There is a private factory of Christmas and New Year tree decorations in the Klavdiyevo village (Kyiv suburb). Many travel agencies have this destination in their program. We were there in 2006, and the impressions were mostly positive. Homely and friendly atmosphere, interesting story with a demonstration of the manufacturing process and inexpensive opportunity to buy very nice handmade products. The drawbacks are too "Soviet" working conditions and lack of heating. But it is virtually the only job that allows the village people to make a living. Learn more about this factory in the Kyiv Post article (2010).
I am not sure that people there speak English, that's why you need to go with a guide.
The work of a glassblower is very hard. Factory workers retire at 45, and one year of work experience counts for three. Glassmakers are banned from alcohol since it can enter into reaction with the glass particles attached to the decoration and produce unnecessary color shades. Perhaps that's why only ladies work here :)
Processing the glass with the help of a gas burner ©Yuriy Buriak
Blaster =) ©Yuriy Buriak
Workpieces with pins are used to produce a sphere. The pins are later discarded.
Blanks ©Yuriy Buriak
A ball appears. ©Yuriy Buriak
Blanks ©Yuriy Buriak
The blanks are ready to be dyed. ©Yuriy Buriak
The transparent workpieces are silvered on the inside and then dyed in basic colors on the outside.
Measuring the size ©Yuriy Buriak
Drying ©Yuriy Buriak
All decorations are painted by hand. Younger tourists are welcome to assist in painting :)
Hand-made ornaments ©Yuriy Buriak
The decorations are ready! ©Yuriy Buriak
The decorations are ready! ©Yuriy Buriak
How to get there: By car from Kyiv or with any travel agency. Try to google "tour to the Christmas decorations factory."
