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The latest issue of Village D-Lights , a wonderful magazine of village collecting, display tips and product information, arrived in my mailbox about a month ago. I've just finished reading it cover to cover. I never feel I can really blog about it until I've absorbed it all. This edition's cover features "Frost University" for the Original Snow Village collection. Here is what you'll find in this (April/May) issue: * The cover story continues unveiling the new introductions for each series. * A look back at the busy year the NCC enjoyed in 2007. * Brandon Taylor looks at variations produced over the years, including misspellings which had been stamped on pieces. * A complete list of 2008 introductions * The NorthPole series word search! * The largest model runway in the world... * A letter from Mrs. Dickens There's also many regular sections of the magazine: reader submissions, letter from the editor, trivia, display ideas, hints and tips, and much more! ...

It's called "Village D-tails" and it's coming this summer (2008). This will pick up for the original Greenbook price guide. From Teri's site : "The Greenbook Guide to Department 56 Villages was widely respected by collectors, retailers, and insurance agents worldwide for its breath of collectibles information and value guide. Updated annually, the Greenbook contained color photographs of each building and accessory, year of introduction and retirement, original selling price, interesting facts about many designs including variations and mistakes, and current secondary market values. Similar in format to the 2006 edition of the Greenbook, Village D-tails will include the same trusted information that has been the industry "bible" for years, featuring updates on all the villages, 8.5" x 5.5", full color, soft cover, approx. 480 pages. Published by Pioneer Communications, Inc., the same company that brings you Village D-Lights magazine....

Fresh in my mailbox was a brand new issue of Village D-Lights , a magazine designed for village collecting enthusiasts, featuring great articles, display tips product information and much more. This edition's cover features the "Canton Tea Trading", a new piece for 2008 for Dickens' Village. Here is what you'll find in this (February/March) issue: * The cover story describes some of the 2008 introductions for Christmas in the City, Alpine Village and Dickens' Village. * A great feature on Randy Miller, president of the NCC . * A spectacular ad by D56 for the "American Diner". * Ms. LitTown writes about the new Department 56 showroom, which is being prepped for the 2008 convention. * A letter from Mrs. Dickens * Brandon Taylor's take on variations of some of the pieces * A Valentine's Day feature on themed pieces for that special day There's also many regular sections of the magazine: reader submissions, letter from the editor, trivia, di...

A brand new festive fall issue of Village D-Lights , a wonderful magazine of village collecting, display tips and product information, arrived in my mailbox on friday. I still haven't read through everything, basically because it is packed with a lot of good content. Here is what you'll find in this (October/November) issue: * The cover story is on the SSRG (Suncoast Southern Regional Gathering) and features many great displays of the award winners. * An interview with Department56 president Steve Ruelle. * A spotlight on Lorrie's Gifts and Collectibles * A profile of Snowbabies creator Kristi Jensen Pierro. * Tips on adding a staircase to your display. * Creating a Harvest-themed display * Updates on the new Greenbook - an updated version of the classic price guide. They are looking for a new name. Anyone with creative inspiration for naming the guide can visit the Village D-lights website and contact them with ideas. My idea for the new guide is "The Village Coll...