We had a leisurely day in Rothenburg o. d. Tauber. After yesterday’s action-packed itinerary, this is just what we all needed. The city is a Christmas shopper’s paradise. If you can’t find it here, you must not be a serious shopper!
The city is home to Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Village and museum. Käthe’s son Harold runs things now. He’s a member of the Golden Glow and certainly appreciates Germany’s contribution in the ornament world. The museum is amazing … at least to an ornament aficionado like me!
The city’s Christmas market is small but quite nice. It’s all the wonderful shops surrounding the square that make this city such a special destination for Christmas shoppers.
Where we are staying (outside of the city’s walls):
December 6 – 9, 2009
Villa Mittermeier
Vorm Würzburger Tor 7+9
91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 98 61 / 94 54 – 0
Fax: +49 (0) 98 61 / 94 54 – 94 www.villamittermeier.de info@villamittermeier.de
After breakfast from the buffet at our cozy castle, we boarded the motor coach for Ulm’s extensive Christmas Market. Each city or town’s market seems to have a character of its very own. I think that’s what makes visiting Germany at this time of year so very special. We are seeing a variety of Christmas goodies — everything from mass produced items from China and India to the truly handcrafted. The local Christmas markets are also fund raising opportunities for local organizations. So, think church bazaars! Ladies (& even some gentlemen) from your local church labor for months making special Christmas-Time goodies and baking holiday treats. We saw lots of that here, too. Very endearing! And, it’s such a positive to be spending one’s tourist Euros to help local organizations. Think county and state fairs, too! There are LOTS of food & beverage vendors. People seem to love to eat and drink regardless of their origin. I have not been successful in inducing Melvin to try the local Gutwein (mulled hot wine) but I do love the ceramic mugs that it comes in! Now, that’s something to collect! Each city and village seems to have its own signature mug, sold to support the local Christkindlemarkt. I’ll bet if you search eBay, you can find some!
Tonight, we are staying in Rothenburg, aka shopper’s paradise! It’s the home of Kathe Wolfhart. You might know her ornaments from the internet. Before arriving at this rebuilt city (it looks just like a fairy tale!), we traveled north with stops at he exquisite Käthe Kruse Doll Museum, as well as the famous Steiff Museum (teddy bears and other stuffed toys). I promise images later. These stops might not have featured ornaments, but they were absolutely incredible!
Where we are staying (outside of the city’s walls):
December 6 – 9, 2009
Villa Mittermeier
Vorm Würzburger Tor 7+9
91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 98 61 / 94 54 – 0
Fax: +49 (0) 98 61 / 94 54 – 94 www.villamittermeier.de info@villamittermeier.de
Hot Pink Camo and Christmas Camo are both sold out BUT Thomas Glenn will produce them again in 2010.
I will be in Germany through December 13 and unable to ship until after my return.
Hot Pink Cammo
The artist Thomas Glenn puts his personal touch on every detail of his extraordinary product line. Each ornament begins with an inspiration and is sketched on paper to perfection. Upon completion of his design, Thomas creates a hand carved model for the master mold making process. Each ornament is then hand-made, one-by-one, under his direction in Europe. Thomas holds a Master Degree in Painting and he is one of the first trompe l’oeil artists. His extensive career in home decor has led him to develop his collection and to be named the”Haute Couture designer of Christmas”. His ornaments have been featured on the Good Morning America show and in national publications including House and Garden and Domino magazines.
To visit the Thomas Glenn web site, please click here. In arrangement with Mr. Glenn, Celebrate365 may special order any ornaments collectors view on the designer’s web site. Please use the contact tab above to inquire about placing a special order.
Be bold! Reminiscent of Thomas Glenn’s original canvases, this 120 mm ball shouts “Notice me!” The satin fuchsia ball pops with irregular rings of glittered color. It’s a very contemporary design suitable for display as a work of art throughout the year.
With its metallics and jewel tones, Orange Blossom mixes traditional floral motifs with 21st century colors and technology. Traditional silver glitter defines the silver and blue flower designs. If you look closely, you spot the tiny gold micro beads that ornament the other areas of the overall pattern. It’s a stunning addition to any collection.
The vibrant colors in this crazy quilt design will draw holiday visitors for a closer look. The individual “patchwork” scraps are edged with bright white glitter. Overall, the ball is finished with a light kiss of shimmery mica, guaranteed to reflect the tree lights. Enjoy this contemporary interpretation of an American classic.
Susan Vanderhoek, folk artist and member of American Holiday Artists (aHa) is the winner of the 2009 Design Like a Star contest sponsored by Artistry of Poland and Celebrate365.
Susan’s Design Like a Star Victorian Whimsy Santa is now available exclusively at the Celebrate365 store. The ornaments is 5″ high, handcrafted in Poland and retails for $54. It will be a part of Artistry of Poland’s 2010 collection.
Meet this talented artist as she talks with C365 publisher, Connie Porcher.
Do you sell your work directly to collectors? If not, how can collectors find your things?
I sell directly to collectors through eBay at aHa Art (seller id seasonalwhimsies). I also accept orders and commissioned work. In addition, my work is available at Spencer’s Alley in Salem, Oregon and at Season’s Greetings in Houston.
Will you be doing any holiday shows in November or December?
I will be selling items at Blackberry Junction in Albany, Oregon in November and at Spencer’s Alley.
What kinds of things do you create?
I focus upon holidays. I love everything about Christmas so I create ornaments, Santas and snowmen. Halloween is my second favorite. I enjoy creating fun and spooky things for the season, especially pumpkins and witches.
I work with large gourds and paper clay the most. I enjoy the entire sculpting process from beginning to the end. I am constantly amazed when everything falls into place to create a one of a kind piece.
How would you describe your style?
I think my style is light hearted and whimsical. I am influenced by antique German paper mache Santas and Halloween pieces. Hopefully my pieces spark the childlike wonder of those old things.
Do you have any formal training?
I have taken some art education classes. I take classes from other accomplished artists online. I am interested in all kinds of art and plan to continue learning new techniques and methods.
Susan's Halloween Pumpkin Box
How long have you been doing this?
I have been sculpting for 9 years now.
What honors have you received?
I have been honored to appear in Celebrate365 magazine and recently won the Design Like a Star contest held by The Artistry of Poland and Celebrate365. The winning design is a sculpted Victorian Santa Claus ornament.
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