In the southern Polish city of Częstochowa, a family-owned workshop transforms imaginative fantasies into tangible Christmas magic. GlitterLab, operating for over eight decades, specializes in creating extraordinary glass ornaments that defy conventional design limitations. Their client portfolio includes prestigious names like Swarovski, Galeries Lafayette, and Harrods, earning them the moniker “the magicians of glass.
The company’s unique selling proposition lies in its manual production process, a closely guarded trade secret that ensures each piece remains utterly unique. Unlike mass-produced decorations, GlitterLab’s artisans begin with client drawings, transforming them into soft clay sculptures before selecting specialized combinations of materials including resin, wood, crystals, and metal.
Third-generation owner Barbara Mostowska emphasizes the value of their European craftsmanship: “In an age when you can buy anything anywhere for next to nothing, something made from scratch here with honest work and thoughtfulness is truly valued by customers.” This artisanal approach commands premium prices, with exclusive designs like Harrods’ “Yellow Floral Bauble” retailing for £125 (approximately $168).
The company draws inspiration from Częstochowa’s heritage as a pilgrimage site, considering themselves heirs to local artisan traditions. “The techniques we’re using can’t simply be learned,” the owners note. “They need to run in your DNA.”
Seasoned designer Mariola Koła, with 42 years of experience, finds greatest satisfaction when clients approve designs without corrections. The ornaments frequently evoke childhood nostalgia, with descriptions promising “a time machine to a happy childhood.”
Customer service representative Magdalena Kucharska observes the joyful nature of their business: “How can people get upset when we’re talking about Christmas baubles? We produce a product that brings happiness.” Mostowska envisions these creations as “jewelry for the home” that customers display year-round, transcending their seasonal purpose to become enduring art objects.