CZESTOCHOWA, Poland (AP) – GlitterLab, a Christmas decoration manufacturing company located in southern Poland, is known for its unique ability to transform customer fantasies into stunning glass ornaments. With expertise in crafting customized designs, they claim to shape glass into forms that are not typically achievable.
The firm, self-described as "the magicians of glass," serves high-profile clients including Swarovski, Galeries Lafayette, and Harrods, the renowned department store in London. GlitterLab prides itself on their artisanal production methods, stating that each product is handmade, resulting in distinctiveness and uniqueness in their offerings. Barbara Mostowska, the company owner, emphasizes that in today's world, where mass-produced items are readily available, handcrafted creations from Europe hold exceptional value.
Established over 80 years ago in Czestochowa—a town with a population of around 200,000—GlitterLab has remained a family-run business since its inception by Mostowska's grandparents after World War II. Initially, the workshop specialized in glass cigarette holders, tiny bottles for flavoring cakes, and later expanded into producing various glass baubles, including traditional slow-blown ones. With a venture into the U.S. market, the range evolved to include molded ornaments such as angels and Santa Clauses.
The heritage of Czestochowa influences GlitterLab's designs, notably the local monastery that houses the revered icon of the Black Madonna, drawing pilgrims who seek unique souvenirs crafted by local artisans. The owners of GlitterLab claim a deep connection to this legacy, insisting that the skills needed to create their products are not merely acquired but innate.
Blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology and clever marketing strategies, GlitterLab has become financially successful. Their exclusive designs are highly sought after, with products like the "Yellow Floral Bauble" sold for 125 pounds (approximately $168). Mostowska envisions these ornaments adorning homes year-round, not only during the Christmas season, referring to them as "jewelry for the home."
The design process at GlitterLab begins with a client’s drawing, which is first fashioned into a soft clay sculpture, allowing for modifications until the vision is perfect. Following this, a distinctive combination of materials is selected to create the final bauble. The seasoned designer, Mariola Kola, who has been with GlitterLab for 42 years, finds satisfaction in receiving client approval without the need for changes, stating it signifies that she has met their expectations.
While specializing in glass, GlitterLab also uses materials such as resin, wood, crystals, and metal, thus expanding their creative possibilities beyond traditional bauble shapes. Their products often evoke a sense of nostalgia, with specific designs, like the teddy bear holding a golf club, meant to transport customers back to joyful childhood memories.
As the festive season approaches, the atmosphere at GlitterLab remains cheerful, with employees noting that working in a business focused on creating happiness fosters a pleasant work environment. Customer service representative Magdalena Kucharska reflects on how producing Christmas baubles, intrinsically linked to joy, results in a generally positive interaction with customers.
In conclusion, GlitterLab embodies a blend of historical craftsmanship and contemporary design, offering bespoke Christmas decorations that resonate deeply with personal memories and seasonal joy.
