When I was a young girl, my mother took me to the craft store to pick out a craft item of my choosing. I went up and down the aisles, looking over the yarn, the stamps, the fabrics, and then something caught my eye. It was a pure white plaster house - decorated for Christmas. It's charm was undeniable, even in its unfinished state. It cost about seven dollars, and I asked my mom if I could buy two, plus a few tubes of acrylic paint. I couldn't wait to go home and get started. It took several days to complete the painting of the first house, but it was worth all the careful work and painstaking attention to detail. Once the first one was finished, I couldn't wait to start on the second. And after that, I went out and bought a third.
Over the years, one of my favorite Christmas traditions became adding new houses and buildings to the collection. They were displayed on the piano, on a blanket of white snow. Then, when there were too many to fit on the piano, they moved to the living room side tables, the window sills - anywhere they could fit. I kept collecting, kept painting. Soon, the only place large enough to fit all my masterpieces was under the Christmas tree. Each year, I would look so forward to setting up the village, each house and tree, shop and building in its perfect place.
About two years ago I went to look for more houses to add to my collection, and much to my very great dismay, I could not find the company - California Creations - online. Nor could I find any place that sold my treasured houses. Occasionally I see them now on ebay, for much more than I used to spend, and I can see from the number of bids on each item that there are still people out there like me longing to add to their beloved Christmas villages.
So I thought I would make a little blog where people who love the California Creations Christmas Village can share stories and pictures of their own villages. I would love to see your village, your careful painting, your little houses. Please send me pictures I can post on this blog to share.
So I'm seeing this a little late and I regret that fact. I have been searching for a couple years now to find more people like us who adore these little houses and each have their own story to tell. I don't know if you still visit this blog or if you'll even see this posting but I wanted you to know I was out here. Here's a link to my blog and the posting I made of my houses: http://juniperbry.blogspot.com/2009/11/oh-my-goodness-oh-my-goodness.html
ReplyDeleteand
http://juniperbry.blogspot.com/2009/11/you-gotta-take-good-with-bad.html
I also have a few "spring" houses I have turned into a halloween scene.
I have some of these houses for sale if you would like to buy them. www.calliescraftcottage.etsy.com
ReplyDeleteI only have one finished one listed for sale currently, but have many more unfinished. If you are looking for something specific, email me at cshamblin@comcast.net and tell me what you are looking for, OR I can send you a complete listing of what I have with prices.
My email has change to calliehamblin@gmail.com, but the Etsy site is still the same. I have lots of inventory for this season.
DeleteMichael's sells a few each Christmas... but their selection is slim.
ReplyDeleteThe company that made California Creations is no longer in business. The houses Michael's not have are from another company.
DeleteDo you still have any? If so please email me. vanessa_morrow@hotmail.com
DeleteHi, I have come across a very large collection of the houses and I am currently listing them on eBay they are already painted if you do not see the one your looking for just ask as I may not have listed it yet. ourtimelesspieces is my eBay site.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteKathie Nelson, ourtimelesspieces seems to be empty so.....
ReplyDeleteCan you tell me the names of the ones you are going to sell and the price range, please. I currently have 39 different ones but always interested.
Thanks, Georgia ggrisolia5@gmail.com
Wish someone would start producing these delightful houses again.
ReplyDeleteCheck your local thrift stores! I just found eight of the little buildings, all still in their packages, at Goodwill.
ReplyDeleteWere there two different sizes? I see some that are 4x3x5, which seems really small compared to the ones I have. I bought all mine at Oregon Craft and Floral in Oregon City, Oregon back in the 90s.
ReplyDeleteI just happened across 6 at Goodwill the other day, bought 5 as I had the 6th one.
It also broke my heart to hear that the company is no longer in business. I have the church, used car shop, one victorian house, the bookstore and the school, I want more so badly but the ones I find on ebay are going for 50 or more. My dog chewed the top bell tower of my school and I and desperatly searching for a new one. Glad Im not the only one. has anyone come across a list of the different figures? I'd love to start trying to collect them all.
ReplyDeleteI have several. Are you still interested in collecting them?
ReplyDeleteHow many do you have? Are the painted?
ReplyDeleteI am interested in unpainted crafts. Please email me a dolson@midwestinfo.net. Thank-you for any consideration.
ReplyDeleteFound this post today. Just last night I made the discovery you made years ago and I really am broken hearted. In the early fall I found two at a thrift store and had a great time painting them. I've been to craft stores since and always look for more. But last night I finally did a google search and just couldn't believe what I saw. In order to get new ones, I would have to pay much more than I originally spent. I'm sorry if this sounds dramatic or morbid, but it really feels like I've lost a loved one. These buildings are so lovely and detailed, it kind of makes sense that others are willing to pay so much for them. Oh, how I wish I'd have gotten more of them before the company closed.
ReplyDeleteThese holiday village crafts have made such an impact! In the 1990's, collected and painted these houses to give to loved ones each Christmas. I must have completed over 20, and kept only 5 for myself. Most of the houses on ebay are ones I have, and I definitely think the outrageous prices are ridiculous. I have been trying to research if the company sold the molds to their houses. I image they had hundreds! Please let me know if you have any information about this: scubacrazy17@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI have been searching. I started this hobby way back in 1992. I had 2 young children, could not afford a real village. I became obsessed with it, and soon had a big collection, where I was running out of room to display them. I took a break for several years, and my oldest is now getting married. I thought I would pick up the hobby again, and gift them a piece each year. Unfortunately, they are nowhere to be found, at an affordable price.
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere years ago that the company who bought California Creations broke the molds. Shame on them. And really shame on the people charging so much on eBay. I had an unopened Bowling Alley and I opened it tonight to paint it and it fell apart in my hands. I'm so very sad and it would cost so much to replace from a seller on eBay. I'll keep my eye out at thrift stores but I don't expect to find any in my area.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad I found this - I started mine back in 2002 and only painted 2.5 of them. I need to finish the 3rd, but yes- I wanted to resurrect this craft but have a hard time justifying the cost on eBay. I was hoping Michael’s still had them, or something like them. I’m so bummed and wish I would have kept it going. Makes me sick - only 3 pieces I own and my husband was my boyfriend at the time and really wanted me to continue it so we had our own village set. Now I’m kicking myself in the pants for not doing so. I’m pretty sure I donated a couple of other pieces years ago too - gah! Hoping to find these again elsewhere. Good luck everyone.
DeleteI'm a bit confused. I can't find a list of all the houses. I believe there is house SE150 a Country Village House. And SE154 Country House. Can someone confirm that?
ReplyDeleteYou are correct. Not sure why they named them like this.
DeleteI love that you shared your blog in 2010... I had the very same experience. My mom bought us a few each year, and we would carefully paint them. Then I married, and shared the tradition with my wife and kids... its priceless. We have about 30 of our own, and now have run out - tonight. I would even consider making this a business of mine as there are so many that would like to get these still. Thanks for sharing. I'd post pictures, but not sure how to on this blog. thank you. Dave H.
ReplyDeleteI started purchasing and painting them years ago... Maybe 1991ish. But I continue looking as well. Everthing I see is $65 and up to $160. Probably painted 20 plus a number of figures. Does anyone know where the molds went to?
ReplyDeleteCould a group of us purchase the molds if we found them???
ReplyDeleteHas anyone found a list of houses from California Creations? My mom and I bought these in the early 90's and we have 40-50 of them and buy here and there off ebay but the prices are insane. I'm wondering how many I don't have lol. I'd love to find a company that makes something comparable. Seems like there are alot of us searching for them!!
ReplyDeleteI know there are several series of the houses. I only collect the ones that are numbered SEXXX (SE and 3 digits). Several of us are looking for a complete list. I'm happy to share what I know, and if anyone knows more I would love for you to share. SE141 Tudor House, SE142 Library, SE143 Gifts, etc., SE144 Brownstone, SE145 Real Estate Office, SE146 Craftman's House, SE147 Dr. Office, SE148 Book Store, SE149 Christmas Shop, SE150 Country House, SE151 Small Church, SE152 Bakery, SE153??, SE154 Country House (again) SE155 Toy Store, SE156?? SE157 Victorian House, SE158 Candy Shoppe, SE159 R&R Train Depot, SE160 Beacon Hill House, SE161 School House, SE162 Lombard St House, SE163 Ranch House w/Silo, SE164 Barn, SE165 Hotel, SE166 Brick Church, SE167 Country Store, SE168 Old Mill, SE169 Drug Store, SE170 Lady Katherine House, SE171 Fire Co., SE172 Rockwood Mansion, SE173 Ponderosa House, SE174 Hardware Store, SE175 Old Mansion, SE176 Bank, SE177 French Blue House, SE178 Cafe, SE179 Queen Ann House, SE180 5&10/Barber, SE181 Colonial House, SE182 Cinema/Soda Fountain, SE183 Fruit/Antiques, SE184 Police/Lawyer, SE185 Post Office, SE186 Tiffany Mansion, SE187 Park House, SE188 Butcher/Ice House, SE189 Gifts/City News, SE190 Craft Store, SE191 Pet Shop/Flowers, SE192 City Hall, SE193 Guild House, SE194 King William House, SE195 Boutique, SE196 Gas Station, SE197 Cathedral, SE198 Clock Shop, SE199 Beauty Shop/Donuts, ??Clock Tower.
DeleteAs far as I can tell they started with SE141 - SE199. I have all SEs but 10. There was another set 97000 from the same company
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThanks! That means I have them all except for the two mystery numbers SE153 and SE156. Do you know what they are?
ReplyDeleteDid these houses have a copyright of Crea. Crafts or Creative Crafts?
ReplyDeleteThey are California Creations
DeleteYes....they also go by creative crafts.
DeleteI have 27 pieces of the California Creations and have painted them all. I would love to get more but not at the prices that are out there. If anyone finds qhere they can be purchased please let me know.
ReplyDeleteI have 9 pieces I would like to sell. blonde11953@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThanks fot the blog, I used to purchase these, for just a few dollars each, I would paint them, and give them out for Christmas presents. Friends and family loved them, had I known I would never get to get anymore, I would have bought all I could get then, now, it is outrageous how much they want for them on selling sites. I can't afford them and I wanted to get some and make myself a village Christmas tree. Well, I guess that is soemthing I will never get to do. Very sad!!
ReplyDeleteAny chance another company exists?
ReplyDeleteBeing frustrated about not being able to find any without spending a paycheck. I decided to make my own and sell some if there is enough interest. This was my first attempt at making one of these California Creation type houses. I made a library its 4 inches tall and 4 inches wide. If you are interested. I would like to make more and get better. I have even found a company that would manufacture them for me. I can't figure out how to upload a picture here so I guess if you are interested send me an e-mail at casey.r.staley@gmail.com
DeleteWell, this is disappointing, to say the least. I just bought a house last year and have a long buffet in my kitchen that would be ideal for displaying these like my dad used to do on our kitchen buffet (with other Christmas decorations) when I was little. I saw some of these on eBay while I was looking for some Pinewood Elves bisque to complete that collection, and I immediately knew I wanted an entire set of this Christmas Village. I just Googled "California Creations Christmas Village pieces list" and came across this blog. Suffice it to say, I am heartbroken before I even started my collection to learn that these unpainted bisque pieces are not being made anymore and are rare to find. No wonder these are going for $25-$75 per piece there. I don't want to start this knowing I'll never be able to collect all of the buildings and accessories.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if there's another company that makes similar pieces, so I can start that collection instead of this one?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteInstead of posting a lot of pictures here, I've created another blog that includes a list of all the SE series and pictures of how I've painted them. I'm still clueless about 2 of them, so let me know if you can identify them. It's great to connect with others who appreciate these houses.
ReplyDeletehttps://christmasvillageccse.blogspot.com/
I have a lot these not painted or opened. My hands aren't steady to do them anymore. Am looking to sell them all. If interested email me at tessicahouse@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm definitely interested and sent you an email earlier.
DeletePlease let me know of you have any left and what they are. Thank you!
DeleteI'm awfully late to this blog, but hopefully someone can help. I inherited a large collection of these houses and I would love to paint them, but I'm not sure if the clay needs to be primed first or not. Googling has given me mixed results, so I wanted to reach out to others who have painted their collections and ask for some firsthand advice about painting methods?
ReplyDeleteEmma, I didn't prime mine, just painted them with acrylic paint and then sprayed them. I have had some of them for more than 20 years and they still look great. Any other questions? Here is a link to how I painted mine. Of course, once you start, inspiration will take over and they may end up looking completely different. https://www.blogger.com/blog/pages/5133074240387547687
DeleteThey are ready to paint. I bought about 35 pieces - in the 80s and 90s. The California Creations white plaster village pieces. I used standard ceramic acrylic paints - then heavy gloss sprayed them. I added... Emma, if you are on facebook - I have part of the village as my cover page. I'd be happy to tell you more and suggest a couple of other things to you.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am only 13 years late to this conversation. My family started doing this when I was young in the 90's. I was married in 2012 and we went out and bought everything our local Micheal's had. Then we have never been able to find them since. So fast forward to now and I have the skill and artistic ability to make these home pretty close to California Creations. But it felt like a waste to spend that time and effort for 1 house/shop. So I may start making them and start with a blacksmith shop. To sell them I would probably start on Ebay and start selling them for $20 inflation and my time and effort. Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteI'm late as well. I don't think that is being unreasonable. If you keep your prices consistent and fair.
DeleteWe (well some of us) understand that working with plaster, porcelain, ceramic, crocheting, knitting, painting, etc.,takes time and should be taken into account in your pricing.
Those who don't, personally, I don't think they truly understand the concept or time it takes.
Being frustrated about not being able to find any without spending a paycheck. I decided to make my own and sell some if there is enough interest. This was my first attempt at making one of these California Creation type houses. I made a library its 4 inches tall and 4 inches wide. If you are interested. I would like to make more and get better. I have even found a company that would manufacture them for me. I can't figure out how to upload a picture here so I guess if you are interested send me an e-mail at casey.r.staley@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteMy mom passed this year and I really want to add to her collection because it brings such fond memories.
ReplyDelete