Photography by occtop.us
Christmas tree ornaments are significant to families during merry day. They allow families to reflect on milestones and pastimes. Decorating Christmas trees is a popular holiday tradition across the globe. Every year, most families prioritize gathering together, sharing a meal, and making memories. They also decorate Christmas trees with glass ornaments, tinsel, lights, ribbons, and numerous other ornaments.
This year artist Rena Leinov introduces TheGulliverandCo collection of beautiful vintage, unique holiday ornaments handmade using spun cotton.
Made from organic cotton and cornstarch glue, these ornaments are light yet resistant. Hand-painted with acrylic and watercolor paints. Mica powder - a natural stone mineral - is added for that extra sparkle. Each piece made is one of a kind with unique character. Each collectible comes bundled up for the winter and ready in a box to keep or gift to your loved ones. When we asked Rena what is the most challenging part of making these ornaments, she said,
"The most challenging part of creating a figure is painting the face. Handpainting is what gives my figures personality, adding a small layer of lifelikeness and realism to each figure with distinctive touches."
This year Leinov's ornaments will be gracing the shelves at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco, Bloomingdale's San Francisco and Gump's. But that's not it. The artist was invited to create The Ghost of Jacob Marley ornament for the 2022 Christmas Carol production at American Conservatory Theater, in memory of actor Ken Ruta who embodied the role of The Ghost of Jacob Marley for 14 consecutive seasons, but died this September due to post Covid complications.
The Ghost of Jacob Marley ornament for American Conservatory Theater San Francisco by Rena Leinov
In addition TheGulliverandco creates custom made ornaments that are designed to capture a photographic moment that can now decorate family Christmas tree. A perfect gift for your loved once.
Childhood photo and an ornament figurine of artist Rena Leinov .
TheGulliverandco
The history of Christmas tree ornaments
Christmas tree ornaments first originated in Germany in the 16th century. This tradition began when Germans started decorating evergreen trees using apples, commonly called paradise trees. The tradition was picked up by many people who started manufacturing various Christmas tree ornaments. The first ever manufactured ornaments were called baubles and were made by Hans Greiner. During this time, people would also decorate trees with candles, painted nutshells, wafers, and pastries with heart, angel, star, and flower shapes. According to history, Martin Luther, a great religious reformer, first introduced candle decorations on a Christmas tree. Today, people use numerous Christmas tree ornaments such as glass Christmas ornaments, porcelain Christmas ornaments, candy canes, Christmas stars, Christmas pickles, angels, etc.
Importance of Christmas tree ornaments
The culture of hanging various ornaments on Christmas trees has never stopped since it started long ago. This is because the ornaments have a special meaning and significance during the festive seasons as follows:
- Red Christmas tree ornaments symbolize the blood of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he made for us.
- Bells placed on the Christmas tree branches symbolize happiness and joy during the merry day.
- Every Christmas tree tends to be decorated with lights that symbolize the significance of family love during the festive season.
- Ribbons symbolize family ties where all family members gather together to celebrate and share a meal after a whole year of busy routines.
- Stars signify the shining hope for better days ahead. It's a symbol of Bethlehem's star that guided wise men to see baby Jesus.
- Wreaths symbolize rebirth and eternal love.
