‘Department 56 Snow Village’ Archive
Monday, December 6th, 2010
 Two sisters in Bloomington, Illinois, have turned the two-car garage of their new home into a virtual winter wonderland with hundreds of Department 56 buildings and accessories.
According to the Pantagraph newspaper, Marge Russell and Barbara Strangeway started collecting the lighted buildings and figurines 15 years ago. Since then, the sisters have accumulated a collection of more than 500 buildings and about 4,000 accessories.
"I just love being creative with it," Russell told the news provider.
"It never goes up the same twice," her sister, Strangeway, added.
The duo says that the garage is the perfect space to display their stunning collection, as they've never had so much space. However, all of their pieces are still not being used.
They noted that they began their collection when they lived in a small mobile home in Florida with their elderly mother.
"We didn't have much room, but we'd line the living room with just a path in the middle to walk through," Strangeway told the newspaper.
Whether individuals have a small shelf or mantle or an entire room, Department 56 collectibles can help make holiday décor more festive.
Some people choose to display entire collections, while others choose to pick and choose their favorite pieces to create a smaller centerpiece.
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Monday, December 6th, 2010
 A group of Department 56 collectors known as the Nifty '56ers has donated hundreds of lighted buildings and figurines to be put on display and benefit a charity this holiday season, according to the News-Sentinel.
The display, which features pieces from the Department 56 Snow Village, Department 56 North Pole and Department 56 Dickens Village collections, is being billed as "Indiana's largest snow village."
The holiday collection is being showcased at the Grand Wayne Convention Center through December 23.
While individuals and families can view the display, called "Holiday Houses for Habitat," for free, organizers are encouraging donations to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Visitors can donate at the convention center or by visiting HolidayHousesforHabitat.com.
Department 56 collections feature buildings and figurines depicting Christmas scenes.
Department 56 Snow Village, the original collection released in 1976, is modeled after the 1950s suburban communities that started to pop up everywhere across the U.S. after World War 2.
Department 56 North Pole collection depicts the magical fantasy land of elves working hard to manufacturer toys while Santa Clause overlooks the scene.
Department 56 Dickens Village collection is modeled to depict the time of Charles Dickens and the stories he wrote. Some of the more famous pieces include, The Cottage of Bob Cratchit & Tiny Tim, The Old Curiosity Shop, Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield and Oliver Twist.
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Wednesday, December 1st, 2010
 While some use the beginning of the holiday shopping season to get into the Christmas spirit, others prefer decoration. These folks typically adorn their homes and offices with trees, lights and figurines.
Department 56 figurines are the centerpiece of these holiday displays, as collectors can use the products to create various eye-catching scenes.
Department 56 Christmas in the City series has been a favorite among collectors and decorating enthusiasts since 1987.
The collection showcases a winter scene in New York City during the 1940s. Best-selling pieces include landmark buildings such as the Flatiron building and the Chinatown gate as well as other city structures such as row houses, firehouses and city shops. In addition, these items are all lighted to create a stunning holiday display.
While many of the structures featured in the series are no longer standing, Department 56 has worked out exclusive partnerships to construct models of many famous buildings of New York City’s skyline, including Yankee Stadium and Rockefeller Center.
The Christmas in the City buildings feature detailed architecture that can be enjoyed by both the young and old for years to come!
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Monday, November 15th, 2010
 Homeowners have the advantage of decorating a large amount of space during the holiday season, but apartment renters typically have a smaller area to work with. Brown and white wire lights can add the finishing touch to Christmas decor, but Department 56 can bring the spirit of Christmas to even the smallest spaces.
Department 56 is renowned for crafting some of the most eye-catching figurines seen in households and apartments across the country throughout the winter. Their snow globes, glassware and lighted buildings have attracted collectors from around the world.
Many of the hand-crafted items Department 56 offers come in different shapes and sizes. Consumers can purchase entire snow villages or simply collect Department 56 figurines. They're perfect for apartment owners who are searching for a few pieces that will make a big impact.
Department 56 is known for its Christmas products, but the company also designs a number of different decorations for other events throughout the year ranging from Halloween to Easter.
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Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
 With the holiday season right around the corner, many people are already thinking about the many ways they can begin decorating around their homes. Department 56 figurines have been a popular holiday tradition in households across the country since they debuted in 1976. These collectibles come in a number of different shapes and sizes, offering every home the finishing touch to their holiday decorations.
Department 56 creates miniature snow villages that capture the essence of Christmas in every display. The company not only makes full-sized towns, complete with stores and homes, but separate pieces as well. Customized figurines, such as the Charlie Brown pieces, have grown in popularity and become renowned collector's items.
Winter village scenes are perfect for everything from shelves to long dinner tables. Guests will be in awe over the beauty and craft that goes into displays, such as those created by Department 56. Buyers don't have to be collectors to dive into the tradition of decorating with Department 56 products and wowing their visitors this holiday season.
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Wednesday, October 13th, 2010
 Many citizens are so conscious of protecting the environment that they choose to recycle every item that can be reused. Aside from plastic and glass containers, many people put in the extra effort to preserve newspapers, magazines, cardboard and boxboard.
Unfortunately, some eco-friendly homeowners don't have the necessary space to store these items. If the recycling bin fills up, some people may consider tossing leftover recyclables in their trash bins in order to avoid accruing clutter.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States recycles about 28 percent of its waste. That number could rise if people devote more storage space to their recyclables.
Brabantia trash bins offer a solution to individuals who are looking for extra compartments to place their recyclables. While Brabantia products are traditionally used to store waste, they are designed to store most used items.
Offered in a variety of sizes and colors, their stylish design makes them a nice addition to any room in the house. The different types of bins available are pedal, touch and sensor bins.
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Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
 The Department 56 community of collectors stretches across the U.S. Last month, passionate fans of the Christmas villages convened in Michigan to celebrate their common hobby. In several weeks, and just before the yuletide season swings into gear, a Department 56 collectors event will take place in Virginia.
The Village Collectors of Michigan (VCOM) organizes four events every year, and they produce at least six newsletters to keep their members updated on all things related to Department 56.
This type of camaraderie highlights the rich tradition of the Department 56 Christmas collectibles, and perhaps no other collection exemplifies this better than the Original Snow Village Series. Modeled after post-World War II suburbia in America, the snow village is one of the most popular series ever manufactured by Department 56.
The snow village series is a vintage collection, offering vintage 1950's-themed pieces such as Kelly's Diner, Sharky's Pool Hall and Bud's T.V. & HI-FI store. For those who grew up in this era, the snow village series will take you on a trip down memory lane.
For those individuals who did not live through the Baby Boom Generation, the Original Snow Village Series offers a glimpse of a proud time in American history, as well as the joy that Christmas brought to its small towns.
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Friday, September 17th, 2010
 A vast wave of architectural advancements over the last 60 years has transformed the look and feel of many modern-day suburban communities. Gone is the modest charm of Christmas, a season when the joy and innocence of childhood is widely celebrated.
The Original Snow Village Series from Department 56 can send you back to a much simpler time, serving as a glowing reminder of the values and lifestyles shared in the 1950s. The collection of porcelain pieces is modeled after the suburban neighborhoods that started to appear in America following World War II.
The series features a wide selection of traditional homes and buildings you may have visited downtown, such as churches, retail shops and restaurants. Various figurines are also available, which highlight the popular clothing styles of the 50s.
Where you display your collection will depend on the size of the village you desire. If you only have a few pieces, the mantle or book shelf is a great option. If you are mapping out a full-fledged city, you could consider dedicating an entire section of a room to the item. New pieces of the Snow Village series are added every year, so your collection can grow with every passing Christmas.
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