Collectors can be avid about their holiday collections and with good reason, it's one collection that usually makes people smile with their happy memories. Ornament collectors have a wide range of companies and artists to pick from, in prices from inexpensive to the sky's the limit!
Read more about these top ornament companies and artists.
John LightnerIf you're a collector of antique Christmas ornaments, there is one resource that you definitely need on your book shelf. Christmas Rarities by John Lightner. The book showcases almost 1500 antique Christmas ornaments made in Germany, from angels to wire wrapped pieces.
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Courtesy of Arreola DesignsOriginally the company would buy and import their glass ornaments from various manufacturers in Poland. But according to owner, Ewa Arreola "we quickly realized that the only way to go is to have our own, unique designs". And since she has always been involved in art, it was exciting to get into the new media of ornament design.
Artistry of Poland Ornaments
Artistry of PolandWhen one thinks of glass ornaments, Poland's craftsmen and southwestern designs do not normally go hand-in-hand, but Artistry of Poland is a company that pulls off that combination in unexpected ways.
Cherry DesignsSusan's different method of designing her ornament pieces creates the unique "Susan Cherry look" -- cute, whimsical and with a soft, touchable look. The simple designs bring a breath of fresh air to the ornament scene. Nothing garish, scary or too intricate, the pieces are very affordable and will bring out the kid in everyone.
Christina's WorldCollectors have been able to enjoy Christina's World ornaments for over fourteen years, but not many may know how she got her start and story behind the beautiful works of art. While working with her father, Christina fell in love with glass and what could be created in the world of glass ornaments.
David Strand DesignsDavid Strand's first collection was released in January 2007 with a selection of Polish, German and Italian glass ornaments. David Strand Designs is now currently showing their third collection and while ornaments are not limited in numbers, they are eventually retired after a few years.
The company is starting a collectors club and it's free! David decided to do something that is fun and informative, but also a way for him to write and tell the story about given designs and sharing relevant stories.
Connie PorcherToday, the De Carlini's have more than 2,500 designs in their line, adding 30 to 50 new ornament 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. The meticulous, imaginative painting has retained its magic as well. Italian free blown figural ornaments are standouts on any holiday tree and there are many collectors who would agree that no one does it better than the De Carlini's.
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Barbara CrewsThe difference is in the details. That's the best way to describe the glass ornaments from Gabriela Christoff. That was the good news.
The bad news is they are no longer being produced, but you might find them on the secondary market.
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Barbara CrewsThe Hallmark Company has been around for over 90 years, but it wasn't until 1973 that the company started producing Christmas ornaments and started to set the standard for other ornament companies.
Although other companies produced different collectible series before that time, e.g. plates, figures, etc, it was Hallmark that turned the collectible series into a marketing tool and turned Christmas decorators into Christmas collectors.
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JingleNogIt's hard to generalize a line of Christmas ornaments, but the main feeling from JingleNog is fun with more than a touch of whimsy. The characters come to life with the little story that is attached to each one.
