Polish Artisans Craft Unique Christmas Baubles for Global Clients

Częstochowa, Poland is home to GlitterLab, a company renowned for creating bespoke Christmas baubles that cater to clients worldwide. Founded over 80 years ago, the workshop has evolved from producing glass cigarette holders to crafting intricate ornaments that are now sought after by luxury retailers such as Swarovski, Harrods, and Galeries Lafayette.

Barbara Mostowska, the current owner and granddaughter of the founders, describes her team as “the magicians of glass.” They specialize in transforming imaginative designs into reality, whether it be a teddy bear dressed as a ballerina or a striking crimson phoenix. Each bauble is a testament to handcrafted artistry, with the production process being a closely guarded trade secret that ensures every piece is unique.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship in Częstochowa

GlitterLab’s roots trace back to the aftermath of World War II when Mostowska’s grandparents established the workshop. Located in a town of approximately 200,000 people, the company has a rich heritage. “They produced glass cigarette holders, then tiny bottles for cake flavors,” Mostowska reminisced, highlighting the evolution of their craft.

In recent years, the company has tapped into the U.S. market, expanding its offerings to include molded ornaments, such as angels and Santa Claus figures. Mostowska emphasizes the significance of their artisanal methods combined with modern technologies. “In an age when you can buy anything for next to nothing, something made from scratch here in a European country is truly valued by customers,” she noted.

GlitterLab also draws inspiration from the local culture, particularly the Black Madonna, an icon of Catholic devotion housed in a nearby monastery. The company expresses pride in being the heirs to the local artisans who once catered to pilgrims seeking souvenirs. “The techniques we’re using can’t simply be learned. They need to run in your DNA,” the team asserts.

Creating Joy Through Unique Designs

The company’s innovative approach has proven lucrative, with exclusive designs, such as the “Yellow Floral Bauble,” priced at £125 (approximately $168). Mostowska hopes that their ornaments will not only adorn Christmas trees but also find permanent places in homes, serving as “jewelry for the home.”

The design process at GlitterLab begins with a client’s drawing, which is transformed into a soft clay sculpture. This prototype can be adjusted until it meets the client’s vision. Once finalized, the artisans choose the specific materials to create the bauble, often incorporating glass, resin, wood, crystals, and metal.

Mariola Koła, the company’s most experienced designer with 42 years of service, shares that the most rewarding moment comes when a client approves a design without any corrections. “It means I’ve met their expectations, their taste,” she said. “That’s the greatest joy for me.”

The products crafted at GlitterLab are more than just decorative items; they evoke childhood nostalgia. One design features a teddy bear holding a golf club, described as a “time machine to a happy childhood when nothing tasted as sweet as candy floss licked straight from sticky fingers.”

In the festive atmosphere of Christmas, the production of these baubles brings joy not only to the customers but also to the creators. “How can people get upset when we’re talking about Christmas baubles?” pondered Magdalena Kucharska, a customer service representative. The emotional connection fostered through their craft makes working at GlitterLab a truly pleasant experience for everyone involved.