About Tannenbaum Ceramics
In 1984 Heinrich and his mother, Ida Leonhard started Tannenbaum Ceramics. The name, Tannenbaum, means fir tree in German and was inspired by the Christmas carol "Oh Tannenbaum." Ida was born and grew up in southern Germany where she was strongly influenced by a rich craft tradition. When Heinrich joined his mother to create Tannenbaum, he was insistent that everything, from start to finish, be made by themselves to ensure the highest quality. Many of their ornaments incorporated traditional German motifs and texts. Sadly, in 2002 Ida passed away and Heinrich moved his studio from his parents house to his home in Columbia, Missouri. He continues to make new ornaments and designs as well as some old favorites. Ida's special ornaments and their molds have now been retired but her wonderful body of work continues to influence Tannenbaum Christmas ornaments.
Each piece is cast in slip (liquid clay). The slip is poured into molds that Heinrich makes from his original sculpted pieces. After they are released they are cleaned and if any additional elements are necessary, they are added at this time. Tiles are made from the same white clay but are rolled out on a slab roller and then cut. When the pieces are leather hard, they are painted with under glaze colors. These are actually colored slips that are carefully layered (at least two and often three layers per brush stroke) to create a "painted" design. When the ornaments are thoroughly dry, they are fired in a kiln. After this first firing, the ornaments are hard but the decoration is dull and chalky. Heinrich applies a clear, food safe, glaze to the ornaments and fires them a second time. Opening the kiln for a second firing is always fun as the colors are bright and the surfaces are smooth and shiny. The ornaments are then strung up with ribbons and the bells get clappers. Heinrich continues to make his creations from start to finish, bringing quality ornaments that combine tradition and whimsy, from his family to yours.
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Updated 12.03.07