In 1958 Juan, José and Vicente decided to dedicate themselves exclusively to their own works. The family workshop had become too small for their business, so they transferred their small company to a warehouse in the neighboring town of Tavernes Blanques.  In addition to innovations in design of the figurines, they created new methods in firing techniques, reducing the three-layer firing to a one-layer process. One-firing is an innovative method that creates the crystalline finish and the pastel tonalities typical of Lladró works.

Demand for Lladró sculptures increased unexpectedly, and a growing number of sculptors, chemists and decorators joined the company to increase production. The brothers’ incorporated a logo on all their figurines.

The 1960’s were a large growth period for Lladró, beginning when a group of Americans discovered the brothers’ creations on a trip to Valencia while looking for new products to import into their country. They were captivated from their very first visit, and internationalization of the brand began. They exported part of their production to Canada and expanded in the North American markets.  In 1962 the company opened its Professional Training School, with the aim of conveying the experience and essence of the Lladró brothers’ creative spirit.

Sad Harlequin  (1969) marked a considerable change in the brothers’ artistic evolution. The stylized lines and the romantic air of the figurine became the Lladró’s signature style that is appreciated throughout the world.  Throughout the years Lladró continued to innovate in its artistry and expand worldwide.  They’ve also handed down the tradition through the family, appointing the next generation to the Board of Directors.

Most recently, the NAO collection has been introduced.  Fewer colors and simpler molds and designs allow for more moderate pricing, yet maintain the excellent standards of the artisans.  On Tuesday, March 9, The Little Traveler will host the NAO Event, where representative Angela Casa will introduce the line and answer questions.

Now through May 8 is the Lladró Mother’s Day Event.  You will receive a $25 Spa Gift Certificate with your $100 Lladró purchase.

Barbara Rinella is a former teacher and defines herself as an “Academic entertainer,” celebrating literature and learning through her delightful programs on current literature.  Barbara takes on the personas of characters from the works of great authors and portrays a wide range of historical, fictional, and public figures with humor and wit.  The Little Traveler is excited to host two Barbara Rinella events this spring.

April 19: Shanghai Girls by Lisa See chronicles the journey of two sisters from 1937 Shanghai to Los Angeles in the 1940s and 1950s.  It’s a story of dreams dashed, the survival instinct, sibling rivalry, history and love.

May 4: “Celebrating Heroes” salutes the courage, daring, service, excellence and accomplishments of American heroes.

Both programs begin with breakfast at 9am in our Atrium Cafe. $18.50 registration fee includes a $5 coupon to be used on the day of the show. Sign up online starting April 5: www.littletraveler.com

Lismore Castle, County Waterford, Ireland

The company of Waterford was first established in 1783 on land adjacent to Merchants’ Quay in the heart of the Irish harbor town of Waterford. Its founders were two brothers, William and George Penrose, who were important developers and principal exporters in the city. Their vision was to “create the finest quality crystal for drinking vessels and objects of beauty for the home.” More than two hundred years later, the reputation they established for creating glass of unsurpassed beauty and quality has transcended the intervening centuries.

The beginnings of glass making in Ireland are lost in the mists of time but there is sufficient archaeological evidence to show that, from the early Iron Age, glass was regarded with respect. Indeed, medieval documents can prove glass making existed in Ireland back in the middle 13th century.

In the beginning, William and George employed 50 to 70 people, led by a fellow Quaker, John Hill, from Stourbridge in England, and succeeded in producing crystal with a purity of color unmatched in Ireland or England. Merchant ships sailed regularly from the port of Waterford with cargoes of crystal bound for Spain, the West Indies, New York, New England and Newfoundland.

But less than 100 years later, the initial company failed due to lack of capital and excessive taxation. Nevertheless, in what seems a remarkably short amount of time, Waterford Crystal had acquired an unequaled reputation that transcended the intervening century.  In 1947, while Europe was still in ruins after the second World War, the enterprise was revived, and a small glass factory was set up in Waterford just 1 1/2 miles from the site of the original glass factory.

From 1783 to today, Waterford Crystal continues its dedication to purity of color, design and quality.  Waterford Crystal is considered the leading brand of premium crystal, sought after by collectors and connoisseurs from around the world. The Little Traveler is proud to be a trusted retailer of Waterford crystal.  Each piece of Waterford can be recognized by the signature on the base with the word “Waterford.”

In November 2000, Waterford Crystal was named as the top world class brand in the United States by a survey conducted among 30,000 people by the Princeton, New Jersey based independent market research company, Total Research Corporation. Total Research said that Waterford Crystal was judged by American consumers as the brand with the highest quality out of 19 world-class brands in the US market.

In 2002, Waterford celebrated the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Lismore pattern of crystal. Almost every year since its inception, Lismore has topped the popularity list and has been the biggest selling pattern of crystal in the US and the world. But there are others among the repertoire of Ireland’s most famous export that have gained their own following – Alana, Carina, Araglin.

Madame Alexander infused a sense of excitement and wonderment in her fine quality, handcrafted dolls. She initiated a series of firsts in the toy industry, such as the first doll based on a licensed character, Scarlett O’Hara from Gone With the Wind. This led to the creation of dolls based on characters from popular motion pictures, like The Wizard of Oz.  Madame Alexander was also the first to bring feature baby dolls to market, the first to create dolls in honor of living people (Queen Elizabeth, the Dionne Quints), and the first to introduce the first full figured fashion doll, Cissy, with haute couture outfits.

The tradition and elegance of Madame Alexander dolls continues today with a full line of collectible dolls, baby dolls and play dolls.  The Little Traveler in Geneva, IL (west suburban Chicago) is proud to offer Madame Alexander Dolls for sale in our unique shop.

Show someone you love that you care about their heart in every way.  Throughout February, you can receive the exclusive crystallized Swarovski pedometer as The Little Traveler’s gift to you with a $100 Swarovski purchase.

(Pedometers are while supplies last)

Design a unique bracelet from a dazzling combination of sterling silver, 14 kt gold, Swarovski crystals, colored stones and Italian Murano glass.  Chamilia — your life, your style.

(free beads are while supplies last)

I’ve started bringing my only granddaughter there to celebrate her Oct. birthday.   We started when she was four and have done it for three years now.  Also, when being rewarded for being so good when her Dad was recuperating from surgery, her mother wanted to reward her and Kathryn said she wanted to go to Geneva shopping with Grandma Purple. Now what’s better than that?

-Helen

At our Trunk Show, you will receive a FREE bracelet when you purchase an upgraded clasp.

This one-of-a-kind silver charm bracelet is only available through Valentine’s Day.  For each one sold, Brighton will donate $5 to a peace-promoting organization.  The Little Traveler in downtown Geneva, IL is proud to be a part of this worthy cause.

February 15 – 28:  Hanging with Brighton

Receive this unique dragonfly shaped earring tree as a gift with your Brighton purchase of $100 or more. Imagine how lovely your Brighton jewelry will look on this silver dragonfly!

Purchase can include any of our gorgeous selection of items in our Brighton Room, from necklaces and charm bracelets to handbags.  The Little Traveler has the widest selection of Brighton jewelry and accessories in the western suburbs of Chicago.

March 5 – 21: Under My Umbrella

No Brighton collection is complete without beautiful Brighton accessories, such as this specially designed Umbrella that you will receive FREE with any $100 Brighton purchase.

Get yourself a silver charm bracelet, necklace, sunglasses or a new handbag in our dedicated Brighton room and walk out with this umbrella that will keep you stylish during those Chicagoland spring showers.

Come in to The Little Traveler in Geneva, IL to see the NEW Vera Bradley Spring 2010 arrivals!  This season Vera features seven new styles, including the darling Angle Tote above, and four new patterns with adorable spring-time names:  Poppy Fields, Sittin’ in a Tree, Totally Turq and Loves me …

The Vera Bradley room at The Little Traveler – that’s right, we have a whole room dedicated to Vera! – has the most complete collection of Vera Bradley totes, bags, backpacks, diaper bags, etc. in the Chicago area.  You name it, we’ve got it.

Prices range from $10-45 for accessories, $30-89 for purses, and $18-130 for luggage.

Through March 15: Vera Bradley Frill Bracelet for only $12.  Available in six colors.

April 9-23: Shopper Tote for only $12.  Wonderfully useful Shopper Tote in silk-screened  Sittin’ in a Tree design.

April 23-May10: Mother’s Day Apron Gift Set with matching recipe box for only $24

May 14-27: Graduation Travel Set specially priced at $98.  Grads will love this lightweight, durable adn fun luggage.  Large Duffel and Hanging Organizer.

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