2015 Reveal: Holiday Barbie
We know that Barbie’s holiday dress is a BIG deal. Keep an eye out on June 1 for the big reveal!
Holiday Barbie™ Ornament
1st in the series
2015 KOC Membership Kits Start Shipping
Hallmark has reported that the 2015 KOC membership ornaments have started shipping!
Today 7,200 went out the door with more to follow.
If they have an e-mail address for you on file, they will e-mail you a shipping confirmation so you know when your kit has been sent out.
Keepsake Artists Live Chats on Facebook (UPDATED)
It’s official! the dates for the LIVE CHATS with the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Artists have been set.
Hallmark Master Designer, Edythe Kegrize will be on the Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Facebook page on Tuesday, June 23 at 2 p.m. CST and Hallmark Production Designer, Orville Wilson will be the Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Facebook page on Tuesday, July 7 at 1 p.m. CST.
Edythe Kegrize
Hallmark Master Designer
Location: Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Facebook page
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Time: 2:00 p.m. CST
Orville Wilson
Hallmark Production Designer
Location: Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Facebook page
Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2015 Rescheduled Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Time: 1:00 p.m. CST
During these times, you can chat with the artist, ask; questions; learn more about them, and there will be giveaways!
To participate simply set up a Facebook account and click on the Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Facebook page link on the set date.
First POS Kiddie Car Classics Model
The warehouse has given the full-sized “1949 Gillham™ Sport” die-cast Kiddie Car model a POS (permanently out-of-stock)* designation, as such retailers can no longer re-order it. Once stores sell their existing inventory, they will be SOLD OUT!
1949 Gillham™ Sport
* POS (Permanently Out-of-Stock) – A designation given to an item that is no longer available for retailers to reorder. That said, keep in mind that any item ordered prior to the sell out will be shipped to retailers. Depending on the quantities a retailer initially ordered, it may be faced with an early sell out. If you are looking to purchases this item, you may want to do so early.
2015 Keepsake Ornament Puzzle
This year’s classic Keepsakes puzzle, “Santa’s World”, features a collection of dioramas created by several Hallmark Keepsake Studio artists.
“Where in the world is Santa? Take a peek into the secret world of the North Pole’s most famous residents with this jolly collection of Keepsake Ornaments from Hallmark. Whether he’s on a rocket to the stars, cruising in a hot rod, or planning his trip around the globe, Santa knows how to have fun 365 days a year!
Santa’s World
Classic Keepsakes Puzzle
NOTE: The artwork that this years Keepsake Ornament puzzle is based on is currently on display at the Hallmark Visitors Center.
Premium Father Christmas Price Change
The Father Christmas premium* ornament by Joanne Eschrich will retail for $34.95 USA, not $49.95 USA as indicated in the 2015 Dream Book!
Will this price change effect your decision on whether to get this piece?
Father Christmas
*Premium styled ornaments feature the finest materials and embellishments. Available in October. Hallmark Gold Crown Exclusives.
Throwback: The First Four
With the Dream Book Party, and its accompanying Keepsake Ornament Sneak Peek presentation, being Saturday, this week’s throwback Thursday takes you back to the very first sneak peek, a sneak peek that predates the ornament line itself.
The First Four
Sue Tague’s Elves Were There at the Start
Artist Sue Tague can personally trace Keepsake Ornaments’ history back full circle–and for her the circle is actually a ball ornament.
The story really begins with four ball ornaments decorated with original artwork–something that hadn’t been seen on the market before.
On December 13, 1972, Hallmark explored the ornament marketing potential by shipping boxes, each containing four ball ornaments, to drug stores around the country. An accompany letter asked the drug store owners to evaluate the ornament samples–because they might be part of a new Hallmark product line.
One of the ornaments in the box was called Elves, and Sue’s original artwork was on it. The others were Betsey Clark (Musicians), Santa With Elves, and Manger Scene.
Needless to say, those who saw the ornaments were enthusiastic. The original four ornaments went from being samples for drug store owners to becoming part of the first Keepsake Ornaments line–comprised of only 18 ornaments–shipped in 1973.
After her initial ornament success, it took Sue almost 20 years to officially become a Keepsake Ornaments artist. Though she began working for Hallmark in 1964, she joined the Keepsake studio in 1994. For most of her Hallmark career she illustrated greeting cards and books–specializing in a kind of character style called “Charmers.” In fact, it was her illustrations of charming little elves that earned her the chance to join the select group of artists designing the first set of Hallmark ornaments.
“I had done drawings of tiny elves in Little Seeds of Wisdom, which was a card line that was made into a gift book,” Sue recalls. “Since elves are part of holiday legend, I was asked to design an ornament with elves.” And the rest is history. Sue says she’s still a bit surprised at how quickly Keepsake Ornaments became popular.
“At the time, I hadn’t seen Christmas ornaments with original artwork on them,” she recalls. “I remember asking myself if anyone would like them. I guess they did!”
Reprint of: “The First Four, Sue Tague’s Elves Were There at the Start”
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, The Inside Stories From the Artists Who Create Them by John Peterson.
Local Clubs Receive Second Mailing for 2015
The second of four mailings that Local Clubs will be receiving from the national Keepsake Ornament Club is currently being delivered to Club Sponsors/Club Contacts. The shipment contains:
- May 2105 issue of Collectively Speaking
- Dream Book Party Keepsake Ornament Sneak Peek presentation. Revealed in this Sneak Peek is some very exciting product news, including a preview of some 2016 2nd in series ornaments and an early look at some of the 2016 Keepsake Ornament Club exclusives!
- In addition to the Sneak Peek, there is a surprise–two free Keepsake Ornaments for your club to use as raffle prizes, register-to-win prizes or however your club chooses.
NOTE: We have reports of clubs receiving: “Out of Time in Oz” and “Little Reindeer” both from 2013. What ornaments did your Club receive? Please let us know in the comments section below.
Out of Time in Oz
Special Edition
Little Reindeer
Tammy Haddix
Throwback: Keepsake Ornament Showcase
With the introduction of the Premium designs this year, this week’s throwback Thursday takes you back to the “Keepsake Ornament Showcase” collection, the first time Hallmark introduced premium materials into the Keepsake Ornament line. Here is how they described each of the four collections that debuted that year…
When we set out to name our new ornament collection, Keepsake Ornament Showcase seemed perfect. These designs are indeed a showcase for the creativity, craftsmanship and enduring quality that have made our ornaments so cherished. As with all of our ornaments, each design is sculpted by a Hallmark artist and made of the finest materials. All to create ornaments that you and your family will treasure for years to come. We invite you to come see the Keepsake Ornament Showcase and make these remarkable ornaments a part of your Christmas celebrations.
Portraits in Bisque – Favorite holiday scenes inspired by the work of Norman Rockwell and artwork reminiscent of the Victorian age are captured in fine bisque porcelain—known for its ability to hold intricate details just as the artist sculpted them—would do for these nostalgic ornaments. Each ornament features sculpted, bas-relief designs on both sides and the year date.
Folk Art Americana – The craft of wood carving has a long and rich tradition. For generations, artisans have created unique pieces of holiday folk art with little more than a chisel and their hands. Now we carry on that tradition with this collection of handsome Christmas ornaments. We cast each ornament design individually to remain true to every interesting angle and cut made by our artist. Each design carries the year date.
Polar Bear Adventure
Folk Art Americana
Old World Silver – You’ll marvel at the beauty of these designs created in the likeness of early European Christmas ornaments. The detailed engraving and lavish silver plating give each a look of Old-World sophistication. Each is year dated and individually cast. No matter where you display them, these elegant ornaments are sure to conjure up visions of Christmases long ago.
Holiday Enchantment – The magic and wonder of Christmas comes to life in the full-color artwork gracing the ornaments in this collection. In creating these ornaments, we embellished the artwork with gold, then carefully fired the art to fine porcelain. The styling of the entire collection is from fine works of art created over the centuries. Each ornament carries the year date and features a quotation on the back that will add to its meaning and enjoyment.
Reprint of: “KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT Showcase” brochure (493RCB303) 1993 Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Destination Keepsakes Event Exclusive Piece
The final KOC event exclusive piece, a repaint of Teeny Tiny Sweets Shop, has been revealed.
Teeny Tiny Sweets Shop
Special Edition
Repaint of 2015
Teeny Tiny Sweets Shop
Destination Keepsakes Event Exclusive
Teeny Tiny Sweets Shop
Special Edition
Repaint of 2015
Teeny Tiny Sweets Shop
Destination Keepsakes Event Exclusive