Hallmark Live
A new exhibit at the Hallmark Visitors Center called “Hallmark Live” provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creativity and artistry that go into the making of Hallmark’s most popular products, including Keepsake Ornaments.
If you will be arriving in Kansas City a few days before the Keepsake Ornament Club event, be sure to stop by the Visitors Center between 1-2 p.m. to experience this unique place and visit with a different Keepsake Ornament artist each day. Although signing is not allowed, this is a great opportunity to meet the artists in a more intimate setting.
Here’s is the schedule of the Keepsake Ornament artists that will be featured during the week leading up to the event:
- Mon., July 29 – Anita Marra Rogers
- Tues., July 30 – Kris Gaughran and Tammy Haddix
- Wed., July 31 – Don Palmiter
- Thurs., August 1 – Sharon Visker and Joanne Eschrich
2013 Ornament Debut Reveal – Ornament 1 (Clue #1)
Four Keepsake Ornaments remain to be revealed for 2013.
Our 2013 clues are arriving! Each week we’ll release a new video leading up to the big video reveal of these four special ornaments in mid-September. Then see them in stores during Ornament Debut Weekend, October 5 & 6. Let the guessing begin!
Click on the image below to play the video.
THIS ORNAMENT’S STAR IS AN ORNAMENT, HIMSELF
BUT NOT ONE YOU’D FIND ON A TREE OR A SHELF
AND LIKE ANY star, HE’S CERTAINLY bright
THANKS TO THE token HE’S BRINGING TO light
Let’s see if we can collectively figure this out. Enter your best guess in the comment section of this post.
ORNAMENT DEBUT REVEAL ORNAMENT #1
$14.95 USA QXG1455
Your Tree’s Newest Champion
Hallmark has announced they will be releasing a third Hockey ornament later this year.
In addition to the Bobby Orr (Boston Bruins®) ornament that will be one of the 180 ornaments released this weekend in conjunction with Ornament Premiere, and the Maurice Richard (Montreal Canadiens) Canadian exclusive ornament that will be released on October 5, an updated version of the 2010 Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks®) Keepsake Ornament-now sporting the jersey (and playoff beard) he wore as he led his Blackhawks to victory-will also be released as part of the 2013 Keepsake Ornament line.
This ornament which was not included in the 2013 Dream Book will arrive in stores in mid-October.
Patrick Kane
Chicago Blackhawks®
Featured Artist: Robert Hurlburt
Title:
Tech Artist II
Started at Hallmark:
November 1978
Started at Keepsakes:
November 2004
Hometown:
Holden, Missouri
.
How was Keepsake artist Robert Hurlburt able to wow his grandsons and pay tribute to a fallen hero with his two latest ornaments. Continue reading to find out.
Get it right is Robert Hurlburt’s mantra. Even as a child, Robert took a scientific approach to his art. No purple suns in his boyhood pictures. He enjoyed sketching celebrities from photographs. “I wanted to see how close I could get,” he says. With that kind of mindset and determination, it’s no surprise that when he was hired at Hallmark over 25 years ago, Robert excelled in the detail-focused engraving department.
In late 2004, he brought his talents to the Keepsake department, which he calls “a whole new game.” Just a month into his job, Robert was asked to design. His first ornament, a Star Wars™ piece, was available in 2006.
As the Keepsake Artists continue to collaborate, Robert is challenged with finding ways to keep the creative process simple and the sculpture detailed. Robert is hooked on working with three-dimensional product, and his scientific mind continues to question how to take his artwork further. The daily one-hour commute to Hallmark gives him plenty of time to think about ornament design. When he’s home, Robert is a soybean farmer. He and his wife share their 40-acre homestead with horses, ducks and chickens and are considering adding llamas to the collection.
Hallmark Reveals Plans and Exclusive Keepsake Ornaments for Comic-Con 2013
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 25, 2013) — Hallmark will make its sixth appearance at Comic-Con International next month in San Diego, taking part in the largest comic book and popular arts convention in the world. Hallmark will provide more than 100,000 attendees access to Comic-Con-exclusive Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, a brand that celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2013. Other perks include visits with a Keepsake Ornament artist and sneak peeks of Hallmark products to be released in 2014.
During the convention, held July 18-21, 2013, Hallmark will sell limited quantities of the following Keepsake Ornaments:
Wrath of the Rancor
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi™
Created especially for event sales, this ornament captures Luke Skywalker’s struggle with the savage creature dwelling below Jabba the Hutt’s palace as seen in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi™. The Keepsake Ornament is part of Hallmark’s commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the film’s release. Sales limited to 200 pieces per day at each event for a total production run of 1,800 ($35 each).
Federation starship U.S.S. Kelvin provided the wildly exciting and emotionally stirring scenes kicking off 2009’s feature film Star Trek. Featuring battery-powered light, this is a “battle-scarred” variant of the same Keepsake Ornament available starting July 13 in Hallmark Gold Crown® stores. Sales limited to 175 pieces per day at each event for a total production run of 1,575 ($35 each).
U.S.S. Kelvin
Star Trek
Man of Steel
Superman
Inspired by this summer’s big-screen adventure of the same name, this event exclusive features Superman™ in the dark version of his iconic uniform he wore while experiencing General Zod’s nightmarish vision of Earth’s future. This is a color variant of the Keepsake Ornament available in Hallmark Gold Crown stores in July. Sales limited to 150 pieces per day at each event for a total production run of 1,350 ($25 each).These event-exclusive Keepsake Ornaments will also be available to attendees at New York Comic Con, Oct. 10-13, 2013.
“We’re thrilled to return to Comic-Con this year as we celebrate 40 years of turning memories into magic with Keepsake Ornaments,” said Beth Dorr, associate merchandise manager for Keepsake Ornaments. “We look forward to interacting with our passionate fans and sharing first looks at our new Hallmark products. We’ll also have fan-favorite activities, such as daily pin giveaways, autograph sessions with a Hallmark Keepsake Ornament artist, and for Star Wars fans, appearances by the 501st Legion, Stephen Costantino and Deep Roy, and an Ewok photo-opportunity.”
Visitors to Hallmark’s booth in the Lucasfilm Pavilion will be able to meet and receive free autographs from Orville Wilson, one of the Hallmark artists behind the Man of Steel Keepsake Ornament. The actors behind Star Wars characters Droopy McCool (Deep Roy) and the Gamorrean Guard on Jabba’s Sail Barge (Stephen Costantino) will also be on hand to sign autographs.
Also making a return are character visits from fan favorites hoops&yoyo. Attendees can view many of the new 2013 Keepsake Ornaments, including Iron Patriot™ and K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider, as well as get a sneak peek of what’s ahead for 2014.
A series of collectible buttons featuring five Keepsake Ornaments will be available for fan pick up. The series features five designs, with a limited quantity of one design given away each day of Comic-Con.
An official schedule of all Hallmark fan activities at Comic-Con will be available at the Hallmark booth in the Lucasfilm Pavilion.
2013 KOC Event Reminders & Sneak Peek
August is almost here and that means it’s almost time for the 2013 Keepsake Ornament Club event, “Hangin’ with your Buddies!” Here are some reminders, an opportunity for you, and a fun sneak peek so make sure you read every detail.
REMINDERS!
Please remember that no packets will be mailed in advance. You will pick up your registration packet on-site at the event.
Here are some additional tips to help get you started:
New this year, you will be able to pick up your registration packet* and gift bag on Thursday evening from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- On Friday morning Hallmark will open registration packet pick-up at 8:00 a.m. If you have a Friday morning signing time of 8:00 a.m. or 8:30 a.m., Hallmark will open the product shop on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Friday morning at 7:00 a.m. so you can pick up your product* in advance. You will need to show your Friday 8:00 a.m. or 8:30 a.m. signing time ticket to be admitted to the product shop before 8:00 a.m. on Friday.*NOTE: You MUST have photo identification to pick up your registration packet and your pre-paid product. This was clearly stated during the registration process, so please be prepared to show your i.d. You will not be allowed to pick up registration packets for anyone else, even if you have their identification with you. This is for the protection of all our valued members and we appreciate your cooperation.
- New attendees – If this is your first KOC event and you want to learn some insider information and ask questions about the experience, don’t forget to attend the New Attendee Orientation on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Sheraton Ballroom/Chicago BC.
PARTICIPATE!
The artists want to hear from you! During our Local Club Dinner on Friday, artists will be answering questions submitted by KOC members. If you have a particular question you’d like to ask, e-mail the Club and let them know. They’ll be answering random questions during the dinner. ALL QUESTIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY E-MAIL NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, JULY 3 AT 5:00 P.M. CENTRAL TIME. Please send questions to: info@kocevents.com and write “Artists Questions” in the subject line.
SNEAK PEEK!
The KOC is so excited about Anita Marra Rogers’ wood carving of Santa, they just couldn’t wait to share it with you. This beautifully painted wood sculpture was designed by Anita during a wood carving workshop she attended with other Keepsake Artists, and is one of three wood carvings that will be auctioned at the 2013 KOC Event on August 3. This year’s auction proceeds will be donated to CureSearch Center for Children’s Cancer.
You may recognize the puppy Santa is holding, as he is inspired by Anita’s childhood memories. Dusty, a cocker spaniel, was the dog of one of Anita’s best friends, and the puppy who caused us all to fall in love with the Puppy Love series as he was the first. All special dogs deserve special treats.
If you look close enough, you’ll see Santa has a treat hiding for Dusty in his coat pocket.
We can’t wait to see you in Kansas City!
New Faces in Keepsakes
Some might say that daydreaming children aren’t often appreciated for their individuality. “Same school uniform, same shoes, same hairstyle—I was not like that!” Chieko’s creativity had her sticking out like a sore thumb in Japan, but it’s helped her flourish as a designer here in Kansas City—first as a Hallmark Designer for plush and finally as a Keepsake Ornament Artist.
Chieko Kineri
Designer IV
Chieko’s tinkering with toys has led to a career filled with all the quirks and perks of a creative professional. She started by working for toy companies designing plush characters when she picked up her very first job after graduation. Her various roles at companies in Hong Kong and Japan forged a path to a temporary position in New Jersey.
After learning that her dream job at Hallmark opened up, Chieko knew she had found the perfect place to call home. Her love of Missouri is strengthened by one thing in particular: “Nature! It’s great for kids.” Chieko’s creative spirit influences how she’s raising her daughter in some surprising ways. “Kids need to be bored! That’s how they start creating things and really using their brains.”
Chieko’s vibrant designs have made her an exciting addition to the Keepsake Ornament team. Her very first ornament, Reindeer Food, is just a sampling of the many adorable additions to look forward to in the future.
Featured Artist: Debra Murray
Title:
Hallmark Senior Artist
Started at Hallmark:
August 13, 1997
Started at Keepsakes:
August 13, 1997
Hometown:
Clinton, Iowa
What do you get when you cross a lifelong love of THE WIZARD OF OZ™ and a birthday that falls the day before Halloween? If your Debra Murray, you get the perfect inspiration to create this Halloween-themed ornament, just in time for the classic film’s 75th anniversary.
Sculpting horses can be tricky, but this labor of love has become a life-long passion for Deb. Her authentically inspired designs take a sharp eye for detail that comes from growing up around horses—and around the growing collection of models on her desk!
Deb always loved art…and her beautiful show horses. These were, after all, the inspiration and models for her first drawings and paintings. When it came time for college, she went to beauty school rather than an arts program. Deb knew she didn’t want to teach, but she didn’t know there were other options with an art degree! Ironically, Deb now uses her cosmetology experience to fashion the hair and makeup on Madame Alexander® ornaments.
In addition to her other talents, Deb used to sew wedding gowns, and she is able to use that fashion experience in the fabric attachments she creates for our ornaments. Deb loves the details of her job, from dreaming up new ornament concepts to the intricate sculpting detail involved in bringing her sculpts to life.
And more than a Keepsakes Artist, Deb is the proud mother of Mallory who “expresses her art through words,” has successfully achieved her Masters in Communication and is now a proud wife and mom herself.
In Deb’s spare time, she enjoys painting, interior design and exploring the great outdoors.
If you’re looking to follow Deb’s work on Keepsake Ornaments in the future, keep an eye out for the name Debra Nielsen—it’s her new name after marrying fellow Hallmarker Steve Goslin!
Halloween Wicked Witch of the West™ (2013)
“This particular ornament combines a few things that are very special to me. I used to paint the ornaments for the original sculptor of the Madame Alexander Doll® Keepsake Ornaments at Hallmark. When he retired, I asked if I could give them a try, and that ornament became my very first hand-sculpted piece.
“When I was growing up, I would watch The Wizard of Oz™ over and over again on TV. My father would say ‘Seriously, you’re going to watch that again?’—and I did! I passed that love onto my daughter. Now that she’s a mom, I’ll be able to share it with my grandson a few years down the road when we can watch it together.
“My birthday happens to be on the day before Halloween—and this doll is just so colorful in her Halloween dress! There are just so many cool dolls in The Wizard of Oz™ Madame Alexander® collection for fans to be excited about, I hope to be able to do more!”
The 2013 KOC Event has SOLD OUT
Hangin’ WITH YOUR BUDDIES!, The 2013 Keepsake Ornament Club event has sold out.
Update (5.15.13)
Registration for the 2013 KOC event has been reopened to accommodate an additional 100 registrants.
Update (6.22.13)
This event is now SOLD OUT!
Update (7.15.13)
The 2013 Event is sold out and no longer taking anyone on the waiting list.
2013 Kansas City Exclusive Keepsake Ornaments (UPDATE)
In addition to the six Kansas City Keepsake ornaments previously discovered in the KOC Artists Lists, two more ornaments have been unearthed. In total, eight Kansas City-themed ornaments are being released (in limited quantities) exclusively in Hallmark Gold Crown stores in the greater-Kansas City area beginning Ornament Premiere Weekend, July 13-14. Although inventories will be allocated, a majority of the stock has been set aside and will be available at Amy’s Hallmark in Crown Center during the 2013 KOC event, August 2-3. To reserve any of these ornaments, download this form. After you print and complete this form, call Amy’s Hallmark in Crown Center: (816) 283.0459 or mail it to: Amy’s Hallmark Shop, Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd #208, Kansas City, MO 64108-2516.
Grillin’ & Chillin’ in KC
Repaint of 2008 ornament.
The Plaza Lights
Kansas City
Alteration of 2012 Our Family photo holder.
Our Visit With Santa
Alteration of 2012 photo holder.
Ice Terrace
Repaint of 2011 Granddaughter ornament.
Crown Center
Alteration of 2011 Our First Christmas ornament.
Goin’ to Kansas City
Alteration of 2013 I’ve Been Everywhere ornament.
My Kind of Cow Town
Mooey Christmas*
*NOTE: Originally designed as a Kansas City Exclusive Keepsake Ornament. Repaint, “Mooey Christmas!” available beginning Gift of Memories Weekend, December 6-8, 2013.