Hobbies And Interests
History
Christopher Radko, designer of keepsake ornaments, gifts and home décor, began creating ornaments as a result of personal calamity. In 1984, his family's Christmas tree fell, destroying a treasured collection of over 2000 mouth-blown European glass ornaments. Replacing them proved difficult, but while visiting cousins in Poland, Radko met a craftsman eager to revive his great-grandfather's art of making glassblown ornaments. A partnership formed, and today, Christopher Radko employs over 3000 glassblowers, carvers, mold makers and hand painters, applying Renaissance-era techniques in cottage workshops located in Poland, Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic.
The Process
After Radko conceives a design, it is sent to a carver who works from clay or plaster. It then goes to a mold maker who uses the centuries-old process of making a sand-cast mold from molten metal. A glassblower then creates the ornament using clear tempered glass, noted for its strength. Next, liquid sterling is injected into the ornament to give it luminance. This is followed by the application of lacquer in vivid colors. Artisans then add fine details and variations in personalized touches, making each ornament truly one-of-a-kind. For extra sparkle, glitter is dusted on the ornament before the golden Radko charm and crown are added as the finishing touch.
Santa Ornaments
While many designs are available, Santa ornaments are among Christopher Radko best sellers. Some ornaments depict Santa in the timeless, traditional roles of sliding down the chimney, flying in his sleigh and towing a sack of gifts, while others show a whimsical St. Nick in a submarine, atop the Empire State building, visiting the planet Neptune and dancing the polka with Mrs. Claus. Like all Christopher Radko ornaments, these boast vivid colors and glitter for brilliant radiance.
Other Ornaments
Christopher Radko ornaments also feature nutcrackers, religious and nativity scenes, lighthouses, churches, candy shops and animals including kangaroos, reindeer and bears from the Muffy Vanderbear Collection. Their Places and Mementoes line pays tribute to various cities including Chicago, Manhattan and Las Vegas. Sparkling flip flops, flamingos and a Grand "Kahuna" Claus are part of the Sun and Surf line, while European charm is crafted into their Italian Flair and German ornaments. Christopher Radko also makes ornaments honoring the bride and groom and celebrates baby with ornaments of rocking horses and tiny shoes. Other seasons and holidays recognized with ornaments are Easter, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, autumn and Halloween.
Charity Awareness Designs
Each year, Christopher Radko ornaments are created and selected for fundraising purposes. This year's Charity Awareness designs will benefit AIDS, Alzheimer's, Animal Rights, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Breast Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease and Pediatric Cancer.
Care and Storage
Because water, glass cleaners, detergents and other chemical solutions can smear the finish on Christopher Radko ornaments, it is recommended that they only be cleaned with feather dusters. Extreme temperature changes and humidity, often present in basements and attics, pose the risk of stress fractures. It is advised that ornaments be stored in a temperature-controlled area. They should be wrapped in acid-free tissue, microwavable paper towels or cotton batting, then stored in sturdy plastic containers or cardboard boxes with secure lids.
Where to Buy
Christopher Radko is headquartered in Gastonia, North Carolina, but has offices and showrooms nationwide. The ornaments are available in over 2500 stores, including major department stores, independent gift retailers and online retail sites. Most retail around $40.00 each, but approximately one-third are retired annually, which enhances their collectability.