Happy the Hedgehog

Happy the Hedgehog is a new clip on style Christmas ornament from the 2011 Animals on Parade Collection.
We haven't had a lot of animal style ornaments at Trendy Tree from Inge-Glas so I'm really anxious to see the new styles coming in for this year. And a hedgehog is very different! Not something you're likelyl to see at your favorite department store Christmas section))

According to Wikipedia: A hedgehog is any of the spiny mammals of the subfamily Erinaceinae and the order Erinaceomorpha. There are 17 species of hedgehog in five genera, found through parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and New Zealand. There are no hedgehogs native to Australia, and no living species native to North America; those in New Zealand are introduced. Hedgehogs have changed little over the last 15 million years. Like many of the first mammals they have adapted to a nocturnal, insectivorous way of life. The name 'hedgehog' came into use around the year 1450, derived from the Middle English 'heyghoge', from 'heyg', 'hegge' = hedge, because it frequents hedgerows, and 'hoge', 'hogge' = hog, from its piglike snout.Other names include 'urchin', 'hedgepig' and 'furze-pig' .

Hedgehogs are a food source in many cultures. Hedgehogs were eaten in Ancient Egypt, and some recipes of the Late Middle Ages call for hedgehog meat^. In the Middle East and especially among Bedouins, hedgehog meat is considered medicinal, and thought to cure rheumatism and arthritis. Romani people supposedly still eat it, and also use the blood and the fat for its supposed medicinal value. One method for killing the animal suggests holding it up by one of its hind legs and cutting off the tip of its nose when it unrolls, which kills it and drains the blood at the same time. The animal is then cleaned and boiled or roasted.


During the 1980s, "hedgehog-flavour" crisps were introduced in Britain, although the product did not in fact contain any hedgehog.

Wikipedia Image of a Hedgehog

Interesting material from Wikipedia!

Think I'll just stick with the Hedgehog Christmas Ornament)))  Isn't the likeness of the ornament to the real thing remarkable)) Visit us at Trendy Tree to see more ornaments from the Animals on Parade Collection by Inge-Glas of Germany.

Black London Taxi Cab

According to Wikipedia:
A hackney or hackney carriage (also called a cab, black cab, hack or London taxi) is a carriage or automobile for hire. A livery carriage superior to the hackney was called a remise.
In the United Kingdom, the name hackney carriage refers to a taxicab licensed by the Public Carriage Office in Greater London or by the local authority (non-metropolitan district councils or unitary authorities) in other parts of Great Britain, or by the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland.
In the United States, the police department of the city of Boston has a Hackney Carriage Unit, analogous to taxicab regulators in other cities, that issues Hackney Carriage medallions to its taxi operators.

London Cab - Wikidpedia Image

 

 

Our London Cab is from the Inge-Glas 2011 Christmas Visions collection and will be arriving in just a few weeks! Great keepsake for that European vacation! Visit us at Trendy Tree to see more of the 2011 Christmas Visions collection!

Making Memories

Making Memories is a Christmas stocking shaped ornament in assorted colors studded with Swarovski Elements. Stocking is glittered with a scroll design and gold glittered top. Priced individually, choose from green, red or gold.  Measures approximately 4"

Inge-Glas has created a series of exclusive ornaments, which shine with multi-faceted crystals on the Christmas tree. These extraordinary pieces fascinate through the incomparable play of light and color. All of the ornaments in this collection are mouth-blown in the Inge-Glas workshop in Germany, using old tradition and handicraft and carefully hand painted with much detail. They are decorated with sparkling Swarvoski Elements, which intensify in the twinkling Christmas lights.

 Visit us at Trendy Tree to see more great heirloom ornaments from Inge-Glas. 2011 Ornaments will be arriving in just a few weeks!

It's Five O'Clock Somewhere!

"It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" How many times have you heard that phrase)))))

Well, now you have a keepsake ornament to make it come true! Whimsical clock face with 5:00 pm on the face. Perfect for that office ornament exchange and for those who like to frequent happy hour)).

This ornament will be arriving to Trendy Tree along with about 70 other new styles in the next few weeks. Come browse our growing inventory of over 250 styles of Inge-Glas European keepsake glass Christmas Ornament.

Also "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" is a song performed by Alan Jackson with Jimmy Buffett, and written by Jim "Moose" Brown and Don Rollins. The song hit number 17 on the US Hot 100, making it the biggest pop hit Jackson and the first top forty for Buffet since the seventies. On November 5, 2003, it also won the Country Music Association (CMA) Award for Vocal Event of the Year. It is also Buffett's only Number One country hit. (Wikipedia)

Lil' Red Riding Hood - New for 2011

Christmas ornament made of mouth blown, hand painted glass using the unique "Life Touch" method by Inge-Glas. Classic storybook character, Little Red Riding Hood on her way to her grandmother house with her basket of goodies. Measures approximately 4 3/4"

"Fairytale Forest" collection by Inge-Glas.

Somewhere our there, deep in the forest, live beautiful princesses, gallant knights and fabulous creatures of folklore and myth.

Browse the Inge-Glas collection at Trendy Tree. Our collection has grown to over 250 unique styles and we're in the process of adding over 70 new styles for 2011!

Listing 2011 Ornaments on Trendy Tree!

Check out the new ornaments from Inge-Glas that we're listing right now on Trendy Tree! Over 70 new styles. Browse the categories or just go to the "New for 2011" to see just the new items. It will take me several days to get everything listed, so check back frequently!

 This year we've added the annual reflector series and a limited edition snowman.

Kind Reflection 

Visit us at Trendy Tree to see more new styles from Inge-Glas for 2011!

New 2011 Ornaments

Just placed our 2011 order with Inge-Glas. Have over 70 styles of new ornaments coming in from Germany! They will arrive in April/May.

So many new styles....can't wait to see them. Will start posting them to Trendy Tree soon! Visit us today to see our collection of over 250 ornaments already in stock! Added a new link to our Inge-Glas category on the navigation side bar at your request.

$50 Shopping Spree on Trendy Tree!

Get your name in the hat for a drawing on Trendy Tree for a $50 shopping spree!

Just visit our Trendy Tree Facebook page and click on the "like" at the top of the page. Once we reach 500 "likes" we'll draw a winner from the list!

Count is at 451 today......not much further to go! Visit the Trendy Tree Facebook page today!

Trendy Tree Give Away!

 Good to be Queen Christmas Ornament from Inge-Glas of Germany

We're giving away a Good to be Queen Christmas ornament from Inge-Glas to one our of Facebook friends 1/23/11!

Just friend us on Facebook and make a comment on the post. We'll choose a winner on Sunday from the posts. So get your name in the hat today!

1/24/11 UPDATE: Congratulations to R. Cage, winner of the ornament! 

Inge-Glas of Germany - A Bit of History

Inge-Glas of Germany employees over 100 masters, artisans and employees; many of them have worked at Inge-Glas for 25 years or more. They still make Christmas Heirloom ornaments in the same centuries old traditional way that their forefathers did in the historic area of Germany – the birthplace of glass Christmas ornaments.

Many of their heirloom ornaments are blown in the original antique moulds, some of them dating far back into the 1800′s. Their extensive mould collection is the largest world-wide with over 15,000 antique moulds. No other company has this exclusive resource available to them.

Inge-Glas is a “Green” company. They use only a pure, high grade German glass and lead-free paints, lacquers and glitters. They are a 100% lead-free ornament manufacturer. Unlink other ornament suppliers, Inge-Glas owns its own factory in Germany. They control all materials used in the manufacturing, packaging and shipping of their heirloom quality ornament.

How heirloom Christmas ornaments are created:

Mould Preparation

The mould is made of a ceramic-based material enabling the glassblower to use the mould repeatedly, as the glass will not stick to the mould.  Another benefit of the ceramic mould is its ability to produce highly detailed ornaments.

Blowing

A hollow glass tube is chosen based on the size and dimension of the ornament to be created.  The glassblower manually rolls the tube with his fingers over the hot flame until it is pliant.  One end of the tube is sealed in the flame and once the glass is ready, the glassblower will fit it into the mould.  The mould is clamped down around the glass while the blower breathes steadily into the glass tube to press the glass into all crevices of the mould.

Silvering

Once the glass is cooled, it is silvered.  A clear silver nitrate solution is inserted into the glass ornament.  The ornament is then submerged in hot water and shaken to ensure the solution coats the inside of the entire ornament.  The heat of the bath begins the chemical reaction and the inside of the entire ornament becomes silvered.

Painting

Once dried, the ornament is painted.  Every ornament is painted with a base coat that provides the foundation color of the ornament.  The ornament is submerged in the base coat and then twirled to remove the excess paint.  It is then stood on end to allow the paint to dry.  Once the base coat dries, the details of the ornament are hand painted.  One ornament can have as many as 38 painting steps before it is completed.

Finishing

After every color has been painted and allowed to dry, the ornament is glittered.  Once dry, the excess pike is scored and snapped off.  The five-pointed Star Crown suspension ring is set into place and the ornament is completed.  The Star Crown is the guarantee that an ornament is produced in the century’s old tradition in the Müller-Blech family workshops.

This year, Inge-Glas celebrates 415 years of family history of hand producing glass ornaments. This is the 10th year that Inge-Glas has supplied customers in the US directly from the Inge-Glas workshops in Germany.  The 2011 Heirloom collection includes over 100 new designs of traditional German glass ornaments. The 2011 Classic collection has a European trend. Inge-Glas offers the best of both worlds – antique moulds and new mould ornament designs. Several ornaments from the 2011 collection are from original vintage moulds, all handcrafted in Germany.

Each year, the Müller-Blech family workshop in Germany offers limited editions of handcrafted ornaments.  Each of the mouth-blown, hand-painted ornaments is inspired and designed by Birgit Müller-Blech.  Ornaments retire each year as new ones are introduced.  Each ornament is a collector’s treasure and an heirloom to be passed down from generation to generation.

Visit us at Trendy Tree to see the ornaments we'll be receiving this year from Inge-Glas!

2011 Ornaments from Inge-Glas

Can't wait until Monday when Inge-Glas rolls out its new styles for 2011! Check back with us soon and see the heirloom ornaments we'll be adding to our already huge inventory at Trendy Tree!

The Bridal Collection from Inge-Glas

This collection of good wishes is for new couples to begin their lives together. In the old country, it was customary to give these twelve ornaments as symbols of a happy home to ensure a love partnership's success. Twelve ornaments include Angel (painted with LifeTouch technique) - God's guidance in the home; Bird - Happiness and joy; Fish - Christ's blessing; Flower Basket - Good wishes; Fruit Basket - Generosity; Heart - True Love; House - Shelter and protection; Pine Cone - Motherhood and fruitfulness; Rabbit - Hope and faith; Rose - Beauty and affection; Santa (painted w LifeTouch technique) - Unselfishness and goodwill; and Teapot - Hospitality. Comes in Wooden Box with Certificate and Legend.

Perfect wedding gift for a new couple. Also would make a great gift from the groom. Visit us at Trendy Tree to see more keepsake ornaments from Inge-Glas of Germany.

Precious Steps Baby Shoe

The Precious Steps Baby Shoe Christmas Ornament with Swarovski crystals.

When these ornaments arrived, I took a quick look and said....oh yes, that is so pretty......But, today a customer purchased one and when I took it out of the carton I really got a good look. This ornament is exquisite! My first look, even though I thought it was pretty, just didn't do it justice! I'll get more photos up just as soon as I can.

This truly would make a unique keepsake gift for that newborn or baby girl.......the butterfly on the toe is so different. The Precious Steps Baby Shoe - perfect gift)))

Visit us at Trendy Tree to see these great new keepsake ornaments from Inge-Glas.

St. Nikolaus Treasure with Swarovski Crystals

St. Nikolaus Treasure

• Mouth blown, hand painted European glass Christmas ornament
• Measures approximately 4 3/4"

This ornament is decorated with sparkling Swarvoski crystals which intensify in the twinkling Christmas lights.
St. Nikolaus Treasure was created using the new "Life Touch"  Life Touch is introduced by Inge-Glas, an amazing development adding to their colorful 400 year family history of German glass blowers; a classy new and innovative painting technique known as "Life Touch." With precise and meticulous detail, skillfully trained Inge-Glas master artists apply ultra fine feather strokes revealing delicate life touches to enhance their uniquely beautiful Christmas ornaments.

Ornament is packaged in a royal blue Inge-Glas gift box.

This ornament just arrived at Trendy Tree in limited quantity. Truly a unique keepsake ornament.

"Like" Us on Facebook!

Still trying to get our Facebook "Likes" on our Trendy Tree page up to 500 so we can give away the $50.00 Trendy Tree shopping spree. So if you haven't visited us there......drop by and click on the "Like" at the top of the page and get your name in the drawing for the shopping spree! Would be a great opportunity to pick up some nice Christmas items))

Trendy Tree - Pence Christmas Tree Farm Facebook Page

More New Styles Arriving!

We have expanded our Inge-Glas collection twice this year already......and now we have more than 20 more new styles on the way! This will mean that we will have around 275 styles of Inge-Glas ornaments for you to choose from at Trendy Tree. Quite a collection I say! Be sure to visit us soon at Trendy Tree and see the new styles.

Witch's Slipper Halloween Ornament

The Witch's Slipper just arrived in time for Halloween! Beautifully glittered orange shoe with touches of black. Shoe is decorated with a black bow and spider. Great additon to your Halloween collection!

What a Lovely Bunch of Bananas!

Bananas - slightly green....a little ripe.....and just right! If you need Banana ornaments you've come to the right place!

Slightly Green Banana

Ripe Banana

Both these Bananas have a frosted version also. The glittering gives the banana a sugared look which is very nice.

Visit us at Trendy Tree to see all our Bananas! You know what they say "A Banana a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!" .......or is that apple....hmmmm.

Fantastic New Japanese Culinary Treat at Trendy Tree

Great new ornament just arrived from Inge-Glas. This Japanese Culinary Treat - Uramaki Sushi

This delicious looking little ornament just arrived at Trendy Tree on Monday, was posted to the website Monday night and we recieved for first order for one on Tuesday! I think.....this is a good sign that this ornament will be popular)))

New Arrival! My Winter Friend Snowman

My Winter Friend arrived today at Trendy Tree! These ornaments from Inge-Glas are just beautiful. We have about three different styles. The hang tags on the ornaments give a bit of "kinder" history. The hang tags says:

 "Snow Kinder" Nearly every child waits for a white Christmas with lots of snow, sledding, a time for fun outdoors and the joys of winter! "Snow Kinder" (German for children) playing on the branches of the green fir Christmas tree, the bright eyes of the children are shining in the candle light, bringing happiness and peace to the hearts of the young and old.

Visit us on Trendy Tree to see the other stunning ornaments from this collection of Inge-Glas.

New Ornaments on the Way to Trendy Tree!

Just received notice last week of a new shipment set to arrive at Trendy Tree this week from Inge-Glas!

 This new shipment will contain will contain several ornaments we’ve never had before! My Winter Friend, Old Saint Nick, Star Shine tree topper, and Poinsettia. A stunning Bridal collection in a wooden keepsake box, along with a miniature Bridal collection will make a unique addition to our German glass inventory.

So, visit us on Trendy Tree to see these spectactular new items! 

Packing Your Inge-Glas Ornament for Gifting

Heirloom Christmas ornaments are a beautiful, thoughtful gift. Presenting a gorgeous ornament in a clear cellophane package, nestled among sparkly paper shred allows the receiver to view the gift and save the opening for later. Great packing for ornament swap parties!

White Silver Blend Paper Shred

Visit us on Trendy Tree to see the Giftwrap Collection for more colors of paper shred, cellophane rolls and ribbon!

Display your Christmas Ornaments - Think Outside the........Christmas Tree!

Who says Christmas ornaments have to be displayed on Christmas trees, ornament trees, or even ornament hangers! A great way to display food items is to use your favorite serving pieces. Consider these ideas:

Pedestal Cake Stand for Cupcakes, Dessert Cakes, anything sweet!

Wicker Basket - great for holding the Baguette

 Use a wooden cheese board for slices of  Swiss, Gouda, Goat Cheese, Roquefort

Fill a wine cooler with a Christmas napkin and add bottles of Wines, Champagne and Water

Twig Bird Nests to hold delicate glass Bird Ornaments

  Twig Baskets to hold Easter Ornaments

Clear Crystal bowls for Ball Ornaments

Let your Fruits and Veggie ornaments spill out of a Cornucopia

Use your silver coffee service tray for Espresso, Mocha, Hot Chocolate and Iced Coffee Ornaments

Visit us on Trendy Tree for more Christmas decorating ideas and to see hundreds of heirloom Christmas ornaments Inge-Glas of Germany.

Farm Animals from Inge-Glas

These new Farm Animal Balls are uniquely different from Inge-Glas. The painted farm animal has a raised texture. These ornaments would make a great addition to your child's farm collection. They include a tractor, pink, cow and a horse. They are about 3" in diameter and have a M & M candy type shape.

A great way to package these for a gift would be to put in a truck or tractor and wagon filled with raffia or wood wool. That way the child has a gift for "now" and a wonderful keepsake to hang on the tree for years to come. The back of the ornament is plain and would be easy to personalize with a permanent ink marker or paints.

Visit us at Trendy Tree for more great unique keepsake ornaments from Inge-Glas!

A Christmas Carol

Boxed set of 8 Heirloom Christmas ornaments from Inge-Glas of Germany

Mouth blown, hand painted glass ornaments measuring 3 3/4" to 4 1/2".

 A Christmas Carol

Ornaments include: Bob Crachit 4 1/2"; Mrs. Cratchit 4 1/2"; Tiny Tim 3 3/4"; Ebenezer Scrooge 4 1/2"; Ghost of Jacob Marley 4 1/2"; Ghost of Christmas Past 4 1/2"; Ghost of Christmas Present 4 1/2"; Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come 4 1/2"

Charles Dickens' best loved and most read of all of his books, "A Christmas Carol" begain life as the result of the author's desperate need for money. Dickens began writing his "Little Carol" in October, 1843 finishing it by the end of November in time to be published for Christmas. The story of "A Christmas Carol" has had a lot of influence on the way we celebrate Christmas today.

This exclusively designed boxed set "A Christmas Carol" has eight characters, History card of "A Christmas Carol" included. This boxed set makes a wonderful treasure as a family gift.

Visit Trendy Tree to see more heirloom Christmas ornaments from Inge-Glas in special boxed sets.

Footprints in the Sand - Ornament in Keepsake Box

Footprints in the Sand

Visit Trendy Tree to see many more keepsake ornaments that are boxed in special wood shave boxes from Inge-Glas. 

History of Inge-Glas

The history of  the Inge-Glas company began in 1596.
The major milestones in chronological order:

1596	Foundation of the parent glassworks by family ancestor Christoph Müller in the Thuringia Forest
1954	Business registered by Heinz Müller-Blech (13th generation) in the North Bavarian town of Neustadt bei Coburg after the partition of Germany
1972	Represented for the first time at the International Nuremberg Toy Fair
1987	Inauguration of the new 6,000 sqm production and warehouse complex
1996	Site area doubled to 12,000 sqm
2001	Foundation and inauguration of the Historical Christmas Museum in Neustadt bei Coburg

1947: Company founder Heinz Müller-Blech as an apprentice

Hand Rolled Sushi Christmas Ornament Inge-Glas - in Stock!

Hand Rolled Sushi Christmas Ornament

112709 Gourmet Christmas collection by Inge-Glas of Germany
Hand rolled Sushi ornament measures approximately 3 1/2", made of European mouth blown, hand painted glass.

Shop Trendy Tree for more Sushi ornaments from Inge-Glas!

Flowers for You - Snow White's Dwarf Ornament Just Arrived!

Flowers for You Dwarf Christmas Ornament

From the Fairytale Forest collection of Inge-Glas of Germany. One of Snow White's dwarfs.

Made of European mouth blown glass, hand painted with Life Touch technique. Ornament measures approximately 4 1/4" Packaged in a royal blue gift box.

This ornament was created using the new "Life Touch"  Life Touch is introduced by Inge-Glas, an amazing development adding to their colorful 400 year family history of German glass blowers; a classy new and innovative painting technique known as "Life Touch." With precise and meticulous detail, skillfully trained Inge-Glas master artists apply ultra fine feather strokes revealing delicate life touches to enhance their uniquely beautiful Christmas ornaments

Visit Trendy Tree to see more new arrivals from Inge-Glas!.