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Creating a Christopher Radko Ornament

A week long process

Millions of Americans have discovered something extraordinary in Christopher Radko® ornaments. Their radiance and originality makes them more a work of art than an ordinary holiday decoration. It is no wonder that Christopher Radko® ornaments are among the fastest growing collectables in the United States.

Each design is crafted by hand using centuries-old processes that require seven days to complete.  Cottage workshops in five countries – Poland, Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic – produce the ornaments, finials and garlands that are a part of the complete Christopher Radko®’ collection.  More than 3,000 craftspeople skilled in glassblowing, carving, mold making and hand painting contribute their talents to Christopher Radko® designs.

Once a design is conceived, it is submitted to a carver who works from clay or plaster.  The carver then gives the approved piece to a mold-maker. Using a Renaissance-era technique, a sand cast mold is created from molten metal. This becomes the mother mold, and the ornament making process can begin. 

DAY 1

On the first day of production, the glassblower creates the ornament using clear tempered glass, which is preferred for its notable strength. Other ornament makers have used lower-grade glass, increasing the risk of breakage. There is a noticeable difference in the weight of a Radko® ornament, making it more solid to the touch.

DAY 2

On the second day, the ornament is injected with liquid sterling, another process done by hand. The “silvering” gives the ornaments their luminescence and sets them apart from other glass decorations.

DAYS 3 & 4

On the third day, the base coat of matte lacquer is hand applied: the white on a snowman, for instance, or the red on a Santa.

On the fourth day, a second-coat application of lacquer is applied and adds the ornament’s other vivid colors

DAYS 5

On day five, fine details are hand painted, like the eyes on the Santa and the tiny seeds on a strawberry. With painstaking care, artisans take the ornaments from the realm of decorations to pure works of art. These personalized touches create the charming variations in each ornament making them one-of-a-kind heirlooms. No two ornaments are exactly alike.

DAY 6

On the sixth day, a dusting of glitter is applied to give extra sparkle.

DAY 7

On the seventh and final day, ornaments are inspected to ensure the highest standards of workmanship. Finally, the golden Radko® charm and custom-designed ornament crown, reading “R-A-D-K-O,” are placed on the final design. The ornaments are then tagged and carefully packed for shipment to the states.

Designed and created by skilled artisans with a timeless elegance and beauty, these are finely crafted ornaments to be treasured for many generations to come!  More than just decorations, a Radko® ornament is a work of heart.