Author: Connie Porcher

Antoinette Di Gregorio’s Atlanta showroom always spins with elves and Santas at work. Di Gregorio’s animated characters recall the nostalgic Christmas store windows of yesteryear. Here’s a sampling of new designs in her 2008 collection
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Halloween is a new theme for 2008 …

And yet another new theme … New Year’s Eve!

Toni’s new Christmas elves …

Visit Toni’s web site to her animated figures.

mysantasandelves.com

CHRISTOPHER RADKO
Christopher Radko has been had a long association with the Ino Schaller German workshop. That partnership continues in 2008 with the highly embellished Radko style.

Some of this year’s newest entries are minis that can hang from the tree as ornaments. Averaging about 3″ tall, these little guys are embellished with glass beading and the traditional Schaller tree. But hold on to your charge card! In a sign of the economic times, these little guys are priced at a hefty $100 each!

DAVID STRAND DESIGNS

In his first Atlanta show, David Strand unveiled a sizable collection of Schaller candy containers. Strand shows a flair for coloration and details.

Here’s one of David’s favorites, decorated with traditional holiday poinsettias and fur trim. Strand has carried the poinsettia motif to the glass collection with matching ornaments.

Note the traditional finials that flank this German Santa candy container.

JOY TO THE WORLD COLLECTIBLES

Lisa Kelechava’s entry into the Schaller candy container market created quite a buzz at this year’s wholesale market.

Kelechava first created a miniature ornament. Thomas Schaller then created a full sized candy container based upon the style & decoration of the mini glass ornament. Collectors will find the miniature Santa as a “surprise” inside the traditional German container. Kelechava also crafted a series of glass ornaments based upon traditional Schaller styles.

Joy to the World is the first to create a Schaller candy container with a red tree. The design is striking!

The two Schaller-style glass ornaments are tastefully styled and the red “Ermine” Santa sports glass beading “glitter”.

This penguin candy container marks a new venture for the Thomas Schaller workshop. It represents an entirely new mold and it was garnering lots of attention … a real show stopper!

Bethany Lowe Halloween Party!
It’s a 20th anniversary for Bethany Lowe! Artists, family and staff wear costumes to celebrate the line’s impressive collection. Here are Bethany (left) with daughter Erin. Four artists signed ornaments, pins and a special 20th Anniversary collector’s bag. Add a lavish array of food & beverages and you KNOW there was an appreciative crowd! The BLD staffers estimated a crowd of a bit over 350 at this year’s Halloween bash.

Artistry of Poland

The “two Sues” (Sprunk & Myal) from Artistry of Poland exhibited in Atlanta for the first time. They reported lots of interest in their ornaments. Of course, we talked about the fact that they are sponsoring the “Second Annual” Design Like a Star contest. David Blair’s winning design is now part of the 2008 AOP collection and orders are coming in. Wow! So, put YOUR thinking caps on and send in your entries. You, too, could be a STAR designer!

CHRISTOPHER RADKO

It takes many trips to the Christopher Radko showroom to absorb it all. But, here’s an early favorite … the drummer from The Monkeys. It’s a De Carlini Italian, one of four, for those of us who remember that pop-rock group with its own TV show. Each ornament is about 4″ high and sells for $115. (Yes, sticker shock is definitely here for all of the 2008 lines!)

Tannenbaum Treasure (6″, $75) is another favorite. It reminds me of the gorgeous peacock reflector from the anniversary collection several years ago. With its jeweled ornaments, it would be perfect companion … and destined for a spinner on my holiday tree. Very nicely done!

INGE-GLAS OF GERMANY

Klaus Muller-Blech flew in from Germany to attend the premiere of the 2008 line in Atlanta. He graciously signed this year’s dated reflector from Sharon & I as well as the family’s new book, due to arrive in stores later this year.

DEBBEE THIBAULT

Ms Debbee was a bit under the weather today but she and Carolyn did take time to show us the six new ornaments in the 2008 line. Love them!

I had planned to give you a preview here since Carolyn gave me a CD of images. You might know that technology failed up this evening … the darned thing won’t open! I promise to take some close-up shots before I return to Ohio.

That’s it for today’s report … more tomorrow evening.

Connie … from the the Atlanta “America’s Mart” show

MATTARUSKY

I began my day with a visit to the Mattarusky showroom and a visit with Ann (Matt will arrive on Friday). This husband & wife duo will celebrate their 10th year in business during 2008. They will also be the subject of a full C365 interview during the year. Among the many highlights is “Rudy’s First Tree.” The 10-yr-old has successfully carved his first mold, dad created the colors and Rudy now has his own ornament (think sports themed Christmas wishes)! I predict that by the end of the year, son will be asking dad for a royalty check. Neiman Marcus has selected the design among its picks for 2008. Congratulations, Rudy!

JOY TO THE WORLD COLLECTIBLES

Purple Santa Paper Mache Candy Container with replica glass ornament, Purple Kugel ornament on right

This must be the year for anniversaries. Lisa Kelechava, JTTW founder & president, is celebrating her 10th year in business. The JTTW line has exploded with innovative techniques and striking glitters. When Lisa first teased us with her “Schaller” news, I really thought that I would not be interested. I am a traditionalist. But, a walk through the showroom with Michael Tandy and a follow-up with Lisa changed my mind. While I still don’t see myself beginning a new collection, these candy containers with the surprise inside (a matching miniature glass ornament) are really something. They are artfully decorated, impeccably detailed and stunning to behold. Look for a “Behind the Design” feature on my favorite Schaller in an upcoming issue. For now, here’s a peek at styles that will begin popping up in stores later this year.

The “black on white” is stunning!

A new mold series with great comic relief! Peppermint Twist … Snowman, Reindeer & Santa

Ribbon Candy Santa … a photo does not do this ornament justice. Its intricately twined candy design, vibrantly colored is among the best ornaments I’ve seen at this year’s show. (Well, it IS only the second day … but it is truly amazing.) Love it!

I have also visited the Radko showroom (twice), have all of my notes taken and hope to embark upon photography tomorrow.

Keep checking back!

Reporting from Atlanta,
Connie