Koloa HI and Wilsonville OR – June 29, 2004. Quirky, whimsical, and aloha-inspired, hand-blown ornaments from Ornaments to Remember are anything but ordinary. From aloha shirts and surf jams to local fruits and scenery, each ornament is handcrafted by European artisans and individually numbered, making them perfect gifts for friends and family or souvenirs to remember your time on the islands.
Over six years ago, at her dining room table in Koloa, Hawaii, Dr. Sarah Stanley developed a business idea from her personal interest in decorative ornaments. Little did she know her plan would soar beyond her expectations, whisk her across the globe and back and allow her the opportunity to share her imagination, sassiness and love of ornaments with the world.
“I could not have imagined the experiences or the problems that would be encountered…I had to learn everything from the beginning.” Stanley explained.
And learn she did, making Ornaments to Remember a favorite among Hawaiian tourists and locals, generating an ever increasing buzz on the mainland. This year alone the company has created almost twenty new and exclusive Hawaiian designs. The multi-step creation process takes several days and is almost as interesting as the ornaments.
It all begins with a small bulb of glass heated over an open flame. The molten glass bulb is placed into a mold, where a glassblower gently blows it into shape. After being reheated and given a final puff, the ornament is cooled, silvered and allowed to rest overnight. Next, an artist applies color lacquers – all by hand – one layer at a time. Glitter and special coatings are added in the last step. Before each ornament is packaged, it is individually inspected to meet the high quality standards Stanley requires for all her ornaments.
Quality has always been a priority for Stanley, in her ornaments, her career and her life. A doctor of education and a former schoolteacher and principal, Stanley started her company with the hope of making a difference in the world. It is clear she created her business with children in mind, “…we started with a philanthropic mission…we hope to produce a revenue stream that will help parents help their kids – in school and in life.” Ornaments to Remember is proof that imagination and life-long learning go hand-in-hand.
Fun to give and fun to have, browsing through the variety of ornaments will likely bring a smile, chuckle or memory. Designs include puppies, Zen artistry, shirts, sunglasses, baby gifts, fashion apparel, flowers, and many more.
For a list of stores carrying Ornaments to Remember throughout Hawaii, call toll-free (800) 330-3382. Or visit our website, www.ornaments2remember.com. Personalization and custom work are also available.
