Little Traveling » Christmas

Byers Choice Carolers: Made in the USA

Bev — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:48:54 +0000

Byers Choice Williamsburg Collection for Spring

Byers Choice carolers, made entirely in the USA, aren’t just for Christmas any more. The Byers Choice collection has expanded beyond Salvation Army Carolers to include special collections for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Spring, and Summer. New Byers Choice designs are constantly being introduced, while others are retired. The Little Traveler is honored to be a trusted Byers Choice retailer.

Although Joyce Byers still designs each caroler, they are brought to “life” by a team of artisans in Byers’ Pennsylvania workshop using the following process:

1. Each Byers Choice caroler begins with a coat hanger, which is cut and bent to form a wire frame. Plaster is hand poured on a table, with the coat hanger placed in the plaster before it dries.

2. After the plaster hardens, it is painted with a specific color of green. The body is then sculpted with tissue paper.

3. Joyce Byers sculpts every original head, from which plaster molds are poured. Clay is then pressed into the plaster molds. As the clay is removed from the mold, it gets slightly distorted. The artisan “cleans up” the head ensuring that each Byers Choice caroler is unique.

4. After the clay dries, the head receives a coat of flesh colored paint, and then the features are added. Each artisan uses an impressionistic technique to bring life to each face, again adding individuality to each Byers Choice figurine.

5. Joyce Byers designs every outfit worn by the carolers. She has hundreds of different fabrics, ribbons, and laces available to be mixed in various combinations to create traditional and Victorian carolers. Byers Choice only crafts 100 sets of any clothing design. It is then retired.

6. Dressers combine a body, head, and clothes to craft a unique handcrafted Caroler. By changing the pose and adjusting the draping of the clothes, a dresser adds life and personality to each Byers Choice caroler.

Loving care from each artisan results in unique, handcrafted carolers that capture the warmth and spirit of Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Spring and Summer. These figures are divided among 3000 retail stores, including The Little Traveler, in Geneva, IL.

A Letter from a Friend

Bev — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:36:03 +0000

Dear Little Traveler,
I have many happy memories of regularly visiting your store for many years. I often came with my young daughter, Jen, and she remembers the “many” beautiful rooms filled with goodies. Visiting your store during the holidays became a family tradition that we have grown to cherish. Jen is now a married woman, and this year, the Friday after Thanksgiving, I had the special pleasure of introducing my first grandchild, Grace, to The Little Traveler.

I watched her sweet little face as her eyes grew wide at the beautiful lights and decorations. I can only imagine what was going through her little nine month old mind. She was extremely well behaved… it was as if she knew she was in a special place!

I look forward to sharing many more visits to the “Traveler” with her and future grandchildren. Thanks for always being that special place our family loves to visit throughout the year!

Sincerely,
Maureen Anderson, St. Charles, Illinois

Maureen will receive a $50 gift certificate as a token of our thanks for this lovely letter, published in the Spring 2011 Almanack. Send your letters to Almanack Editor
404 S. Third St., Geneva, IL 60134.

Williray Studio

Bev — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 18:54:31 +0000

The Williraye Studio brings unexpected and whimsical folk art to The Little Traveler. The collection is the result of the imaginative mind of Bobbe Punzel-Schuknecht and the carving talents of her husband Jeff Schuknecht. Their Williraye studio sits nestled in the rolling hills of rural Wisconsin, where life on the farm is expressed in their art.

Bobbe is a folk story-teller at heart who instead of writing, shares her keen sense of humor and creativity through drawing. Bobbe draws dozens of situations featuring unexpected characters before settling on the ones that will be brought to life by Jeff, who uses centuries old techniques and simple tools to carve his wife’s drawings in wood, adding shape and detail to make the final three-dimensional sculpture. Williraye designs are influenced by classic folk art with an updated twist.

After the carving is complete, Bobbe adds depth and richness with paint. The resulting story will delight your family and friends for years to come, whether it’s told through the classic Williraye Christmas Nativity collection or the clever and original Williraye Halloween figurines.

To best capture the subtly of hand-carving without the resulting deterioration of real wood, the Williraye folk art collection is crafted in cold-cast resin and carefully hand-painted with strict adherence to the integrity of Bobbe and Jeff’s original work. Individually packaged, all Williraye Studio pieces arrive in four-color boxes to safely store off-season.

Destined to become a valued keepsake, we know you will be complete delighted with any choice you make from Williraye Studio. Watch a video on Williraye here:

House of Fontanini Nativity Scene

Bev — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:10:25 +0000

The serene figures of the infant Jesus, Mary, and Joseph surrounded by the three kings and the animals of the manger signify the true spirit of the season. Authentic reproduction of the original Fontanini figurines are handcrafted and handpainted by artisans in Northern Italy. The Little Traveler is proud to host an awe-inspiring Fontanini Nativity. Stop in to see the latest pieces in this collection.

History of Fontanini
The House of Fontanini was founded in 1908 by Emanuele Fontanini in a small Italian village called Bagni di Lucca located in Tuscany. Today, the House of Fontanini is run by the fourth generation of the Fontanini family and remains famous for its nativity figurines and angels.

The Fontanini family closely monitors the production of all figures in the House of Fontanini collection. A single figure can take up to two years to create and cost thousands of dollars. There are nine basic steps in the creation of a figurine, including each figure being hand painted by artisans in their homes in Italy.

Byer’s Choice at The Little Traveler

Bev — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:52:46 +0000

The first Byers Choice Carolers were made by Joyce Byers, and amateur artist, in the late 1960s. Ala Charlie Brown, she was put off by the garish aluminum Christmas decorations she found in department stores and wanted something more reminiscent of her Christmases growing up. So she hand crafted a set of Carolers that graced the Byers’ dining room table one Christmas, receiving compliments from all of the relatives. On a tight budget, Joyce knew what to make for presents the following year. A neighbor suggested taking some to a local store, where they sold quickly. Soon a couple of dozen stores around the country were asking Joyce to supply them with Carolers.

Joyce Byers pressed her husband, Bob, and their two sons into service to help produce the Byers Choice figures each autumn. It wasn’t long before the Carolers overwhelmed the dining room table, where the family gathered to work together. “Every year the house would be a total wreck, and I’d say that we’re never doing this again!” remembers Joyce.

But when a downturn in the economy hurt his construction business, Bob looked around and saw some potential in the Carolers. He decided to devote more of his energies to the fledgling business, and in 1978, the couple hired their first employee and turned the garage into a Byers Choice workshop.

The unique appearance and handcrafted quality of the Byers Choice Carolers quickly gained a following. Each year, Bob & Joyce would work with their crew of trained artisans up until Christmas Eve putting the finishing touches on Carolers.

The two sons joined the company upon graduating from college and have played an important role in the growth of the firm, with Bob working in production and Jeff helping with marketing and design. “We always say that mom’s hobby has gotten a little out of control,” jokes Jeff.

Together, the family now oversees a team of 180 Byers Choice artisans in Pennsylvania who handcraft those same creations that started out on the dining room table many years ago. And although the Carolers are sold in thousands of fine gift stores around the world, the company still holds to its starting roots: producing a quality product, at an affordable price, and dedicated to serving its customers and the community in the spirit of Christmas. Each year Byers Choice donates 20% of its profits to charity each year, making the Salvation Army collection especially meaningful.

The Little Traveler is proud to be a Byers Choice retailer. Come on in to see the classics, like the Salvation Army figures and what’s brand new:

• Nine Ladies Dancing and Ten Lords A-Leaping are the newest addition to the 12 Days of Christmas.

• Woman in a White Sleigh being pulled by a reindeer.

• Gingerbread Santa and Mrs. Claus will warm your heart.

• Woodland Santa in rich green and Polar Bear Cub go perfect in the peace and quiet of a winter forest.

Gooseberry Patch Family-Friendly Cookbooks

Bev — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:46:28 +0000

Back in 1984, Jo Ann and Vickie were next-door neighbors in the little town of Delaware, Ohio. They were two moms with small children looking for a way to do what they loved and stay home with the kids too. After many a conversations over the backyard fence, Gooseberry Patch was born. Today, Gooseberry Patch had grown from a kitchen table operation to a national bestseller of homestyle cookbooks.

The Little Traveler carries several of these down-to-earth, family friendly cookbooks, and on Saturday, December 4 from 1-3 pm Jo Ann and Vickie will be in our store for a book signing!

Wouldn’t a signed copy of their brand new cookbook, Homemade Christmas, be the perfect hostess gift for all of your upcoming holiday parties? You might want to pick up a few.

Busy moms love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks because they feature hundreds of budget friendly recipes, using ingredients most households already have on hand. Their comb-binding makes them easy to use since they lay flat on the countertop while you’re whipping up dinner! Each book is filled with hand-drawn artwork and plenty of personality…we’re sure you’ll find a few (at least!) that are perfect for your family!

Santa isn’t Coming to Town – He’s Here!

Bev — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:30:58 +0000

Old St. Nick couldn’t wait until November. Check out this large collection of Santas for everyplace in your home –from table top to hearth to front porch. We have Santas singing, baking, playing golf and more.

The Little Traveler Christmas Department welcomes the return of the Fontanini Crèche set. This beautiful Italian manger set tells the full story of Christmas with numerous characters and expansive manger/village setting.

Shake it up for Christmas! We have a fabulous collection of snowglobes. You’ll love the charming new contemporary globes – Santa, snowman, or tree for only $25.

Think Christmas Now

Bev — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 18:36:17 +0000

Peppermint Pete's from the Department 56 North Pole Series (in-store selections may vary)

We are decking the halls starting in June as all our holiday 2010 collections start arriving. For the first time ever, Department 56 has pre-shipped samples of their 2010 Christmas collections.

With over 50 new pieces, this is one of their biggest introductions in recent memory. Now you have the opportunity to visualize your holiday display long before you set it up. We’re happy to take your orders now!

Annual Christmas in July Event!

20% off all holiday decorations.

(Excludes collectibles.)

Department 56 at The Little Traveler

Bev — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:37:57 +0000

Department 56 began as part of Bachman’s, a premiere retail florist in Minneapolis. Bachman’s used a numbering system to identify each of its departments. The number assigned to wholesale gift imports division was, you guessed it, 56! In 1976, the department began to take shape as the Dept 56 you know it today with the introduction of six hand-painted, lighted ceramic buildings, the beginnings of the Original Snow Village® displays.

From the Original Snow Village Series

The Department 56 Snow Village was inspired one Christmas evening when a group of friends went out to dinner at a small country inn nestled in a quiet river town. The lights sparkled on the new fallen snow, inspiring the visitors with Christmas memories. To preserve the magic of the moment, the idea for a miniature lighted Christmas village was born.

Now headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Department 56 is the premier name in giftware and collectibles, including hand-painted porcelain bisque Snowbabies™. But Department 56 is still best know for its charming hand-crafted lighted village displays, which have been expanded to include not only The Snow Village Series, but The North Pole Series, The Dickens’ Village Series and many more. Festive fall displays are also possible now with Dept 56 Halloween buildings and accessories.

From the Legends of Sleepy Hallow-een series

Create stunning, memorable displays that reflect your style and imagination. From the quaint Dickens and Snow Villages to the magical North Pole to spooky Sleepy Hallow, Department 56 villages are thoughtfully created using hand-craftsmanship and the highest level of architectural detail to achieve authenticity. And what better place to put together the village of your dreams than our very own Little Traveler building in the picturesque village of Geneva, Illinois?

Each year, certain Dept 56 products are retired. See which village items will be retired at the end of 2010.

A Christmas Tradition

Bev — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:48:53 +0000

I come to your Christmas Walk every year and absolutely love it. I come with my sister, cousin and a friend from kindergarten (I am 57 years old, so that is a pretty long friendship). We get there around 2:00 on Friday and leave when you close the doors on us. We love it. We walk, talk, shop, eat and just love looking around. The Little Traveler is an experience in itself. You don’t really need to go anywhere else. All your shopping can be done in one place. The house is spectacular and we love searching in every room. We look forward to it every year. Thanks for making the holidays so special for us.

-Judy

Hostess Gifts under $20

Bev — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:01:12 +0000

Dip, Chiller and Spreader – Add a cheese ball mix and spreader and your host or hostess will be all set. $15.00

Christmas Mistletoe/Kissing Krystals — Sparkling gold and red mistletoe atop a large crystal pineapple comes in a gift box. $18.00

Snowman Bath Fizzers – Lavender bath bombs perfect for the hostess to relax after the big party. Three bath balls dressed as Santa. $13.75

Christmas Potpourri — Our most popular scent. A bag of this potpourri will get anyone in the mood for the holidays! Large $14.00

Ceramic Lighted Santa — He’ll light up your hostess’ holidays and best of all, he’s also available at our on-line store for only $15.95

Talk Turkey To Me — The entertaining Turkey and all the trimmings cookbook for the holidays and year round. Also available at our on-line store for $19.95

Festive Feasts and Holiday Cheer

Bev — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:06:13 +0000

Tis the season of celebrations and we have everything you could possibly need to make this holiday season the most delicious celebration ever!

Toast to family and friends this holiday with something special from The Little Traveler. Our “Ladies of the Vine” will joyfully recommend these wines and match their distinctive bouquets and flavors to your holiday meals

• Bugey Cerdon– A soft, delicious sparkling French rosé.

• Lynfred Glogg– Spiced wine of Swedish origin features flavors of clove and is a holiday tradition—serve warmed.

• Lynfred Christmas White– A traditional holiday spiced white wine can be served chilled or warmed.

• Door County Christmas Red– a blend of Door County cherry wine and white grape will make any meal a festive occasion.

• Door County I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas– a nice semi-sweet grape wine.

• St. Christopher Gluhwein– a traditional spiced red wine. Serve warmed or over ice.

• Illinois River Winery Cranberry Snow– a tasty cranberry wine perfect for the season.

• Reindeer Ranch Red or White Wine– have one of each ready for a great table wine.

• Grandpa Lindquist– non-alcoholic glogg.

• Dutch Treat Chocolate Wine — we know red wine is good for us and so is dark chocolate, so this blend of cabernet and dutch chocolate is ‘health food,’ right? Wonderful gift to share with friends. $16.00

Department 56 for Christmas 2009

Bev — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:05:51 +0000

“Celebrate the Holidays” with these new Department 56 classic villages, now displayed and available for purchase at The Little Traveler in Geneva, Illinois (west of Chicago). This is a perfect time to start a new collection for someone you love, or add to your own village displays.

From The North Pole Series

Available as supplies last throughout Nov. and Dec. are:

• North Pole Palace from the Dept 56 North Pole Series

• White Castle Restaurant and Northgate School, Home of the Northgate Polars from the Dept 56 Snow Village

• 48 Daughty Street from The Dept 56 Dickens Village

• Union Station, “21″ Club and Golden Ox Market from Christmas in the City

Each set includes a lighted building and accessory people to create complete village displays.

Pick up your Holiday value sets, specially priced at $79 for the annual holiday event:

North Pole Penguin Visitors’ Center, Snow Village Richmond Holiday House, Christmas in the City Prescott Hotel, Dickens’ Village Christmas at Regent’s Park House.

REVISITED 25 YEARS LATER… THE ORIGINAL SHOPS OF DICKENS’ VILLAGE…

From the Dickens' Village collection

In 1984, the Shops of Dickens’ Village, which later became the Dickens’ Village Series®, was born with seven small and simple designs representing the core elements of an English town in the 19th Century. In 2009, Department 56 celebrates the Silver Anniversary of the beloved Village. To commemorate this anniversary, Department 56 is pleased to introduce several inspiring new pieces, by giving collectors a fresh series of buildings based on the classic pieces introduced in 1984. A wonderful way for customers to complete their Dickens Village displays.

Introducing the NEW Interpretation of:

• Crowntree Inn • The Neilan Lund Gallery• Golden Swan Baker • Abel Beesley Butcher (Available while supplies last.)

Fontanini Natvity Scenes Ensconce the Tradition of Christmas

Bev — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:05:35 +0000

The serene images of the infant Jesus and his parents surrounded by the three kings and the animals of the manger signify the true spirit of the season. We’re pleased to announce that we reinstated the awe-inspiring Fontanini Nativity. The authentic reproduction of the original Fontanini sculptures are handcrafted and handpainted by the artisans of Northern Italy.

Additionally, we are pleased to offer an impressive collection of other nativity scenes. Crafted in various sizes, these scenes are beautifully designed in porcelain, sculpted metal, wood and resin. Whether adding to your scene or just starting your collection, our nativities are worth the trip to inspire you.

Sharing the Spirit of Christmas… in the Little Traveler Tradition

Bev — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:05:10 +0000

The comfort of tradition is paramount in the annual celebration of Christmas… hanging the garland,trimming the tree, illuminating the tiny villages… all in anticipation of family and friends. The Little Traveler is filled with all you need to create your celebration.

We’ve enlisted a Cast of Characters to help you celebrate! And you can even purchase some of them at our on-line store! Stuffed and soft, whimsical and lighted; solemn and religious; traditional and serious… You’ll find a cast of characters to add charm to your home this season:

* Elegantly dressed Santas embellished with embroidery, tassles and fur.

* More Santas sledding, singing and whatnot.

* Elves creating mischief.

* Three foot lighted snowmen ready to greet guests indoors or out.

* Man-in-the-Moon and Snowman Star lit wreaths to brighten your door.

* Nutcrackers to entertain the children.

* Reindeer, moose and penguins adorning tree skirts and stockings.

Annual Visit with Mrs. Claus

Bev — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:50:42 +0000

Your little ones will love spending the morning with Mrs. Claus. Children ages 5 and up can get their last minute holiday lists to the North Pole by giving them to Santa’s better half. You and your children will share a yummy breakfast with Mrs. Claus and then learn all about the workshops at the North Pole. They will also get to see if they are on the Naughty or Nice List.

These merry festivities begin at 9am on December 12 and 19. $10 for children, $12 for parents includes the meal, program and a $5 coupon for the adults. Sign up by calling 630.232.4200 in after 10am on November 16.

Easy Ways to Decorate Starting in our Linen Department

Bev — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:30:15 +0000

Come in and ask any of our “linen ladies” to show you the best ways to decorate with a minimum of fuss and achieve a maximum effect! Fill those empty spaces on the wall with our diverse collection of wall decor. Delightful potpourris, diffusers, and holiday soaps will help set a festive mood.

* This season table dressings feature interesting textures and shapes– sleek metallic accents, classic holiday prints, lovely crewel designs and more.

* Customers love the reversible quilted items– placemats in round and rectangle, runners in 51- and 70-inch lengths, 54-inch squares, throws, quilts and even matching aprons. All are easy care and they come in holiday and everyday patterns.

* If lacy table accents are more your style, you’ll love our holiday patterns. Runners in 36- and 72-inch lengths, placemats and squares add holiday flair!

* Cork-backed ‘hard’ placemats take easy care and practicality to a new level. Our “Jason” placemats are heat safe to 220˚, require only wipe-off care, and come in a variety of styles, both holiday and everyday. You can now buy Snowmen Placemats by Jason at our on-line store!

Byers Choice for Holiday 2009

Bev — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:24:24 +0000

New Additions to Byers’ Choice:

• Santa and Mrs. Claus are busy whipping up chocolate treats!

• Scandinavian Caroler joins the cast.

• Family unity is evident with the new soccer family and the musical family… mom, dad, daughter and son.

• Don’t miss this opportunity to add Basket Man and Clock Man to your collection.

• Soup Lady is now available for your Salvation Army Collection.

• Seven Swans a-Swimming is the newest addition to the 12 Days of Christmas.

Byers’ Choice Event:

On December 5 during the Geneva Christmas Walk, a company representative will be showcasing all the new pieces for Christmas 2009. Stop in and register to win a free piece from Byers’ Choice!

Geneva’s Annual Christmas Walk – December 4 & 5

Bev — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:19:29 +0000

Collectible Holiday Events:

Friday and Saturday:

*Brighton On-The-Go – Receive a specially designed Dayplanner and Journal FREE with a $100 Brigthon Purchase. Designed to fit in your Brighton handbag!

Friday, December 4 11 a.m.-3 p.m.:

* Swarovski Crystal Event – Meet Ann Andrea, Swarovski representative, see what’snew for Holiday 2009. With any purchase, sign up for a free gift drawing.

* Waterford Crystal Holiday Event — We have the new and exciting pieces for 2009. Sign up for a free gift drawing.

* Lladro Holiday Extravaganza –Angela Casa, Lladro representative, will meet and greet Lladro fans and present the newest in the line. Sign up for a free gift drawing.

* Williray for the Holidays – Beccy Metzgar will visit the shop to show off these whimsical Country folk art pieces that are designed as a celebration of the holidays. Enter a drawing to receive a signed large creche, valued at $250. Special Purchase Friday Only: Holy Family Creche $132.50. (originally $265.00)

* Colonial Candle Gala –Light up your holidays with beautiful candles. Sign up for a free gift drawing.

Saturday, December 5:

* Byers’ Choice Event - During the Geneva Christmas Walk, a company representative will be showcasing all the new pieces for Christmas 2009. Stop in and register to win a free piece from Byers’ Choice!

* Berghoff Cafe Cookbook Book Signing – at 1:00 p.m. Carlyn Berghof will be here to sign copies of this new cookbook filled with simple and satisfying classic recipes from Chicago’s Berghoff Cafe.

Popular Holiday Decorating Seminars

Bev — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:03:05 +0000

Wrap your home as pretty as a Christmas present with the impressive and festive decorating tips you’ll receive at our renowned program. This year’s fun will take place on Nov. 18 and 19; Dec. 1 and 2. Our own interior design and home entertaining experts will show participants how to create stunning table settings, lovely centerpieces, festive garlands and swags, as well as how to select the perfect wines for your holiday soirees and how to put together stylish fashions to wear to festive gatherings. A tour of the shop will follow the program. Luncheon and fashion show among our Antiques Rooms are included.

Tickets are $17.50 per person, and include a $5 gift certificate to be used on the day of the show. Call 630-232-4200 to register beginning at 10:00am on November 4 for the November seminars and on Nov. 5 for the seminars on December 1 and 2.