2019 Sneak Peek: Carrie‘s Hallmark Shop’s In-Store Artist Signing Event
In conjunction with the Carrie‘s Hallmark Shop Friday night dinner in Jefferson City, MO, Hallmark Master Designer Edythe Kegrize shared a sneak peek of some of the designs she is working on for the 2019 Keepsake ornament line.
by Edythe Kegrize
Summer Tanager
The Beauty of Birds
15th in the series.
Tiny Black Cat
Miniature
Contributors to post: Linda
2019 Sneak Peek: Norman‘s Hallmark Shop’s In-Store Artist Signing Event
In conjunction with the Norman‘s Hallmark Shop Friday night dinner in Langhorne, PA, Hallmark Senior Artist Kristina Gaughran shared a sneak peek of some of the designs she is working on for the 2019 Keepsake ornament line.
by Kristina Gaughran
Cozy Cup
Petite Penguins
4th in the series.
Football Star
Contributors to post: Elliott the Elf
Artist Journal: Joanne Eschrich (Celebrating 37 years!)
Monday, September 17, 2018
Dave Hall, Joanne Eschrich, and Don Hall Jr.
WoW! How good times fly! I’ll try to make my story/journey brief:
In 1981 Hallmark offered me an artist position in Greeting Cards, but weeks before starting, they called and asked if I would help out in the “Gift and Occasion” department that created everything else but cards. (gift wrap, bags, stickers, albums, party, etc… and yes, Merry Miniatures) Of course I said yes and began my exciting career as an illustration artist for Hallmark. I mostly painted cute animals and even helped out my Supervisor who had newly created a character called “Rainbow Brite”. I learned so much from G.G. Santiago, including sculpting. I loved creating in 3D. It was as though I could make my drawings come to life. 14 years later, Patti Streeper and Don Hall Jr., who ran Keepsakes at the time, asked me to “hang up my 2D paint brush” and join them in Keepsakes. Once I started, I never looked back! I loved it, not just for the product, but for the opportunity to meet all of you who truly enjoy what we do. Thank you for making my switch in careers so worthwhile and so rewarding. You are very much appreciated.
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