Category: About Calliope Designs

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Christmas Ornaments in Spanish!

Little Train Engine for Three Personalized Christmas Ornament

Here’s some of our most popular Ornament personalization phrases translated to Spanish:

Christmas Ornaments in Spanish

For a Baby

  • Baby’s First Christmas  /  La primera Navidad de mi bebé
  • (Name) First Christmas  /  (José) su primera Navidad
  • And Baby Makes Three  /  Tres con el bebé
  • Baby’s Second Christmas  /  La segunda Navidad del bebé
  • Baby’s Third Christmas  /  La tercera Navidad del bebé
  • Twin’s First Christmas  /  La primera Navidad de los gemelos
  • Double Joy!  /  Doble felicidad  OR Doble celebración
  • Triplet’s First Christmas  /  La primera Navidad de los trillizos
  • Triple Joy  /  Tripe felicidad  OR Triple celebración
  • Adopted With Love  /  Adoptado con amor  OR  Adoptado con cariño
  • First Born (Second born, Third Born…)   /  El primogenito  Second: el segundo hijo, Third: el tercer hijo

 

For Sisters and Brothers and Friend:

  • Sisters Are Special  / Las hermanas son especiales
  • Brothers Are the Best / Los hermanos son mejores
  • Sisters Forever  /  Hermanas para siempre
  • Brothers Forever  /  Hermanos para siempre
  • Best Friends  /  Los mejores amigos
  • Friends Forever  /  Amigos para siempre

 

Gifts for Grandparents

  • Proud Grandparents of ……….  /  Los abuelos orgullos de …..
  • Grandchildren are a Blessing  /  Los nietos son una bendición
  • Count Your Blessings  /  Da gracias por lo que tienes
  • Grandma’s (Grandpa’s) Little Darlings  /  Los consentidos de la abuela (del abuelo – male)
  • Grandma’s Sweeties  /  Los favoritos de la abuela
  • Our Grandkids  /  Nuestros nietos
  • All Star Grandkids  /  Los nietos mas logrados
  • Grandmas Melt Your Heart  /  La abuela te desarma con su cariño
  • Grandparents are Special  /  Los abuelos son lo máximo
  • Our “Deer” Grandkids  /  Nuestros nietos chidos
  • I Love My Grandparents (Nana, Nonna, Abuelos)   /  Adoro mis abuelos (mi abuela and mi abuelo)
  • Grandparents Are A Gift From God  /  Los abuelos son un regalo de dios
  • Life is Sweeter Because of Grandkids  /  La vida es más dulce con nietos
  • Grandma and Grandpa’s Little Treasures  /  Los pequeños tesoros de los abuelos
  • Grandma’s (Grandpa’s) Pride and Joy!  /  El orgullo de los abuelos (de la abuela and del abuelo)
  • Grandparents Rock!  /  Los abuelos son chidos
  • New Grandmother (New Grandfather, New Grandparents)  /  Nueva abuela (Nuevo abuelo, nuevos abuelos)
  • Great-Grandparents Pride and Joy  /  El orgullo de los bisabuelos
  • To Grandson (Granddaughter) with Love!   /  A mi nieto (nieta) con amor
  • World’s Best Grandparents!  /  Los mejores abuelos del mundo

 

Family Ornaments

  • Our Family Christmas  /  Nuestra navidad
  • Home for the Holidays  /  Las navidades en casa
  • Our First Christmas Together  /  Nuestra primera navidad juntos
  • Mothers (Dads) Are Special  /  Las mamas (papas) son especiales
  • Thank Heaven for Mothers  /  Gracias al cielo que hay madres
  • World’s Best Mom (Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, etc.)  /  La mejor mamá del mundo (El mejor papa, El mejor abuelo, la mejor abuela)
  • Mommy’s (Daddy’s) Little Angel  /  En angelito de mamá
  • Godparents (Uncle, Aunt, etc.) Are Special  /  Los padrinos son especiales (el tío es, la tía es)

 

Expecting Couple

  • Great Expectations!  /  Nos embarazamos!
  • Parents To Be  /  Esperando bebé
  • Expecting Someone Great in 2008!  /  Esperando alguien especial en 2008
  • It’s Baby Time in 2009!  /  2009 es tiempo de un bebé
  • Expecting!  /  Si espero un bebé

 

Wedding and Our First Christmas Ornaments

  • Our First Christmas  /  Nuestra primera navidad
  • First Christmas Together  /  La primera navidad juntos
  • We did it!  /  Lo logramos!
  • Just Married!  /  Recién casados!
  • Just Mauled!  /  Recién lastimado!
  • Our First Christmas as Mr. and Mrs.  /  La primera navidad como señor y señora
  • Our First Married Christmas  /  Nuestra primera navidad casados
  • Newlyweds Forever!  /  Recién casados para siempre
  • Forever Together  /  Juntos para siempre

 

Engaged Ornaments

  • Engaged!  /  Comprometido! (he) Comprometida! (she)
  • Will You Marry Me?  /  Aceptas casarte conmigo?
  • Just Engaged!  /  Me acabo de comprometer!
  • First Year Promised!  /  La promesa del primer año!

 

Anniversary Ornaments

  • Our (# years) Christmas  /  Nuestros 30 navidades juntos
  • Our Silver Anniversary  /  Nuestras bodas de plata
  • Our Golden Anniversary  /  Nuestro aniversario de oro
  • Forever Yours!  /  Siempre tuya (she)  Siempre tuyo (he)
  • (# years) Together  /  20 años juntos
  • Love Endures  /  El amor perdura
  • Forever Together  /  Juntos para siempre

 

Home and Neighbor Ornaments

  • From Our House to Yours  /  De mi hogar al tuyo
  • Good Neighbors are a Blessing  /  Buenos vecinos son una bendición
  • First Christmas in Our New Home  /  Nuestra primera navidad en el nuevo hogar
  • Home for the Holidays  /  Las navidades en casa
  • Our New Home  /  Nuestro nuevo hogar
  • Merry (Texas) Christmas  /  Feliz Navidad en (Texas)
  • From the (Smiths) to the (Jones)  /  De los Smiths a los Jones

 

Pet Ornaments

  • Puppy’s (Kitty’s) First Christmas  /  La primera navidad de mi perrito (de mi gatito, Cat)
  • My Favorite Pooch  /  Mi gua-gua favorito
  • Spoiled Rotten Dog Lives Here  /  Cuidado con el perro!
  • Meowy Christmas

 

Merry Christmas from Around the World

  • Merry Christmas  /  Feliz Navidad or Felices Pascuas

 

In Memory of Ornaments

  • In Our Hearts Forever  /  Para siempre en nuestro corazón
  • Our Nana (Grandma)  /  Nuestra nana (abuela)
  • Our Grandpa  /  Nuestro abuelo
  • Our Special Angel  /  Nuestro especial angel

 

Engaged

  • Congratulations (Name) and (Name)  /  Felicidades (Name) y (Name)
  • Engagement date:  Month, day, year  /  In Spanish it is day, month, year (1 de Mayo, 2012)
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Personalization: View Popular Phrases by Subject or Category

Six Grandchildren Around Tree Personalized Christmas Ornament

Personalized Ornaments make a special gift. Create a truly unique ornament by composing your own inscription. Or, you can use one of the choices below!

Popular Holiday Inscriptions

For A Baby

  • Baby’s First Christmas
  • (Name) First Christmas
  • And Baby Makes Three
  • Baby’s Second Christmas
  • Baby’s Third Christmas
  • Twin’s First Christmas
  • Double Joy!
  • Triplet’s First Christmas
  • Triple Joy!
  • Adopted With Love
  • First Born (Second Born, Third Born….)

 

For Sisters and Brothers and Friends:

  • Sisters Are Special
  • Brothers Are the Best
  • Sisters Forever
  • Brothers Forever
  • Best Friends
  • Friends Forever

 

Gifts for Grandparents:

  • Proud Grandparents of….
  • Grandchildren are a Blessing
  • Count Your Blessings
  • Grandma’s (Grandpa’s) Little Darlings
  • Grandma’s Sweeties
  • Our Grandkids
  • All Star Grandkids
  • Grandma’s Melt You Heart
  • Grandparents are Special
  • Our “Deer” Grandkids
  • I Love My Grandparents! (Nana, Nonna, Gramps, etc.)
  • Grandparents Are A Gift From God.
  • When A Child Is Born, So Is A Grandparent.
  • Life is Sweeter Because of Grandkids
  • Grandma and Grandpa’s Little Treasures
  • Grandma’s (Grandpa’s) Pride and Joy!
  • Grandparents Rock!
  • New Grandmother (New Grandfather, New Grandparents)
  • Great-Grandparents Pride and Joy
  • To Grandson (Granddaughter) with Love!
  • World’s Best Grandparents!

Family Ornaments:

  • Our Family Christmas
  • Home for the Holidays
  • Our First Christmas Together
  • Mothers (Dads) Are Special
  • Thank Heaven for Mothers
  • World’s Best Mom (Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, etc)
  • Mommy’s (Daddy’s) Little Angel
  • Godparents (Uncle, Aunt, etc.) Are Special

 

Expecting Couple:

  • Great Expectations!
  • Parents To Be
  • Expecting Someone Great in 2008!
  • Its Baby Time in 2009!
  • Expecting!

 

Wedding and Our First Christmas Ornaments:

  • Our First Christmas
  • First Christmas Together
  • We did it! (with the date)
  • Just Married!
  • Just Mauied!
  • Our First Christmas as Mr. Mrs.
  • Our First Married Christmas
  • Newlyweds Forever!
  • Forever Together

 

Engaged Ornaments:

  • Engaged!
  • Will You Marry Me?
  • Just Engaged!
  • First Year Promised!
  • Anniversary Ornaments:
  • Our (# years) Christmas
  • Our Silver Anniversary
  • Our Golden Anniversary
  • Forever Yours!
  • (# years) Together
  • Love Endures
  • Forever Together

 

Home and Neighbor Ornaments:

  • From Our House to Yours
  • Good Neighbors are a Blessing
  • First Christmas in Our New Home
  • Home for the Holidays
  • Our New Home
  • Merry (Texas) Christmas
  • From the (Smiths) to the (Browns)

 

Pet Ornaments:

  • Puppy’s (Kitty’s) First Christmas
  • My Favorite Pooch
  • Spoiled Rotten Dog Lives Here
  • Meowy Christmas

 

“Merry Christmas” from Around the World!

  • Dutch: Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!
  • Czech: Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok
  • Danish: Glaedelig Jul
  • Finnish: Hyvaa joulua
  • Flemish: Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jarr
  • French: joyeux Noel
  • Greek: Kala Christouyenna!
  • Hawaiian: MeleKalikimaka
  • Irish: Nollaig Shona Dhuit
  • Italian: Buone Feste Natalizie
  • Japanese: Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
  • Norwegian: God Jul, or Gledelig Jul
  • Polish: Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia Portuguese: Feliz Natal
  • Russian: Pozdrevlyayu a prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom
  • Spanish: Feliz Navidad
  • Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil huibh
  • Turkish: Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
  • Welsh: Nadolig Llawen
  • Yugoslavian: Cestitamo Bozic

Click Here for more translations from Wikipedia

In Memory of Ornaments

  • In Our Hearts Forever
  • Our Nana
  • Our Grandpa
  • Our Special Angel

 

Engaged:

  • Congratulations (Woman’s Name) and (Man’s Name)
  • Engagement date: Month, Day, Year
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What are Polymer Clay Dough Ornaments?

Boy with Teddy Bear: Ethnic Personalized christmas Ornament

Calliope Designs has now developed a new line of “clay dough ornaments”. As with the traditional dough ornaments, these are all designed to be personalized Christmas ornaments and are created with many of the same popular characters.

Polymer Clay Dough Ornaments

Clay dough is a new material made of a polymer resin. The ornaments are formed using the same techniques and are designed by Dorr Eddy using many of the same techniques and tools as the dough ornaments. All of the clay dough ornaments shown on our website are clearly marked “clay dough” in their description, and while they are not created to replace the dough ornaments, they are a welcome addition to the selection.

If you think you’d like to try making some polymer clay ornaments at home with your family you can find this material at art stores and craft shops all over the US. Brand names are FIMO, Cernit, and Sculpy. The clay is sold in small packages of bright colors and there are usually instruction manuals available as well.

There are many polymer clay organizations to be found on the internet. Some give instructions, show videos, and offer lessons and supplies for sale. Just do a search for “polymer Clay” and you’ll be surprised how many sites there are!

This is a fun family activity. While we hope you’ll want to purchase some of our personalized ornaments, we know if you make them with your children you’ll always treasure the results!

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Organizing your Christmas Ornament Collection

If you have invested a lot of time, love and money in your Christmas ornament collection, you know how important proper storage is. But we all know the truth – at the end of the holiday, the last thing we want to do is create an organizational system for your ornaments, no matter how special they are. So this year, take the time ahead of the holiday to plan out and implement a better Christmas ornament storage solution for your home. We have a couple of ideas for you – see which fits your needs!

Organizing Your Christmas Ornaments

Special Containers

There are a number of specially designed Christmas ornament storage containers available in a variety of materials and sizes to fit your needs and your budget. The least expensive versions of these are made of corrugated cardboard and might be a paper file sized box with levels of dividers or sliding drawers. These boxes are effective at organizing your ornaments, but not as durable as other materials and are easily damaged by water. There are plastic containers designed especially for ornament storage and these will more effectively protect your holiday ornaments against moisture and mildew. Many of these plastic bins are red and green which makes them easy to spot among the ordinary plastic bins when the time comes to put up the tree! Similar to the cardboard boxes in design, some are large boxes with layers of dividers while others feature drawers that you can pull open. The dividers create a space for each individual ornament and keep them secure. Depending on the type of ornament, you may wish to use tissue paper, bubble wrap or cotton batting for added cushioning. These plastic bins can be safely stored on shelves or even gently stacked one on top of the other maximizing your storage space. Remember, the after holiday sales are a great place to stock up on these items.

Once you have a general storage solution for your Christmas tree ornaments you’ll want to think about how to divide and store each individual ornament. You can organize by color, or by type of ornament such as snowman ornaments, Santa ornaments, angel ornaments, favorites or whatever division makes the most sense for your collection. You can place all of one kind of ornament together so that you know exactly where to find them, or you can put a little of each kind in each individual box to allow them to have an equal mix as you open them and place the ornaments on your tree.

Now that the ornaments are in the boxes be sure to label each one. Labeling each ornament storage box as you go means that there will be an accurate description of what is inside (e.g., angel ornaments, red and gold ornaments, favorites). Even if you can see through the plastic bins, label the sides with a general description of the contents. With clear containers, you can slide a piece of paper with the list of contents inside so that it can be seen through the front or side of the box. Be sure not to label the lids if you plan to stack the bins as you won’t be able to read the descriptions!

After the holiday season is over you want to take special care when you are storing each Christmas ornament. Certainly, not every Christmas ornament you own is very delicate, but there are special considerations to keep in mind when you are packing a delicate Christmas ornament. If you have a certain holiday ornament that was particularly expensive or especially fragile you will want to take some extra care. You might want to store these ornaments separately from the more inexpensive and easily replaceable items. This box could be stored separately or could carry extra warnings on the labels such as ‘FRAGILE, FAVORITES’ to remind those retrieving the boxes to take extra care. Ideally, you will still have the original packaging for the ornament, but if not then be sure to use bubble wrap, cotton batting or shredded tissue paper to keep the item safe. Do not use newspaper as the ink can transfer to your ornament, and if possible try to find acid free tissue paper.

Storage Areas

Whenever possible you should assign a storage area for all of your holiday items, not just the ornaments, so that everything you need will be in one place. This saves lots of wear and tear when next Christmas rolls around! Christmas ornaments of all kinds should be stored in a space that isn’t damp and where the temperature stays fairly constant. Although tempting, attics don’t usually make great storage areas because the temperature and moisture levels change a great deal over the year. These changes can damage and even ruin your treasured Christmas items. Basements are a bit better as long as they aren’t too damp. Ideally, if you have the room, under the bed in the guest room or closet are great places to store your ornament boxes and other Christmas items.

Alternatives

If special ornament storage boxes aren’t convenient or practical for your family you can still organize and protect your ornaments. Make sure you wrap each Christmas ornament delicately in tissue paper or bubble wrap, do not use newsprint since the ink can rub off on your Christmas ornaments. Choose the strongest box that you can, maybe a copy paper or paper file box from work. If you have enough ornaments to fill more than one box be sure that you put the strongest, heaviest box on the bottom and lightest and most flimsy on top. Otherwise, you might have some (or all!) broken Christmas ornaments next year. For your smallest ornaments, you can put them in egg cartons and then put the egg cartons in the larger boxes. The same can be achieved with shoe boxes that can hold your most breakable items. If you still have the original boxes you can place your Christmas decorations back in the original box and then place those boxes carefully in the larger boxes. Be sure to always put the heaviest items on the bottom. Another great solution to the ornament storage problem is a spare clothing dresser or dining room buffet. You can place carefully wrapped Christmas balls and ornaments in the drawers safe and protected for next year’s festivities!

Moving On

After Christmas is the time to examine your collection and see if there are any ornaments that you don’t use. There can be lots of reasons that you no longer use or want certain Christmas ornaments, you may have downsized your tree or house or it might not be as easy to bring everything out and put it away again each Christmas season. Whatever the reason, if the ornaments are in good condition consider sharing them! Even if they aren’t in perfect condition they will be treasured by someone and enjoyed as a part of their holiday celebrations. Thematic and personalized ornaments are the most special and most sentimental and so make wonderful gifts to family and friends. Consider taking some time after the holidays to write a little history of the ornament saying where and why you bought it or if someone gave it to you as a gift. Then you can pass along the history and the ornament to someone for a birthday, Christmas or just as an after-Christmas present!

Moisture Control Extra

If you live in a humid climate you might want to increase your moisture control for your ornaments. You can use silica packs, which will absorb moisture, keeping your ornaments safer. You can usually find the silica, loose or in pre-made packs at any local craft store (particularly in the bridal area as it is used to preserve flower bouquets).

By taking just a little extra time to organize your decorations at the beginning or end of this season, you will be setting yourself up for a more enjoyable holiday season the next time around. Hopefully, you can eliminate most frustrations associated with finding and using your decorations next Christmas and can focus on having some fun with your family!

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Christmas at Gump’s, San Francisco

Gump's Store

Calliope Designs personalized ornaments are sold at one of San Francisco’s most lovely and cherished stores, Gump’s, located in Union Square at 135 Post Street. During the holiday season, one of our owners, Stephanie Eddy, is invited by Gump’s to come on Saturdays and Sundays from Thanksgiving to Christmas and meet the Gump’s customers and personalize the Calliope Christmas ornaments that are for sale. This is a tradition that has been going on for 25 years!

Christmas Celebration at Gump’s

Appearing at Gump’s has been a wonderful opportunity to experience first hand the joy of creating a collection of personalized holiday ornaments. Families come each year to select their special ornament for that year. New styles are always available. We have especially enjoyed seeing individuals, couples and families return to us at Gump’s to add to their ornament collections.

Couples come when they get engaged and have a unique engagement design personalized and dated. Following the engagement is the “Our First Christmas” personalized ornament with the name of the bride and groom and their wedding date. Then we see them come back when the first home is purchased and for each child’s “Baby’s First Christmas.” Calliope’s Christmas ornaments also make especially thoughtful gifts for neighbors, grandparents, and friends! We truly believe that all family events can be made more memorable with that special personalized ornament.

Now, after 25 years, Stephanie is making Christmas ornaments for new families – children who are grown up and getting married and starting their own collection. This is a wonderful San Francisco holiday shopping tradition for many Bay Area families. And, people who have moved away from San Francisco, often telephone in orders for Stephanie to personalize and be mailed to them in far away places. Gump’s also provides, free of charge, a lovely gift wrap for the personalized ornament keepsakes.

Over the years Calliope Designs has created custom designed products to be sold only at Gump’s or in the Gump’s By Mail catalog. Here customers from all over the world could purchase our personalized designs. In 2006 Calliope added six new San Francisco ornaments featuring the Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco Skyline, San Francisco Cable Car, Lombard Street’s Winding Way, and Santa Driving the Cable Car, all to be personalized and sold at this special location.

Along with the new San Francisco personalized ornaments Gump’s customers will find a large collection of our Penguin Family ornaments, Snow Family ornaments, Baby ornaments, Wedding ornaments, and of course, a special ornament for everyone’s favorite puppy – the Dog Bone with Jingle Bells ornament.

It’s a challenge to create many marvelous new ornaments to be personalized for our long-time collectors! But it’s one we love and will continue to do for many years to come.

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Coming up with New Products each Spring

Skydiver: Female Personalized Christmas Ornament

Every Spring we have an opportunity to take a look at our fabulous selection of Christmas designs and do our inventory and talk about what our customers loved this last year! Then we plan a nice selection of new ornaments that will really compliment our current ones and have something fresh and new for everyone who has bought year after year.

New Products Arrival

Believe me, after 37 years in the Christmas ornament business it is a challenge each year to think of original ideas! And all of our ideas are ORIGINAL – and designed by Dorr Eddy, one of our owners and a talented product designer who does all the product development for Calliope Designs as well as working for other companies designing products in ceramics, glass, wood, and plastic.

When you see 37 years in business, you must realize, Dorr is an old school designer doing every single product by hand drawing and hand coloring each item. No computer generated designs here!

We start with a list of ideas based on ideas we’ve had all during the year. He works on tissues and drawing paper and may end up drawing and coloring the design several times before it’s in rough draft form. After the draft is completed we evaluate it for the subject, color, size, and theme. We check to make sure there are great places to personalize – room for everyone’s names and the year and a phrase. We make sure the colors are good on a Christmas tree! We discuss each drawing and how it can be made even cuter, then Dorr does a final rendering. After this is complete we apply any extra touches to the finished art – glitter, silver or gold paint, lettering.

When the artwork is complete it’s time to have the samples made up to make sure the ornament is perfect! Here are some images of new ideas we have for 2008:

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New Family Tree Ornament

Fireplace for family of two with two pets

Here’s a drawing of one of our new designs for 2008. It’s a Family Tree because you can personalize each little character on the tree with a family member’s name. You can see our last minute change – a bigger star on the top. We think the year, 2008 will look cute up there and our customers can put a family name or a phrase on the white base. We’re thinking of doing some similar products using a dog and a cat. We’ll see how the sample comes out. This will be a nice addition to our other Family ornaments.

New Ornament for the Family Tree

If you like this design, be sure to check out our new DIY personalized Christmas ornaments!  Not only can you put all the names you would ever want on an ornament, you can actually have them made absolutely to order, right here in Santa Rosa, CA.

Over the last 4 years we’ve developed an entire line of base products – The Christmas Tree, a House, a Fireplace mantle with stockings (1-5), and soon we’ll be adding a Christmas wreath.  These items are blank!  You get to design exactly what you would like on the background.  We have several dozen ” characters” to decorate your products – one special one for each person in your family, and a special one for your pet or pets.  Dogs and cats that is!  The cats come in standard cat colors – orange (our personal favorite!), black, white, and grey.  The dogs are more varied – and of course we can’t make every single breed out there, but we have quite a few generic styles, and some breed specific ones too.  We ask you to pick the one you think is most like your pet, or your friend’s pet.

We also have items for a wedding ornament which includes men and women with either brown or blue eyes, light and darker skin.  And we’ll be adding the characters seen in the drawing above.

Where else can you find something so absolutely adorable and so personal of a gift as something you have designed yourself.  And for under $20.  Let us know what you think.

And of course, if you have any wonderful ideas for an ornament design, be sure to let us know.  We love that creativity from our customers.

 

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Ornament Maker Calliope Designs Thrilled with New “Partner”

skiing family of five personalized christmas ornament

Personalized Christmas ornament maker Calliope Designs has broadened their appeal to families of all shapes and sizes. This year Calliope is offering gay and lesbian families across the US charming personalized family Christmas ornaments.

Santa Rosa, California (PRWEB) December 19, 2007 — Personalized Christmas ornament manufacturer Calliope Designs is always looking to broaden their appeal to families of all shapes and sizes, and this year is no different. Targeting the gay and lesbian families across the US in their marketing strategy has made this holiday season that much more successful.

Christmas is all about family, and we really believe that every family, no matter the shape or size should be able to celebrate with their own personalized holiday ornament. We obviously sell a very traditional product, but our personalized ornaments are truly for everyone and we are so excited to be offering partner holiday ornaments to the gay and lesbian families in the US.

We really have tried to think of every gifting option in the holiday season, from hostess gifts to ornaments you can give your whole family every year as a tradition, and we felt that partner ornaments and family ornaments for the gay and lesbian community were an important addition to our line.

Every person, family and child deserves to celebrate their holiday in a personal way, and that’s why we love our ornaments – they prompt the creation of traditions. We have ornaments with partners, partners with one child and two children and more. This means you can find the ornament that represents your family in that moment every year.

“Christmas is all about family, and we really believe that every family, no matter the shape or size should be able to celebrate with their own personalized holiday ornament,” said Stephanie Eddy, owner and president of Calliope Designs. “We obviously sell a very traditional product, but our personalized ornaments are truly for everyone and we are so excited to be offering partner holiday ornaments to the gay and lesbian families in the US.”

Calliope Designs specializes in creating claydough ornaments that can be personalized for any occasion. With categories of ornaments including everything from the traditional Baby’s First Christmas to Pet Ornaments and Sports Ornaments any customer can find the personalized ornament that will be the perfect, thoughtful gift.

“We really have tried to think of every gifting option in the holiday season, from hostess gifts to ornaments you can give your whole family every year as a tradition, and we felt that partner ornaments and family ornaments for the gay and lesbian community were an important addition to our line,” said Eddy.

The gay and lesbian market demographic is growing quickly in cities and suburban communities alike. Additionally, according to GL Census, 17% of lesbian couples hope to have children and 6% of gay couples also hope to add children to their families. Many of these families want to celebrate the traditions of their own childhood and gay and lesbian holiday ornaments can make the holiday feel that much more inclusive.

“Every person, family and child deserves to celebrate their holiday in a personal way, and that’s why we love our ornaments – they prompt the creation of traditions. We have ornaments with partners, partners with one child and two children and more. This means you can find the ornament that represents your family in that moment every year,” adds Eddy.

About Calliope Designs
When Dorr and Stephanie Eddy began making bread dough ornaments in their kitchen in 1972 they had no idea how popular their handmade Christmas tree decorations would become. Today, after more than 35 years of distributing their Christmas tree ornaments through fine retailers and major department stores nationwide, their whimsical little clay dough ornaments are treasured by children and grownups all over the world.

Each Calliope dough and claydough ornament is an original creation designed by Dorr Eddy. The unique character of each personalized Christmas ornament adds to the style of a completely handmade product. The bright colors and high gloss coating add to the ornament’s attractiveness and durability. The special techniques and the tools we have created greatly enhance our consistent quality.

Every design can be personalized to order creating a unique and treasured gift.

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Calliope Designs Ornaments at Gump’s San Francisco

bear couple personalized christmas ornament

Christmas ornament designers and manufacturers, Calliope Designs, will be appearing at Gump’s department store in San Francisco to continue their 25-year tradition of personalized Christmas ornaments. Owner Stephanie Eddy will appear every weekend from Thanksgiving through Christmas.

Santa Rosa, CA (PRWEB) November 1, 2007 — Unique holiday ornament purveyor, Calliope Designs, will be appearing at Gump’s department store in San Francisco to continue their 25-year tradition of personalized Christmas ornaments every weekend from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Calliope Designs owner Stephanie Eddy will be on hand to help patrons select and personalize holiday ornaments.

Calliope Designs Christmas Ornaments for Famous Store

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This is really our favorite time of year

We try hard to design for everyone, whether they love Santa, skiing, angels or penguins

We come out with new themes and variations every year so families can give a theme to all their loved ones commemorating that year and those holiday memories.

Although we can’t personally be at Fortunoff’s, there are several gifted artisans on hand to personalize our Calliope personalized holiday ornaments in New York. Fortunoff’s, like Gump’s, has become an annual holiday tradition for so many families, and we’re so excited to launch our new Irish themed ornaments in their stores this year!

Of course, not everyone can make it to Gump’s or Fortunoff’s but most, if not all the Calliope Designs personalized ornaments are available online at www.calliopedesigns.com.

“This is really our favorite time of year,” said Stephanie Eddy, Owner and President of Calliope. “We have been going to Gump’s to personalize ornaments for 25 years and we love to see our customers and help them create wonderful lasting holiday memories. We often see the same families every year, we watch children grow up, get engaged, get married and start a new generation and when we know that Calliope Designs personalized ornaments have become a staple in their Christmas traditions, there is just nothing better!”

Calliope Designs is all about long-standing traditions. Their lines of personalized ornaments cover every theme, every family and every activity so every customer can find something meaningful and fun. Family ornaments are available in every combination and number and new Las Vegas “Just Married” ornaments and Snowball Christmas Scene globe ornaments were also introduced this year.

Longstanding customers of Calliope have extensive collections going back years and representing every theme and every stage of their family. Whether you need a golf ornament, a sailing ornament or even a regional Christmas ornament to commemorate a special trip, you’ll find it at Calliope Designs.

“We try hard to design for everyone, whether they love Santa, skiing, angels or penguins,” said Eddy. “We come out with new themes and variations every year so families can give a theme to all their loved ones commemorating that year and those holiday memories.”
This year, Calliope has also launched a new set of San Francisco themed ornaments specifically for their Gump’s clientele. There are four designs around the famous San Francisco cable cars, two designs that feature the Golden Gate Bridge and even one ornament featuring the famous San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts. These are perfect for people visiting San Francisco for the holidays, or for locals who want to mark the memory with a city-specific theme.

Calliope has also developed a special line of Irish themed ornaments for the Fortunoff department stores in Westbury, Long Island, New York. These Irish ornaments feature Celtic knotwork, brightly colored four-leaf clovers and charming Kelly green colors

“Although we can’t personally be at Fortunoff’s, there are several gifted artisans on hand to personalize our Calliope personalized holiday ornaments in New York. Fortunoff’s, like Gump’s, has become an annual holiday tradition for so many families, and we’re so excited to launch our new Irish themed ornaments in their stores this year!” said Eddy. “Of course, not everyone can make it to Gump’s or Fortunoff’s but most, if not all the Calliope Designs personalized ornaments are available online at www.calliopedesigns.com.”

ABOUT CALLIOPE DESIGNS
When Dorr and Stephanie Eddy began making bread dough ornaments in their kitchen in 1972 they had no idea how popular their handmade Christmas tree decorations would become. Today, after more than 35 years of distributing their Christmas tree ornaments through fine retailers and major department stores nationwide, their whimsical little clay dough ornaments are treasured by children and grownups all over the world.

Each Calliope dough and the claydough ornament is an original creation designed by Dorr Eddy. The unique character of each personalized Christmas ornament adds to the style of a completely handmade product. The bright colors and high gloss coating add to the ornament’s attractiveness and durability. The special techniques and the tools we have created greatly enhance our consistent quality.

Every design can be personalized to order creating a unique and treasured gift.

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Starting a Collection of Personalized Ornaments Part 1

Pajamas Family of Four

Christmas is a holiday of family traditions – That’s one of the things that makes it so special. We decorate our homes a certain way, have wonderful meals with special dishes that we loved as children, attend midnight church services, open Christmas stockings and exchange gifts with each other! And, as you all know, the holiday season can become very very hectic – trying to get everything done on time and meet everyone’s expectations.

Personalized Ornament Collection

This is especially true in our family as 36 years ago we started a Christmas ornament business – and believe me, we work non stop right up until Christmas Eve. To simplify our lives at Christmas time we started ornament collections for all of our children, nieces, nephews, and now their children by giving them a personalized ornament each Christmas following birth. Of course, now we’re giving out engaged, wedding, and expecting ornaments – as well as starting second generation baby collections. https://www.calliopedesigns.com/wedding-ornaments-480.html shows some of our cutest wedding ornaments!

We have baby ornaments for boys, girls, twins, and triplets. And, we even have ornaments for expecting a couple.

Always remember to make a personalized ornament with a name, a phrase (Baby’s First Christmas) and the year. Some baby ornaments have room to personalize the ornament with the baby’s day of birth, weight, and length! When you find an ornament with Calliope Designs, you can personalize the ornament any way you want!

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Storing your Personalized Ornaments: Ornament Storage Boxes

Triplet Penguins in Stocking Personalized Christmas Ornament

Crafty Holiday Storage Solution

Ornament storage boxes:
Martha Stewart Living recommends each ornament be stored in it’s original box before putting away until next Christmas. If the original box is not longer available, wrap each ornament in acid-free paper, and carefully place it in a cardboard box with cardboard dividers to protect each ornament. The cardboard dividers give the box strength too – to keep it from being crushed in storage thus damaging your wonderful ornaments.

Martha recommends labeling each box with the inventory of what’s inside!

In our family, we made our own Christmas ornament storage boxes using our favorite gift wrap paper glued to the sides of the cardboard box. We decorated the outside of each box with cut out portions of our favorite Christmas cards – making a collage of Christmas memories. My 87-year-old mother has given me these boxes now, and it’s amazing to remember the many years we decorated a tree together.

We recommend keeping that collection for each child in it’s own box. If you have dough ornaments, be sure and keep them in an airtight, Tupperware type container. Label each container with the child’s name so that next year the child can anticipate unpacking his or her own special collection.

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Storing your Personalized Ornaments: General Info

camping family of four personalized christmas ornament

Storing Your Ornaments 
Beautiful Christmas ornaments are often fragile so it’s important to develop a nice way to store them and keep them safe from breakage, weather conditions (humidity, heat, dampness, etc.) and little-unwanted creatures (bugs and mice)!

Calliope Designs offers two types of personalized ornaments. Our traditional “dough” ornaments and our new clay dough ornaments.
Our traditional dough personalized ornaments are made of a mixture of flour, salt, water, and colors, and are baked in an oven until hard, then glazed with a clear shiny coating to protect them for years. No matter how thick the coating, dough ornaments need to be stored in an airtight container to protect them from any moisture deterioration. We recommend they be stored in a Tupperware type container or a zip lock freezer bag for ultimate protection. Using this practice we continue to use the ornaments we made when we first started Calliope Designs in 1971!

Our new clay dough ornaments are made of a polymer clay – and it is not subject to any moisture or weather conditions, bugs, or mice. They are also extremely durable. So there are no specific storage requirements for their preservation.