Advent wreath, table and door decoration, knocker. We can buy it, but we can also make it. Of course, if we don’t have the patience or dexterity, we can turn to someone who can make everything we dream come true. Katalin Horváth’s decorations are all handcrafted masterpieces that bring joy not only to those who receive them, but also to those who make them. They are beautiful, delicate, rich in detail. You can spend a long time looking at the location of a small ornament, ribbon, or pearl, and in the process we always discover new and new special features. This is when you understand that real table and door decorations cannot be mass-produced. They are like their owners: unique and unrepeatable.
Katalin Horváth he works in the economic field, this is his job. His hobby and passion is making home decorations:
“I never thought of myself that I would deal with this.” All I knew about my dexterity was that I couldn’t even draw a stick figure properly, so it didn’t even occur to me to deal with it until the time of covid. The confinement forced me to try to do something that would distract me from the world around us.
Fears, insecurity, confinement took him on new paths. He made his first decorations, and as he shared their pictures with his friends and acquaintances, he was most surprised by how many congratulations he received, and they even asked him to make similar ones for them. The feeling of success, the joy of creation, has now become a passion, so much so that she has a separate small room where she can easily create her decorations, which mostly use natural materials.
– I mainly like more restrained colors. It is also important to me that what I do is rich in detail, and I try to stick to quality in everything.
How are table and door decorations made?
I look at the ingredients. I know it’s not a cheap hobby at all. A long-lasting candle that will last until the end of the Advent period is close to HUF 1,000, although you can get it for a few hundred HUF, but they are only beautiful until you light them. The prices of the boxes holding the decorations are not low either. These should also match the other elements of the decoration. He himself experimented with how to paint the wooden boxes in which the decorations are placed in a long-lasting and beautiful way. The session is also discussed:
- I sand the box before applying the chalk paint,
- and afterwards I sand it to make the surface suitable for me.
- I collect the fruits, paint them too if necessary, and my father helps me make the wooden discs that also hold the candles.
Sometimes I also go through the shops for special materials covering the base of the wreath. The base is the oasis. Then comes the use of pliers, scissors and a glue gun.
What are some tips for creating your own handcrafted decorations at home?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Katalin Horváth, Expert in Handcrafted Decorations
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Katalin! It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. Your handcrafted decorations have really caught the attention of many. Can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to create these unique pieces?
Katalin Horváth: Thank you for having me! It’s quite an unexpected journey for me. I work in the economic field by day, but during the COVID lockdown, I found myself seeking a creative outlet. I was looking for something that could distract me from the anxieties of the world, and that’s when I stumbled upon decoration-making. It started as an experiment, and I never realized how much joy it would bring me.
Editor: It’s fascinating how such challenging times can open up new avenues for creativity! When you first started, were you surprised by the response to your decorations?
Katalin: Absolutely! I shared my initial creations with friends, and their positive feedback encouraged me to keep going. I realized that my pieces brought joy not only to those who received them but also to me as the creator. That connection is truly invaluable.
Editor: Your decorations are said to be rich in detail and uniqueness. What do you believe sets handcrafted decorations apart from mass-produced ones?
Katalin: That’s a great question! Handcrafted decorations are unique and unrepeatable, much like the individuals who create and own them. The small nuances—like the placement of an ornament or the choice of ribbon—often convey a personal touch that mass production simply can’t replicate. Each piece tells a story and captures a moment in time, making it special.
Editor: I love that idea. It seems like a deeply personal connection is formed through your work. Can you walk us through your creative process when you’re working on a new decoration?
Katalin: Of course! I often start with inspiration from nature or specific themes I want to explore. I gather materials—leaves, beads, ribbons—and then let the design come together organically. Sometimes, I’ll spend hours rearranging elements until they feel just right. Each piece involves a lot of thought and care, which is why they take time to create!
Editor: That sounds very meditative. With the holiday season approaching, do you have a specific collection or decoration that you’re particularly excited about this year?
Katalin: Yes! This year, I’m focusing on advent wreaths that incorporate natural elements like pinecones and dried flowers. I believe that bringing a piece of nature into our homes, especially during the holidays, creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s something I’m really passionate about.
Editor: That sounds beautiful. For those who might not have the patience or dexterity to create their own decorations, what advice would you give to those looking to bring that handcrafted spirit into their homes?
Katalin: I would say don’t hesitate to reach out and support local artisans! Investing in handcrafted items enhances not only your space but also supports someone’s passion. However, if you’d like to try it yourself, start simple. Gather a few basic materials and let your creativity flow without the pressure of perfection.
Editor: Wise words! As we wrap up, what do you hope people take away from your decorations during this festive season?
Katalin: I hope that when people see my decorations, they feel a sense of joy and warmth. I want them to appreciate the beauty in the details and recognize that each piece has a story. My goal is to inspire a sense of connection—both to the decorations themselves and to the spirit of the holiday season.
Editor: Thank you so much, Katalin, for sharing your insights with us. Your passion truly shines through, and I’m sure many will be inspired to incorporate that magic into their own homes this season!
Katalin: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to share my journey.