In an age of mass production, a small workshop in southern Poland is keeping the magic of Christmas alive through the ancient art of glassmaking. GlitterLab, a family-owned company based in Częstochowa, has earned a global reputation for transforming festive fantasies into exquisite, hand-blown baubles for an international clientele that includes luxury giants like Harrods, Swarovski, and Galeries Lafayette.
A Family Legacy of Glass Magic
Founded over 80 years ago in the aftermath of World War II by Barbara Mostowska's grandparents, GlitterLab represents a remarkable third-generation family business. The company's modest workshop in the 200,000-strong town of Częstochowa has evolved significantly from its origins producing glass cigarette holders and tiny flavour bottles.
"They produced glass cigarette holders, then 'eprouvettes' - tiny bottles for cake flavours," recalls Mostowska, fondly reminiscing about her childhood. "And then tiny baubles, then slow-blown baubles, the ones we all know from childhood, some swans, mushrooms, pine cones, that sort of thing."
The company's deep connection to local tradition extends even further back. The workshop draws inspiration from Częstochowa's history as a pilgrimage site, where visitors to the famous Black Madonna icon would return home with souvenirs made by local artisans. "We are their heirs," the owners proudly claim on their website. "The techniques we're using can't simply be learned. They need to run in your DNA."
The Art of Creating Christmas Magic
Every GlitterLab creation begins with a client's drawing, which the team transforms into a soft clay sculpture that can be refined until it perfectly matches the customer's vision. Only then do they select the unique combination of materials that will bring the shape to life as a finished bauble.
Describing themselves as "the magicians of glass," the artisans boast an extraordinary ability to create shapes and designs that glass would not normally accept. The entire production process remains a closely guarded trade secret, with each piece being entirely handmade, ensuring every ornament is unique.
"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," explains company owner Barbara Mostowska.
From Local Workshop to Global Recognition
The company's blend of traditional craftsmanship, innovative techniques, and savvy marketing has proven exceptionally lucrative. Their exclusive designs command premium prices, such as the "Yellow Floral Bauble" created for Harrods, which retails for £125.
Mostowska envisions these creations as more than just seasonal decorations. "Our customers have them in their homes, whether on hangers or in display cases, year-round," she says, describing the products as "jewelry for the home."
The workshop's most experienced designer, Mariola Koła, has dedicated 42 years to perfecting her craft. She identifies the moment when a client approves a design with "no corrections" as her greatest professional satisfaction. "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."
Beyond glass, the artisans work with diverse materials including resin, wood, crystals, and metal, enabling them to craft shapes that transcend conventional bauble designs. Each piece tells a story, often evoking childhood nostalgia - like the series of teddy bears described as "a time machine to a happy childhood."
The joyful nature of their work extends to customer interactions too. "The customers are nice, because how can people get upset and be angry or mean when we're talking about Christmas baubles?" wonders Magdalena Kucharska, the company's customer service representative. "The fact that we produce a product that brings happiness means these customers are nice too, and it's a very pleasant job."
In today's challenging world, this return to childhood innocence and the simple joy of play might be precisely what the Christmas spirit requires - and GlitterLab's magicians of glass continue to deliver that magic to homes worldwide.
