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When the holiday season approaches, people start to get excited about decorating houses and looking for ornaments for their Christmas trees. Handmade glass ornaments are one popular selection for these adornments. These come in a variety of color and designs that will be a beautiful addition to any tree. However, if you are interested in starting your own collection of these unique ornaments, here are some tips to help guide you. This beginner’s guide will show you how to collect handmade glass ornaments, the best ways to build your collection, the interesting history behind these ornaments, and what to look for when buying them, as well as how to care for them once you have them.
Starting Your Collection
As someone who is new to collecting handmade glass ornaments, it may seem a bit confusing at first, but rest assured! So one of the first things you need to consider is what sort of ornaments you want to collect. Do you like classic holiday designs that look like traditional Christmas ornaments, or do you prefer more modern, unique styles? The options are all over the map! Consider also collecting special types of ornaments, such as hand-blown (made by blowing air into molten glass) or hand-painted (every ornament is painted separately). Once you know what you like, it will be easier to begin building your collection.
How to Build Your Collection
Below are a few tips to help you on your way to collecting handmade glass ornaments:
Think About Size: The first thing to consider is how many ornaments you’d like to have. A huge collection can look beautiful, but it’s equally vital to consider how much real estate you have in your home to show them off. Make sure you have plenty of space to display your ornaments without making your space feel cramped.
Budget: It is very important to set a budget for your collection. Determine how much money you can spend on ornaments and then do your best to stay within those parameters. Ornamentation can get costly, especially glass, and it can be easy to go overboard and end up spending more than your budget. Monitoring your spending will allow you to enjoy your collection guilt-free.
Ask Questions: Do not be shy to ask questions about the ornaments you end up liking. A good collector knows what they want and what each piece is worth. If you’re shopping at a store or a fair, the sellers are typically delighted to give you the 411 on the ornaments, including how they were made and what makes them special.
Learn How Handmade Glass Ornaments Came to Be
The handmade glass ornaments that we love have a long and fascinating history. They originated in Germany in the early 1800s, so have been around quite a while! These beautiful ornaments were actually hand-blown by an artisan glass blower who would handmake pretty shapes and designs. It takes a lot of talent and practice to do this process. These ornaments slowly gained popularity, particularly in America in the early 1900s. They have since evolved into an iconic holiday tradition for many families. Now, handmade glass ornaments are available in just about any style or design you can think of and can be found in shops around the globe, making these collectibles truly art worthy.
What to Look for When Buying
If you’re ready to begin your own collection of handcrafted glass ornaments, here’s a few things to look for when you shop:
Look Closely at the Ornament: Always examine the ornament closely to see how well made it is. Examine carefully and look for any defect or imperfection that would be determined the value of it. A good ornament will have smooth edges and a good finish.
Type of Glass: There are various types of glass that are used to manufacture ornaments, such as lead crystal and art glass. Both kinds are very beautiful and strong and very different in look and price. Knowing the specific kind of glass will aid you in making better decisions for your collection.
Artist's Signature: Many ornaments are signed by the artist who made them. Your collection will become all that much more special and valuable if you get pieces from specific artists. If you find an ornament you literally do LOVE, go see if it has the signature of the artist on it!
Maintaining Your Collection
After you have your collection of handmade glass ornaments done, it is important to make sure that they are safe and that you display them so that everyone can enjoy them:
Organized: Store your ornaments in a location where they won’t be jostled around or broken. Acid free tissue paper or bubble wrap can be used to give them some extra protection. Thus, your ornaments will be secure until you are ready to use them again.
Display: There are many ways to display ornaments, including ornament stands or an ornament tree. These options will ensure your ornaments stay safe and are easy to see. Good lighting can also accentuate your collection’s beauty so consider using spotlights or string lights to showcase your favorite pieces.
All in all, collecting handmade glass ornaments can be a fun and rewarding hobby for anyone, whether you already have some in your collection or are just starting out. With the help of these tips, you can curate a collection that you will love for years! Just remember to take your time in the store, ask questions, and above all, have fun with your collection. Happy collecting!
