Handcrafted Half-Timbered Christmas Village - Etsy Design Award finalist (double set), made with artisan papers

Add a spark of magic to your home this season with handcrafted Christmas house luminaries. Unlike anything made in a factory, each Belgian Paperworks luminary is a work of art, created by hand to capture the magic of the season.

DESIGN AND BEAUTY

Belgian Paperworks luminaries celebrate the artistry of paper and light. Handmade from strong, beautifully textured watercolor paper, these heirloom pieces delight with intricate details by day, and enchant with a magical glow when lit — illuminated treasures that fit in the palm of your hand.

I assemble every piece by hand, adding layers of meticulously cut paper until each one is, literally, ready to shine. Layers enhance their strength and durability, too. And I always cut with a blade, never a laser, so no matter how closely you look, you will never find a "toasted" edge in my work.

Each luminary reflects a level of detail and quality that cannot be replicated in a factory-produced design, and you’ll find yourself leaning in to see every crisp detail. Perfect for creating captivating scenes on mantels, bookshelves, or windowsills, they are a beautiful addition to any space.

Good design is functional, too — my luminaries fold perfectly flat, so you can tuck them away in seconds and your post-holiday cleanup is done. So simple!

THE ARTIST

Nestled in an old California apple orchard, my studio is a lovely place where I transform simple paper into magical, light-filled scenes. High-quality paper possesses a perfect balance of flexibility, elasticity, and rigidity, in addition to its ability to transmit and diffuse light. Through years of experimentation and innovation, I've developed my own techniques and a rich visual language that's distinctly my own, allowing me to create magic with paper and light.

Every luminary reflects my dedication to detail and meticulous craftsmanship, merging creativity and precision to create something truly enchanting.

ABOUT THIS PIECE

This village is a double-version of my Etsy Design Award finalist piece. I have created its charming timbers and roofs with rich, wood-grained paper. The smallest cottage has a stone-textured chimney, the stately townhouse bears a regal shield, and even the shutters are 3 dimensional.

If you wish, you can add the brown timber church (https://belgianpaperworks.etsy.com/listing/1103567749) to your order for a truly unified look.

ECO-FRIENDLY CRAFTSMANSHIP

My commitment to sustainability starts with my studio, which runs on geothermal power, and continues with archival-quality paper sourced from eco-conscious mills. To ensure that no resource goes to waste, I transform my offcuts into sweet Christmas ornaments. And finally, my luminaries’ ability to fold flat reduces their environmental impact by requiring less packaging and fewer resources to ship.

By choosing Belgian Paperworks, you’re not only adding a touch of magic to your home, but also supporting thoughtful design and honoring the beauty of true handmade artistry.

PRACTICALITIES:

Set up and storage: Your pieces will arrive fully assembled. All you need to do is pop them up and put the tabs through the slots - no glue or tape is required. Tuck in the LED tea lights included with US shipments, and sit back to enjoy the glow. After the season, simply fold your luminaries back into their small shipping box and slip them into a drawer until next time. They take up almost no space, because no one needs more bulky stuff to store.

Measurements: The houses in this collection range from 3.75 to 5.75 inches tall. Both optional churches are 7" tall.

The listing is for six luminary houses with an optional church.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Paper is flammable. Use flameless LED lights only. Do not bring into contact with flame.

© 2020 Anne Louvau, all rights reserved. Usage, reproduction, or altering of artwork is not permitted without permission. Each piece of artwork is an intellectual property and is protected by copyright law