Timeless designs, clean lines, elegance, attention to detail. These are the hallmarks of David Strand Designs™.
David Strand was an avid collector and worked in the ornament industry for many years before forming David Strand Designs™. The idea sprang from a desire to obtain ornaments for his own tree that he was unable to find in the marketplace. Retail clients shared his frustration and encouraged him to start his own company.
In 2006 David formed David Strand Designs™ and began working with European workshops. He introduced his first collection in 2007. David’s designs are imaginative and autobiographical in nature. They’re inspired by family and friends, childhood memories, favorite books, music, movies, hobbies and travels around the world.
The 2010 collection is larger and more varied. Through his colleagues in Poland David created many wonderful new ornament molds. There is also a significant increase in free-blown pieces. In addition to standard-sized ball and drop ornaments, David created a collection of miniature ball ornaments named Baubles. The decorations on these pieces are classic designs from the early part of the 20th century reinterpreted in a diminutive form. David continues his collaboration with Soffieria De Carlini and added a number of fabulous new free-blown ornaments to the 2010 collection. Highlights include a globe ornament with nativity figures, a carousel ornament with Santas and candy canes and several ornaments inspired by the Hey Diddle Diddle nursery rhyme.
There are three charity ornaments in the 2010 collection. In 2009 David designed Whole World In His Hands. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this ornament will benefit the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). This year David added Heart of Christmas and designated it as an AIDS charity piece benefitting amfAR, the foundation for AIDS research. He also introduced Roly Poly Santa, a Breast Cancer ornament, benefitting Susan G. Koman for the the Cure.
David loves decorating with tree-toppers or finials. There are sixteen finials in the 2010 collection. All the finials are produced in Poland and combine old-world craftsmanship with fresh designs and an attention to detail and quality that sets them apart.
Another addition is a large collection of nativity or créche figures and a grotto-style manger produced for David in Germany. Each piece is made completely by hand and is comprised of a special combination of kaolin, chalk, paper fibers, paste and clay. Master craftsmen hand-paint the individual pieces, imbuing them with a unique character and vitality. The collection was inspired by 18th century Neapolitan nativity figures and is decorated in a color palette that is at once vibrant and elegant.
2010 also marks the introduction of a series of ornaments based upon the Imperial Eggs created for the Russian Czars by the workshop of master goldsmith and jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé. The ornament is named Fabergé Santa and features a small Russian-style Santa holding a miniature egg while standing atop another larger egg. The first version is named Noel and features an assortment of favorite Christmas symbols. Fabergé Santa – Noel is the first ornament made for members of THE WINDMILL CLUB™, a collectors club for ornament enthusiasts. The club will provide collectors with a fun, educational and behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration for and production of ornaments and other holiday decorations as well as a variety of related topics. There is no charge for membership. Members will receive a complimentary copy of the DAVID STRAND DESIGNS™ catalog as well as access to THE WINDMILL CLUB ONLINE™, an online journal. They will also be able to purchase ornaments designed exclusively for members of THE WINDMILL CLUB™ through authorized David Strand Designs™ retailers.
David’s ornaments and holiday decorations are handmade by European artisans using the finest materials and time honored techniques. A firm believer in quality over quantity, David produces his ornaments and holiday decorations in limited numbers. His glass ornaments are mouth-blown and are lined with silver for additional radiance. They are hand-painted by skilled artisans and are further embellished with glitter and Austrian crystals.
All of David’s designs are unique and are conceived and executed with emotion and great care. Please take a moment to appreciate the concept, the fine painting and the delicate application of glitter. Whether purchased as a gift or as an addition to your own collection, an ornament or holiday decoration by David Strand Designs™ will delight your eyes and stimulate your senses.
David Strand Designs™ is available through a select group of better retailers.