How to Create your Very Own Christmas Village

Christmas is a fabulous time of year for sharing. The little ones in your life will enjoy spending precious time with you, as your create this enchanted Christmas Village together. This fun project will require very little investment and is sure to shine under the Christmas tree year after year!

Start by gathering your supplies. Some of these things you may find laying around the house.

Ruler
Card Stock
Pencil
Craft Glue
Utility Knife
White Glitter
1 Quart White Latex House Paint
Paint Brush
Acrylic Pain (Various colors)

We will start by creating the roof for the houses and the church. With your paper secured tightly on your clipboard draw two squares (2 ½" height x 4" wide.) Label each square roof for small house. Next draw two more squares (3 ½ " x 3 ½ "). Label one squares Roof for large house and one for the church. Finally, with your paper security fastened to your clipboard, carefully cut out each roof with your utility knife. Fold each roof in half, long ways and set aside.

Next, we will create the house. Again, with your paper secured tightly to your clipboard, draw two rectangles (9 ½" long x 2 ½" wide). Carefully, cut out each rectangle. Now, divide and fold each rectangle into four sections. Section A (0 - 2 ¾ "), Section B (2 ¾" to 4 ¾"), Section C (4 ¾" to 7 ½") and Section D (7 ½" to 9 ½"). Cut Section B and D to 1 ¾" in height. Fold section A and C long way. Next, cut Section A and C so that each section forms a peak. This will be the peak of the house. Now, draw windows and a door on section A and C (no specific location required). Cut out your windows and doors with your utility knife. Label each rectangle small house.

Next, we will create the church. Draw one rectangles (9 ½" long x 3" high.) Divide and fold this rectangle into four sections. Section A (0 - 3"), Section B (3" to 5"), Section C (5" to 7 ¾") and Section D (7 ¾" to 9 ½"). Cut Section A and C (1 ¾" in height), Cut Section B and D so that if forms a peek. This will be the peak of the church. Now draw three church style windows on section A and three windows and a door in section C. Carefully, cut out your windows and door with your utility knife and label the church.

Next, make a beaded line of glue on section A of the house and glue it to section D. Place the roof of the house on top and glue it in place. Repeat this step with the church.

After the glue has completely dried you will need to paint each house and your church with the white house paint. Be sure to paint it both on the inside and outside. After it has dried, paint the exterior of the house. Including the roof and outer walls. Next, paint white snow on the roof of the house. After that completely dries you will want to paint craft glue along the peak of the house and sprinkle white glitter on to the top. This will make your houses shimmer.

The fun part is adding all of your own special touches. Let your imagination run wild. Make your own little tree's with glistening snow. Add a chimney to your houses and a steeple to your church. Be very generous with the glitter, it will make your little town shimmer. Do not forget to make wreaths for your doors and candy canes out of pipe cleaners. For extra fun hang silver yarn around your houses to resemble garland. Label each building appropriately. For example, Town Hall, School House, etc. The options are endless!

When you have finished your town, place all of your houses neatly under your tree or on your mantle. Surround them with artificial snow and add a few snow men made of cotton balls. Customize your village to reflect your home. For example, if your home has a nautical theme, you might want to make a lighthouse or include a surf shop! Have fun making memories with family and friends this holiday season and remember "These are the good old days!"