Event Date: Saturday, August 8, 2020
Location & Contact Information:
Amy’s Hallmark Shop
Aspen Grove
7301 S Santa Fe Dr., Unit 720
Littleton, CO 80120-2975
(720) 283-1684
Attending Artist
Edythe Kegrize
Robert Chad
Hotel Accommodations
Friday Night Dinner “With the Artist”
Saturday Signing
After Event Product Sales
Event Product
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Robert Chad’s Artist Sketchbook and Process.
Keepsake Artist, Robert Chad doesn’t fool around when it comes to brainstorming new ideas for his ornaments. Instead, he goes right to his sketchbook. “I’m not big on research,” he said. “I like to draw. A few of years ago, I bought an iPad with an Apple pencil, so I could start drawing digitally. It kind of got me back into drawing. There’s even a program I use that creates a video of your drawing—I’ve posted those videos on the Community web site before.”
Whether in a paper sketchbook or on his iPad, Robert’s ideas can go through quite the metamorphosis from his original concept to the actual ornament that ends up on Christmas trees in homes all over the world. “You’re always creating throughout the entire process,” he said. “Sometimes technical things get in your way, or the price. Plus, there are so many hands involved in the creation of our ornaments. That’s the truth about how things are made in Keepsakes—’it takes a village’ is not just a saying. It really does. By the end of the process, it’s become something a lot different than where it started.”
Robert remembers one ornament in particular that went through a big transformation before it became an ornament. “I worked on a hand-blown glass fox in recent years,” he said. I sketched it first, then Ken did some drawings and I really went from Ken’s insight, but in the end, it looked nothing like either of our sketches. The factory in Poland made changes to soften the look and make it work in blown glass—something we know very little about. Things changed and changed, but we ended up with a great ornament that has a ton of great detail.”
Dapper Fox
And detail is something Robert knows well. After more than 30 years of sculpting Keepsake Ornaments by hand, he still has a few tricks up his sleeve—one of them being the actual wax he uses to sculpt every day. “Years ago, Duane Unruh invented a concoction of wax that became the wax we all used,” said Robert. “The shop at Hallmark attempted to make us a wax that was similar, but never got close. You can’t get your hands on some of the original ingredients anymore. Interesting fact? I still have a big stash of the original wax that I use today. I melt down old sculpts and reuse that wax over and over and over. I’m using recycled wax from 30 years ago so every sculpt I’ve ever done is inside what I’m working on now.”
Box of recycled wax sculpts
A veteran sculptor in Hallmark’s Keepsake Studio, Robert Chad has designed everything from menacing monsters to adorable angels. In fact, his very first Keepsake sculpt was the first ornament in the Mary’s Angels series. “Every ornament is a 3D puzzle,” Chad says. “You have to figure out what you can design and where it can go. They’re all challenging., but they’re all fun.”
Description
Features Santa decked out in a flat cap, knickerbockers, argyle socks and vest, gripping his driver club.
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A veteran sculptor in Hallmark’s Keepsake Studio, Robert Chad has designed everything from menacing monsters to adorable angels. In fact, his very first Keepsake sculpt was the first ornament in the Mary’s Angels series. “Every ornament is a 3D puzzle,” Chad says. “You have to figure out what you can design and where it can go. They’re all challenging., but they’re all fun.”
Description
Features Santa in a candy cane striped shirt and green cuffed yoga pants practicing the compass yoga pose.
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Alternate Versions
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AN ORNAMENT IS A MAGICAL THING The right ornament can create a sense of warmth and wonder, Inspired by Hallmark’s long, rich heritage of caring,
connect family and friends across decades,
and keep memories alive for generations to come.
creativity, and craftsmanship,
this one-of-a-kind ornament was exquisitely designed
and lovingly crafted to add joy,
meaning, and a touch of holiday magic
to every celebration, year after year.
Description
Heritage Collection
Features a dapper fox wearing a festive green topcoat with a top hat and plaid vest. Accented with glitter and pearlescent paint. Inspired by art from the Hallmark Archives, interpreted by Hallmark artist Robert Chad.
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Description
Heritage Collection
Features a dapper fox wearing a festive green topcoat with a top hat and plaid vest. Accented with glitter and pearlescent paint. Inspired by art from the Hallmark Archives, interpreted by Hallmark artist Robert Chad.
Alternate Versions
Downloads
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Every artist in the Keepsake studio was involved in creating The Magic of Christmas North Pole Village. Each one added his or her own personal creative touch! Keepsake Artist Contributions Design Concept and Art Direction – Tom Best Architecture and Structure Design – Robert Hurlburt Front View: Right Side: Back View: Left Side:
Description
Event Exclusive
Magic (light & sound)
The North Pole is a busy place, especially at Christmastime! From getting mail to making toys to waxing the sled and making treats—everyone has a job—just as every artist in the Keepsake studio was involved in creating The Magic of Christmas North Pole Village. Each one added his or her own personal creative touch!
Connect this ornament to Hallmark’s Keepsake Power Cord to see a continuous light effect. Press the button on the ornament to see scenes illuminate and hear what’s happening around the North Pole!
Requires Hallmark's Keepsake Power Cord (sold separately).
Coordinating Ornament
Welcome to the North Pole!
Event Exclusive
NOTE: The studio piece will be pre-signed by all contributing artists prior to convention.
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Description
Event Exclusive
Magic (light & sound)
The North Pole is a busy place, especially at Christmastime! From getting mail to making toys to waxing the sled and making treats—everyone has a job—just as every artist in the Keepsake studio was involved in creating The Magic of Christmas North Pole Village. Each one added his or her own personal creative touch!
Connect this ornament to Hallmark’s Keepsake Power Cord to see a continuous light effect. Press the button on the ornament to see scenes illuminate and hear what’s happening around the North Pole!
Requires Hallmark's Keepsake Power Cord (sold separately).
NOTE: The studio piece will be pre-signed by all contributing artists prior to convention.
Coordinating Ornament
Welcome to the North Pole!
Event Exclusive
Downloads
Related Ornaments
Event Dates: Thursday through Saturday, August 8-10, 2019
Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
End Time: 9:00 p.m.
Location: Kansas City, MO
Registration
Opens: February 28, 2019 — 5:00 p.m.
Event Fees:
Travel/Hotel
The 2019 KOC Convention (August 8-10, 2019) is expanding with events at both the Westin Crown Center Hotel and Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center.
A limited number of rooms are available at a discounted rate ($175.00/night) for August 6-11 at the Westin Crown Center Hotel as well as ($171.00/night) at the Sheraton. Both hotels, are adjoined via an enclosed walkway. Reserve your room early and mention the 2019 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Club Convention to receive the discounted rate.
Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center (host hotel)
2345 McGee St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Reservation line: 1 (866) 932-6214
Hotel: 1 (816) 841-1000
For online reservations: CLICK HERE
Westin Crown Center (host hotel)
1 E. Pershing Road
Kansas City, MO 64108
Reservation line: 1 (888) 627-8538
Hotel: (816) 474-4400
Schedule at a Glance
Thursday, August 8, 2019
Friday, August 9, 2019
Agenda
Artist Signings
We heard you! Instead of long lines before or during the signing experience, you will be assigned a time within your registered session for artist signatures. There will be tables and seating near each signing area.
Artists have been grouped by theme. Sign up for the groups you’re most interested in or sign up for them all!
Signing sessions will take place in the North Pole Village approximately every 20 minutes Thursday, August 8 from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM and Friday, August 9 from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM. Exact times will be available on a first come, first served basis during registration.
Artists were divided up into four signing groups:
Keepsake Artist Interviews
For the first time ever, enjoy in-person interviews with Keepsake artists Edythe Kegrize, Robert Hurlburt, Joanne Eschrich and Debra Nielsen to hear more from the creators behind your favorite designs. What have you always wanted to know? You will have the ability to submit your questions during registration.
Innovation and Magic
Join the Keepsake Innovation team for a behind the scenes look at the latest technologies and a sneak peek of what’s coming next!
License to Create!
Hear all about what goes into the making of those beloved licensed characters on Keepsake ornaments.
Tom’s “Cigar” Hour
Keepsake artists Tom Best, Nello Williams and Rodney Gentry will be talking shop as they reveal the inspiration behind some of their best beer and hot-rod ornament designs.
These sessions are for kids and junior collectors 6-12 years old. Chaperones are welcome to attend.
Learn to Sculpt with Tammy Haddix
Get ready to try your hand at sculpting with Keepsake Artist Tammy Haddix.
Christmas Crafting
Get creative and make your own Christmas craft with Crayola and Keepsake.
Bingo
B.I.N.G.O. GO! Join the fun and play this fan favorite. New event exclusive Keepsake Ornaments will be given as prizes!
Keepsake Trivia
Come test your Keepsake knowledge. Prizes will include exclusive Keepsake Ornaments and previous year’s ornaments.
Spin It To Win It
Try your luck at spinning the wheel for your chance to win Keepsake Ornaments and gifts! Other surprise giveaways will happen in this session.
Trim Your Home
Maria Provenzano from Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family shares her holiday decorating expertise alongside Keepsake Artist Ken Crow.
Trim Your Tree and More
Get inspired and craft with us! Learn new and clever ways to decorate with and display your Keepsake Ornaments.
The Art of Sculpting
Have you ever wondered how Keepsake artists sculpt the ornaments? You might be surprised. Come experience all the ways to sculpt and show us your craft with Keepsake Artists Kristina Gaughran, Sharon Visker and Anita Marra Rogers.
Pack-It-Up
Expert advice and new ways to think outside-the-box to store your Keepsake Ornaments.
World of Miniatures
Get inspired on how to go big with your little minis.
Paint Your Own Keepsake Ornament
Relax, unwind and paint your very own Gingerbread House ornament.
Files
Event Product
Convention Souvenirs:
Hallmark Channel Products:
Event Notes
A veteran sculptor in Hallmark’s Keepsake Studio, Robert Chad has designed everything from menacing monsters to adorable angels. In fact, his very first Keepsake sculpt was the first ornament in the Mary’s Angels series. “Every ornament is a 3D puzzle,” Chad says. “You have to figure out what you can design and where it can go. They’re all challenging., but they’re all fun.”
Marc Antony and Pussyfoot - LOONEY Tunes™
Description
Marc Antony and Pussyfoot - LOONEY Tunes™
Features the adorable black and white kitty pawing herself a sleeping spot on her devoted burly bulldog pal while they await Santa's arrival.
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Alternate Versions
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Related Ornaments
A veteran sculptor in Hallmark’s Keepsake Studio, Robert Chad has designed everything from menacing monsters to adorable angels. In fact, his very first Keepsake sculpt was the first ornament in the Mary’s Angels series. “Every ornament is a 3D puzzle,” Chad says. “You have to figure out what you can design and where it can go. They’re all challenging., but they’re all fun.” Inspired by Mary Hamilton.
Description
32nd in the series.
Features a little angel in a pink robe with a couple of butterflies.
This year’s Mary’s Angels ornament is perfect for spring. Every year, my editorial partner and I choose a flower, and then I choose a color to represent it. The pale pink of the hyacinth with the lavender butterflies is the perfect representation of innocence and spring. – Robert Chad
Alternate Versions
Related Ornaments
Each ornament in this series features a different charming angel posing on an acrylic cloud. The cloud carries the artist's signature, "Mary."
Description
32nd in the series.
Features a little angel in a pink robe with a couple of butterflies.
This year’s Mary’s Angels ornament is perfect for spring. Every year, my editorial partner and I choose a flower, and then I choose a color to represent it. The pale pink of the hyacinth with the lavender butterflies is the perfect representation of innocence and spring.
– Robert Chad
Alternate Versions
Downloads
Related Ornaments
Each ornament in this series features a different charming angel posing on an acrylic cloud. The cloud carries the artist's signature, "Mary."
A veteran sculptor in Hallmark’s Keepsake Studio, Robert Chad has designed everything from menacing monsters to adorable angels. In fact, his very first Keepsake sculpt was the first ornament in the Mary’s Angels series. “Every ornament is a 3D puzzle,” Chad says. “You have to figure out what you can design and where it can go. They’re all challenging., but they’re all fun.”
The Peanuts® Gang
Description
The Peanuts® Gang
Features the beloved beagle, in a Santa suit, flying high as a parade balloon complete with a trio of Woodstock bird elves holding tight to his handling strings.
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Alternate Versions
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