Each blown glass ornament that hangs on your tree has been created using a techniques that were first developed well over a century ago. The techniques have gone through little change through the years.

It begins when an artist conceives an idea for an ornament design. The idea is sketched on paper, then brought to a carver. Working with the artist, the carver creates a three dimensional model from either clay or plaster.

Once both artists are pleased with the model, the piece is brought to a mold maker. The mold maker casts a sample mold from which 4-6 ornaments are then blown.

This is done to test the dynamics of the ornament. Glass is a liquid and therefore much consideration must be given to its physical properties. Once the ornaments pass this test, the finely detailed, more permanent mold is made.

On the first day of production, the glassblower creates the ornament by heating clear glass tubes to the point that they become molten. The heated tube is then placed in the mold and air is blown into the glass. This forms the glass to the mold.

The quality of the resulting ornament is dependent on the skill of the glass blower: if blown too slowly, the glass will cool and not form to the mold: if blown too quickly, the glass may not expand evenly and soft spots can form in the piece.

Once the ornament has cooled, it is reheated and the bottom hole is closed. The reheating also serves to temper the glass and making it stronger.

When the ornament has cooled, the painting process can begin.

The ornament is first partially filled with a liquid silver solution. By swirling the solution around in the ornament, the artist coats the inside of the glass. This gives the shine, luminescence, and depth to the ornament that makes the piece so special. The excess solution is then drained and the ornament is allowed to dry.

By the second or third day of production, the first layer of lacquer can be applied. This first coat is a matte white finish that is applied to the entire outer surface of the ornament. Again the ornament is set aside to dry.

Once dry, the first colors are applied to the ornament. Each painted area of the ornament must fully dry before any neighboring colors can be applied. Some ornaments may take 2 or more days to complete.

The artist will work with several dozen ornaments of the same style, painting each detail on all before moving on to the next step.

The last steps are the painting of the fine details and the application of glitter that gives each piece extra sparkle. From glass tube to finished ornament, it may take a week or more for each ornament to be completed. Each handmade ornament has gone through each step following centuries old techniques and traditions.