Connie Porcher | Celebrate365

More from Atlanta … Debbee Thibault American Collectibles

While many of us are in the midst of Arctic-like temperatures, it’s kind of nice to think about spring.

Debbee Thibault’s American Collection of folk art debuted 15 new paper mache sculptures last week in Atlanta.

The Nest will hold Egghead, available in pink, green, lavender and yellow.

The Nest will create a wonderful spring table-top display for jelly beans, Debbee’s new Egg Head pieces or those glittering glass eggs in your ornament collection.

Debbee also previewed a new collection of prototype jewelry in her own signature style. “I’m just testing the market with these,” Thibault explained. “These pieces might not be made. It all depends upon how well retailers like them and order them for their stores.”

Personally, I love the idea of “wearable” art!

Paper mache jewelry collection from Debbee Thibault

The jewelry collection includes three bracelets and two necklaces. The large “Story Telling Bracelet” is a wide bangle decorated with angels to guide us through the New Year.

If you like this new concept become a part of the Debbee Thibault collection, contact your favorite retailer and tell them!

Debbee Thibault Easter Chick ornament, made in Germany

Debbee also displayed a collection of 8 new glass ornaments. All were prototypes and none bore official names nor prices. These were so new that they had just arrived from Germany. Again, Debbee is uncertain if these designs will become part of the 2009 collection. Contact your retailer if you’d like to place an order.

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Spotted Rabbit and Springtime Fairy Ornament

More from Atlanta … Christopher Radko Company

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The Christopher Radko showroom has been refreshed with newly painted walls in traditional colors and lots of new displays, including this elaborate tree that greets retailers at Atlanta’s America’s Mart.

Christopher Radko's 2009 Italian Collection

It’s no secret that I love Italian free blown ornaments. I was delighted to see a that Radko is continuing its partnership with Soffieria De Carlini, Italy’s premier workshop. The top row begins with a new Pinocchio figure … very nice. And, there is a new entry in the musical group category … the Bee Gees. (Find the bee with a purple head & a guitar in the top row.) These are just too cute! Unfortunately, prices for Italian ornaments continue to rise. We need a lesson in “Ornanomics” to fully understand currency exchange, shipping and Italian labor costs. That’s a topic for another time!

A trio of Schaller snowmen in the Radko showroom

I usually don’t cover the Schaller line but when the designer for this non-glass division offered to give me a tour … well who can pass up the opportunity? These three candy containers represent the design trend that I noted throughout the showroom … simpler designs, fewer and more traditional colors. I must say that I was pleased with the “make over”.

There are several new cookies jars in the 2009 line. This one is just outstanding. It is an elaborate sleigh pulled by reindeer. The presents lift up to reveal the cookie container.

First Report from Atlanta – Inge-glas of Germany

Hi everyone! This is a very tired reporter from Atlanta. What a LONG but EXCITING day. I began with a 9 AM appointment at the Inge-glas showroom. Everything you’ve heard on the Glass Links mail list about the new line is absolutely true! There are some fabulous new techniques, introduction of ornaments using the company’s stock of over 10,000 antique German molds, and some yummie additions to the food and wine collection.

Klaus and Birgit will be on hand Friday and Saturday. The showroom will also host one of the company’s artists. She’ll the new “Life Touch” painting technique. Of course, I will be there with camera in hand! The delicate tonal shadings painters achieve with this new technique are incredible … so very “life-like” … hence the name.

Here's last year's Pinocchio beside the 2009 version with the "Life Touch" techique. What a world of difference!

Now, here’s the yummy goodies! There are a series of ornaments that appear to have been created with chocolate molds. The satiny paint finish makes these sweet treats seem to realistic, I was also tempted to nibble!

White and Dark Chocolate ... good enough to eat!

Inge-glas has also added an entire line of fine wines and cheeses. The cheeses actually have paper labels. I swear you could almost smell them!

What’s New … JingleNog Ornaments!

	JingleNog is a fresh new line of hand crafted European glass Christmas ornaments that will premiere at the January 2009 markets in Atlanta and New York.

Sno-Jingle, European glass ornament from JingleNog		Paradiso, Italian free blown jeweled design

JingleNog’s owner and creator, Melissa Byrne, produced the ornaments in Poland and Italy. Byrne has over 20 years of experience in the Christmas and gift industry. She created exclusive products for the Lord and Taylor Christmas Shop for many years, working closely with European craftsmen. She then moved to Christopher Radko, working with the company’s namesake and founder, where she served as Director of Product Development. Now she has created her own pieces to share.
		The JingleNog line began with Melissa’s drawings and stories. The resulting group of 60 unique ornaments has been crafted using the traditional handmade methods of glass making. The JingleNog collection showcases the artistry and skills of European glassmakers with a fresh and whimsical twist. Celebrate365 will be meeting with JingleNog’s owner Melissa Byrne at her Atlanta market exhibit. Looks for a report update in mid-January on this page.
Holiday Bosco For more information and to view this new line: Visit the JingleNog website: www.JingleNog.com Or contact Melissa Byrne: Email: mbyrne@jinglenog.com Phone: 914-219-5395
		Peace Be With You, Italian free blown ornament

Home from Europe!

I arrived home about 9 PM last night. The 8-day trip was fabulous but exhausting. Today, I’m busy downloading orders and getting things ready to ship.

If you have ordered tinsel, be watching your mail this week. All tinsel orders went into the mail this afternoon, first class or Priority Mail, depending on the size of your order.

A wonderland of hand-painted balls captured the attention of Celebrate365 subscribers Penny and Tina.

I scoured the Italian, Austrian and German Christmas markets for old fashioned tinsel. I only found it at one market! No wonder it is getting difficult to find. I was able to purchase new packets of both silver and gold strands. Watch the store later this week for new listings.

The Christmas issue of Celebrate365 should arrive at my door tomorrow. The holiday delayed production. Anyway, depending upon arrival time, the majority should go into the post office tomorrow (first class mail).

Watch for lots of posts in the next days!

Connie

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