Creating the Official 2016 Christmas Ornament for Governor Snyder and First Lady Snyder

A 2016 Highlight

Every year we have the opportunity to impact the lives of our customers, creating pieces that help commemorate and celebrate special moments and events. Sometimes, it's a single ornament that announces a birth, like our First Christmas teddy bear ornament, or a blessing bowl for a retirement or, a family tree plate that honors a wedding anniversary.

This year, one of our memorable projects was working with the governor's staff to create the official 2016 Christmas ornament for Governor Snyder and the First Lady. Custom orders require time to collaborate on design, creating prototypes, problem solving, and then production. The whole custom process takes more time than our regular pieces, but these are the projects that we enjoy because of the challenge. Making something new gives us the opportunity to be creative!

 The finished, exclusive ornament, was in the complete shape of Michigan. We created a winter scene that incorporated our state tree, bird, and an iconic Petoskey stone. They were finished with a custom ribbon printed with the governor's name.

The Process: Creating 500 Custom Ornaments

After the clay ornaments were made and dried, seven of our painters worked together to paint the many layers of underglaze to create the winter scene. Working as a team was essential for this size order.

Cooled from the final firing and tied with custom ribbon the ornaments were nestled into gift boxes and graced with a red ribbon.

As the new year begins, and you are looking ahead and planning events in 2017, keep us in mind for your corporate or event gifting. We'd love to partner with you to create the perfect gift!