for the set. We've found that kids truly appreciate little touches we add to our displays that are mostly for them. It's been Harry Potter and his friends, or maybe Snoopy and Woodstock. This year we used a bunch of cartoon characters on the 'red carpet' leading up to the Music Hall (from Ace Hardware). Most of the young folks will look at everything but they always comment on these 'special' things (and that makes it all worthwhile). Just so you know! March 14, 2010 Village North Collectors Club meeting Wednesday, March 17, C's Supper Club in Superior, WI - 6 P.M. Members, guests and friends welcome. Those LCD lights that we have under main level of a display shelf (to the light the lower level) work well. They provide good light and are not obtrusive. Not obtrusive 'til you see other peoples photos of our display. When they got down low to take pictures, you can see the lights 'hanging down.' Very distracting - I can see that next year we will pin them up close to the bottom of the shelf. I have three pieces of white rubber/sponge from the packing of Venetian blinds. They measure 2 1/2" x 1 3/8" x 3/8." Not sure what we are going to do with them, but they look like something we could use in our displays. Just so you know! March 2, 2010 We may not of had as many folks attend our village open houses this year, but we had one that came a very long distance. Loren, Linda's twin brother, signed our visitors book. He lives in Bangkok, Thailand. Please tell Alex that I found the clown riding on the merry-go-round. I was down on my hands and knees taking a display photo and there he was. Bachmann Spectrum has a new 2-6-6-2 articulated Locomotive with Tender. It looks like a big (longer) version of the Dept 56 On30 train that some of us use in our displays. Longer means the engine has a whole lot more drive wheels. Don't know the price, but if we had room I'd sure like to have one. www.bachmanntrains.com Just so you know! February 16, 2010 Still haven't found the clown that you 'placed' in our displays - thanks Alex! 1:43 scale Divco milk truck includes a milkman stepping into the truck with a milk carrier. Available from three 'named' creamerys for $29.95. Also available undecorated for $19.95 in cream or white. wwww. discastdirect.com or 800-718-1866. Arttisa has a group of O scale beach people that might work for a summer display. They have seven women in different poses all wearing bikini's. There is also one man. The cost is $3.99 each unpainted or $6.25/$6.50 painted. 800-316-2493 or www.arttista.com. Not a lot of detail, and a bit small, but if you need them. Woodland Scenics has a 'Campers' set for $22.99. It includes three people, tent, campfire and camping accessories. Actually looks a little better done then some O scale people. www.woodlandscenics.com. They also have a new group of guys 'Shooting Hoops.' One is even dunking the basketball. Could be fun in a summer neighborhood or school yard. Looks like it comes with a basketball hoop and backboard. No price given. Village North Collectors Club meeting Wednesday, February 17 at C's Supper Club in Superior, WI. 6 P.M., members and guests welcome! Just so you know! February 7, 2010 True Blue has furnace filters that come in a very nice color of, well blue. I can see them as the background in a North Pole display. The one I have is about 16 X 20 inches X 3/4 inch thick. If you hold it up to the light, you can see through it. It's just gotta be good for something besides cleaning furnace air. I haven't even seen Homies Set #11 (in person) and now I find photos of set twelve on the Internet. They include 'Homie Idol,' 'Drama Queen,' 'Poser,' and my favorite, 'Homie Bama.' I found them on the HomieShop web site. New Lemax, 2010, items animated? 04226 Out For A Walk (two people with dogs plus other folks), 04239 Cedar Valley Christmas Choir, 04241 Hooray For Santa (four kids with Santa jumping up and down?). - One of the thirty three buildings that drew my attention from Caddington Village was 'Old Mission Church' (05025). We seem to be building a Southwestern village and this will/could be a nice addition. - I also liked the 'Blue Bayou Club' (05025). It has a different shape, nice colors and you see a jazz band through the window. The one new carnival piece they showed is 'The Viking.' It's a ship full of people that either goes back and forth or maybe all the way other the top - not sure. - I also spotted an 'Ice Delivery Wagon' that reminded me of the horse drawn wagon that went up and down our alley when I was a child. Yes, I'm that old. - The also showed three new facades, 'Colonial Tea House, 'Christmas Lane Shop,' and 'Jerald & Sons Jewelers.' I'm liking the looks of these 'thin buildings,' hope a local store carries them in the Fall. - I'm finding most of these items on: http://www.kerstdorpen.nl/catalog2/index.php (a Dutch site). Part of it does 'speak English' but in no place did I see prices. Mike and Lani's really big pirate ship was a highlight, for me, of their New England Village display. It's exactly the right piece to show off the many, many pirates in their collection. I loved it! Did I mention the ship was big? See our Christmas village displays!!!
Kids, husbands, wives, and friends are all welcome – there is something for everyone. You can look for the Duluth Zoo, Aerial Bridge, Enger Tower, or maybe Sammy’s Pizza. Enjoy the animation and sounds and, of course, find Snoopy and Woodstock. RSVP’s are not requested and you can stay for ten minutes or two hours, the choice is yours. Cameras are OK too! Enjoy hot apple cider, coffee, tea, Linda’s cookies and other goodies. Some of you have visited our Christmas village in past years and we are inviting you to stop in, say ‘Hi,’ and view our new displays up close once again. Toledo Street is three blocks south of Arrowhead Road on Kenwood Avenue. Remember we are on East Toledo Street. Questions or assistance: 724-6148 or spears.duluth@juno.com. Please park on the odd numbered side of the street (the police have been issuing tickets). We are happy to accept donations of paper products or pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House in the Twin Cities. A donation is not required to visit. David and Linda Spears Just so you know! January 22, 2010 Linda used a string of those little Christmas tree lights under a shelf unit we used for one our displays. The difference this year is they are LED's. Advantages, low heat emission and low power consumption. The string is clipped/taped tight to the bottom of the second shelf and they are used to light the bottom shelf (which is almost on the floor). Disadvantages, only blue available, and these small bulbs are not replaceable. - Boy I hope I said that good. We just can't remember all the village 'stuff' we own. Our 'marked up' Village D-tails helps a bunch with our Dept 56 items but nothing else. We have lots of lists but they don't always help. We need photos for the rest of our stuff. I mean would you know that something named 'Christmas Dance' is a western dance couple with a guitar player? Or how about 'Ladies and Gentleman?' - that's a circus ringmaster. We are cutting/copying photos out of old catalogs, printing images from the Internet and even taking photos of what we have but this is going to be a long project. And can you imagine the size of the book, or computer file, that it will take to keep all this? As someone once said, am I having fun yet? We did part of our Christmas in The City in three levels this year. The buildings are close together, with each row elevated about six inches. We added people and street lights on the streets/sidewalks for detail. To soften the display we used several 'fluffy' trees. There were different colored light bulbs in several of the buildings. Linda's painted background of tall buildings and trees really gave it a finished look. Christmas Village Display Open House on Saturday, January 30th. Noon to 3 P.M. 105 E Toledo Street, lots to see and goodies to eat. Questions: spears.duluth@juno.com or 724-6148. Hosts, Linda and David Spears. Just so you know! January 4, 2010 My thanks to Mark De Vries from the Netherlands. The following is part of what he recently wrote to Village D-Lights editor Linda Krueger about my column 'Just so you know!' "I like the pages from David Spears so much because he seems to live with village-eyes, like me. everything he sees, he can use or place. Its a kind of virus without damage. I hope he sees my website also on his journey on the net. and maybe, its interesting enough for him to mention it in his words." - I did take a look at his web site. It's nice to look at and has links to some village things you might not otherwise see. Most of it has English translation, some of the links are in Dutch. You can find his web site at http://www.minidorp.nl Note: I really do like his words "he seems to live with village-eyes. . ." Model Power is offering O Scale figures with fiber optics. For $8.98 each you can find: a worker with flashlight; construction worker with illuminated jackhammer; man with cigar; and worker with lantern. The small light they each 'contain' might be over-detail for some folks, but others might find them interesting/fun. You will find them at model railroad shops or www.modelpower.com. O Scale people are sometimes a bit smaller that what we are used to for our Dept 56 Heritage villages so keep that in mind. Remember our village open house is Saturday, January 16!! Just so you know! January 3, 2010 Christmas gifts we were given this year: 'The Old Curiosity Shop' (Dept 56/Dickens' Village); 'Ralphie Visits Santa' (Dept 56/A Christmas Story); 'The Royal Coach' (Dept 56/Dickens' Village); 'Snowplow' Craig's Sand & Gravel (Lemax); 22 inch flat screen monitor for our computer (not village related but I thought I'd mention it anyway). " and do you have the retired Waterbury Button Company building from New England Village? It's based on a place that made buttons for uniforms for both sides of the war." Kevin on Dept 56 Yahoo Group. I think I knew this before, but I'm not sure. We really like the new style Lemax animated skating rinks. The small ones take up less display space than the older ones, plus the smaller rinks are much lower (thinner, not so high). That means they look more natural without having to 'bury' them in a Styrofoam base. The price has gone down, but it appears that most of them come without a power supply. Note: I have no idea about reliability of the moving parts. "Put photo backdrops behind all your scenes" - that's one way that Classic Toy Trains suggests folks can make their train layouts look larger. It also works for our village displays. However, I don't think the backgrounds have to all be photos. Just use your imagination to find other 'backgrounds.' Snap-on Shop Essentials 1/43 - a whole bunch of equipment and stuff that you would find in a service station or professional garage. things like a work bench, parts washer, tire rack, engine scope, creeper, fire extinguisher and some other things. They are all from TrueScale Miniatures. www.truescalemini.com I just looked and they also have a four man mechanics set. Welcome to 2010!! Just so you know! December 21, 2009 Younkers in Duluth (MN), has 25% off Dept 56 villages - very little selection but if they have what you need. 30% off Dept 56 'A Christmas Story.' Again, not much there but if. 50% Lemax at KMart in Hermantown (MN). They never had a lot so I guess you can say there isn't a whole lot left. - Kohls' has 60% off St. Nicholas Square (we weren't there to see the remaining stock). - 50% off Lemax and Dept 56 'A Christmas Story' at Sears in the Miller Hill Mall. Very little Lemax, a fair amount of Dept 56 remaining. - Michael's, Menard's and Shopko also have Lemax at discounts - the stock level is where you would expect it this time of year - low. We purchased a box of Crayola's today so I can create my own coloring book pages. I see that it's created for someone smarter than me to use - probably a second or third grader. I'll let you know when I create my first coloring book page. Wish me luck! My thanks to Lani for reminding me that 'Charlie Chan' was a gift from she and Mike. They brought him home from a Dept 56 gathering in Chicago. We're pretty sure he came from Tracys Collectibles (I'm checking on that right now). I sure hope we have our village displays completed by January 16th. That's because we have our village display open house that day. And, we are participating in the Village North Collectors Club Tour of Homes January 17th. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! Just so you know! December 19, 2009 A couple of other notes from Tom's village: he used Alpine climbers on a steep cliff with simple indents to place each one - a very nice effect; he has a four level display - very good use of the space his wife lets him use; he also has a few walnut reindeer. Nothing close to real, but cute nonetheless. Crayola has a deal that allows you to go on-line and create a 'coloring book' drawing of any picture you submit. You simply buy a box of Crayola's, with the proper code noted, and go to the companys web site. You submit the photo, you watch them drain the color, and they send it right back and you print it at home. I'm thinking it might be fun to do a scene or two from a village display and send them to grand kids to color. Over 10,000 hits on the Minnesota 56 Clubs web site! Thanks to you folks, and Dave Erickson, the site passed that number this past week. www.minnesota56clubs.com Merry Christmas!! Just so you know! December 17, 2009 We had to find substitute display space for our villages this year. Reason? - a new to us piece of furniture kept us from using our largest display table. I think Linda found a near perfect solution. It's a five level Plano storage unit (from Menard's). The second shelf is 36 inches by 24 inches about 23 inches from the floor, the bottom one is three inches from the floor. The two levels provide decent space for displays. We like the fact that the shelves don't have a lip and the shelf sets are made to snap together. The black support posts are hardly noticeable and legs are just the right size for those little rubber feet that keep things from scratching wood floors. They are also light and strong. We did a display at Viewcrest Health Care Center in Duluth. Eight houses, maybe fifty people and a bunch of trees. When they discovered what we were doing, we had about a dozen residents watch as we put things together. They really enjoyed the placing (throwing) of the snow and the turning on of the lights. The houses are all lit and there is a string of lights going throughout the village. They also commented on how Linda and I managed to stay out of each others way when we were reassembling the display (originally made at home). Of course, there is a 'snowy mountain' background. Just so you know, Linda's ninety year old mother Adele is a resident at Viewcrest. Jacobs Barn and Farmhouse are really nicely translucent with lights insides and a normally lit room. Not sure I'd like all our building with that 'look,' but I enjoy these two in a current display. Spray homemade white trees (dried flowers/gyp) with a white spray paint (purchased at Michael's). That will make them a whole lot whiter and they look better in our North Pole display. I have attached the image of the new Dept 56 CIC 'Jade Palace Chinese Restaurant' I'm trying out attachments, it would OK if you give me your opinion of using them occasionally. Just so you know! December 10, 2009 There will be Dept 56 houses and accessories available at an estate sale this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13). They are mostly Dickens' and North Pole villages - approximately thirty houses and the same number of accessories. The pieces look to be in good condition with original boxes and sleeves. I know nothing about the asking prices. The sale will be on 70th Avenue West. The full ad, with address and times will be in the Estate Sale column of the Duluth newspaper. The people conducting the sale are friends of ours. If you stop by, it would be great if you mentioned that we shared this information. This is the time of year I wonder if there is any nutritional value to Styrofoam 'flecks.' Or 'Real Plastic Snow' for that matter. They both seem to be everywhere (if you know what I mean). Just so you know! November 25, 2009 As of today, November 25, nothing new Dept 56-wise at Savers in Hermantown, MN. KMart in Duluth, MN has moved their Lemax villages back to the 'normal' seasonal area in the store. Unfortunately they haven't added anything new since the last time I was there. What they have is 50% off. Shopko is offering 50% off Lemax villages on Thanksgiving Day. If you are at Younkers or Sears be sure to check for sales on Dept 56 items on 'Black Friday.' I haven't seen anything about a sale but one never knows. Happy Thanksgiving!! Just so you know! November 20, 2009 KMart, Superior, WI, has maybe 12 different Lemax houses and only four accessories. The young lady stocking the Christmas area shelves said her 'directions from corporate' showed there will/should be a small display (as in past years). She didn't know about any additional stock. Have a nice Thanksgiving! Just so you know! November 13, 2009 I believe that the Dept 56 North Pole 'Polar Pizza, Never Cold' is going to fit right in with Sammy's Pizza in our display. For us, pizza delivery by snowmobile is real. I have seen that happen on at least a couple of occasions. Remember, we live in northern Minnesota! We bought the new Lemax 'Christmas Barn Dance!' We had passed on it until we saw it 'working.' The interior is well lit, nicely detailed, and features three dancing couples. It's going to have to be placed at eye level to view well, but we'll come up with something. Shopko in Duluth, MN now has buildings out in their usual displays. Most of them are lit (and some of the animation is also on). In addition to the 'Christmas Barn Dance,' some of the other buildings they have are: 'Twelve Days of Christmas,' (flashing windows light up way too much, Maids a Milking and the Geese are a nice touch. Sort of do like the building itself) - $159.99, yes $159.99!; 'Jingle Bell Junction Christmas Shop,' (Linda and I like this one, we bought it when it came out in 2007) - $49.99; new for 2009, 'The Cork & Bottle,' (a sign says "Wine Tasting." Has nice windows) - $59.99; 'T'was The Night Before Christmas,' (very nice view in each of the four window) - $99.99; 'Carriage Shop,' (small and nice); 'Springfield Lanes,' (bowling lane with decent view inside, nice use of windows) - $79.99. Ace Hardware in downtown Duluth, MN has only three 'Heartland Village' buildings. No people, accessories, trees or anything else 'village!' And they are expecting no more. Just so you know! November 15, 2009 The parking lot at the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth, MN was full at noon Saturday - absolutely amazing! I wrote this yesterday, "We bought the new Lemax 'Christmas Barn Dance!' We had passed on it until we saw it 'working.' The interior is well lit, nicely detailed, and features three dancing couples. It's going to have to be placed at eye level to view well, but we'll come up with something." - I forgot to say that the outside is really nothing special. If you want to update the time/era of your Dept 56 Christmas In The City village, think about a special lady in the new Lemax 'Holiday Shoppers,' she is using a cell phone. She's the first 'village person' I've seen using that technology. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' is now $49.99 instead of $99.99 at Shopko. The flyer in todays paper says all Lemax buildings and accessories on sale but features/shows this one. We did notice that they only had four of the animated 'Angel's Wings' left yesterday. We brought a power supply with us so we could listen to the motor/gears before we purchased our 'backup' Wings. I do believe we sold two more while we were there. 25% off Lemax, Dept 56's 'A Christmas Story' and 'Mickeys Village' at Sears. This time the newspaper flyer says it includes houses and accessories. They have a couple of Lemax 'Sears exclusives' that I'm going to be looking at. The insert in todays paper from Michael's says 40% Lemax Christmas Village Collection. We were there yesterday and noticed that the 'Christmas Marching Band' is/are all gone from the shelf. The same can be said for a couple other of the popular accessories. Looks like the stock of houses is still OK. The Menard's flyer says "Lemax, all ceramic village buildings & accessories 19% off." I have noticed that the three area Menard's don't all have exactly the same items. If they don't have it in one store, it might be in another. I have found that if you know the 'real' name (the product number is even better) they will sometimes look in other stores for you. Lemax, they sell the 'Coventry Cove' line, is 25% off in the KMart flyer today. Some of these houses and accessories fit in well with Dept 56 New England Village. We have more than several of the accessories from past years (and a couple of houses). And finally, Kohl's has the entire stock of village collection and accessories from St. Nicholas's Square at 40% off. CJ's of Cloquet (MN), and to a lesser extent, Gordy's of Hermantown (MN) are receiving new Dept 56 village items on a regular basis. This time of year we can't expect them to provide regular updates so if you want to know what's in, you just have to do what we do - visit the store. Village North Collectors Club dinner meeting November 18 at C's Supper Club in Superior, WI. Remember Christmas Party reservations, Tour of Homes discussion and the Pound Auction. 6 p.m. Members and guests welcome! Just so you know! November 19, 2009 The 2009 Village Collection from Lemax Coventry Cove is 'mostly' out at the KMart in West Duluth, MN. And guess what, it looks like everything is 'on sale.' It appears the houses were $18.74 to $22.49, but please don't quote me on that. Among the accessories shown in their little brochure they don't have are the 'Subway Entrance,' 'Christmas Marching Band,' 'Framed Art,' and 'One-Man Band.' They do have fireman taking care of a Dalmatian and a horse ('Tending The Fellas,') four kids and a crossing guard ('School Day,') and the 'Baggage Handlers.' We are looking for the Lemax 'Subway Entrance.' If you spot one in a local store, please let us know. It looks Oriental to us so that means we must need it. OK, so I finally notice. The music on the Lemax 'Twelve Days of Christmas Manor' is in sync with which window lights. In other words, the words/music match the 'picture' in the window. It still makes it a big house with windows I don't like, but I found the 'sync' thing interesting. I also noticed today that Michael's has a nice set of Lemax houses in 2009 that would make a good Rocky Mountain village. None look alike, just complementary purposes, colors, size and look like they belong where there is snow. They are: 'Alpine Peak B&B,' 'Woodland Retreat,' 'Vail Youth Center,' Snowmobile Tours,' 'Big Mountain Outfitters,' and the 'Aspen Inn & Ale House.' Just so you know! November 7, 2009 I see that the Dept 56 North Pole 'Christmas Around The World - China' will be retired in December (2009). I've been told that one of our local dealers doesn't expect to receive any (before or after that date). How am I, or anyone else, supposed to purchase one? Todays Shopko flyer says "Sale starts Thursday, Nov 12." I mention this only because it say 50% off all Lemax. Also, you will find the Lemax Village 'Carriage Shop,' 'Amanda's Dress Shoppe,' or 'St. Joseph Chapel,' your choice $19.99. I guess I just don't understand marketing. They don't even have everything out on the shelves and already it's "on sale." Thanks to Cece at CJ's of Cloquet (MN). She hosted a nice VIP open house/sale last evening at the store. Oh, and Alex was tired after working all day at the store. Just so you know! November 8, 2009 November 8 - November 11, 50% off 'Lemax Christmas Village' at Michael's. The newspaper ad says "lowest price of the season." Kohl's? 40-50% off 'St. Nicholas Square,' including villages. November 8 - November 11. Maybe time for us to purchase the 'Holiday Hayride' that we liked on our first visit. Very nice! Two kids and mom riding on/in a small four wheel trailer pulled by a tractor. The people look pretty darn good and the detail is just right. The Veteran's Day Sale at Shopko, buy 1, get 1 free sale, includes the entire stock of Lemax. Remember they have a 50% off sale off Lemax sale beginning on November 12. Don't forget to look at other Christmas decorations at these stores. That's just in case you need more stuff. Many of the decorations are also on sale at the above mentioned stores. Just so you know! November 11, 2009 Denny's Ace Hardware in Woodland, Duluth (MN) has Christmas villages! To the best of my knowledge, 'Heartland Valley Villages' houses (and accessories) are locally only found there. One new one I saw was the 'Buckaroo Bar' for $24.99. I liked the look of this one. They also had 'The Apple Store' $14.99, and a nice 'Church' for $14.99. There was also few more that I haven't seen before. From Lemax they have the animated 'Practice Makes Perfect,' and 'Snowball Fight' for $19.99 plus a couple of other Lemax buildings and accessories. Remember to look to your right when as you enter. Most of the 'stock' is over there. A small display is right inside the door. This is you place to visit if you want a 'house' that everyone else doesn't have. Outhouse ornaments 3 1/2 inches tall, poly resin, six outhouses, $9.99. All different, nicely done (in the photos) #386-37-15580. Collections Etc., 1-620-584-8000. Does anyone know a local source for the new Dept 56 Yankee Stadium ornament. We have a friend interested in buying one. Please remember that today is Veteran's Day! Just so you know! November 4, 2009 The Menard's ad in todays newspaper say 19% off Lemax Christmas. Continuing to check the Goodwill stores, Linda found the Lefton 'Rhodes Bed and Breakfast.' For $9.99 she thought it was quite nice - she didn't buy it! We did our Dept 56 'A Christmas Story' shopping a the Duluth Younkers sale this morning. We went there to purchase the 'Watching The Parade' accessory (Ralphies family sitting on a bench). After of period of time, with Linda and the store clerk figuring the money details, we bought two (for less than the price of one)! I'm still not sure how that happened. I didn't even know we wanted two. Just so you know! November 5, 2009 Esme Gibson said the Village D-Lights version of my "Just So You Know" column "is chockablock full of information gleaned from here, there and everywhere." - Chockablock? I didn't know the word, here was her explanation: "David, I hope the dictionary provided the definition I intended, which was full of many, sometimes random, bits of information. Okay I looked it up on my iPhone dictionary and it starts out with "extremely full." Go no further. That's what I meant!" - I'll take that as a compliment. 'Angels Wings' is at Shopko in Duluth (MN). The animated child making a snow angel is the most mentioned/noticed item in our displays and folks wanted to know when/where to buy it - now you know. The price has gone up to $24.99. - New for 2009 Lemax items I noticed were: 'Hunting Ducks' (man with gun plus dog) $3.99; 'A Fox And Her Pup' (didn't really like it, size maybe too big); 'Daddy's Home' (father on one knee, child running into his out stretched arms. Linda says it's cute). - The following three would make a great group together: 'Decorating Front Yard Trees' (family, tree, fence dog) $19.99; 'Building a Family' (people family building three plus snowman family) $19.99; 'Snowball Battle' (snowball fight) $29.99. - Animated they had 'Winter Skating' (four skaters on the rink) $44.99; 'Going For A Ride' (kids being pulled on sleds) $49.99. - Also 'Fishing Lesson' (dad and son on bridge); 'Deer Blind' (two men sleeping in the blind, four deer standing underneath) $49.99. No snow on either of these. - One accessory from last year that I'm going to take another look at is 'Memorial Square.' Done decently, with American Flag, statue and two people, $39.99. I'll try to check the houses when they have their display out. Right now that just have the accessories 'hung up' and the houses still in their boxes. Some snow on our lawn this morning - gone now! Just so you know! November 3, 2009 Today I was told that Walmart in Hermantown, MN will have no Christmas village items this season. The folks in the department aren't sure why. Something new!!! - 'Scaleville,' 1/4" scale people and accessories. The adults are about 1 1/2" tall. Menard's in Superior, WI has nine choices of people (two, three to a package) and maybe three accessories. Really too small for our villages, but very nicely done and for only $2.49. - Things 2009 from Lemax are: 'Fuel For The Fire,' $1.99 (man carrying firewood); 'Walking With The Nanny,' $3.99 (three kids with their nanny). I may have mentioned this one before; 'Shoe Shine Boy,' $2.99; and 'Hot Chocolate Stand,' $4.99, two pieces, three people. There was also a new 'Jay's Wood Working & Crafts' building. - We must really like the Lemax 'Street Sweeper,' today we bought our second one. I guess we liked all the brooms in the barrel. Can be used in Dickens', New England or Christmas In The City villages. Information from SuzyQ on the Dept Yahoo Group - "Now that 2010 is looming, here are a couple of fixes that allow your Times Tower to remain current. - There is now a link on the D56 Website homepage for directions on making replacement signs thru 2025, including a PDF file. In case the link disappears before you get there, it is http://www.department56.com/content.aspx?cid=TIMESTOWER&ms=COL&msi=56073&smenu=collecting Some collectors bought an additional set of numbers from D56. (The numerals are an attachment just like flags and lanterns.) Thus, all years are covered - until we get to 2111. In case you are wondering, it wasn't difficult to detach the second 0. I got my inspiration from PattyBo who altered hers so it welcomes 194x and better fits her village." Menard's stores have Halloween at 50%, including Lemax Spookytown. Michael's in Duluth, MN has Lemax Halloween at 60 or 70% (?) off. If you need Lemax power supplies, now is the time to make a purchase. The power supplies also work with Lemax Christmas and Carnival animated pieces. There are two different supplies so be sure you check the power requirements of your pieces before you buy. Just so you know! November 2, 2009 Walmart in Superior, WI has very little to offer for 'village builders.' At least that's my opinion after visiting there on Thursday evening. Usually Hermantown, and especially Cloquet, have more. If you stop by one of them, please let me know if that is true this year. Just came from Shopko in Duluth (MN). They have the shelves marked for Lemax Christmas villages, but nothing out yet. The folks stocking the shelves suggested maybe Wednesday or Thursday. Linda just handed me a couple (three) items from an earlier shopping trip. We now have 'Where The Wild Things Are' (from the movie of the same name); 'The Gargoyle Guard' from Harry Potter; and 'It's the X Games' (skate boarder), to use in our displays. They are all Hallmark Keepsake ornaments (that she purchased on sale). Dan Lima is recovering from his July triple bypass and stroke. He announced that he is back on the computer and posting others photos on his web site (although he does say he is a bit slower than before). Welcome back Dan. Just so you know! November 1, 2009 Melinda Seegers is now the only person in the office when you call Dept 56, Ms. Lit Town, 1(800) 548-8696. Her hours are any business day, 11 AM to 2 PM Central Time. That is where most of us call for Dept 56 replacement parts. 'A Christmas Story Village' from Dept 56 is 40 % off (when you use your Younkers card). Next Wednesday, November 4, Younkers has something called a 'Preview Day.' At those prices, I plan to be there to purchase a couple of Christmas Story accessories. The Village North Collectors Club meeting for November is on Wednesday, the 18th. The time is 6 P.M., the location C's Supper Club in Superior, WI. Don't forget the 'Pound Auction' following the meeting - proceeds to The Ronald McDonald House. Just so you know! October 29, 2009 While looking for a couple bales of straw at Menard's in Hermantown (MN) we discovered several possible village items - but no straw! Anyway, in the American Graffiti 'Moments In Time' series, we found six 1:64 scale vehicles. What made these special is they each come with a different 3D background building/facade. They are very nicely done, cost $9.99 each. The vehicles are: a panel van, hot rod, '54 Merc, and two different '70 Dodge Challengers and one more(?). - There was also some 1:43 scale vehicles for $4.99 each from the 'Road Signature Series.' They included a couple pickup trucks and some '70's era cars. OK size for Dept 56 Heritage Village use. - Also from the 'Yat Ming Road Signature Series' are some pretty nice fire trucks. All nicely detailed, they are Mercedes, Dennis and Leyland fire trucks. One is a fire department wrecker. They are $12.99 each. Not sure we need another fire truck but . . . . . They also again have a Lionel 'O' Scale and several Bachmann 'HO' Scale trains for the Christmas season. Let me start by saying that I'm not a cell phone fan. That being said, I realize that many folks are. So when I noticed a gal using a cell phone in the Lemax Christmas Village display at Michaels I thought I'd tell others it. However I couldn't find her for sale on the shelves. I looked in their Lemax brochure and there she was - part of the 'Holiday Shoppers.' Unfortunately the only one the store had left had duplicates of the man carrying two red bags (and no lady with a cell phone). This happens once in a while with Lemax in their 'set of four' (or more) people. As someone said, "buyer beware." Don't know what else they have in new Dept 56 at Gordy's Gifts and Collectibles (Hermantown, MN) but the do have the new North Pole 'curling elves.' It really is cute! Just so you know! October 27, 2009 810852 "Village Deep Blue Sea" – Voluntary Product
recall Recently, we have received some complaints concerning a new Village landscaping product, “Village Deep Blue Sea" The product should NOT be placed near any source of heat (including any lighted Village pieces), nor should it be placed on any surfaces, such as wood or similar surfaces, that might be damaged by a leaching of color or a melting of the product. Please return the entire product to the retail store where the product was originally purchased for a full refund. Retailers have been informed and will in turn return the product to Department 56. Please note that this item poses no concern to human health issues or safety. We sincerely regret the distribution of an item that does not meet our high standards of quality and for the inconvenience this has caused you. Sincerely Just so you know! October 17, 2009 Linda spotted three 'A Christmas Carol' houses at J.C. Penny's in the Miller Hill Mall. One is a 'normal' residence. You know, sort of the house down the street. It is lit with 'glass' in the windows. We maybe could use this one. - The second is an apartment. It is also lit but is very small is scale. - The third is just plain small. I guess it's another apartment but way to little for us to find a use for it. - They cost $39.99 each. Remember the Village North Collectors Club meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 6 P.M. at C's Supper Club in Superior, WI. Remember there will be a display contest - prizes from CJ's of Cloquet. Just so you know! October 20, 2009 No Christmas village yet at Shopko in Duluth, MN. The Kohl's flyer this past Sunday shows St. Nicholas Square at 50 to 55% off. - This what I said earlier: "'Holiday Hay ride,' $17.99. Very nice! Two kids and mom riding on/in a small four wheel trailer pulled by a tractor. The people look pretty darn good and the detail is just right. We will buy this one!" - Guess where we're going. Duluth News Tribune had the following ad in 'Antiques & Collectibles' this past Sunday: "Dept 56 X-mas at Graceland complete in box, $125. 715-394-8947." The Village North Collectors Club meeting is tomorrow, Wednesday, October 21, 6 P.M. at C's Supper Club in Superior, WI. I was just informed that Michelle, Alex and Cece will be representing CJ's of Cloquet (and judging the display contest). Just so you know! October 12, 2009 Nancy at Pam's Hallmark in the Miller Hill Mall (Duluth, MN) was able to find me new Hallmark Keepsake miniature 'Woodstock on The Green.' It's from the Peanuts Gang and is one of those limited issue things and I'm very happy to have found one. I can just see the determined Woodstock now, playing golf with Santa in one of our displays. Thanks Nancy! Last evening I received an E-mail from 'Tam' at Gordy's. She wanted me to know the following and I'm betting she wants me to share it with everyone else. She says, ". . . . . Gordy's is reducing their inventory in D56 so all villages and accessories, other than last year and this years pieces, are all 25 to 40% off and will remain so." - Gordy's Gifts and Collectibles, 4899 Miller Trunk Hwy, Duluth, MN 55811 (218) 722-8666. Just so you know! October 11, 2009 Village North Collectors Club meeting, Wednesday, October 21. Don't forget the display contest - judges and prizes from CJ's of Cloquet. Linda and I will be visiting family in Fountain City, WI for several days next week. W-O-O-F will have some assistance watching our home while we are gone - just so you know! The Michaels ad this week shows Lemax Spooky Town at 40% off as well Lemax Christmas Villages at 25% off. Looking at the Menards flyer, they show 25% off Halloween & Fall Harvest Decor. The picture shows a Lemax building so I have to guess that Spooky Town is included. as I've said before, most of the stores have plenty of product remaining. The new catalog from Collections Etc. has a bunch items we maybe could use in a display. "Lighted Snow Table Runner, " they put houses on it in the picture but we know how well that works. I have seen these cotton 'sheets' used as backgrounds; 'Merry Christmas Music Box' cute but nothing special; 'Victorian Ballroom Music Box' three couples dancing (no movement), like to have the pianist and the grand piano. $22.99. They also have a lot of other Christmas stuff. www.collectionsetc.com or (620) 584-8000 Just so you know! October 7, 2009 Sears at the Miller Hill Mall has not yet added a display of their Lemax Christmas village, Dept 56 'A Christmas Story,' or Dept 56 'Disneys Mickeys Christmas.' Everything is there, still in boxes. Still no Christmas village stuff at the West Duluth or Hermantown Menard's, West Duluth Kmart, or Shopko. Please let me know if you find anything in Superior (or any other local store). Just so you know! October 5, 2009 Sears at the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth (MN) is putting their Christmas Villages. One Lemax item that attracted by attention was 'Frank Tunes Up The Plow.' It includes Frank, a Craftsman tractor and a toolbox. All three individual pieces for $6.99. It doesn't say it's a Sears exclusive. They also have ten other accessories, nothing else that says "2009." I noticed a Craftsman lawn tractor for $7.99. This one is a Sears exclusive. - The other Table Accents, new for 2009, 'Decorating The Front Yard Tree,' $19.99; 'Maple Syrup Time,' $19.99; 'Stone River By River,' $19.99; and 'A Doe And Her Fawns,' $7.99. - Buildings for 2009: 'Bijold Theater,' $29.99 (Sears exclusive); 'The Cottage Art Gallery,' $3499. Maybe a New England styled house with a thatched roof(?); 'Holly Jolly Christmas Shop,' $34.99. OK, nothing special; and the 'Lands End Outfitter,' $34.99 (Sears exclusive). The final exclusive I saw was a very busy 'Jack's Auto Parts & Tools.' It has many Craftsman tool boxes all over the place. Sort of a gas station looking structure. The same Sears has ten accessories and five houses in the Dept 56 'A Christmas Story' line. The accessories are $9.99 to $12.99, the houses were $34.99(?). I didn't write everything down, but you can find them on the Sears web site. I understand that a couple of the houses are new for 2009. I'm not sure if any of the accessories are. Linda and I have only one of the houses from this line, but most all of the people. - Sears also has some soap dispensers in housewares for $14.99. They include a log cabin, moose, and snowman. Just so you know! October 4, 2009 Menard's has 18% off all Lemax Halloween villages & accessories - per the flyer in todays newspaper. I understand the Halloween hasn't been selling as well as usual so they have a good selection remaining. National Motor Museum Mint is offering a 1934 Ford two truck with a 1923 Highway Patrol coupe on the back. I like the look and might have the set if we had a Snow Village display. 888 2125-6468. Michael's has 25% off Lemax Christmas (that doesn't include the coupon available in their web site). The flyer today also have 30% off Lemax Halloween. The Dollar Tree store in Hermantown, MN has their very small Christmas village people out. And, a rather large selection of small village houses. Understand that nothing that would work in our displays. Just so you know! October 2, 2009 Menard's in the Duluth (MN) /Superior (WI) area are all getting their Christmas out as I write. I can't talk about the other stores, but Mo at the Hermantown store told me it will still be two weeks before she has the 'houses' out. She has been very reliable in the past, so I'll go by what she says. If anyone sees Lemax Christmas villages at other Menard's, please let me know. They do all still have a good selection of Lemax Halloween available. We visited Duluth's Shopko yesterday. The stores 'seasonal specialist' told me she won't have the Lemax Christmas out until after Halloween. That would be a month later than past years. They do have almost all of their other Christmas stuff out. Congratulations to Mike Goode from Texas. He is the newly elected National Council of 56 Clubs Vice President replacing Jackie Poole. Linda and I have cancelled our village display class with Duluth Community Education. It was scheduled to be held next Wednesday, October 7. Just so you know! September 29, 2009 Marjorie Johnson is doing signing with/for Dept 56. She is the Minnesota baker that inspired the 2009 Dept 56 Snow Village release, 'Marjorie's Blue Ribbon Baked Goods.' Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, MI is sharing a Dept 56 early release with two other stores. They are the 'Candle Shop' and accessory and the 'Green Grocer Shop' and accessory (both for Dickens' Village). According to Melinda Seegers, Manager, Consumer Services Department 56, "The items will be a regular part of the Dickens' Village in 2010." Coventry Cove, the New England Village of Lemax, is out at KMart in Hermantown, MN. The display is to your left and in the second aisle on your left (not back in the seasonal area where it has always been before). Lemax has several nice buildings for 2009. The ones we saw that we feel worth mentioning are; 'Coventry Cove Carriage Dealer'- wasn't lit in the display, but looked like the view in the windows was nice; 'Vandermeire Art Gallery' - interesting building, nice colors, with a set of stairs up the outside. First building I can remember that has a display inside a window on both the main floor and second floor; 'Patrick's Olde Tavern' - maybe just another 'pub,' but there is something about it I like. Maybe it's the general shape and the multicolored 'checkerboard' window. Has too many signs; 'The Book Worm' - decent view in through the window and a smaller structure. Linda always likes book stores; 'Gordon's Fish Market' - look like it belong in New England. Lot's of 'fish' details; and the 'Village Chimney Sweep' - again with a 'view in' window. Building has at least seven chimneys. They also have: the 'Coventry Cove R.R. Station' - OK but nothing special (to me). Maybe I just don't need another railroad station; 'May Street Station' - a fire hall that just doesn't attract me. I do like the fellow climbing up the ladder to put up the "Pancake Breakfast" sign; 'Parkside Elementary School' - nice, older style building but nothing special; 'St. Joseph's Chapel' - a small, stone church; 'Watson House' - maybe a bed and breakfast. Two sets of stairs, 'turret' on the corner of the building; and last, 'Noel's Christmas Shop' - I guess OK, but I don't even really like the sign on this one. - Again I have to give you the 'decal warning' this season. While most of the many decals on the buildings are where they belong, a fair number are not. I wouldn't but a single house without taking it out of the box and checking the decals first. - Accessories: they offer a whole lot but a few I liked were: 'Bargains,' outside stand selling books at the Book Worm; 'Framed Art' - a lady looking a painting on an easel. Frame is too thick, but for some reason I always seem to buy these 'art' things' Linda thought 'Walking With Nanny' would work in our carnival. Two children with, I suppose, their nanny; for some reason I also was attracted to 'Tending The Fellas.' This is two firemen, one washing a Dalmatian and the other brushing a horse. The did have several other accessories although not all show in their brochure (or on their web site). You see no prices 'cause they had none listed - yet! - If anyone sees Lemax villages at the West Duluth or Superior KMarts, please let me know. Diecast Direct is again offering several new vehicles. Among them is a 'Studebaker Grocer Truck' in 1:43 scale. It's a neat panel truck with open sides. They didn't mention a year, but I would say it is from the 30's. Different enough to be worth $24.95. I know, I know, more growing things. These are "Organically grown and handcrafted on rich mounds of fertile soil, our strawberry, cauliflower, cabbage, and lettuce gardens (that) measure approximately 1 1/2" long by 1/2" wide." They sell for $5.98 each. They offer a 'Vegetable Garden' where you get six rows of these vegetables plus 1/4 cup of soil to make your garden grow. This for $29.99. From Scenic Express www.scenicexpress.com or (724) 468-3106. The October-November 2009 O Gauge Railroading had a photo of Homies in a model railroad display. I'm pleased to say that we have been using Homies in our displays for five or six years now. Elfin Models is offering a huge selection of commercial fronts (buildings). They would be nice background(s) for a display. (314) 962-9852, www.elfinmodels.com They use Ameri-Towne building fronts. They are then carefully sprayed and painted by hand. Detailing includes window & door shades, business signs and other various decorative features. To make them 'stand alone' they cement each front to a quarter inch box sized. The part I really like is they use 12-16 volt light to light each box. I think they would make a nice downtown background, but they are pricey. To achieve the look of a downtown block, they suggest a group of five fronts, covering 30 inches. Five three story fronts, with the box, for $145 is their best value. And remember these are just building fronts - not sides, backs or tops. That would make them sort of a skinny facade. I understand they will be announcing Dept 56 retirements, and new introductions, in January rather than December. Just so you know! September 24, 2009 This is for several of you that asked. Just talked to Bill C. with the 'Lemax Carnival Santa Float' #93768 - Lemax Carnival Series, $14.99 plus tax/shipping. He got it from Lemax Villages, 6001 So Donna Lane, Oklahoma City, OK 73150. 405 741-1614. He has ordered several times from them and has been happy with their service. lemaxvillages@att.net or http://www.lemaxvillages.com/servlet/StoreFront Hallmark Gold Crown stores have a new, for 2009, ornament for me, 'Woodstock On The Green.' He's only tiny, 1/4" inches, but will look great on our Dept 56 putting green with Santa. $6.50. He is pulling a golf bag and looks very determined. Not sure if he will be the only Snoopy we use this season. A flyer from BRONNER'S CHRISTmas WONDERLAND came in todays mail. They were/are advertising a Dept 56 designer signing with Barbara Lund on October 17. They will also have Sue Hinkle available to answer Dept 56 product questions. This is all good stuff, sort of business as usual. An item I found of interest for Dickens collectors is this. "Bronner's is one of only 3 stores that will be carrying the 'Candle Shop' and accessory and the 'Green Grocer Shop' and accessory (Dickens Village). Village pieces can be preordered through Bronner's Customer Service." www.bronners.com. A variety of model/miniature camping trailers/trucks are available at Bullyan's RV in Hermantown, MN. They are 'about' 1/43 scale. They are offering: a 7 1/2" motor home ($12.28). Take off the roof and see the inside; a 4" camping trailer with a jeep tow vehicle ($8.45); 5th wheel camper, 6 1/2" with pickup truck ($12.00); 7" trailer with tow vehicle $20.69); 5 1/4" Class C camper towing boat ($19.9); and a 5 1/2" Class C motorhome. A couple of these are the ones I used with our Trailer Park Homies a couple of years ago. I can see us buying one more of the smaller campers. - They also had 'tablecloth magnets,' about 2 1/2". For for $21.63. They look like kind of cartoonish Airstream trailers, but someone might be able to find a use for them. They are heavy. (218) 729-9111. Lemax 'Angel's Wings' are available at Lemax Villages. E-mail lemaxvillages@att.net. Their web site is: http://www.lemaxvillages.com/servlet/StoreFront Remember Angel's Wings is a child making snow angels, animated. Just so you know! September 23, 2009 Linda and I will be camping this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (September 25-27) - just so you know! For supper on Friday, I plan supper at the Pizza Parlor in Iron River, WI. In addition to our watch dog W-O-O-F, we will have a son watching our house while we are gone. Just so you know! September 18, 2009 Thanks to Mary H., I was informed that Kohl's in Duluth (MN) is thinking Christmas - they have their St. Nicholas Square village collection on display (well it's out of the boxes and lined up on the shelves in the rear of the store). I'll begin by telling you that I am only going to mention the 'new for 2009' items plus a few comments on some older things that we found interesting. Six new houses; the 'Brewery,' $49.99. Kind of nice, with a big beer barrel, really big, on one side. Small outdoor beer garden, with people, and a 'see in' window that shows some vats (I think). I sort of hate the sign, but that could easily be fixed; 'Daisy's Floral Shop,' $44.99. Looks like some others I've seen with a large green awning in front and a greenhouse on the side; 'Ryan's Bicycle Shop,' $44.99. Sort of like the view in the window (bikes hanging on the wall), other than that, not much; 'Stable,' $49.99. Linda liked this one, with the horse(s)? looking out from inside and a man coming out the door; 'Tick Tock Clock Shop,' $39.99. An inside scene, nothing much for me; and the 'Tudor House,' $49.99. Another house/residence with an inside scene - O'boy! ** Accessories new for 2009: 'Fire hydrants' (set of two), $7.99. A bit large, might work in Snow Village; 'Holiday Hayride,' $17.99. Very nice! Two kids and mom riding on/in a small four wheel trailer pulled by a tractor. The people look pretty darn good and the detail is just right. We will buy this one! Moving on; 'Lighting up the Walkway,' $17.99. Luminaries for the side of your sidewalks. I think two sets of five. They show them lit so I'll bet they are battery operated - not sure; 'Parking Meters' (set of four). $4.99. What can I say, they're parking meters. ** From years past they are still offering; the 'Nativity' accessory. If you are looking for a small, one piece, Nativity scene to use in front of a church, this might work. Nicely done, we purchased one a couple of years ago; 'Pets,' $9.99. A group of small dogs and cats - not bad; 'Pattys' Pub' and 'Phil's Pharmacy' both have decent inside scenes - worth looking at; And finally the 'Main Street Movie Theater.' The ticket booth and small size make this one interesting to some folks. ** Oh yes, everything St. Nicholas Square is 25% off. For those of you looking of the Lemax Angel's Wings, you can go to Google and enter "lemax angels wings" - Your third choice will be 'Lemax Table Accents' - click on that and it takes you to the correct page on the 'ehobby' web site. You might have to scroll down to the Lemax Angels Wings. Hope this works for you. I have not ordered from this company. I am asking on a couple of groups for the experience of others. I'll let you know what happens. Linda thought we needed a new/different animated skating rink for our displays (we are wearing out our first one). We chose the new 'Practice Make Perfect' from Lemax - $39.99 (we bought it with a 50% of coupon at Michael's). It features three skaters, a boy, a girl, and a dog all trying to stand up on the ice. The size is 11 x 7 3/4 inches. We usually use are larger Dept 56 skating rink as well - just so you know! Just so you know! September 12, 2009 The 2009 Lemax lighted building offerings from Michael's are- The Signature Collection (Michaels' Exclusive) buildings are: 'Three Bags Full Yarn Shoppe,' $34.99 - interior scene, nothing special about the house; 'The Tower Theater,' $79.99 - musical, exterior lights; 'The Incredible Toy Emporium,' $79.99 - interior scene, musical, exterior lights; 'Kingsley Manor,' $44.99 - big house, too busy; 'Village Crossing Depot,' $44.99 - to me, just another train station; 'Kip's Christmas Collectibles,' $34.99 - small, could be OK, not for me. Other 2009 houses: 'St. Joseph's Chapel,' $44.99 - an OK small church; 'Ye Olde Cheese & Wine Shoppe,' $39.99 - Linda liked the cheese and wine in the windows; 'Barsom's Furniture,' $39.99 - I like the pulley and rope lift on the side; 'May Street Station,' $39.99 - a fire hall; 'Pierre's French Bakery,' $39.99 - interior scene, old style building; 'The Montego Vineyard,' $49.99 - Linda likes this one, it will/could go well with our wine 'accessories;' 'Alpine Peak B & B,' $39.99 - nicely done, good coloring; 'Rural Point Rustic Tent,' $34.99 - don't know what to say about a tent; 'Klondike Sled Dog Excursions,' $39.99 - not sure I like the building, Linda likes the little dog houses; 'Woodland Retreat,' $39.99 - Alpine A-Frame; 'Vail Youth Center,' $39.99 - not sure what this building is for; 'Snowmobile Tours,' $39.99 - unusual building, very small snowmobiles; 'Aspen Inn & Ale House,' $39.99 - interior scene; 'Pine Creek Market,' $44.99 - kinda cute, not sure about the colors; 'Big Mountain Outfitters,' $39.99 - busy building, lots of signs; 'Barnacle Bob's Scuba & Boat Salvage,' $39.99 - nice interior scene, maybe could use it, small; 'Windward Point Lighthouse,' $69.99 - animated, rotating beacon. ** Tables Accents - '12 Days of Christmas Manor,' $129.99 - musical, exterior lights, we didn't like the lit windows; 'Christmas Barn Dance,' $79.99 - musical, animated (three couples dancing inside), exterior lights - we didn't see it work or lit; 'Skate World Roller Rink,' $89.99 - musical, animated (lots of skaters going around inside, exterior lights, interesting design. Linda likes it; 'Church of the Nativity,' $79.99 - a moving nativity scene, I didn't really like it; 'The Cosmic Swing,' $119.99 - musical, animated, a nice carnival piece, hope we need another one, colorful, large; 'Mountain Climbers,' $39.99 - six children climbing a 'mountain;' and twelve more (too many to list). We are going to buy the 'Christmas Parade Marching Band' - set of eight - actually nine people. $19.99. They also have a new set of six, 'Holiday Shoppers' (actually eight people) that would work if you are looking for 'Christmas In The City' people. Not particularly well done, but they do all do look like shoppers and would look great in the background. Shopko in Duluth (MN) has a couple of toy items that I/you might be interested in. The ones for me are small, less than two inches tall, NASCAR drivers. They are cartoon like, as are the cars they come with, but they could be fun to use in the proper place. $4.99. ** They also a choice of Breyer four 'horse and foal' sets for $5.99. The sets were a 'spirit' horse, Pinto, American Quarterhorse and Appaloosa. ** Also from Breyer, a Kittens and Foals set, three of each, cute, $12.99. Just so you know! September 10, 2009 Dept 56 introduced "Marjorie's Blue Ribbon Baked Goods" as a 2009 Snow Village release. It's namesake is Minnesota native Marjorie Johnson. She has won thousands of ribbons for her baking, including over 1,000 blue ribbons. I was introduced to her several years ago while listening to the Joe Soucheray show, Garage Logic, on KSTP radio in the Twin Cities. She's always the shows first guest each year when they broadcast from the Minnesota State Fair. I have since seen her on the 'Tonight Show with Jay Leno.' She has also appeared on the 'Rosie O'Connell Show' and 'TheView.' She is described as a "4'8" dynamo, well known for her energetic personality and for always having something to say." I think it is kinda neat when they 'name' a house after a real person. The coordinated accessory is 'Blue Ribbon Treats.' The September Village North Collectors Club meeting is September 16. Time for the dinner meeting is 6 P.M. location, C's in Superior, WI. Open to members and guests - see you there! Just so you know! September 9, 2009 Sam's Club has gift cards featuring a picture of a Thomas Kincade Christmas village. I didn't buy one, but it did have the classy look of a Kincade anything. Michael's in Duluth will have their Christmas Lemax out by this weekend. The shelves are right now empty (except for the signs with the product names and prices). The goods are supposed to all in the store tomorrow (Thursday). This info is from the gentleman that does their displays. When we visited the store today, he was carving a 'pumpkin' with a 'hot knife' (not for a Christmas display!). Looking around on the Internet, I noticed several Lemax accessories that were of interest to me. One is an 'Art & Wine Festival Billboard.' The cost is $7.50, it's lit, and a nice size for a display. I've noticed folks doing 'wine' displays so this might fit right in. I really do like these different Lemax signs. Second was a 'Canadian Flag Pole.' 8 1/4" tall with yes, a Canadian Flag. We have one such flag, but a second might be nice. For $7.50 we'll probably go ahead and make a purchase. Third is a 'Metal Kiosk,' ( H x W x D ) 3-1/4 x 1-3/4 x 1-3/4 inches. It looks Oriental so we might want one. At $2.50, we can probably afford two or three. I found this stuff at Dollhouses, Trains & More. www.dollhousestrainsandmore.com the site wasn't working today, but it did yesterday. Just so you know! September 7, 2009 Correction! - I see that the sign in front of the stores says "Gordy's Gift & Garden." It seems I was calling it 'Gordy's Gifts and Collectibles,' my mistake. Some additional Spooky Town Collection items - I made a return trip today to the Hermantowns Menard's, and this time didn't lose my notes on the way home. In no particular order they are: 'Withered Oak Tree,' $4.98. Dark colored, no leaves, scary, nicely done. I can see us with a couple of these. 'Happy Howl-O-Ween,' three black cats on a fence with a lit moon. Used right, it could be good. 'Broom Rides,' $14.99 - is a witch selling rides to two kids. 'Gypsy Wagon,' - fortune teller with two kids. Sign says "Seance Tonight." 'Bloodmobile Vampire,' $1.98 - he has his hands out to greet you! 'Rusty Old Fence,' $2.49. Small, black and nice detail. 'Spooky Sign Post,' $2.49, includes a buzzard, skull and a sign reading "Spooky Town," "Pirates Cove," and "The Other Place" (with an arrow pointing down). The one additional house I noticed was the 'Chain Saw Lumber Yard,' $59.99, includes sound. It has a 'normal' person at the entry and scary men with chain saws in other locations. Remember that they also have other Lemax Halloween stuff (from previous years) as well as a whole bunch of other Halloween stuff. Just so you know! September 6, 2009 If you move a certain box on the Lemax Spooky Town shelf at Menard's in Hermantown, you will get a surprise! There is a moving arm and hand back there to greet you. Quite a marketing gimmick (and a big surprise). - Sorry, we didn't get back to Menard's today to make sure we found everything from Lemax. Gordys Gifts and Collectibles, Hermantown, MN is offering 25% off on a decent selection of retired Dept 56 village items. They had pieces (houses and accessories) from North Pole Village, Dickens' Village, Snow Village and SV Halloween. The rolling shelves are all over the store. The shelf near the rear of the store has a few retired Dept 56 items offered at 50% off. They are also receiving new Dept 56 items on a regular basis at Gordys Gifts and Collectibles, Hermantown, MN. Most of the items I saw are as follows: ** Dickens' Village Series 25th Anniversary 'Abel Beesley Butcher - Anniversary Edition.' All I can say about it is that it has 'meat' hanging in the front windows and it comes in a green box. Oh, it's also in both the Village Mid-Year 2009 brochure and the Village & Classic Brands 2009 brochure. I know not why. Also from DV, the 'M. Pickering Finest Persian Rugs.' Can't say much about the building, but Linda and both liked the 'Persian Rugs For Sale' accessory - colorful and nicely done. ** Snow Village accessories: 'Gifts For The Teacher;' 'I Hope She Likes Them,' 'Childrens' Nativity.' From Snow Village Christmas Lane, 'Tour Tickets Here.' ** North Pole Village - 'The Lunch Box Cafe,' small, Linda liked this house. 'Cocoa Chocolate Works' house.' 'Accessories, 'Gifts From Santa & Mrs. Claus' and 'Do You Want Fries With That?' Obviously this one is a waitress. (Still looking forward to see the two new 'snowboard' elves accessories). (And, of course, the new 'The North Pole Curling Team' and 'Christmas Around the World - China.' ** New England Village, 'Colonial Post & Telegraph,' Collecting The Mail,' and 'Loading The Cutter For Christmas.' 'Setting Up The Nativity.' ** 'The Christkindl Miracle,' 'Sharing An Alpine Christmas.' ** Christmas In The City - 'Read All About It,' 'I'm a Daddy, Have A Cigar,' and the General Village Accessory 'English Phone Booth.' - looks like one or two we already have from somewhere else. ** They also had the Dept 56 'Village & Classic Brands 2009,' Village Mid-Year 2009,' and 'Snowbabies 2009' brochures. My thanks to Dave Erickson for continuing to provide a web location for these words. You can find his site at www.minnesota56clubs.com Linda and I planted a prickly pear cactus in our yard this afternoon - just so you know! Just so you know! September 5, 2009 Just so you know! September 2, 2009 Model Railroader magazine continues to offer nice tips for us village display people. At least for those that like to do some different things. The September 2009 issue featured mare than a couple of things I found helpful: 'How to prepare, assemble, and paint cast-metal vehicle kits.' A little much for most of us, but useful if you are a real nut. - "Make your layout look picture-perfect.' Nice information on digital cameras, close ups and proper lighting. - 'Figure painting 101.' How to paint plastic and metal figures (people). Not for Dept 56 purists, but helpful to some of us. 'Model roads to look like they go on forever.' Making things look like they go on and on into the background. Dominion Models has added two new 1:43 scale models. One, a 1953 Studebaker pickup by U.S. Model Mint and the other a 1956 Pontiac station wagon by Brooklin. At $105 each, they are certainly expensive, but they are nicely done. Dominion is where I purchased a very nice 1950 Plymouth Coupe on my way to trying to complete my collection of a model of each real car I have owned. www.dominionmodels.com (504) 375-3750 LTD Commodities, www.ltdcommodities.com They have 1:32 scale police vehicles: 1913 NYC Paddy Wagon; 1934 Ford State Police; and 1956 Plymouth Police Cars - Orange County - 2-dr hardtop. The Paddy Wagon is smaller, 4 1/2 x 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 inches, and old! For $7.95 I might look at this one. The others are just a bit larger and are probably better suited for Dept 56 Snow Village displays. LTD Commodities also offers sets of racing grandparents for $6.95. They are Grandads on motorized scooters and Grannies with walkers (very intense, cartoon looking folk). They are two and one half inches tall and would make a fun 'gimmick' in a display. LTD Commodities hunting play sets, are deer, ducks and bass. From 16 to 18 pieces per set including people, animals (fish) and other equipment. The pieces are a bit large for our displays, but maybe fun for kids to play with. Although we did use similar 'people' in a small display a couple of year ago. We are considering doing a very small Christmas village display in a local nursing home. I'll let you know how that works out. Our local Michael's was part of a 'no newspaper ad' test this past week. Their only ad, and coupons, was on the Internet. They said they normally wouldn't of had an ad last weekend, so I'm really not sure what there expected to learn. Town and Country Hobbies offers a large variety of pewter people, about 1 1/2 inches tall, $4.95. They are not doing anything special, but if you need small people for a building porch (or some such location) they might work for you. Not much detail so I wouldn't plan on placing them in the front row. www.townandcountyhobbies.com Victorian Garden Details, O Scale. These are blue or pink clematis gardens for $11.99. Don't know the size but Linda and I can't seem to grow the real clematis in our garden sooo. They also offer a Garden Pond for $19.99 Scenic Express www.scenicexpress.com (714) 468-3106. It is beginning to be time to look for Dept 56 buildings in village displays in magazines and on TV shows. If you see any, please let me know so I can tell others. M.T.H.'s Tinplate Traditions Leland-Detroit Monorail has been recreated. It is a 3-car monorail set with the bright shiny colors and durable tinplate construction. Linda and I have long wanted a working monorail in our displays - at $699.99 for the set, I'm sure we will be waiting a while longer. http://www.mth-railking.com/detail.asp?item=10-1234-1 If you are a 'youtube' person, you can see an operating version by a simple search for MTH monorail. Goodbye to Lorraine - I'll miss my friend 'bacon cheeseburger.' Just
so you know! August 23, 2009 Normally Lemax Christmas is out in our local Michael's by now - nothing this year - yet! The person that does the displays said several weeks ago that he thought most of the product was in. Don't know what's holding them up. We saw the 8 piece new Lemax 'Christmas Parade Marching Band' in a display. As a matter of fact, the gentleman had put two sets together (except for the drum major and the banner carriers). Even though the people are not very detailed, they made a very nice addition to his Christmas parade. He also included the Lemax 'Christmas Parade Float' from last season. Our thanks to Bill for inviting Village North members (and other friends) to see his village displays. And, he fed all thirty of us!! Dan Lima suffered a heart attack and stroke in July. He makes his web site available to provide a place for many folks to post their village photos. We wish him the best. If you would like to send a note of encouragement, Dan’s e-mail address is DanLima@DTLima.com Gordy's Gifts and Collectibles, Hermantown (MN), has begun to receive new Dept 56 village items. Sorry, I didn't make a list. They also have the 'Dept 56 Village Mid-Year 2009' brochure. Looks like 'normal' Dept 56 quality but done just a bit differently (at least in my opinion). I don't really mind the new look. It seems to have more words and less photos - sometimes words are good. For those of you not reading/subscribing to some of the large Dept 56 groups on Yahoo, Penny Miller has already posted photos of the Texas event that was held this weekend. www.ncc56.com My thanks to her for sharing the information with the rest of us. Penny is the National Council of 56 Clubs web person. Just so you know! August 15, 2009 If you are looking for a boat/ship for your displays, try the Vista Fleet Gift Shop (bay side of the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center). They had over 200 ships (at least) on the shelves. When we were there last year, they had maybe 25? A nice variety of ships, from small (4") fishing boats for $4.99 to 23 inch schooners for $49.99. They had a large forty-six inches schooner with no price. The two gals working said I was the first all summer to ask the cost. Linda and I both were both attracted to the pirate ships. She liked the version with the black sails, I preferred white. Currently they are offering buy one get the second 1/2 off. The boats/ships I'm talking about here are all made of wood. Small drink containers - before I open a can of V8 Juice, I shake it; I find it best to not shake a can of Diet Coke; and shaking a container of milk just makes me look silly. Just so you know! Just so you know! August 13, 2009 www.dollhousestrainsandmore.com seems to have the biggest, total, list of Lemax products. Their prices are right where others are as well. No coupons or sales like some of the retailers however. I found the following chess sets: 'Wild, Wild West' ($59.99); 'Fantasy' ($76.99); and 'Civil War' ($76.99). They have small bases, and some are a bit shorter than we would like but, if your interest is making 'theme displays,' these might just work. J.C. Moon Gifts, Clothing & Stuff, 10571 N Main St, Hayward, WI 54843. (715) 634-0722. You can see them at: www.jcmhayward.com Contact them at jcmoonhayward@cheqnet.net - I found another chess set at Main Street Curiosity Shop in Hayward (WI). This one was 'Robin Hood' vs Sheriff of Notingham.' The cost was $97.50. Address for the store: 10564 N Main St., Hayward, WI 54843. (715) 634-1465. Linda found us a nice, display sized, rickshaw while we were in Hayward. It's four inches long and just over three inches tall. The rickshaw features a proper Oriental lady as a passenger (complete with a parasol). It has a young man pulling. This one she bought. We think the cost was $6.50 from the Main Street Curiosity Shop. Remember the Village North meeting is Wednesday, August 19 at the home of Bill Carlson in Hermantown, MN. 6 p.m. meeting followed by dinner and viewing of Bill displays. |
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