Artist Journal: Debra Nielsen (Inspiration)
Sunday, September 16, 2018
See what continues to inspire me!
I would say my style is feminine and trend forward, with an overlay of a vintage, traditional Christmas aesthetic. All those years in the Keepsake studio will do that!
So many things inspire me. I like to shop at retail or antique stores, visit art galleries or craft shows, and find inspiring trends online. Sometimes just some quiet time to remember those childhood days and the fun we had is inspiring, too. And I love nature photography. Being outdoors and capturing that beauty is very inspiring. The important thing for me is to shake up my routine. That’s when the ideas pop up.
When I start a new concept for an ornament, I usually begin with a concept sketch or photographs of the object I am designing. I also do some research into its history or anatomy, like when I am sculpting a certain horse breed. I design sculpts in wax, illustrate on the computer, and do some parts in a 3D computer program. And I still love to paint. This flexibility allows me to choose the best way to approach my design. For example, I’d rather make a Pony for Christmas wagon in a 3D program, so I don’t have to reinvent the wheel!
At my desk, you’ll see very tiny paint brushes that paint eyelashes, handmade tools from x-acto knife blades (that my husband made for me), skinny wires and floss for sculpt armatures, a hot tool that melts and shapes a clay wax we make here in-house, and good shears for fabric, plus ribbons, colored pencils, paint, and great laptop computer. And don’t forget glitter!
I love that my role as an artist in the Keepsake studio allows me to be very versatile. Every day is different and is a creative learning process. Our staff is very inspiring and generous to share their knowledge, which is an invaluable asset.
2019 Sneak Peek: Katie’s Hallmark Shop’s In-Store Artist Signing Event
In conjunction with the Katie’s Hallmark Shop’s Friday night dinner in Vandalia, OH, Hallmark Artists Nina Aubé and Debra Nielsen shared a sneak peek of some of the designs they are working on for the 2019 Keepsake ornament line.
by Nina Aubé
Cookie Cutter Christmas
8th in the series.
Arctic Friends
Premium Collection
Set of four ornaments.
by Debra Nielsen
A Pony for Christmas
22nd in the series.
Bake Up Some Yum
Miniature Tree Set
Set of 12 miniature ornaments and display stand.
Contributors to post Tricia
2019 Sneak Peek: Trudy’s Hallmark Shop’s In-Store Artist Signing Event
In conjunction with the Trudy’s Hallmark Shop’s Friday night dinner in Austin, TX, Hallmark Artist Sharon Visker shared a sneak peek of some of the designs she is working on for the 2019 Keepsake ornament line.
by Sharon Visker
Blue Christmas
Spooky Sugar Skull
Announcement: 2019 KOC Convention Location (UPDATED)
The 2019 KOC Convention (August 8-10, 2019) is expanding with events at both the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center and the Westin Crown Center Hotel.
A limited number of rooms are available for August 6-11 at a discounted rate ($171.00/night) at the Sheraton and ($175.00/night) at the Westin. 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
reservation line: 1 (866) 932-6214.
Hotel: 1 (816) 841-1000
- Westin Crown Center Hotel
reservation line: 1 (888) 627-8538
Hotel: 1 (816) 474-4400
You will be able to book online in late 2018/early 2019 after the hotel completes technology updates.
If you have already made your hotel reservation outside of our room block, please contact the property directly and request to be moved into the “2019 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Club Convention block.” Registration information coming in early 2019.
UPDATE (09.13.18 @ 6:16 p.m.) – Morning and evening events will take place at the Sheraton. Mid-day sessions will take place at the Westin. As of today, hotel rooms are sold out at the Sheraton but hotel rooms under the Hallmark room block are still available at the Westin! Please give the Westin Hotel at Crown Center a call to book your room today.
2018 KOC Membership Enrollment Update
Enrollment for 2018 Keepsake Ornament Club (KOC) membership ends on October 31, 2018. Until then, individuals can continue to enroll online, in store, by mail or phone to receive the benefits of membership. 2019 enrollment will be open mid-January.
Save $10 off the Keepsake Ornament Club membership if you join by September 30th, 2018. Enter promo code: KOCLUB during checkout.
2019 Sneak Peek: Little Green Apple’s In-Store Artist Signing Event
In conjunction with the Little Green Apple’s Friday night dinner in Lansing, MI, Hallmark Senior Artist Tammy Haddix shared a sneak peek of some of the designs she is working on for the 2019 Keepsake ornament line.
by Tammy Haddix
Cookies and Milk for Santa
Making Memories
12th in the series.
Holiday Parade
1st in the series.
Contributors to post: Janet
2019 Sneak Peek: Grand Strand Keepsake Collectors Club’s In-Store Artist Signing Event
In conjunction with the Grand Strand Keepsake Collectors Club’s Local Club Dinner in Myrtle Beach, SC, Hallmark Master Designer Joanne Eschrich and Hallmark Artist Sharon Visker shared a sneak peek of some of the designs they are working on for the 2019 Keepsake ornament line.
by Joanne Eschrich
Kris O. Kindly
Snowtop Lodge
15th in the series.
Family Love
by Sharon Visker
Season’s Treatings
11th in the series.
Dueling Gnomes
Contributors to post: kathy & Chloe
Q&A: Tom Best
Keepsake Artist Tom Best was asked to share a little more about being a Keepsake Artist. Here’s what he had to say!
Local Club News: September 2018
Here is the second Club communication that was received today.
Hello Local Club Presidents and Club Leaders! It’s hard to believe that August has come and gone and we are in the last 4 months of 2018. I hope you and your club members enjoyed the games we provided to you in June as well as the reveal of our July KOC Exclusive Product Shop ornaments.
As a valued member of our Keepsake family and an important influencer and communicator for your club members, we want to keep you informed about some important and fun information related to the KOC. As a reminder, we encourage you to forward this email on to your Local Club members and/or print or verbally share at your Local Club meeting. This Local Club President Email communication will arrive in your inbox five times a year: January, March, June, September, and December.
Here are a few important updates we want you to know about:
Member Exclusive Offer: KOC Flash Sale (2018 Comic Con Ornaments)
We are excited to share that on October 8, 2018 KOC Members will have the opportunity to purchase three of the 2018 Comic Con Keepsake Ornaments online or by calling 1-800-Hallmark. This special purchase opportunity will be available for all 2018 KOC members (even if you already purchased this year at the Comic Con Convention). Restriction of 1 ornament per KOC membership number remains.
Lando Calrissian™ and Lobot™
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back™
Lieutenant Arex and Lieutenant M’Ress*
STAR TREK: The Animated Series™
The Iron Giant
Ready Player One
*NOTE: Was also available at The Official STAR TREK™ Convention held August 1-5 in Las Vegas.
UPDATE (10.07.18) – FLASH SALE: The Comic Con Exclusive ornaments will go on sale on October 8 at 9:00 a.m. Central Time. But don’t wait long – supplies are limited.
UPDATE (10.08.18 @ 11:54 a.m.) – the Lando Calrissian™ and Lobot™, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back™ set has SOLD OUT.
UPDATE (10.23.18) – the Lieutenant Arex and Lieutenant M’Ress, STAR TREK: The Animated Series™ set has SOLD OUT.
Available on Hallmark.com or by calling 1-(800)-HALLMARK
ONLINE ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS
– Go to: Hallmark.com
– Click on: Account (at top of page)
– Click on : Sign in
– Enter: Email address and Password
– Click on: SIGN IN button
– Click on: Hi, Name (at top of page)
– Click on: Keepsake Ornament Club
– Find your Active membership
– Click on: Options
– Click on: Purchase Product Shop ornaments
– Scroll to the bottom of page to see Product Shop offerings
– Click on ADD TO CART for each ornament you wish to purchase.
When finished Click on CHECKOUT> and process order as usual