Ivan Klučiar gained his first contacts with gingerbread makers already as a child at the Radvanský jarmok, when he visited his father’s brother’s family in Banská Bystrica with his parents. Later, when he was the head of the family, he and his wife Jarmila tried to bake and decorate gingerbreads with sugar icing themselves. During family visits during Christmas holidays, their relatives tasted them and could not praise enough their taste and appearance. And so the first customers for the gingerbreads, originating from the household of the Klučiars, were formed. Gradually, they dared to create more complex shapes and patterns, and the circle of customers expanded beyond their relatives. The art of gingerbread making grew close to the hearts of the couple, and the increasing interest in their production inspired them to continue in this fragrant craft. Ivan Klučiar worked in Bratislava, while his wife lived with the children in Topoľčianky (district Zlaté Moravce), where they had their apartment. This way of life guaranteed them financial security, but on the other hand, they felt separated. The growing interest in their gingerbreads eventually led them to the joint decision to live side by side, despite the initial financial risk. They do not regret it to this day. About fifteen years ago, aspiring gingerbread makers were looking for a way to progress in their creations. They approached the Center for Folk Art Production for collaboration. Through a creative exchange with the long-time artist of the Center, Janka Menkynová, very beautiful pattern designs were created, inspired by traditional regional embroideries and lace. Ivan Klučiar still follows this inspirational line in his designs. In decorating, he skillfully combines gingerbread and textile decorative traditions. The key to the success of gingerbreads is good dough, containing only natural ingredients and especially high-quality honey. Experienced gingerbread makers today let the processed dough rest for some time, at least one day. They then roll it out, cut it with molds, place it on a baking sheet, and bake it in the oven. After baking, they decorate the gingerbreads exclusively with white sugar icing, creating intricate designs. With the uncolored icing, they maintain the natural character of their gingerbreads, satisfying both their aesthetic sense. Both of them are skillful in decorating gingerbreads. They strictly do not divide the work on the gingerbreads to avoid getting too attached, yet dividing the production phases between them speeds up the processes. For example, Ivan Klučiar often creates the basic grid for decorating, and his wife Jarmila completes the pattern. Master gingerbread maker Ivan Klučiar designs the molds for cutting the dough himself. He uses metal forms made of stainless steel. His brother-in-law, as mentioned earlier, gladly helps him with cutting to the required height and sharpening. The actual shaping of the forms relies on the skills of the couple. Among the most popular shapes among customers are hearts, followed by horses and other animals, dolls, carriages, and of the three-dimensional products, especially houses and nativity scenes. Ivan Klučiar likely inherited his artisan talent from his grandfather, a carpenter, spending time with him, learning to draw from him as well. He is deeply connected to traditional Slovak culture. During his studies at the construction technical school, where he had, as he says, “quite strict teachers,” and later as a designer, he trained a steady hand and precision, which also characterizes his technically excellent drawing on the gingerbreads. His handwriting in decoration was not the same from the beginning as it is now. Over time, he refined it and together with his wife, they discovered further nuances. They consider good icing from top-quality ingredients and its appropriate consistency the most important aspect of quality gingerbread decorating. Master gingerbread maker Ivan Klučiar is always focused and patient while working. Despite his many years of experience, he does not perform his work routinely but with love. He finds support in his wife, and as he says himself: “I am glad because I do not dislike this work by myself.” Together they have two daughters and a son. They only found a successor in their son Dominik, who inherited a love for gingerbread making, just like his wife, who also comes from a family of gingerbread makers.