Old World Christmas

This beautiful glass ornament was carefully mouth-blown into a finely crafted mold. Then a hot solution of liquid silver was poured inside. Finally, the ornament was delicately hand-painted with many...

The Saxophone was invented by and named for Antoine-Joseph Sax, who was an expert instrument maker and talented musician. Introduced in Paris and patented in 1846, the Saxophone has since become a...

The shamrock is a symbol of the cross and the holy trinity. It has also long been a symbol of Ireland and is said to be used by St. Patrick in his teaching. By showing how the three separate leaves...

The legend of Santa Claus is derived from the European figure St. Nicholas and American writers who wrote children s poems in the 19th century. Santa Claus became the jolly man clad in red the folk...

Rosé wine gets its color from grape skins. This popular type of wine is produced all over world using a many grape varieties. Rosé is believed to be the oldest variety of wine. Remember warm...

The toaster origins trace back to Scotland in the 1890s. In the 1940s, the pop-up toaster was created and since then people around the world have enjoyed toasted bread in just 1-3 minutes! The...

A Police Car is recognized as a symbol of authority and of the officers who use it. Toymakers often turned real-life items into toys for children, so they could learn as they played. With a toy...

Moving into your first apartment or a dream home is a huge achievement. Box moving trucks are a symbol of beginning a new chapter of your life and making a new house a home. Traveling with all your...

Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds," is engraved on the U.S. Postal Service building in New York. Americans...

Pirates flew false flags until they were about to attack. The Jolly Roger is the traditional name for the black flags with some variation of a skull and crossbones, which were flown to identify a...

The origins of beer date back as far as 10,000, B.C. and virtually every culture throughout history has produced it. Ancient beer had much more nutritional value than bread at that time and was often...

Dice date back to ancient times when they were made of bones or sticks. Dice are not only used for gaming, but as symbols of Fate and the randomness of her gifts. In both positive and negative ways,...

Beekeeping is an ancient practice, which dates back millennia. Bees aren't naturally aggressive but they can get defensive if they think their hive is under attack. The wise apiarist wears protective...

Painted in traditional barn red and white, with chickens, a cow, and an old-fashioned tractor parked beside it, it s a typical day in the farmyard. The Barn ornament reminds us of American life on...

The Banjo probably evolved from African string instruments, which lead to the development of the modern banjo in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The Banjo has a distinctive sound associated...

12 CLEAR CRYSTAL ICICLES

When the snow starts falling, it's time to ride one of the 230,000 miles of marked trails in the US and Canada. If you want some company, join a local snowmobiling club. Enjoy the beauty of the...

Nutcrackers were first carved by commoners as a joke because it was considered fun to make a little wooden king or soldier do the menial work of cracking the tough nuts. Today, nutcrackers are often...

In 1896, the USA Liquid Pistol (a cast iron gun) was patented & originally marketed as protection against vicious dogs. It wasn't until the 1980 s that the larger style plastic water gun was...

A microphone or mic converts sounds into electrical signals allowing the sound to be projected. Microphones are used in a variety of settings to allow more people to enjoy sounds of music, speeches,...

The luck of the Irish is sure to come to the owner of this beautiful ornament, for it carries three lucky symbols. First is the legendary pot of Leprechaun s gold found at the end of the rainbow...

January 1940, Irving Naxon received a patent on his Beanery, a slow cooker inspired by his Lithuanian mother. Since Jews were forbidden to work on the Sabbath, they would take a pot of cholent (bean...

Although the design of the throne, or flush toilet was created in 1596, its use wasn t widespread until the late nineteenth century during the industrial revolution. Flush toilets were also known as...

Barbecuing is more popular than ever with folks exploring a variety of woods and eagerly firing up their grills regardless of the season or the weather. The Barbeque Industry Association notes that...

Apples were the traditional Christian symbol of temptation. Apples were hung on evergreen trees during the presentation of the Paradise plays in medieval times and used during reenactments of the...

This frozen friend is trying to stay warm on a cold winter s day. With a warm stocking cap, mittens, scarf, boots and a warm cup of cocoa, he will surely fend off frost bite! Bring this snowman into...

Birds are symbols of happiness and joy, so they are regarded as a necessity on the Christmas tree. They make beautiful and cheerful additions to any decor. This little bird ornament wears a cute...

The skunk is a peaceful but fearless animal that always gives a warning before it sprays its very recognizable strong scent. Because of this defense, most animals show the skunk great respect. The...

Pygmy Goats originated in western Africa and were first imported to the U.S. in the 1950s. Due to their friendly, good-natured personalities and hardiness, these goats are popular as cooperative...

As good companions, cats are affectionate and intelligent, and also often independent. But as kittens they are frisky, friendly, and adorable. This hand-painted and glittered glass kitten has found a...

Cancer, the crab, is the fourth sign of the zodiac. People born under this sign are sensitive, traditional, and nurturing. In ancient Greece, crabs were considered to be sacred, and in many eastern...

On her wedding day, a bride wears a traditional white dress as a symbol of purity, joy and happiness. The groom dresses in his very best in honor of the special occasion. The Bridal Couple ornament...

The dreidel is a small four-sided spinning top with a Hebrew letter on each side: Nun (miracle), Gimel (great), Hay (happened) and Shin (there) which together form the acronym Nes Gadol Hayah Sham (a...

The pink ribbon is symbolic of the fight against breast cancer and the awareness of the need for women to be regularly examined. Support and honor a loved one with this special ornament since part of...