Until very recently, the Putz village seemed fairly complete.
A little heavy on churches, perhaps - 1.5 for every household - but with a nice mix of sizes and architectural styles.
And then I was reading an article in an old Christmas magazine. It was about Putz villages. And it mentioned a magic word.
Barn.
As in: at one time there were Putz barns. But now they can be hard to find.
I assumed this had to be true, since I had never seen one. And since I had a vacation day, I decided to build one.
It took me all day. By all day, I mean from the last half-hour of "Morning Edition" to the beginning of "All Things Considered," for those of you who measure time by the NPR schedule.
To make your own Putz barn, you will need to draw a pattern for the barn and a roof. You will need cardboard, corrugated scrapbook paper, an old box lid for a base, vellum or cellophane for windows, paint, glue, Mod Podge, glass glitter, little bristly things for trees, mercury glass beads for the little bristly things, and a tiny wreath. You also will need pinking shears, scissors, a ruler, paintbrushes and an exacto knife.
Also, if you happen to have one, a tiny hen.
Did I mention that you will need a vacation day?
It's possible I could have made a pretty good start on a real barn in the time it took to make this one.
But no regrets. The village feels a little more complete. At least until I hear about some other structure I haven't managed to collect.
You are beyond talented! I am going to pin this post so that I have a list just in case I decide that I am crafy enough to complete this project.
Happy Holidays,
Erica
Posted by: Erica | December 11, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Ok. Now, I need a putz barn. I even have miniature farm animals I could "borrow" from Josie's stash! Darling!
Posted by: Kim Kenward | December 11, 2012 at 11:40 AM
Such nice craftsmanship! Your village is super cute!
Posted by: Melissa | December 11, 2012 at 11:41 AM
it looks great! it really fits right in.
Posted by: rae | December 11, 2012 at 12:19 PM
I never ever saw a barn. Your barn is wonderful. I wouldn't be able to resist had more animals.
Posted by: Sheryl Remy | December 11, 2012 at 12:42 PM
I've sat here speechless not knowing what to write...not just because you built a barn but because you built a beautiful barn! It is so lovely and looks perfect in your village. I don't think I could ever build anything that nice but you can bet your jingle bells I am going to be glittering some farm animals sometime soon.
Posted by: Kate | December 11, 2012 at 01:12 PM
Ha! I would have had to take twice as long...kid you not I am slower than molasses in January when it comes to paper crafts...I love the speed of my sewing machine...smiles..Renee
Posted by: Renee | December 11, 2012 at 01:28 PM
Love your barn. Next, maybe a schoolhouse. Do you think you might possibly go crazy and your Putz village would take over an entire room?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22283683@N07/4332761955/in/photostream/
Posted by: Martha | December 11, 2012 at 03:15 PM
Oh My goodness that is just too cute! Love love love it * your stories always make me smile :) Merry Christmas to you!
Posted by: Patrice | December 11, 2012 at 04:19 PM
Simply beautiful!! I adore the barn that you made!! So sweet!! xo Heather
Posted by: Heather | December 11, 2012 at 11:14 PM
Hi there, I've been reading your blog for four year (yes 4) and have never left a comment. Measuring my day by the NPR schedule is something I thought only I did. Now I know I'm not alone! Also, the barn is lovely! :)
Posted by: Joan | December 11, 2012 at 11:51 PM
Oh my goodness! I love your barn, Barbara.
You are so talented, and it is always a pleasure to see your wonderful displays.
Posted by: Account Deleted | December 12, 2012 at 12:28 AM
Excellent job! You are so creative and talented. Is there a distelfink on that barn? Chew Mailpouch?
Posted by: Tina | December 12, 2012 at 01:07 AM
LOVE It ... No surprises there ! Thanks for sharing Barbara ! Oh and we are on the NPR schedule over here as well.
Posted by: Lisa W. | December 12, 2012 at 03:15 AM
They don't make taverns, do they? My husband is from Kenosha, Wisconsin. There's a tavern/bar on every corner....
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | December 12, 2012 at 08:33 AM
how cute, great job. l love putz also and i have tried to make buildings, yours is perfect.
Posted by: marasmarket.blogspot.com | December 12, 2012 at 08:10 PM
Barn raising! So cute. I know what you mean about how long it takes to make just one. Some of my Putz-like creations were recently posted on another blog along with other readers creations (retro renovation). The thing is that I now want to make an entire Smallville!
Posted by: tammyCA | December 13, 2012 at 01:14 AM
Oh, my, that's all I can say! So cute!
Posted by: Jill | December 13, 2012 at 07:03 AM
Fabulous barn, and a perfect addition to the village. You should make more to sell...well, next year anyway!
Maureen
Posted by: Maureen | December 16, 2012 at 12:44 AM