About the Gilded Branch
Where Holiday Dreams Are Handmade
Welcome to The Gilded Branch—a place where Christmas magic, vintage-inspired elegance, and creative reinvention come together in every one-of-a-kind ornament.
Founded by Austin Sanderson, a celebrated set and costume designer with over 30 years of experience in Broadway, film, and the cruise ship industry, The Gilded Branch reflects a lifetime of creative vision and craftsmanship. A graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts with a Master’s degree from NYU Tisch, Austin is also the founder of Urban Sadhu Yoga, a thriving yoga studio and spiritual community that has served Jersey City for over a decade.
In 2024, as the modern news cycle grew increasingly overwhelming, Austin returned to his creative roots as a form of mindfulness—focusing the mind on a single object, one delicate detail at a time. What began as a personal outlet soon blossomed into The Gilded Branch—a heartfelt fusion of artistry and nostalgia. Drawing from his decades of theatrical experience, he began crafting ornaments that transform ordinary, often discarded objects into extraordinary holiday treasures.
Each piece is a labor of love, created from upcycled materials like Victorian postcards, mason jar lids, spent tea candles, and forgotten old ornaments. From the shimmer of a snow-dusted angel nestled in a silvery winter scene to the glittering opulence of a peacock-feathered cone or the whimsy of Santa’s starry ride across a gilded sky, no two designs are alike. Some are sweet and nostalgic, others bold and fantastical—each telling its own story of light, memory, and wonder.
At The Gilded Branch, we believe ornaments should be more than decorations—they should be keepsakes, conversation pieces, and heirlooms. Whether you're gifting someone special or adding sparkle to your own holiday tradition, our creations invite you to step into a world where artistry, history, and holiday spirit come beautifully together.
Welcome to The Gilded Branch. Celebrate with character. Adorn with soul.