Jeep used as Model for 2019 Hallmark Ornament
Bill Heins of Lyon County, Kansas is a Jeep fanatic.
1982 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler
25th in the All-American Trucks series.
He has five of them in working order and several more that are in parts. Now, he has one that’s much smaller — small enough to hang on a Christmas tree.
One of his Jeeps was used to as a model for a 2019 Hallmark Christmas ornament.
Heins got in touch with Hallmark after a friend of his, Mike Starkebaum of Topeka, learned that Hallmark was looking for a stock Jeep Scrambler to model an ornament after.
“Mike knew mine was 100 percent stock,” Heins said. “So he contacted me.”
It had the dimensions Hallmark was looking for in a model.
They arranged a day for Heins to drop off his Jeep at Starkebaum’s store, 4×4 Land, so some representatives from Hallmark could come down and get the vehicle’s specs.
Heins dropped his vehicle and went to run another errand in Topeka. When he came back, the Hallmark representatives had been and gone.
Though the ornament was just released July 13, all this happened quite a long time ago. Hallmark ornaments are planned at least 18 months before they come out, as Heins learned when his Jeep became one.
Heins is honored to have something based on his Jeep hanging on Christmas trees all across the nation this coming holiday season. He’s especially honored to be able to gain recognition for Scramblers such as his and further the cause for such vehicles.
“Just to have a Scrambler ornament was quite a privilege,” he said.
Heins is a member of the Scrambler Owners’ Association, a national group open to those who own Scramblers, which were only built from 1981 to 1986.
Three of Heins’ Jeeps are Scramblers.
“When you’re wanting to see something preserved, you try to take the opportunities to allow it to happen,” he said.
Bill Heins of Lyon County, Kansas (right) stands with Steve Farley, Hallmark President of Retail Business in front of Heins’ Jeep Scrambler.
When the ornaments were released to the public for purchase, Heins was invited up to a Hallmark store in the Kansas City area, where the company is headquartered.
“The manager is a Jeep person and had found out about my involvement,” he said.
The manager, Misty Heitman, wanted to have one of the vehicles at her shop to draw attention to the ornament reveal and to let shoppers get a good look at it before buying a miniature version.
Heins agreed to drive up to the shop, purchase a few of the Jeep ornaments, and show people his Scrambler. Another friend who owns a similar Jeep also attended.
“We believe in preserving the Scrambler Jeep and this is just a small way to make sure it happens,” he said.
The ornament is part of a series Hallmark has been creating each Christmas for years, based on vehicles.
According to Heins, the 2019 ornament is the first one the company has ever made that was based on a Scrambler.
It is white with a Christmas tree and a large, wrapped present in the bed of the truck.
A Jeep Scrambler belonging to Bill Heins was used as the model for the 2019 Hallmark Christmas Ornament.
The ornament differs from Heins’ Jeep in some ways. Heins’ Scrambler is brown, for one thing. But it’s the preservation of the Scrambler that counts, as far as he’s concerned.
“Mine was just a small part of it,” he said.
The ornaments are currently available for purchase in Hallmark stores around the country.
By Lydia Kautz lydia@emporia.com
Reprint of: “Lyon County man’s Jeep used as model for 2019 Hallmark ornament”
2019 KOC Convention: Experience the Magic (UPDATE)
This email was just sent to all KOC Convention Attendees.
Dear KOC Member,
We are less than two weeks away from the 2019 Keepsake Ornament Convention and we can’t wait for you to Experience the Magic! We’re excited to share a few updates that we hope will help as you begin to finalize your plans. Most of this information is also on the website and event app so remember to log in for updates as we draw even closer to convention.
Registration, Reservations and Sign Ups
- Conference registration deadline: More is definitely merrier but the conference registration window is closing soon — July 31. Remind friends and family members that it’s their last chance to join you!
- Mobility rentals: As a reminder, scooter and wheelchair rentals are available through Chuck’s Mobility on a first come, first served basis and must be reserved before the convention. Click here to complete the rental reservation form and insert “KOC” to indicate the venue.
- Activity Session sign-ups: You’ll be excited to know that we have additional spots available in some of the activity sessions and that restrictions of signing up for each session just once have been lifted! If you like, you can modify your registration online or on the app to add activity sessions until the sessions reach capacity. As a reminder, artist signings sessions are still limited to one per artist grouping per attendee.
Preparation
To create your own personal agenda, we recommend using the documents below to fill in the sessions and times you’ve registered for. You can also print your personal agenda by logging into the event website.
- Click here to download and print the convention agenda at a glance.
- Click here to download and print a blank activity session schedule.
- Click here to download a blank artist signing schedule.
Event Experience Updates
- Meet and Greets: We’re excited to announce that Ken Wingard will co-host the Hallmark Channel’s “Home & Family” Trim Your Home activity session with Maria Provenzano. He will also join Maria for a Meet & Greet in North Pole Village Thursday, August 8 from 6 – 7 p.m. Join us and get your picture taken with the stars of the Daytime Emmy Award nominated “Home & Family.” Check the event app and website for additional Meet and Greet opportunities throughout the day on Thursday.
- Ken’s Graduation: You’ll also have a chance to say “goodbye” to Master Artist Ken Crow and help give him a proper retirement send off by sending him a Hallmark card at the Cards and Crafts station inside North Pole Village. While your time with Ken during your Artist Signing will be short, you will see more of Ken throughout the entire event – at Friday morning’s Experience the Magic Special Presentation, at both evening events and in the Saturday’s Keepsake Artist Interview sessions.
- Magic of Christmas Evening Event: We look forward to seeing you at the Magic of Christmas Saturday evening event where, together, we will help give the gift of Christmas to children who need it most. Silent and live auction proceeds will benefit the Kansas City area Boys & Girls Clubs of America, giving each child a $100 Christmas gift card! Click here for a preview of available auction items and prepare your bids!
Product and Product Shop Updates
- Online order deadline: Hurry! The option to purchase product online and receive a $15 Hallmark Gold Crown gift card when you pick your product up will close at 11:59 p.m. CST July 31. Can’t purchase that soon? No worries. You will still have an opportunity to purchase onsite in Santa’s Workshop Product Shop starting August 8 at 9:00 a.m.
- The Artist Studio Piece: This year’s studio piece, “The Magic of Christmas North Pole Village,” has been pre-signed by all your favorite artists who contributed to the design, and it’s available for pre-purchase or onsite at Santa’s Workshop Product Shop. Check out this video to see the artists signing this one-of-a-kind ornament.
- This year Santa has reorganized his workshop and you can expect: Lots of volunteers helping you get to the right place inside the product shop.
- An easy pick up line for pre-purchased orders including pre-purchased Mystery Bags and t-shirts.
- All product for sale will be on display in the center of the room for you to check out. Make sure to take a look at all of the new convention products and souvenirs we’ve added this year!
- If you decide to purchase product you love, you will pick up an order form, check the items you’d like to purchase and hop into our product shop purchase line, where your badge will be scanned and your order will be fulfilled.
- Shipping and Returns can also be found in this space.
- The Mickey’s Dognapper ornament is back in short supply: If you are among the attendees who were not able to purchase this ornament during your registration, you may have an opportunity to do so onsite on a first come, first served basis. Starting Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. in the product shop, we will offer one Dognapper ornament per registrant for purchase while supplies last. There will be a separate line for this purchase, and we will be scanning badges to ensure only attendees who have not yet purchased the item will have the opportunity to buy.
- Exclusive ornament restrictions lifted Saturday morning: We know when it comes to Hallmark Keepsake ornaments, one is never enough, so we will lift the one ornament per person restriction Saturday at 8:00 a.m. in Santa’s Workshop Product Shop. Saturday only you’ll be able to purchase up to five of each exclusive ornaments each time you get in line as while supplies last.
We hope this email helps you plan your convention experience. Look for more information heading your way soon.
Sincerely,
KOC Convention Team
For questions, call 1-800-Hallmark. Specially trained KOC Care Agents are available 7 days a week to help.
We can’t wait to see you!
♱ In Memory of – Steve Goslin (UPDATED)
Steve Goslin
June 12, 1960 – July 24, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of beloved Hallmark Keepsake Artist Steve Goslin. Please click on the attached link to see his full obituary or sign his guestbook.
Steve, a Shawnee, Kansas native, was born to parents who were both Hallmark artists. He credited his interest in art to his family’s own “dinner table art school” each night.
However, before his career in art began he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving for five years before his honorable discharge. Upon returning home he attended Penn Valley Community College where he earned his associate’s degree.
While at Hallmark he worked in many departments before joining the Keepsake Studio, including the mailroom, manufacturing department, and security.
The Lone Ranger™
Lunch box
Even though he worked at Hallmark for 41 years, most Hallmark collectors did not know of him until they saw his name in the 1997 Dream Book, which credited him to the Lone Ranger Lunch Box ornament. His date of actually joining the Studio though was 1995. Beyond his credited work there, he also did a lot of technical work on ornaments that remain uncredited.
For artistic inspiration, he often looked to Michelangelo, whose work he was fortunate enough to see in person while on a trip to Italy. At Hallmark two of his favorite Keepsake Ornament sculptors were Duane Unruh and Ed Seale. For Steve, Ed’s 1985 “Santa’s Ski Trip” represented his belief that life should be fun. “Santa deserves a vacation, too!”, he said.
Eventually, though, perhaps his most favorite sculptor in the Studio was Debra (Murray) Nielson, whom he married on New Year’s Eve 2012. Their wedding including a traditional Scottish kilt for the groom and a cake with unique toppers for both Debra and Steve. Both were Jeeps, a shared passion. Steve’s was his own 1943 Ford GPW (2012) Keepsake ornament and Debra’s was the 2001 60th Anniversary Jeep ornament by former Keepsake Artist, Chris Webb.
Outside of his work for Hallmark, he was known for his ability to play the bagpipes. Many KOC convention attendees may remember the year he marched the parade of costume goers into the Friday night dinner and on to the stage playing them.
Art That Blows
Band of Angels
Steve was also part of the group of Keepsake Artists, that have lent their time and talent to re-purpose donated, non-functional musical instruments into pieces of art for the Art that Blows, Band of Angels charity auction. For 2019, Debra and Steve collaborated on “Cleveland”, a stylized Sousaphant (elephant) sculpture made of brass instruments.
In July his passing was announced on social media. Steve Goslin was 59 years old.
For those wishing to honor Steve, the family requests donations be made to Christmas in October; 3261 Roanoke, Kansas City, MO 64111 or to the Veterans Community Project; 8900 Troost Avenue; Kansas City, MO 64131.
UPDATE (10.07.19) – On a sadder note, we’d like to recognize the passing of Hallmark Artist Steve Goslin. Steve’s Hallmark career spanned 41 years, which included designing a number of Keepsake Ornaments, and he was recognized by many for his caring and creative spirit. Beyond his work for Hallmark, Steve shared his creativity and enthusiasm with the Kansas City community. One of those passions, which you’ll read about in this issue, was working with his wife, Keepsake Artist Debra Nielsen, to raise funds for the Kansas City-based charity, Band of Angels. Please keep Steve’s family in your thoughts during this time.
Excerpted from: “Cover letter included with For Keeps: Volume 18, Issue 3 Fall 2019”
2019 Reveal: Holiday Barbie® Ornaments
The wait is over. Here she is! Inspired by the 2019 Holiday Barbie™ Doll, this Keepsake Ornament is the perfect way to celebrate the Barbie™ tradition of fabulous holiday fashions.
Barbie shines in an elegant gown with a red and white striped peppermint print and silvery sparkle detail. A beautiful bow adorns the gown’s shoulder and complements a dramatic red train. Her long, blonde hair is styled in waves with a chic side part, and silvery chandelier earrings complete the look.
Holiday Barbie™ Ornament
5th in the series.
Inspired by the 2019 Holiday Barbie™ Doll
2019 Video: KOC Convention Studio Piece
Get a sneak peek at the 2019 KOC Convention Studio Piece and see behind the scenes as the entire Keepsake Studio signs it!
Home & Family: DIY with Tammy Haddix
Hallmark Ornament Artist Tammy Haddix shows you how to turn your Christmas tree into a winter wonderland using lanterns and Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. Tammy also talks about the new Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments including, Frosty Fun Decade and Tammy’s Tree Farm, the first in the series that was named after her!
Tammy’s Winter Wonder Lantern
2019 KOC Convention: Experience the Magic Convention App is Here!
This email was recently sent to all KOC Convention Attendees.
Dear KOC Member,
We are so excited to share the new KOC Convention app with you!
Now available for download on both iOS and Android smart phones, the KOC Convention app delivers a unique digital experience, helping you keep track of event information and placing the latest updates in the palm of your hand.
KOC Convention app
With the KOC Convention app, you can:
- Access the general event agenda and view your personal schedule. If you wish to update your personal schedule, please visit the website prior to the convention or Santa’s Helpers Help Desk onsite.
- Locate events and activity sessions with interactive maps.
- Learn about general convention information, the North Pole Village, Product Shop, Evening Events and more.
- Receive event announcements and news.
- Play a photo scavenger hunt game beginning Thursday, August 8, at 8:00 a.m. and receive a prize for completing.
- Connect and share with fellow attendees.
Step 1: Download the App
The first thing you’ll need to do is download the app on the device you’re bringing to the event.
Don’t have iOS or Android? Skip Step 1. You can access the same content on the desktop version.
Step 2: Log Into the App!
Once downloaded, open the KOC Convention app and click open next to “2019 KOC Convention”. To log into the app, enter your first and last name. A verification code will be sent to the email address that you used to register for the convention. Enter the code to complete your login and begin using the app!
You do not have to log in to use the app. However, logging in is the only way to see your personal schedule, play the game, post in the activity feed or share messages with fellow attendees. Click here for a how-to PDF. And if you have trouble with the app onsite, our elves at Santa’s Helpers Help Desk will be there to help.
We can’t wait for you to give it a try!
Sincerely,
KOC Convention Team
New Keepsake Studio Artist: Gregor Benedetti
Gregor Benedetti
Senior Product Designer
In the recently released 2019 KOC Convention app for the iPhone, it was revealed that there is a new Keepsake Studio Artist named Gregor Benedetti.
The app indicates that he will be part of a Meet and Greet on the Thursday of the event from 10 am – 12 pm.
Gregor’s work is not entirely new to the line, he had four personalizable sports ornaments in the 2018 line featuring sock monkeys. He also teamed up with Tammy Haddix to create “Toy Soldier,” this year’s Gift of Memories promotional ornament.
2019 KOC Convention: Experience the Magic (UPDATED)
Event Updates
KOC Convention App
The 2019 Hallmark Convention app for iOS (including iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch) is now available in the App Store. Please be aware that at present this app is only a basic framework and is still being populated with information.
The quickest way to locate the app in the store is to tap Search and type in, “KOC Convention”.
An app for Android on the Google Play Store is still in the approval process and has yet to be released*.
Hallmark will be sending out a communication when the app is ready for both platforms.
*NOTE: It is not uncommon for apps appearing in both stores to be released at separate times due to the Stores’ individual approval processes.
UPDATE (07.22.19) – A new and improved version of the iOS KOC Convention app is now available.