In a modest workshop in southern Poland, a family-run company has earned a reputation as the 'magicians of glass' for its extraordinary handcrafted Christmas decorations that grace the trees of luxury retailers worldwide.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
GlitterLab, operating from Częstochowa for more than 80 years, transforms festive fantasies into tangible ornaments for discerning clients including Swarovski, Galeries Lafayette, and London's iconic Harrods. The company was founded by Barbara Mostowska's grandparents in the aftermath of World War II, making her the third generation to manage the business.
"They produced glass cigarette holders, then 'eprouvettes' - tiny bottles for cake flavours," Mostowska recalled, reminiscing about the workshop's early days. "And then tiny baubles, then slow-blown baubles, the ones we all know from childhood."
The Secret Art of Bauble Making
The entire production process remains a closely guarded trade secret, meticulously manual from start to finish. The company promises "the ability to create shapes and designs that glass will not normally take" on its website.
To create a unique design, workers first transform a client's paper drawing into a soft clay sculpture, which can be modified until it perfectly represents the client's vision. Only then do they select the unique combination of materials that will transform the shape into a finished bauble.
The company draws inspiration from its hometown's history, where pilgrims visiting the local monastery's Black Madonna icon would return home with souvenirs made by local artisans. "We are their heirs," the owners claim. "The techniques we're using can't simply be learned. They need to run in your DNA."
From Workshop to Worldwide Recognition
Mariola Koła, the company's most seasoned designer with 42 years of service, says the most satisfying moment comes when a client approves a design with "no corrections."
"It means I've met their expectations, their taste," she explains. "That's the greatest joy for me. I couldn't ask for a greater reward."
The company's mix of artisanal methods, new technologies and savvy marketing has proven highly lucrative. Their exclusive "Yellow Floral Bauble" for Harrods retails at £125, demonstrating the premium value placed on their craftsmanship.
Mostowska emphasises the enduring appeal of their handcrafted items in today's mass-market world. "In an age when you can buy anything anywhere for next to nothing, something made from scratch here in a European country, with honest work and thoughtfulness, is truly valued by customers."
She dreams that customers will display these ornaments year-round, describing the products as "jewelry for the home" rather than merely seasonal decorations.
The designers work with diverse materials including resin, wood, crystals, and metal, enabling them to craft shapes beyond conventional baubles. Each piece tells a story, often invoking childhood nostalgia - like their teddy bear collection described as "a time machine to a happy childhood."
Magdalena Kucharska, the company's customer service representative, notes the joyful nature of their business: "The customers are nice, because how can people get upset and be angry or mean when we're talking about Christmas baubles? The fact that we produce a product that brings happiness means these customers are nice too, and it's a very pleasant job."
