More of this Feature • Tree • Waterford • Landmark Creations • Larry Fraga • Hallmark • Radko • Patricia Breen

2001 was the year when the hot air balloon really soared into the ornament world with Patricia Breen's two-piece ornaments. Different stores on Breen's signing trail had variations of the same mold, Into the Blue, and each one was more beautiful than the last one. It's hard to pick a favorite out of the different designs! The patriotic one shown was available at Nordstroms in Virginia. A few other variations can be picked out on the tree, including the Yellow Rose from Texas and Buzzing Bees from St. Louis.

In my opinion, Breens are the just about the best ornaments available. The workmanship, design, detail and beauty are unsurpassed. Unfortunately they are also very exclusive and hard to find at retail prices.

Older Breen Balloon	As Above, So Below Neiman Marcus Store Exclusive
Into the Blue --Nordstroms

Photographs (c) 2002 Barbara Crews, licensed to About.com, Inc