You will not find these ornaments anywhere else.
Each one is individually handcrafted, right here in our own workshop, in the Original Victorian Method, using pearls, lace, velvet, brocade, 24k Gold-washed rondelles and our own custom-blended pearlised pins. Many of our designs also employ hard to find, Authentic Vintage Laces, Brocades, Buttons and other trims, making many of the designs a true collectible.
A Great New Wedding Guest Favor is Born.
People really do love these ornaments, and they are especially loved by Christmas Brides! Like many small businesses, back in 1996, when the Internet first became a marketplace for artists and artisans, we too went on-line with our ornaments. Suddenly, we began to get quantity orders from Brides-to-Be with special requests for personalization and gift packaging so they could use them for their Wedding Guest Favors. We said "What a great idea!" So our unique and beautiful Gift Boxed Ornament Wedding Favor was created. The customized package looks simply stunning on the reception tables, and each ornament inside possesses a giftable, collectible quality unmatched anywhere in the world. Our Brides often write back to tell us how happy their guests were to receive such a unique and beautiful wedding favor!
We have come a long way.
Other very exciting venues for our ornaments have been appearances on two HBO specials: "Sex and the City" and the movie "Warm Springs". We have also had a wonderful display in the hardcover book titled "Christmas Style" authored by Dr. Christmas, and an appearance at the world famous Smithsonian Institution on their American Heritage Tree - 2004.
Expansion of our Victorian Prints and Decor Catalogs
With our love of all things Victoriana, the decision was made to expand the ornament catalog to include anything and everything that could be found in the Victorian Style and Theme. Specifically, our source for framed and unframed Vintage Prints is rated as #1 on the Internet, and the Decor Department now hosts !Everything Victorian! from the Garden to the Bath.
We are Looking Forward to a Great Future!
During the summer of 2007, we moved to beautiful Southwestern Virginia (right in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains), where our new facility is ten times larger than where we were in Wilmington, Delaware. Although the move proved to be a far greater challenge than we originally anticipated, we finally settled in and are once again creating our beautiful ornament designs. Many of the other projects that we have dreamed about will be developed in time, now that we have the space, so come back often to see "What's New".
Well, not much can be said about our new facility that the following picture won't describe in a better way:
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It was a very difficult transition - not only for the massive physical move, but the economy going into a slide right as we needed to sell our former facility in Delaware. As many of our wonderful customers know, it took a full 18 months before we could get out from under the burdens of double mortgage and utility payments, while at the same time trying to build up our inventory and hire qualified help - all on a shoestring! But we weathered the storm and the reward is pictured above in the form of a 2,000+ square foot main facility (encompassing all of the lower level of the main building) with the addition of multiple outbuildings for future projects and plans for the expansion of the Orna Mentztm line of quality handmade Victorian ornaments, artifacts and home decor.
Many thanks to everyone for their continuing support! Without you, we just wouldn't be!
Thank you so much for visiting, and best wishes for a Blessed and Wonderful Year!
And the Orna Mentz Journey Continues! ......
*QVC 50-50 Tour - 1995 --- Also check out "Orna Mentz in the News!"
