DIY Christmas Village Using $1 Birdhouses

In this video I use $1 birdhouses from Dollar Tree and Walmart to create adorable Christmas houses that I light with $1 fairy lights from Dollar Tree. Each house has unique miniature features such as a brick chimney, a trellis, a tire swing, a ladder, a picket fence, a barbed wire fence, wreaths, window boxes, a pole light, and more. Each house is mounted to a wood pedestal with a small plaque featuring Christmas lyrics. This Christmas Village is both budget friendly and super cute!
Images used in this video:
Brick paper: ibb.co/M86QwP4
Christmas lyrics:
ibb.co/cNjHt5t
ibb.co/RQTZBxm
ibb.co/NTsjsnp
ibb.co/6JrFcLS
My tools:
Multi-angle miter shears: amzn.to/3skhKIy
Black and Decker drill: amzn.to/3cvTCgg
DeWalt orbital sander: amzn.to/3ebbD3f
Supplies used in this video:
Modpodge: amzn.to/2S5lHUb
Elmer’s spray adhesive: amzn.to/3tXTfAK
Starbond superglue: bit.ly/3zclPRq
Wood fill: amzn.to/3bsvhHE

[@aliciacampbell5825]

The amount of talent this woman has is next level!

[@gina7150]

“I took tiny strands of DNA to create tiny families for each house.” Lol! Is there anything Sherry can’t do? Amazing job!I look forward to watching every week! 🥰

[@GrandTime-17]

Lol that was great! I can just hear her saying that! She's awesome! So glad i found this channel!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Strands of DNA? How did you do that? I would love to see them!

[@susanc31562]

This made me laugh so hard. I don’t think she even knows how over the top creative she is …..

[@CanterburyCottage]

LOL! 🤣 I did not get this when I first read it! Gina, I thought you were saying that you made families from strands of DNA! And, I thought, “She must have written something else and auto correct changed it to ‘DNA’!” 🤪

[@lauradiaz-autin3178]

@@CanterburyCottage 🤪😜

[@aliciareisinger3103]

This is beyond words. It’s folk art, not just crafting. Your work has soul. I’m so glad I found your channel. It’s so much fun!

[@CanterburyCottage]

You are so sweet, Alicia! I’m so glad you found my channel and are enjoying my videos!☺️

[@lianaminasyan1783]

​@@CanterburyCottageI see that you cut and paint Mount Ararat, which makes me very happy

[@chippewagirl7299]

I loved watching you decorate the tiny houses. So much fun. Turned so sweet.

[@sybilleulinski1827]

OMG - they are sooo pretty! My inner child (I'm 77) woke up and just wanted these little houses! Have you ever thought of building a doll's house from scratch? These houses look more "christmassy" than all the stuff you can buy for a lot of money! Please keep going!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Sybille! I’m so glad you liked my little houses!😊 I just now understand the fascination with dollhouses and fairy gardens. (I have two boys-in their 20’s now- and my little niece likes Legos more than dolls, so I’ll have to make a dollhouse for my future grandchildren.)🤞

[@carleneletren7036]

I was totally in awe. The detailing of each house was so perfect. This is much better than store bought. Absolutely creative

[@lorenef.samson8636]

It's two years later, and I just saw this. WOW!! Everything you do is like magic! It's amazing how talented and incredible you are. I LOVE these houses!

[@Clutching.My.Pearls]

Ummmm, this isn't just crafting. This is serious artistry!! Absolutely amazing work.

[@clc1302]

I cannot believe the details on these! Your creativity is remarkable!

[@RSSsmommie]

I watch several crafters and I have to say your things are in a class of there own. Thank you for so many wonderful ideas and inspirations.

[@renebarnes7464]

Your channel is my absolute favorite. And your voice is so patient and calming while you thoroughly explain the steps for each project. You’re the Mr. Rogers of crafting! I am definitely going to try this project!

[@barstowe55]

Another fantastic idea. The printed XMAS lyrics were the perfect addition.

[@vlrissolo]

Sherry, that was adorable!!! I'd love to see you make Xmas gifts! So many folks have everything they want, but hand made gifts are special

[@MsPepper0421]

This is amazing!! Such a lovely village!!

[@marcidunfee6063]

Yes, Sherry, please give us some ideas for creative handmade gifts. 🎄

[@jackiec3092]

I’m truly impressed with your Christmas village, I think it’s so very nice! When I was a teenager my mom unbeknown to me had been collecting little ceramic small house’s just like the pictured one so when she finally got 3 buildings a Christmas village was formed on our fireplaces mantle. That was special. But it has been lost. This is a wonderful reminder of that time. Now this gives me a good idea,!

[@missyegay6225]

The Christmas train.

[@marilynrodgers3626]

With my cup of afternoon coffee I sat down to watch one of my favorite KZbin crafters and by the end I was almost in tears! For me, watching you is like watching an artist at work, not just any "crafter". I adore how your little houses came out. The details were perfect and nothing overdone. Thank you for sharing your work Sherry! Sending warm wishes :)

[@friedaschnell3729]

What a fun project! One that could go on forever! Very cute!!

[@jramsay8075]

Seeing the houses lit on your bookshelves, gives me a feeling of Peace. Thank you

[@donna8212]

Absolutely my favorite!!!! Outstanding job on all of them!!! I plan on making one into a gingerbread house ☺️. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@marinas2605]

Oh my word, Sherry! The sheer amount of work you put into these is astounding. But I could see that it wasn’t work for you 😀 Definitely looks like you had fun creating these minis. Love them and I’m so glad you decided to keep them!!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Good morning! They were sooo much fun to make, Marina! I was wishing the fence posts were bigger because I wanted to add more details but I didn’t have the room.

[@gladysclausing8785]

These crafts are just precious. I love them! Don’t blame you for keeping them. ❤️

[@nannyb8714]

Dear Lord, Women, you are extremely talented. Such great ideas to create. Please, keep sharing and shall definitely keep watching and trying some of your projects. Absolutely adorable 🥰

[@krickette5569]

I live in a farmhouse, on a farm and in my downstairs living room I have a fireplace that takes up an entire wall. The hearth is about 12 feet long and knee height. Every year I look for ways to decorate the hearth and so far I've not found anything I love. I LOVE this village and I am going to make one for my hearth! With that much space I can really stage it beautifully. Thank you for this, another Stunning idea!

[@BritgirlTX]

oooh please do a video if you do! I would love to see that. We have a Cabin in TX and I want to recreate as well!

[@patriciarathbun4829]

Your home sounds like a dream house. That’s what I would love to live in. Please let us see yours when you finish.

[@elaine-kittyfostermom]

Your creativity is unbelievable! These little houses are absolutely darling!

[@CanterburyCottage]

I’m so glad you liked them. They were so much fun to make!

[@rosanabezerratavares5900]

Your projects always surprise me. I'm expecting you to do many projects for Christmas. Maybe a centerpiece with pine cones....It would be great because I have a lot of them in my backyard 😘

[@lianeabeyta4515]

When you love what you do ... its never work. The creative process was a real labor of love and vision. What a treasure to hand down through generations ... amazing

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Liane! 😊. You are so right about work. I look forward to going to my craft room every day!

[@stacypolk3580]

Holy cow......brilliance!! Tire swing, ladder, shutters.....love them to the moon!

[@ksteversbcglobal]

I swear, if any channel keeps me inspired it's this one. Always! Thank you sweet lady. 😍❤

[@petuniaromania6294]

What a beautiful idea! I really loved seeing them lite up and sitting on the bookshelves :)

[@Valerie77777]

Oh my goodness, my eyes were tearing up at the end.....this has to be one of your best creations ever, Sherry.... Simply extraordinary!

[@coffeewithmysunshine2506]

I LOVE that book lamp behind you 😍😍 These little village houses are so stinkin cute! What a brilliant idea to add the fairy lights on the inside!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thanks so much, Casey!😊 I made that lamp in a previous video. It is actually not that hard.

[@vickinoeske1154]

You hit it out of the ballpark with the little houses! The attention to detail is AMAZING. Beyond adorable. ❤🎄🏠🏡

[@vintagegirl2739]

Oh my word, how precious are these houses??!! The detail is incredible!! I love them on the blocks with sing lyrics. Amazing as always!! 👏🥰🌲💕

[@number1nanaof2]

Dollar Tree is now $1.25 unless they are the 'Plus' store with $3 and $5 items. These are so imaginative! Very creative. Love it. ❤️

[@sandytaylor8482]

Oh my!! All that detail to make these tiny, beautiful treasures! It's no wonder you couldn't let them go! Just beautiful!

[@nanad4348]

The Christmas village is so adorable. Love all the houses and the details, the lights add warmth and coziness. Thanks for sharing

[@wendydomsher1973]

Oh my!! These are absolutely adorable!! All the little details!! Love the tire swing and the animals you added!! I love watching you make unique crafts that every other creator isn't doing!! I just love your creativity!! TFS!!🎅⛄💕

[@CanterburyCottage]

Good morning, Wendy! I’m so glad you liked these. I got the idea while shopping at DT, and the checkout clerk asked me what I was doing with all the birdhouses, so, of course, I had to tell her.😜

[@wendydomsher1973]

@@CanterburyCottage well they are beautiful!! I may have to try some!! Thank you for the inspiration!!!💕

[@corinnepage1260]

Your Christmas Village is absolutely beautiful!!! It also brings back so many nostalgic feelings of days gone by for older crafters like me. I love it!!!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Corinne! I’m so glad you liked them!

[@lynnadkins1079]

Don’t think I ‘be ever seen anything more adorable

[@simoneshlomi3869]

Sherri, my jaw dropped at this project! I am totally amazed at your creativity! I just love using houses as decor! All of the embellishments are adorable!

[@westleyjay]

I am so not ready for Christmas projects, HOWEVER I had to see how you did this! These are EXQUISITE! GORGEOUS! You are so talented!! ♥️♥️

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you! I’m so glad you liked them. They were truly so fun to make!😊

[@MissMolly3377]

I am not ready for Christmas, either, but I was getting kind of tired of fall videos. Everyone started fall videos in August, and I definitely got burnt out, on pumpkins, quite quickly, so it is a nice change.

[@patskelton4202]

Love love those houses!! So much detail on them ! No wonder you kept them !

[@sharonmassey9609]

Every time I watch this video I always think this is the sweetest Christmas village I have every seen. Far to cute to sell!!

[@CB-pf7go]

These houses are just about the sweetest pieces of Christmas home decor I’ve ever seen!!!😊

[@dianehorgan9066]

This is the best blog ever. I absolutely love it. I'm really glad you posted this now as it will take me a good few weeks to make ONE of these. Also, I will need to track down the little houses as we don't have Dollar tree or Walmart in England. These are sooooo magical. And you are so talented. Thank you Thank you Thank you

[@shayturner6462]

The Works have similar. Try them online too.

[@valeriehoward6088]

Diana, try and see if they have them in Poudland its a similar store as Dollar Tree or Dollar store. I'm going to look there tomorrow . Best of luck

[@elle5031]

Lovely just lovely...And what wonderful gifts too...

[@KC-fl1ek]

I love doing this! I decorated flower pots, painted them and made a scenery like a beach with sand, small tiny shells and so on

[@hildegardkhelfa5358]

What a most beautiful project and what a love for detail. I would have kept those too. So well done, dear Sherry. You inspire me.

[@marymikemays896]

These are just lovely. So much better than any “store bought” Christmas village. I ‘m glad you are keeping them. I’d like to see “nature” ornaments for gift giving but will be here for whatever you do!

[@nickituschmann46]

Your imaginary mind and craft ability on making those houses are unbelievable they look great! Never seen better

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Nicki! That is so sweet of you!

[@user-yb7bz3fv4j]

The houses were the best! I would keep them, too. Adorable.

[@LornaD_CottageNecessities]

Wow Sherrie! You really know how to take crafting to another level. I love your attention to details and and your creative vision on something many of us would overlook. I really enjoyed watching this.

[@linsuemayland6719]

This looks like it was so much fun to make, and the outcome is the most adorable Christmas village ever! 💕 🎄

[@joanndankovchik4861]

wow, wow!!! Wow!!! WE HAVE A BUNCH OF WINNERS HERE, THEY ARE PRECIOUS,!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@juliavalerio1897]

You need to be televised with the blessed talent you have your ratings would go crazy!!!! Just love ya!

[@estersandoval9045]

Que preciosura, bello mundo que creaste con esas casitas, te admiro y te felicito!!! 🥰👍😘

[@JaeRae2024]

Such detail! I love the Christmas carol lyrics attached to the pedestals. It has the images of Christmas going through your head as you read them and look at the miniature scenes you have created. It was a joy to watch. Thank you.

[@lawanafolmar9107]

These will make a perfect Christmas presents for all of my grown children. I am going to start as soon as I get out of the hospital and am up to getting around.

[@a_gal_named_sue]

And you even added little critters, perfect! 🐇🏠🦌

[@pattimercer9357]

You have such awesome ideas! The windows you called ‘cupolas’ are actually called dormers. A cupola is a square or hexagonal area placed on the centre of a roof. 😊

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, my! Of course, you are right! Thank you, Patti!

[@brendagarrigues4516]

Yea thought that was wrong. Thanks for confirming lol 😉

[@marthaschaeffer9664]

Patti actually is a dome like structure on top of a building. Is used to provide light, air or for a view. A cúpula is round and it’s name came from the Latin word cupa meaning small cup I only know this because I’m an Interior Designer 🤗🌸

[@janetjones7081]

These little houses are just striking...what an awesome idea this is. I love how you detailed these beautiful little birdhouses, this would look amazing as a Christmas village, all in one setting. You have given me so many wonderful ideas Sherry! Thank you so much for sharing your artistry with us!

[@pattyallen5313]

So AMAZED at how WONDERFUL these houses turned out !!! Just might make some with my grandchildren !!!

[@mabellevie4285]

The detail on these houses is just spectacular.

[@kathyhartsell4383]

Hey Sherry! Your Christmas village is simply amazing! With all your creativity, work and time that you gave to this project, you certainly should keep it to enjoy for many years! 💕

[@CandyB843]

This is an AWESOME IDEA!!! DEFINITELY GOING TO TRY THIS!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INSPIRATION!

[@juanitalopez1529]

I am amazed at your attention to detail, patience, and creativity. The houses turned out so beautiful. I really liked the traditional colors.

[@SD-nh5yr]

Sherry, these houses are priceless...each one has a story to it as you read the signs ....I could just look at them for hours! Thank you!✌🙋‍♀️💛

[@theheritagehousesc]

These are absolutely adorable Sherri! Love them!

[@rhondasmall8142]

You are so very talented! These are just adorable- I love them!

[@janine7418]

Those are adorable! I will definitely build myself a Christmas Village. I remember my older brother in 5th grade art class built and decorated a little styrofoam Christmas house. All the kids built these to give to their mother's for Christmas. Never to go half way Tim rigged up a real electric porch light that plugged into the wall! This was back in the 1960's long before the age of solar farie lights and battery operated candles. It was the first light to come on at night throughout the Holiday Season.

[@lynnpelletier4321]

Sherry!!!! I am at a loss for words, which I never am. What you created is so incredible! Is there an award for outstanding craft/artist? Like an Emmy award? All right I'll stop raving. Thank you for your inspiration and dedication to motivating all crafter/artists who are lucky enough to have found you.

[@CanterburyCottage]

You are too sweet, Lynn! 🥰 I came up with the idea at Dollar Tree, and I couldn’t wait to see if it would work. I was so excited to try it that I was telling the checkout clerk what I was going to do with the birdhouses! She was very polite and acted like she was interested.😜

[@elizabeththomas8395]

Absolutely the cleverest I’ve ever seen. How creative and sweet these houses are. Loving your channel so much. You have the best ideas, how do you part with any of it?

[@CanterburyCottage]

You are so very sweet, Elizabeth! Sometimes if I keep things for awhile, then I can part with them easier. I’ll be selling a number of things in my booth this year that I made last year for Christmas.

[@badabing9143]

@@CanterburyCottage That's a good way of doing it! I'd certainly enjoy being close enough to that retail shop your things are set up for sale at. I'd break the bank! Lol 🤗❣️💕❤️💕❣️

[@brendawagner6590]

I almost laughed out loud at the end when you said you saw them on your bookshelf and knew you had to keep them! I love cozy lights around like that in the evenings. Your attention to detail makes me feel inadequate even though everyone tells me how creative I am. Lol. I need to make time to create these. Honestly ..how long would you say it took you to make them?

[@suziedoozie6478]

These are works of art! Heirlooms for the next generation!

[@L.Lee85]

Very fun and reasonable expense, I can't buy the wood at these prices and the house is basically finished except the bling. Love it!

[@sprogohomeaway9602]

Love all the mini houses. I had originally thought before seeing this video, using birdhouses to make gingerbread houses. Now I have seen these, I have changed my mind. Beautiful. Xxx

[@sandrahickey3593]

Alot of fiddly work and tiny details gone into this project, turned out great, so creative.

[@gloriastage1635]

Your little Christmas village is adorable but that sure looked like a lot of work. I don't think you left out anything to make it Christmasy. You absolutely amaze me with your ideas and work. I can tell you really love what you do.

[@marydray6171]

Oh the magic‼️ What a treasure these little houses are‼️

[@sandyjuntunen4088]

How fun to make your own town, with stores unique to your streets, and attractions.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, my gosh-I LOVE that idea!!!😊

[@timeenuf4200]

Never thought to use the little houses this way. How creative! Thanks for sharing.

[@carriegiles9240]

Oh my goodness~ you give Santa's elves a run for their money! Spectacular!

[@Cavaughan57]

These are so detailed. While it was fun to watch you create them, I would never have the patience to try them myself.

[@55delynn]

I just adore these sweet little houses; I love Christmas Villages

[@francampbell9356]

Oh my goodness, Sherry!! It's so beautiful, it made me cry when you turned on the music!

[@IrishAnnie]

I love them in the book cases. Makes the house “warm”. I use something similar in our house at Christmas

[@loribell3239]

Miss Sherry, I did not want this video to end! The village is too cute!

[@crazgirl80]

I adore the houses and even tho it popped up in my feed today Nov 26 2023 , I am in love with the personality of each house. The houses are timeless,

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you so much! This is one of my favorite Christmas videos. So glad you like the houses, too!

[@thesentimentalsoul3683]

❤️🤍💚 ... this video. I adore miniatures anyway. The lights really make the difference. TYVM for sharing.

[@karenlund8604]

So cute. Perfect idea to tuck houses into the book shelves.

[@constance4105]

Just when I think you couldn't make them cuter, you do!

[@TheCraftyMagnolia]

Wow. This could NOT be more precious. I love them.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Ms. Magnolia!😊 I appreciate you watching and leaving me a comment. I’m going to check out your channel today!

[@michellewahlen9725]

I just love those bird houses. They are genius.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you! This is one of my all-time favorite crafting projects, so I’m so glad you liked them, too!

[@paulinefagan4537]

Truely magical...I want to live in one of those houses...genius

[@thesentimentalsoul3683]

This video is absolutely ADORABLE

[@PoetiqueMs]

These are enchanting! I want to live in that village!😊 I'll be looking at birdhouses in a new light from now on.

[@traceye.6428]

That is the cutest display!! And, totally doable. I never would have thought of using birdhouses or most of the embellishments. Thank you for all these wonderful ideas!

[@CanterburyCottage]

I’m so glad you liked them! They were so much fun to make, too!😊

[@tibbs4000]

So much Christmas spirit in this display!!!

[@lindasherrell3335]

So many of the projects I see on You Tube are labeled as “simple” but turn out to be brainless and pointless. This, on the other hand, is absolutely brilliant. WOW!! I am so impressed and fascinated by your creativity. I already have a few of the houses so now I have a worthy project to use them in. Thank you so much for sharing and for the time, effort and thought that went into this video. BRAVO!

[@tammyjohnson7401]

What a blessing of artistry you have been given. Beautiful.🤗

[@galechicago325]

These are absolutely charming! Tiny Christmas houses: what’s not to love? 💚❤️💜🎄💜❤️💚

[@patacake4997]

I love these little houses...they look so professional.

[@aliciacampbell5825]

Sherry you remind me so much of my grandmother. She was also so talented. She lived to be 93! She unfortunately passed from Alzheimer's, which was very difficult to see because of her talent. I still have several of her paintings in my home. You are just so amazing.❤️

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Alicia! What a lovely compliment! 😊 You are lucky to have her paintings as a reminder of your grandmother!