Wednesday in Atlanta

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

Report from Atlanta, Rucus Studio

When I visit the Bethany Lowe showroom, I think HALLOWEEN! Yes, Bethany represents home decor and all holiday … but her Halloween line is always over the top!

Above, the LARGE COUNTRY PUMPKIN GENT is a new entry from Scott Smith’s Rucus Studio. When they named it “large”, they weren’t kidding! This guy makes a real statement at 24″ tall, He’s resin with a bamboo stick and a great paper pulp lantern carried over his shoulder. He does have a “big” price, too. Well,he does come in a little under $200.

Speaking of pricing … think about the the state of our economy. Oil is at $100 a barrel, all transportation costs have increased accordingly, not to mention the cost of oil-based materials. Now, add to the mix the current dollar devaluation in the world marketplace. Do you begin to get a picture of what I’m about to tell you?

Expect prices this year to increase anywhere from 15% to 40%. The European ornament manufacturers seem to be especially hard hit. Some have dropped ornaments from their lines because they have become so expensive. In the Radko line, they have a fabulous line of Italians for 2008. The prices I checked in the showroom ranged from $65 – $125 per ornament. The new pieces in the German Master Craftsman Collection ranged from $100 to $250, for those I checked. But they were awesome! I loved Chung King Lights in 2007. This year’s collection has “Chung King” … based upon each segment of the original design … and turned into smaller ornaments.

I have an appointment at the Radko showroom tomorrow as well as Joy to the World. By the way, they have a penguin Schaller that is just incredible! As I’m sure many of you have suspected the Schaller with a “surprise” is a minature glass ornament version of the paper mache German figure.

Well, I took about 150 images today … tomorrow will certainly break that record!

Let me know what you would like to “see” from the showrooms. I’ll do my best to make your wishes come true!

Connie

David Blair, CBS Early Morning Show

Tune in to the CBS Early show bright and early Monday morning, December 24 (7-9 AM Eastern). Celebrate365 subscriber David Blair will be featured. David’s two bedroom home with TWENTY-SIX Christmas trees was featured in the LA Times . That’s where CBS producers discovered his incredible holiday displays.


Earlier in the year, Blair was named the winner in Celebrate365’s Design Like a Star competition, sponsored by Artistry of Poland. His colored-pencil sketch of a holiday wreath celebrating occasions throughout the year became a three-dimensional glass ornament, handcrafted in Poland.



Visit the Celebrate365 store to view and purchase this ornament.