Robert Chad

O Christmas Tree

Christmas was always a big deal for Tom Best and his family. While they were usually the last house in their Cleveland neighborhood to put up their tree, they were also the last to take it down. Tom’s love of the season is a big part of what keeps him inspired in the Keepsake Studio. “People assume because I work on Christmas product all year round that I’m sick of it by the time the holidays arrive. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Christmas is exciting each and every year!”

Description

9th in the series.

Magic cord (light & sound)

Features Santa kneeling in front of a Christmas tree. Hear Santa placing exciting gifts under the beautiful tree..

Connect this ornament to the Magic Cord to see the continuous light effect. Press the button to watch it lead all of the ornaments connected to the cord in a synchronized sound and light show! Plays audio of Santa talking while music from "O Christmas Tree" plays and lights move to the beat.

Dialogue:

Ho, ho, ho, my what a beautiful tree. I'm sure each of these ornaments holds a precious memory. Oh in the morning the children's eyes will sparkle with joy when they see these exciting gifts."

Hallmark's Magic Cord power source is Required (sold separately).

  • Artist: Tom Best, Robert Chad and Jim Kemme
  • Released: 2019 (Ornament Premiere)
  • Retail Price: $29.99 USA/$38.99 CAN
  • Material(s): plastic
  • Dimensions: 3.54" w. x 5.43" h. x 3.56" d.
  • SKU: QXR9429
  • Produced in: Sri Lanka
  • Production Date(s): 

NOTE: Look for past Keepsake Ornament designs that are incorporated into the design including:

  • Locomotive – ’17 Teeny Train (QXM8592)

Ornaments on tree:

  • ’81-’96 Rocking Horse
  • ’16 A World Within, 2nd in the series. (QXM8524)
  • Snowflake
  • ’14 Hummingbird, The Beauty of Birds, 10th in the series. (QX9123), ’16 Hummingbird (QXM8531)
  • ’84 Snowy Seal (QX4501)
  • ’16 Snow Angel Memories (QXM8551)

Featured on base (counter-clockwise):

  • ’05 Dancing Santa (QXM8132)
  • ’17 Christmas Stocking (QGO1802)
  • ’17 Stunning Swallow (QK1435)
  • ’11 Joyful Angel (QXG3509)
  • ’11 Mom (QXG4009), ’11 Mug O’ Merry (QXC4009)
  • ’10 Angling for Fun (QXI2273)

Related Ornaments

Each ornament in this series features part of Santa's adventure on Christmas eve night depicted in an intricately detailed scene.

Description

9th in the series.

Magic cord (light & sound)

Features Santa kneeling in front of a Christmas tree. Hear Santa placing exciting gifts under the beautiful tree..

Connect this ornament to the Magic Cord to see the continuous light effect. Press the button to watch it lead all of the ornaments connected to the cord in a synchronized sound and light show! Plays audio of Santa talking while music from "O Christmas Tree" plays and lights move to the beat.

Dialogue:

Ho, ho, ho, my what a beautiful tree. I'm sure each of these ornaments holds a precious memory. Oh in the morning the children's eyes will sparkle with joy when they see these exciting gifts."

Hallmark's Magic Cord power source is Required (sold separately).

NOTE: Look for past Keepsake Ornament designs that are incorporated into the design including:

  • Locomotive – ’17 Teeny Train (QXM8592)

Ornaments on tree:

  • ’81-’96 Rocking Horse
  • ’16 A World Within, 2nd in the series. (QXM8524)
  • Snowflake
  • ’14 Hummingbird, The Beauty of Birds, 10th in the series. (QX9123), ’16 Hummingbird (QXM8531)
  • ’84 Snowy Seal (QX4501)
  • ’16 Snow Angel Memories (QXM8551)

Featured on base (counter-clockwise):

  • ’05 Dancing Santa (QXM8132)
  • ’17 Christmas Stocking (QGO1802)
  • ’17 Stunning Swallow (QK1435)
  • ’11 Joyful Angel (QXG3509)
  • ’11 Mom (QXG4009), ’11 Mug O’ Merry (QXC4009)
  • ’10 Angling for Fun (QXI2273)

  • Artist: Tom Best, Robert Chad and Jim Kemme
  • Released: 2019 (Ornament Premiere)
  • Retail Price: $29.99 USA/$38.99 CAN
  • Material(s): plastic
  • Dimensions: 3.54" w. x 5.43" h. x 3.56" d.
  • SKU: QXR9429
  • Produced in: Sri Lanka
  • Production Date(s)

Related Ornaments

Alternate Versions

Related Ornaments

Downloads

Related Ornaments

Each ornament in this series features part of Santa's adventure on Christmas eve night depicted in an intricately detailed scene.

2020-04-19T20:37:02-06:00July 13th, 2019|

Crockett-Doodle Do

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

Foghorn Leghorn–LOONEY TUNES

Featuring the lobby card for the 1960 animated short "Crockett-Doodle-Do" with the brainy little chick and experienced rooster.

  • Artist: Robert Chad
  • Released: 2019 (Ornament Premiere)
  • Retail Price: $17.99 USA/$22.99 CAN
  • Material(s): plastic
  • Dimensions: 4.53" w. x 2.67" h. x 1.74" d.
  • SKU: QXI3307
  • Produced in: Thailand
  • Production Date(s): 

Related Ornaments

Description

Foghorn Leghorn–LOONEY TUNES
Featuring the lobby card for the 1960 animated short "Crockett-Doodle-Do" with the brainy little chick and experienced rooster.

  • Artist: Robert Chad
  • Released: 2019 (Ornament Premiere)
  • Retail Price: $17.99 USA/$22.99 CAN
  • Material(s): plastic
  • Dimensions: 4.53" w. x 2.67" h. x 1.74" d.
  • SKU: QXI3307
  • Produced in: Thailand
  • Production Date(s)

Related Ornaments

Alternate Versions

Related Ornaments

Downloads

Related Ornaments

2020-01-09T07:44:31-06:00July 13th, 2019|

The Halloween Vulture

It’s time for tricks and treats and a little bit of sweet! From cats to owls to witches (and every thing in between), the Keepsake Studio celebrates Halloween with all the spooky characters that make us shriek with delight.

Description

The PEANUTS™ Gang

Magic (light & sound)

Features Charlie Brown shinning his flashlight into a tree where Snoopy is lurking and looking like a vulture.

Press the button to see the ornament illuminate and hear the Vulture's Halloween howl! Battery Operated. (Batteries included.)

  • Artist: Robert Chad
  • Released: 2019 (Ornament Premiere)
  • Retail Price: $24.99 USA/$29.99 CAN
  • Material(s): plastic
  • Dimensions: 2.87" w. x 3.31" h. x 2.18" d.
  • SKU: QFO5276
  • Produced in: Sri Lanka
  • Production Date(s): 

Related Ornaments

Description

The PEANUTS™ Gang

Magic (light & sound)

Features Charlie Brown shinning his flashlight into a tree where Snoopy is lurking and looking like a vulture.

Press the button to see the ornament illuminate and hear the Vulture's Halloween howl! Battery Operated. (Batteries included.)

  • Artist: Robert Chad
  • Released: 2019 (Ornament Premiere)
  • Retail Price: $24.99 USA/$29.99 CAN
  • Material(s): plastic
  • Dimensions: 2.87" w. x 3.31" h. x 2.18" d.
  • SKU: QFO5276
  • Produced in: Sri Lanka
  • Production Date(s)

Related Ornaments

Alternate Versions

Related Ornaments

Downloads

Related Ornaments

2019-07-30T21:41:49-06:00July 13th, 2019|

Tasmanian Tornado

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

Taz - Looney Tunes™

Magic (motion)

Features the short-tempered tornado spinning wildly, carving a path through every obstacle in his way.

Pull the cord to see Taz spin!

  • Artist: Robert Chad
  • Released: 2019 (Ornament Premiere)
  • Retail Price: $22.99 USA/$28.99 CAN
  • Material(s): plastic
  • Dimensions: 2.65" w. x 3.9" h. x 2.62" d.
  • SKU: QXI3309
  • Produced in: Thailand
  • Production Date(s): 

Related Ornaments

Description

Taz - Looney Tunes™

Magic (motion)

Features the short-tempered tornado spinning wildly, carving a path through every obstacle in his way.

Pull the cord to see Taz spin!

  • Artist: Robert Chad
  • Released: 2019 (Ornament Premiere)
  • Retail Price: $22.99 USA/$28.99 CAN
  • Material(s): plastic
  • Dimensions: 2.65" w. x 3.9" h. x 2.62" d.
  • SKU: QXI3309
  • Produced in: Thailand
  • Production Date(s)

Related Ornaments

Alternate Versions

Related Ornaments

Downloads

Related Ornaments

2019-07-30T20:58:12-06:00July 13th, 2019|

Alex Ovechkin

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

Washington Capitals®

Features team captain and 2018 Stanley Cup MVP Alex Ovechkin hoisting the trophy above his head. Commemorates the Washington Capitals' first World Championship victory.

  • Artist: Robert Chad
  • Released: 2019 (Ornament Premiere)
  • Retail Price: $19.99 USA/$24.99 CAN
  • Material(s): plastic
  • Dimensions: 3.06" w. x 6.25" h.
  • SKU: QXI3849
  • Produced in: China
  • Production Date(s): 

Related Ornaments

Description

Washington Capitals®
Features team captain and 2018 Stanley Cup MVP Alex Ovechkin hoisting the trophy above his head. Commemorates the Washington Capitals' first World Championship victory.

  • Artist: Robert Chad
  • Released: 2019 (Ornament Premiere)
  • Retail Price: $19.99 USA/$24.99 CAN
  • Material(s): plastic
  • Dimensions: 3.06" w. x 6.25" h.
  • SKU: QXI3849
  • Produced in: China
  • Production Date(s)

Related Ornaments

Alternate Versions

Related Ornaments

Downloads

Related Ornaments

2019-11-23T23:38:35-06:00July 13th, 2019|

A Job Well Done

Tom Best

Known from an early age as “that kid who could draw,” Tom Best seemed destined to become an artist. What started as doodles and sketches for his friends and classmates eventually led to more masterful works of art, always intended to make someone smile. Now a pillar of the Hallmark Keepsake Studio, Tom has happily evolved into “that guy who makes ornaments.”


Robert Chad

A veteran sculptor in the Keepsake Studio, Robert Chad actually got his start in cartoons.  As part of a three-man animation company, a typical day consisted of drawing twenty-four slightly different frames for every second of a short film.  Although the venture was short-lived (thank goodness), Robert’s passion for animation in his early career eventually led him to design the three-dimensional characters you now find on your tree!


Jim Kemme

“Most ornaments are challenges, and I love a challenge,” says Keepsake Artist Jim Kemme.  In his 54 years of creating at Hallmark, Jim has worked as a designer of everything from puzzles and posters to candles and ornaments. “As an artist, I’d call myself a realist.  In my mind, I’m always just trying to get it right,” he says with a laugh.

Description

10th and Final in the series.

Magic Cord (light & sound)

It's "mission accomplished!" for Santa. Rounding out the Once Upon a Christmas series.

Features the jolly old elf relaxing after a very busy Christmas Eve. With his boots and hat nearby, Santa gets comfy with a mug of cheer in one hand and a snow globe in the other, while a puppy at his feet begs for attention.

Connect this ornament to the Magic Cord to see the continuous light effect.

Press the button to watch it lead all of the ornaments connected to the cord in a synchronized sound and light show!

Plays audio of Santa talking while music from "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" plays.

Dialogue:

Oh, There's nothing quite like kicking back to relax after a job well done. Ho, ho, ho.
[WHISTLES]
Here, boy.
[DOG BARKS]
Ho, ho, ho. When I think about the happy faces of children all over the world, ho, ho, it makes me chuckle with delight. Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas, little buddy.
[DOG BARKS]

Requires Hallmark's Magic Cord power source (not included).

  • Artist: Tom Best, Robert Chad and Jim Kemme
  • Released: 2020 (Ornament Premiere)
  • Retail Price: $29.99 USA/$37.99 CAN
  • Material(s): plastic
  • Dimensions: 3.58" w. x 4.22" h. x 3.52" d.
  • SKU: QXR9174
  • Produced in: Sri Lanka
  • Production Date(s): 

Time to Rest
Santa’s long Christmas ride comes to an end with this year’s Once Upon a Christmas #10.


“Some fans have said,  ‘You can’t end it; it’s my favorite series!’ But when the story’s reached its conclusion, what else can you do?” says Keepsake Artist Tom Best.

Together with Robert Chad and Jim Kemme, now retired, this trio has been recreating Santa’s Christmas process for the past decade.  This year’s ornament features Santa sitting in his easy chair, finally able to take a break after a busy night of gift-giving.

In addition to the final ornament in the series, this year also includes a companion piece for fans.  With another successful Christmas in the books, Santa dances into the new year with Mrs. Claus, his pocket watch lighting up as midnight strikes.

Connect these ornaments to your Magic Cord, along with the other ornaments in the series, to enjoy the entire tale of Santa’s Christmas adventure displayed on your tree.

“Time to Rest.” 2020 Dream Box postcard.


NOTE: Look for past Keepsake Ornament designs that are incorporated into the design.

Related Ornaments

Each ornament in this series features part of Santa's adventure on Christmas eve night depicted in an intricately detailed scene.

Description

10th and Final in the series.

Magic Cord (light & sound)

It's "mission accomplished!" for Santa. Rounding out the Once Upon a Christmas series.

Features the jolly old elf relaxing after a very busy Christmas Eve. With his boots and hat nearby, Santa gets comfy with a mug of cheer in one hand and a snow globe in the other, while a puppy at his feet begs for attention.

Connect this ornament to the Magic Cord to see the continuous light effect.

Press the button to watch it lead all of the ornaments connected to the cord in a synchronized sound and light show!

Plays audio of Santa talking while music from "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" plays.

Dialogue:

Oh, There's nothing quite like kicking back to relax after a job well done. Ho, ho, ho.
[WHISTLES]
Here, boy.
[DOG BARKS]
Ho, ho, ho. When I think about the happy faces of children all over the world, ho, ho, it makes me chuckle with delight. Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas, little buddy.
[DOG BARKS]

Requires Hallmark's Magic Cord power source (not included).

  • Artist: Tom Best, Robert Chad and Jim Kemme
  • Released: 2020 (Ornament Premiere)
  • Retail Price: $29.99 USA/$37.99 CAN
  • Material(s): plastic
  • Dimensions: 3.58" w. x 4.22" h. x 3.52" d.
  • SKU: QXR9174
  • Produced in: Sri Lanka
  • Production Date(s)

Time to Rest
Santa’s long Christmas ride comes to an end with this year’s Once Upon a Christmas #10.


“Some fans have said,  ‘You can’t end it; it’s my favorite series!’ But when the story’s reached its conclusion, what else can you do?” says Keepsake Artist Tom Best.

Together with Robert Chad and Jim Kemme, now retired, this trio has been recreating Santa’s Christmas process for the past decade.  This year’s ornament features Santa sitting in his easy chair, finally able to take a break after a busy night of gift-giving.

In addition to the final ornament in the series, this year also includes a companion piece for fans.  With another successful Christmas in the books, Santa dances into the new year with Mrs. Claus, his pocket watch lighting up as midnight strikes.

Connect these ornaments to your Magic Cord, along with the other ornaments in the series, to enjoy the entire tale of Santa’s Christmas adventure displayed on your tree.

“Time to Rest.” 2020 Dream Box postcard.


NOTE: Look for past Keepsake Ornament designs that are incorporated into the design.

Alternate Versions





Downloads

Related Ornaments

Each ornament in this series features part of Santa's adventure on Christmas eve night depicted in an intricately detailed scene.

2020-12-23T11:06:45-06:00July 11th, 2019|

Ask the Artist!

A few Keepsake Artists were asked: What ornament are you most excited about for 2019 and why?

Nina Aubé

Cuteness Beyond Measure

Nina Aubé: My #1 fav for 2019 is the measuring spoon Snowman, “Cuteness Beyond Measure”. My inspiration was my grandma’s old aluminum measuring spoons. She passed them on to my mom, so I grew up using them. My mom then gave to me when left for college. I’m still using them! And they still bring back fond memories of baking together with my family.

Runner up fav: My new series, Mini cozy critter. 2 reasons: I’m a huge bird lover; I’ve loved teeny tiny things since I was a kid. (I collect miniatures as a hobby, i.e. “Little Kiddle” dolls).

North Pole Public Radio

Tracy Larsen: For the ornaments I created, I’m most excited for the North Pole Public Radio. One of my favorite ornaments from the past is a cathedral style radio from 2006, created by Nello Williams and some terrific writers, that you can tune in to different stations and hear music and humorous ads. It also comes with that old radio static in between stations as you turn the tuning knob.

The ads are so well done that they still make me smile every time I hear them. I was fortunate to be able to create my own version, fashioned after some of the old bakelite radios from the 40’s and 50’s, using Santa’s belly, with belt and buckle, as a design motif. Our editors and sound people have again done a wonderful job of putting together music with funny ads that I trust will put a smile on the faces of those that “tune in”.

Prince of the Forest
1st in the Noble Nutcracker series.

Sharon Visker: Mine or someone elses? Here’s both: Terri Steiger’s new nutcracker series— Prince of the Forest- I love the old world style combined with the decorative fine details that Terri designed.

Mine – Tiki Tidings- Fun, festive tiki makes me just want to go vacationing somewhere warm and tropical!

Hyacinth
32nd in the Mary’s Angels series.

Robert Chad: Mary’s Angel #32 “Hyacinth” I made it especially for the collectors. Blonde hair, pink dress with butterflies. As feminine (girly) as I could.

Robert Chad

Baby Girl’s First Christmas

Debra Nielsen: I have a twofer. The Baby (Boy’s/Girl’s) First Christmas (bear booties). I am excited about the boy and girl baby bear booties because they are full of personality, and I will enjoy gifting them to some special babies in my life this year.

Hogwarts™ Castle Tree Topper
Harry Potter™ Collection

Kristina Gaughran: I’m really excited for all the Harry Potter storytellers with the tree topper!!! I LOVE how they all interact with the castle and the music and light show for Hogwarts is fantastic!!

O Tannenbaum
Club Exclusive

Anita Marra Rogers: I am most excited about the KOC Exclusive, “O Tannenbaum” because it features my little granddoggie, Oreo Scruffles. He is representing my Puppy Love series.

Kringle’s Toy Shop

Ken Crow: Kringle’s Toy Shop is the ornament that I am most excited about. I identify with Santa creating mechanical things for the purpose of making people happy.

Share what ornament(s) you are most excited about for Premiere!

2020-06-30T23:13:33-06:00June 10th, 2019|

Reveal: 2019 Keepsake Artist Series Puzzle


Keepsake Artist Series: Ken Crow
Puzzle

Ken Crow, a toymaker at heart, is always looking for new ways to surprise and delight his fans. “I like to learn what has been done before and then put my own twist on it,” he says. When Ken works on a Keepsake, he always approaches it with a “brand-new” mindset so people will experience the ornament in the most magical way possible.


1000 interlocking pieces
30″ w. x 24″ h.
$19.99 USA

2019-12-22T00:08:58-06:00May 28th, 2019|

Artist Journal: Robert Chad (Never Produced Ornaments)

Wednesday, May 09, 2019

Here are photographs of a couple of Keepsake ornament designs created by Keepsake Artist, Robert Chad, that were never produced.

The first picture is of Santa’s Nightstand, an original hand-painted prototype created in 2003. One of these original pieces was included in the Keepsake Live Auction at the 2009 Keepsake Ornament Club Event.

The second and third pictures are of the original sculpt and hand-painted prototype Robert created in 1989 to commemorate Baby’s First Christmas.

2019-05-16T15:56:17-06:00May 8th, 2019|

O Tannenbaum

O Christmas tree, O Christmas Tree, how lovely is this Keepsake! The Collaborative efforts of four* Hallmark Keepsake Artists created this tree that’s inspired by Keepsake Ornaments from years past. Robert Chad sculpted the angel on top, an homage to Mary’s Angels. Nina Aubé’s cute kitty from Mischievous Kittens plays with the puppy from Anita Rogers’ Puppy Love. Gifts, like a bright red guitar, designed by Nello Williams, sit nestled under the tree. All of these things come together for a beautiful, one-of-a-kind club-exclusive ornament.

Keepsake Artist Contributions

Design Concept–Tom Best
Angel Tree Topper (Mary’s Angels)–Robert Chad
Cute Kitty (Mischievous Kittens)–Nina Aubé
Puppy (Puppy Love), Tree and Packages–Anita Marra Rogers
Fire Truck–Don Palmiter
Guitar–Nello Williams
Technical Details–Rodney Gentry

NOTE: Although the box back identifies four contributing artists, in the O Tannenbaum article, Keepsake Artist Anita Marra Rogers credited seven Keepsake Artists for their contributions to this piece.

 

Description

Member Exclusive

Features a festive Christmas tree with an angel on top (a homage to Mary's Angels). A cute kitty nested inside the tree plays with a puppy. Gifts, a bright red guitar and a fire truck sit under the tree.

This collaborative piece that includes the work of seven Keepsake Studio Artists was inspired by Keepsake Ornaments from years past.

  • Artist: See Keepsake Artist Contributions
  • Released: 2019 (April 1)
  • Retail Price: $15.99 USA (regularly $17.99 USA)
  • Material(s): plastic
  • Dimensions: 3.42" w. x 4.83" h. x 3.16" d.
  • SKU: QXC5380
  • Produced in: China
  • Production Date(s): 

Coordinating Ornaments

Mischievous and Loving
KOC Exclusive




O TANNENBAUM
With Anita Marra Rogers

When charged with coming up with the next great ornament idea for the Keepsake Ornament Club, Keepsake Artist Anita Rogers knew she wanted the ornament to reflect the work of many different artists in the studio. “We tried to come up with an ornament that would incorporate several well-loved series ornaments, plus a couple of others,” she said. “I think Tom Best came up with the original concept for the tree and we decided together what ornaments or characters would best fit the situation.”

“O Tannenbaum” ended up having seven different artists help shape it in some way—from the idea, all the way to the finished piece. “Nina Aubé sculpted the Mischievous Kitten peeking out of the tree and the angel tree-topper is one of Robert Chad’s Mary’s Angels,” said Anita. “The guitar is Nello Williams’s miniature guitar, the fire truck was an old Don Palmiter miniature from 1993, and I sculpted my Granddog, Oreo who represents the Puppy Love series. I finished by sculpting the tree and packages, and put it all together!”

Anita makes it sound simple, but every artist works differently, so “O Tannenbaum” had to be traditionally and digitally sculpted to help bring it all together. “Rodney Gentry helped scale down the angel and the guitar digitally from existing ornaments, and the fire truck was an actual mini ornament already,” said Anita. “Nina was the only artist other than myself who did an original sculpt for the piece. I basically put it almost all together and left a space for her to sculpt the kitten in.”

Anita also made sure to add little touches special to her that she knew KOC members would love. “I chose to put gold tinsel garland on the tree because my own tree every year gets gold tinsel garland, and it has for as long as I can remember,” she said.

It’s little touches like the tinsel that made Anita fall in love with the finished ornament, and she thinks KOC members will, too. “I think the collectors are going to love that so many artists and series are represented,” said Anita. “They might also love that it is such an iconic Christmas morning scene with cute interaction between the pup and kitty.”

So what’s Anita’s favorite element of the ornament? “That’s an easy one,” she said. “My Puppy Love, Oreo, of course!”

Related Ornaments

Description

Member Exclusive
Features a festive Christmas tree with an angel on top (a homage to Mary's Angels). A cute kitty nested inside the tree plays with a puppy. Gifts, a bright red guitar and a fire truck sit under the tree.

This collaborative piece that includes the work of seven Keepsake Studio Artists was inspired by Keepsake Ornaments from years past.

  • Artist: See Keepsake Artist Contributions
  • Released: 2019 (April 1)
  • Retail Price: $15.99 USA (regularly $17.99 USA)
  • Material(s): plastic
  • Dimensions: 3.42" w. x 4.83" h. x 3.16" d.
  • SKU: QXC5380
  • Produced in: China
  • Production Date(s)

O TANNENBAUM
With Anita Marra Rogers

When charged with coming up with the next great ornament idea for the Keepsake Ornament Club, Keepsake Artist Anita Rogers knew she wanted the ornament to reflect the work of many different artists in the studio. “We tried to come up with an ornament that would incorporate several well-loved series ornaments, plus a couple of others,” she said. “I think Tom Best came up with the original concept for the tree and we decided together what ornaments or characters would best fit the situation.”

“O Tannenbaum” ended up having seven different artists help shape it in some way—from the idea, all the way to the finished piece. “Nina Aubé sculpted the Mischievous Kitten peeking out of the tree and the angel tree-topper is one of Robert Chad’s Mary’s Angels,” said Anita. “The guitar is Nello Williams’s miniature guitar, the fire truck was an old Don Palmiter miniature from 1993, and I sculpted my Granddog, Oreo who represents the Puppy Love series. I finished by sculpting the tree and packages, and put it all together!”

Anita makes it sound simple, but every artist works differently, so “O Tannenbaum” had to be traditionally and digitally sculpted to help bring it all together. “Rodney Gentry helped scale down the angel and the guitar digitally from existing ornaments, and the fire truck was an actual mini ornament already,” said Anita. “Nina was the only artist other than myself who did an original sculpt for the piece. I basically put it almost all together and left a space for her to sculpt the kitten in.”

Anita also made sure to add little touches special to her that she knew KOC members would love. “I chose to put gold tinsel garland on the tree because my own tree every year gets gold tinsel garland, and it has for as long as I can remember,” she said.

It’s little touches like the tinsel that made Anita fall in love with the finished ornament, and she thinks KOC members will, too. “I think the collectors are going to love that so many artists and series are represented,” said Anita. “They might also love that it is such an iconic Christmas morning scene with cute interaction between the pup and kitty.”

So what’s Anita’s favorite element of the ornament? “That’s an easy one,” she said. “My Puppy Love, Oreo, of course!”

Coordinating Ornaments

Mischievous and Loving
KOC Exclusive




Downloads

Related Ornaments

2023-10-06T17:51:25-06:00April 1st, 2019|
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