Russian Hand-Painted Wooden Ornaments: since the 17th Century in Russia, the day of Peter the Great, brightly painted carved ornaments have been used to decorate Christmas trees. These hand-painted wooden ornaments represent a revival of a long forgotten art. The wood comes from birch or lime trees that are not endangered in Russia. The ornaments are painted with watercolors certified safe by the Russian Health Ministry. An educational card is included with each item.