For Keeps: Volume 17, Issue 4 Fall 2018
We hope you enjoy this issue of For Keeps. It is loaded with behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the Keepsake videos, Hallmarks trip to Poland, 2019 sneak peeks and so much more!
- From the Keepsake Studio
- Ornament Debut is almost here!
- A Touch Of The Tropics
- A Yearly Special In Your Home
- A Very Costal Christmas
- From your TV to your tree
- Order Up!
- Bringing A Classic To The Small Screen
- Bringing you something special from across the ocean
- Telling the artist’s story
- A little peek at 2019 club ornaments
- A Trip To The Ballet
- We All Scream For Ice Cream
- Clubs built on caring:
- The Keepsake Keepers – Olathe, Kansas
- The Capital Collectors – Charleston, West Virginia
- Tis The Season For Making Memories Ornament Club – Akron, Ohio
- Save the date
For Keeps – The Official Newsletter of the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Club.
2019 Sneak Peek: Member Exclusives
Two of the Member Exclusive offerings for 2019 have been revealed.
Sugar Plum Fairy
Nutcracker Sweet
1st in the series.
Sugar Plum Fairy (2019)
1st in the Nutcracker Sweet series.
For her new limited-series ornament collection, Edythe Kegrize delved into her memories watching the ballet. “I went to this ballet several times as a child and loved the colorful, elaborate costumes and creative set designs. I still enjoy the music each Christmas,” Edythe recalls. Each ornament in her new Nutcracker Sweet series will feature a character from the famous ballet. Edythe describes them as “sweet, simple forms and inspired by clothespin dolls and simple wooden ornaments from Germany. The colorful costumes will have fabric, crystals and other attachments for a more handcrafted quality.”
Christmas Window 2019
(North Pole Creamery)
17th in the Christmas Windows series.
Christmas Window 2019
Christmas Windows
17th in the series.
For the next ornament in her Christmas Window series (17th), Tammy Haddix didn’t have to look far for inspiration. “My window ornaments are always inspired by my boys and the things they like,” Tammy says. And the watchful observer just might recognize an old friend on next year’s ornament. “Since my pet shop window ornament, I’ve always included a little spaniel dog. And I’ve always wanted to create the scene of a boy getting a small ice cream cone for the dog! This sweet dog is his best friend, just like my Baxter, our labradoodle, is for my boys.” Tammy hopes next year’s window brings back fond memories of the ice cream shops of yesteryear. “I sure know I was craving ice cream as I sculpted it!”
Excerpted from: “A little peek at 2019 club ornaments,” For Keeps: Volume 17, Issue 4, Fall 2018”
Artist Journal: Joanne Eschrich (Christmas Angels series original concept & process)
Monday, September 24, 2018
I thought I’d share with you my original concept that started my Angel Series.
I first created my concept sheet to sell my idea. Then once it was excepted, I had my daughter pose for me so that my proportions were correct. I then researched different hairstyles with braids, then chose my color palette for skin. At this time I also went out and gathered fabrics that fit my idea both in color and texture. I normally research and gather as much information as I can before i start sculpting on something. It makes it easier and more finished in the end.
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.