Each figural glass ornament produced for The Merck Family's Old World Christmas
is hand crafted in age-old tradition using the same techniques that originated
in the 1800's. Molten glass is mouth-blown into finely carved molds available
only to the Merck Family's Old World Christmas, before a hot solution of liquid
silver is poured inside. The ornaments are then hand-painted and glittered in a
series of labor-intensive steps to achieve the beautiful creations.
Their elaborate wooden nutcrackers are created by master
craftspeople in a time-honored tradition. Artisans select the finest
clear-grained hardwoods and then carve, sand, paint, and finish the figures. The
charming details that have made these characters popular for so many generations
are preserved in the entire collection.