Heirloom accessories

From tiny ornaments that fit in your hand to life-size dolls and from kissing fish to jolly St. Nicks, the company offers colorful and festive accents that are bound to attract attention for both their unique looks and high quality.

The Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio-based family company offers 32 collections, including special decorations for Christmas, Easter, Halloween and Valentine’s Day. Each collection has an array of accents for the home that includes ornaments, collectible dolls, tabletop pieces, candy containers, floral arrangements and whimsical décor, said Jason Goupil, marketing and public relations manager.

“The life-size dolls are quite amazing to new customers because of their scale, 54-67 inches, the amazing detail and the versatility of their fully posable bodies,” he said.

Part of what makes the items offered by Katherine’s Collection so special is their unique nature. Each piece is crafted entirely by hand, Goupil said. It’s a tradition begun 18 years ago when founder Katherine Kleski started visiting friends homes to sell decorative accents made by her husband, Wayne.

“This extremely detailed work limits the number of pieces that can be produced, making each piece not only a one-of-a-kind heirloom but also a highly collectible creation,” Goupil said.

The Signature Doll Series, for example, usually averages 100 or less for each doll design. Additionally, they are usually only available for one season, and each comes with a numbered and individually signed certificate of authenticity. They also are specially boxed and feature the designer’s signature label.

The creations offered by Katherine’s Collection are designed by Wayne Kleski, who had 20 years of experience in the gift industry before devoting himself full-time to his artistic pursuits.

Wayne Kleski often jokes that his inspiration comes from his poor eyesight. He said his view of something appearing rather ordinary from a distance can spark an entire collection.

But, putting his humorous nature aside for a moment, he credits hours spent doing arts and crafts with his grandmother when he was a child for his creative nature.

“Romancing memories of the past creates heirlooms for the future,” he said of his design philosophy.

Each year, the company debuts about 1,500 new accessories and seasonal gifts, Goupil said.

Wayne Kleski and his art team also come up with ideas for their designs by doing research into history, books and antiques.

There is so much love and care put into the creation of each piece that Katherine Kleski herself takes time from her busy schedule to visit with customers so they can learn to appreciate the fine nuances as much as the creative team behind each design.

“Katherine commonly makes herself available for appearances at the independent retailers that support our line to promote and personally sign the creations she holds close to her heart,” Goupil said. “When you have the opportunity to meet Katherine, you will witness her enthusiasm and love for each product as she relates the inspiration behind each piece.”

Indeed, a visit to the company’s showroom inside the World Market Center Las Vegas is almost like visiting the Kleskis’ home. Each person is warmly greeted, made to feel at ease and treated like a life-long friend or long-lost family member. The Kleskis and their staff meet no strangers.

This sense of camaraderie stems from the company’s beginnings in 1991 when Katherine Kleski would attend home parties to sell Wayne’s creations. In three years, she was so successful that Wayne Kleski joined her and together they evolved the company into an international trendsetter.

Their two daughters also are involved with the day-to-day operations. Kate’s focus is primarily on the business operations while Julie uses her artistic creativity to develop intriguing displays for the company’s collections.

Katherine’s Collection’s creations are sold worldwide and there are currently more than 13,000 retailers in the U.S. offering them. Goupil said the best way to find a nearby location is to contact the company at 800-524-4387.