Artist Journal: Sharon Visker
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Sharon Visker Treasure Hunting
When Keepsake Artist Sharon Visker is brainstorming ideas for a new ornament, she’s inspired by a combination of factors. “I first research old sketches and look at images online and in books,” she said, “but my favorite is to get out and about to explore. I love scrounging around antique malls, flea markets and just wandering around stores to look at stuff. I never know what I might see that might spark an idea or get me thinking.” (see treasure hunting image)
Once that first spark of inspiration ignites, Sharon likes to keep the fire going with some of her favorite things. “I have a certain sketchpad I use and music I listen to which varies by my mood,” she said. “But I mainly use tracing paper pads so I can rip things out if I don’t like them or draw over to refine my first sketches. I don’t get very detailed when I’m just sketching. I like to add more detail during the sculpting stage. Once I get going, I really need quiet time to come up with my best ideas so I can really concentrate. I believe the best ornaments always start with a strong concept and if you have that, the sketching, sculpting and painting just complete the process. If I’m excited about a concept, I think it shows in the final product.”
Blue Christmas Sketches by Sharon Visker
Sometimes, those initial rough sketches can morph quite a bit as they become an actual ornament. One great example is Sharon’s 2019 magic ornament featuring Elvis’s song, “Blue Christmas.” “My first sketches looked a lot like Elvis,” she said, “but legally, I wasn’t allowed to do that so the end product is very different.” (see blue Christmas sketches)
Keepsake Artists typically sketch quite a few ideas before landing on one that will make the best ornament. Sharon is no different, and graciously shared some rough sketches of ideas that haven’t made the cut, and maybe even a sneak peek at one or two that will become future ornaments! (see ornament concept sketches)
In her spare time, Sharon gets inspiration by doing other forms of art for herself and for others. “I work on carvings and more crafty stuff on my own time,” she said. “I almost always have several projects going on at the same time. Recently, I painted a violin for a charity auction called Band of Angels, and also carved a cane for my dad.” (see violin and dad with cane images)
2019 KOC Convention: Experience the Magic (UPDATE)
Convention Update!
Now, more goodies in your registration bag when you arrive!
To allow attendees the opportunity to get additional ornaments signed and to support the variety of travel plans our attendees have, you will receive all three Event ornaments included with your registration inside your registration bag when you arrive! These will no longer be handed out at be evening dinners. There are still so many reasons to attend the Friday and Saturday evening events and we hope to see most of you there. Expect good food, entertainment, laughs with friends and artist appearances! It’s going to be a magical time!
Press Release: Hallmark Announces 2019 Event Exclusives for Fan Conventions
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, itty bittys® among items planned at events
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 17, 2019) — PopMinded by Hallmark is preparing to greet fans at the nation’s largest pop culture fan gatherings later this year with limited quantities of products and collectibles inspired by iconic characters and developed exclusively for fan events.
PopMinded, which debuted in 2016, is Hallmark’s way to celebrate fandom with gifts and collectibles created and curated with all fans in mind. PopMinded continues and expands on Hallmark’s decade-long tradition of providing event attendees access to Hallmark’s ever popular event exclusive products available only through convention pop-up stores.
Hallmark Keepsake Ornament designs, itty bittys® plush characters, and other gift items will be sold in limited quantities at these events on Hallmark’s 2019 convention calendar. View the calendar at PopMinded.com/Events.
Limited availability items include:
Star Wars™
STAR TREK™
A Wild Ride on Endor
Star Wars™: The Return of the Jedi™
Features Paploo™ the Ewok™ piloting a speeder bike as seen in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. A variation of an ornament featuring a Scout Trooper™ will be available in Hallmark Gold Crown stores starting in July. This event exclusive ornament also plays sound from the film.
Total production run: 3,200.
$40.00 USA
Chewbacca™ Bandolier itty bittys® Carrier
Star Wars™
itty bittys®
designed to hold nine Star Wars itty bittys® to sport around the convention. These one-size-sits all carriers will be sold while supplies last.
Total production run: 2,500.
$18.00 USA or $8.00 USA with the purchase of three Star Wars itty bittys®.
I.S.S. Enterprise™
STAR TREK: TOS
Inspired by the classic episode “Mirror, Mirror” of the original Star Trek television series. The Mirror Universe’s flagship of the Terran Empire is a repainted version of a sculpt first offered in 2016.
Total production run: 3,475.
$40.00 USA
Marvel Comics
Iron Spider
MARVEL
A Marvel Avengers three-pack of PXL8® ornaments inspired by Captain America, Iron Man and Thanos.
Total production run: 1,500.
$39.00 USA
Captain Marvel
MARVEL
PXL8® Enamel Pin
$8.00 USA
Exclusive to Comic-Con International San Diego
(Available while supplies last)
PopMinded’s line of PXL8® style collectible enamel pins will continue to feature 8-bit renditions of favorite characters at 2019 events.
Ghostbusters™
Wizarding World™
DC
The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man (Burnt)
Ghostbusters™
itty bittys®
This “toasted” variant (regular version available in Hallmark Gold Crown stores) comes packed in a city scape that celebrates the 35th anniversary of the release of the original Ghostbusters feature film.
Total production run: 1,800.
$10.00 USA
Sybill Trelawney™
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
itty bittys®
Inspired by the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry staff member.
Total production run: 1,800.
$10.00 USA
Wonder Woman
DC
Ice Mold
A silicone mold that shapes ice cubes that look like Wonder Woman’s iconic mode of transportation, as well as the iconic WW logo
Total production run: 1,000.
$20.00 USA
Additional pop culture content:
PopMinded will offer the following Convention Exclusive PXL8® style collectible enamel pins:
BATMAN
Detective Comics
80th Anniversary
PXL8® Enamel Pin
$8.00 USA
Exclusive to Emerald City Comic Con
Ahsoka Tano™
Star Wars™: The Clone Wars™
PXL8® Enamel Pin
$8.00 USA
Exclusive to Star Wars Celebration
The Mandalorian
Star Wars™: The Mandaloriani™
PXL8® Enamel Pin
$8.00 USA
Exclusive to New York Comic Con
A very limited number of 2019 event exclusive Keepsake Ornaments will also be available for sale later this year to members of the Keepsake Ornament Club. Information for joining the club can be found online at Hallmark.com/KOC
At the end of the 2019 convention season in October, any remaining stock of the year’s event exclusives may be made available for sale online. Check for details at PopMinded.com
Additional details about daily allocations for each event exclusive product as well as activity plans for each event will be announced closer to the respective convention dates. Look for additional Hallmark pop-culture products including greeting cards to be available at each event.
UPDATE (03.15.19) – BATMAN™, Detective Comics, PXL8® Enamel Pin
UPDATE (03.27.19) – Added Ahsoka Tano™, Star Wars™: The Clone Wars™, PXL8® Enamel Pin
UPDATE (10.03.19) – Added The Mandalorian™, Star Wars™: The Mandalorian™, PXL8® Enamel Pin
Artist Journal: Tracy Larsen
Friday, June 14, 2019
From the sketchbook of Keepsake Artist, Tracy Larsen.
Tracy Larsen’s Series Ideas List
One of Tracy Larsen’s favorite things to do as a Keepsake artist is come up with new ideas for a series of ornaments. “When it’s time to provide concepts for a new series, I generally grab a few 3X5 cards and just start writing down various ideas,” he said. “I’ll look at what has been done, what has been successful, and what I would like to see done as a series.” (see series ideas list image)
After his initial ideation, Tracy gets out his favorite vellum pad and starts to sketch, which is where his ideas really start to come to life. “I take what I feel are the best ideas and start to do rough sketches of what a few years of that series could look like,” he said. (see North Pole Tree Trimmers #1 concept sketches and Holiday Lighthouse–Santa and the polar bear interaction ideas–sketches). Sometimes, inspiration strikes him in the middle of a meeting and he ends up sketching on scraps of paper, or even his assignment sheet with a schedule of his upcoming work. (see assignment sheet sketches)
Then, when he feels like an idea has legs, he starts to flesh that idea out a bit more to make sure it’s not just a one off ornament and can hold together as a series for years to come. “When an idea is enough to sustain a series, I’ll start to refine sketches for one or two years’ worth of ornaments,” he said. (see North Pole Tree Trimmers #7 concept sketch) “Once I’m satisfied that the sketches portray my idea well, I’ll turn it in and wait to see if it gets the green light or not.”
So what happens to those ideas that aren’t chosen? Well, Tracy has been a Keepsake Artist long enough to know that sometimes, the timing just isn’t right for a certain idea. “If a series concept doesn’t get chosen one year, I’ll put it in a folder full of unused series ideas and I’ll often submit it again at a later time,” he said. (see unused series concept sketches: Santas in regional costumes riding different corresponding animals, Reindeer Games, and Santa du Soleil) Tracy’s perseverance has paid off for a few of his ideas that ended up taking a while to get officially approved. “North Pole Tree Trimmers is a good example,” he said. “It was first turned in as a series concept around 1999 or 2000, but didn’t officially become a series until 2013.”
When his idea is chosen to become the next great Keepsake series, Tracy decides which rough sketch would be best to become the first-in-series ornament. “Every year after that, I turn in a refined sketch based on my initial ideas,” he said. “Of course, those sketches often evolve a bit from the original, but that’s how a series is born!” (see 2019 Holiday Lighthouse, Tea Time! original ideas and 2019 Tea Time! #4 Snowman concept sketches)
2019 Reveal: Stanley Cup® Champions St. Louis Blues®
Stanley Cup® Champions St. Louis Blues®
Special Edition
Congratulations to the St. Louis Blues®. For their first time ever, the St. Louis Blues® are Stanley Cup Champions. Join the celebration and commemorate this historic win with this special Keepsake Ornament. But don’t wait long – supplies are limited.
PREORDER NOW
Available at participating Hallmark Gold Crown Stores and on Hallmark.com
2019 KOC Convention: Experience the Magic (UPDATE)
This email will be going out to all Convention participants!
Dear KOC Member,
The 2019 KOC Convention is fast approaching and we’ve got some more important information to share with you.
New and Noteworthy: Local Club Centerpieces
Your local club has the chance to show off your local club’s pride by creating a table centerpiece that shares with your fellow collectors what your local club means to you. This is a voluntary chance to let your club’s creativity shine. Centerpieces will be featured on the tables during evening events. No prizes will be awarded, but your club’s participation will be considered as part of your club’s submission for the 2020 Keepsake Artist Signing events.
Want to participate? If so, please have your local club’s designated contact person complete this form. We’re excited to see what you create!
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!
Ask the Artist!
A few Keepsake Artists were asked: What ornament are you most excited about for 2019 and why?
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.
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!
2019 KOC Convention: Experience the Magic (UPDATE)
This email was sent today.
Dear KOC Member,
There are only 62 days until convention and we’re excited to share a few more details with you! Please note: If you are a group leader who registered multiple members using a single email, you will receive this email multiple times—one for each person in your group. Please share these messages with everyone in your group.
FYI: Exclusive Ornaments and Pins
First, we have news about two additional special items available for you from Amy’s Hallmark in Crown Center. Amy’s will be selling an early release ornament and a metal lapel pin created especially for the convention. More details below.
Secondly, we know many of you are curious to find out where and when you’ll get your exclusive ornaments and pins. Wonder no more! Here’s what you can expect:
Ornaments
- Welcome to the North Pole! will be awaiting you inside your welcome bag at check in.
- Frosty Fun Decade repaint will be given as you enter the Winter Wonderland buffet dinner Friday evening.
- Remember the Magic KOC 2019 Convention snowflake will be given as you enter the Magic of Christmas dinner Saturday evening.
- Frosty Friends repaint, North Pole Tree Trimmers repaint and Beer Stein repaint will be surprise giveaway ornaments awarded throughout the event.
- Next Stop Kansas City! Holiday Train 2019 ornament will be releasing early for KOC members. Get your special Kansas City ornament before anyone else! Call Amy’s Hallmark Shop in Crown Center 816-283-0459 and reserve yours today for pick up at Amy’s Hallmark during the convention. See image below.
Lapel Pins
- KOC Event Pin will also be in your welcome bag at check in. See image above.
- KOC Event Pin repaint is available for purchase at Amy’s Hallmark in Crown Center. Call Amy’s Hallmark Shop at 816-283-0459 and reserve yours today for pick up at Amy’s Hallmark during the convention. See image above.
Next Stop Kansas City!
Holiday Train 2019
KOC Event Pins
New and Noteworthy
Onsite this year you’ll be able shop for ornaments and more in Santa’s Workshop Product Shop and get Crown Rewards bonus points for your purchases.
- Beyond convention exclusive ornaments, a specially curated, expanded product selection, including Hallmark Channel themed gifts and convention souvenirs, will be available for purchase.
- To make it easy for you to pick up your pre-purchased orders, the shop will have a separate express lane for pre-purchased product and mystery bags.
- You’ll earn well-deserved Crown Rewards bonus points for your purchases.
- For your convenience, shipping services will be located in the Santa’s Workshop Product Shop.
Reminders
- July 31 at midnight is the deadline for online purchases. In order to earn a $15 Hallmark Gold Crown reward card, you’ll need to make sure you’ve purchased all the available convention exclusive ornaments by then. Simply “modify your registration” on the convention website to make your purchases.
- A convention event app for your smartphone will be available to all attendees. We highly encourage all attendees to download and use the app for easy access to personalized schedules, convention information, a scavenger hunt game and more. To use the app, you will need to make sure you have a unique email. Don’t have your own email? Click here to learn how to set up your own unique email.
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!
Local Club News: 2020 In-Store Artist Signing Event (Local Club Contest)
In 2020, the Keepsake Studio Artists will once again be visiting Hallmark Gold Crown stores around the country. Here are the details regarding how to enter the Local Club Contest to win an In-Store Artist Signing Event.
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