Tell us a little about yourself and the De Carlini workshop.
My name is Luca Terruzzi and I was born in 1962. My mother, Rosa De Carlini, is the daughter of Enrico De Carlini, who found the factory. Our business officially began in 1947, so that makes me a third generation family employee.
My mother and father, Giulio Terruzzi, are still active in the workshop. My wife, Sabrina, also helps out. Our eight-year-old daughter Alice appears to be very artistic, so she may become interested down the road. As for our son Marco, it's very difficult to classify his artistic future at the tender age of three!
What was it like growing up surrounded by ornaments?
I could almost say I was born in the workshop. As often happens here in Northern Italy, the artisan workshop is located below our family apartments. When I was a child, I spent a lot of time among the silvered glass balls and bright colors. When I was nine, my mother put me in charge of attaching the little metal caps on each silvered ball. I remember sitting in the garden with my dog doing this "difficult" work. That was my first introduction to the business. I can't say I was actually employed because she didn't pay me!
When did you actually begin learning the family trade?
I started helping my parents with small jobs during school vacations when I was about sixteen. Gino, the workshop's most skilled artisan, began teaching me the art of glass blowing. I started with spheres, the easiest shapes to blow. After that, I advanced to ovals and finally, I was good enough to blow figures. That was the most exciting work! It takes about two or three years as an apprentice before one has the skills to blow a complete figural ornament. Gino, who is like a member of the family, still helps us during busy periods.
What is your role today in the family business?
After finishing my studies, I officially entered the business in 1985. Since then, I've been responsible for client relations and management. Unfortunately, I've have had little opportunity to devote to glass blowing. My parents have been very helpful to me by managing the blowing and painting departments.
Who comes up with all of the whimsical designs for which the De Carlinis are so well known?
In a small business like ours, everyone is encouraged to have creative moments. We do not have official titles like "design director" or "art creator". Sometimes our customers want to personalize an ornament and in so doing, a new idea is born. More often than not, new designs come from a member of the family. Actually, it's a simple matter of making suggestions, expressing sentiments and creating an element of fantasy.
We also have a "sample team" who turn ideas into reality. They blow the prototype, spray the base color, and decorate it with countless details. The team creates many variations so our clients can make their "exclusive" choice.
Tell us about the factory. How many employees are in your workshop?
The workshop is located on the ground floor of our building and the family live upstairs. This is a typical setup in northern Italy. De Carlini's usually employs 15 to 20 staff, although there are seasonal adjustments. Our skilled glass blowers are mostly men and comprise about 40 per cent of the staff. Women are generally hired to paint ornaments and account for 50 per cent of the staff. The rest work in our packing and shipping departments.
What do you enjoy most about the ornament business?
I love the creative nature of this business. I can immerse myself in a Christmas atmosphere and let my imagination run free to dream up new ideas and designs.
Is there anything that you dislike about the ornament business?
Most people think that it's always Christmas here, you know? Unfortunately, it sometimes is just a job, like any other. There are administrative difficulties and a lot of paperwork to address. That being said, it is a special job and I love it.
Where would you like to be or where would you like your business to be five years from now?
This has been a family business since 1947. I'm proud that we've been able to maintain our growth and enjoy a considerable reputation in our country. We value the small market niche we occupy in the world market. Considering the times, I would be happy to simply still be in business.
In order to prosper and grow, we must maintain and improve our high quality and production levels as well as satisfy customer demand for imaginative, collectible blown ornaments.
Your family has a long design history. What are some of your personal favorites?
With over 2,500 ornament designs, it's difficult to choose. I especially loved a silvered moon we created. It was a long time ago, a very simple ornament with a sweet painted face. While the shape was simple, the artistry was very special. It's now in our museum and no longer in production.
A mermaid with marabou feather hair is another favorite. Her shape is so sweet and she exudes charm and femininity. I'm also fond of one of our free blown octopus figures with their animated tentacles. These pieces are great examples of the art of glass blowing.
Connie Porcher:
"Today, the De Carlini's have more than 2,500 designs in their line, adding 30 to 50 new pieces each year. According to Luca, they "lack the courage" to retire old ones and are fast running out of space! The once sprawling 70 square meter showroom is becoming a little cramped. Indeed, it is sometimes hard to tell old ornaments from new ones.
The glass blower's skills and workmanship have maintained their integrity over the decades and the meticulous and imaginative painting has retained its magic as well. Because of their whimsical design, De Carlini ornaments defy age. Sometimes the only hints of their age are the passing fancies of a given era, like when Mickey Mouse was the most popular mammal on the planet! Italian free blown figural ornaments are true standouts on any holiday tree and there are many collectors who would agree that no one does it better than the De Carlini's."
