In Memory of – Donna Lee (Hill)
Donna Lee
December 2, 1937 – February 8, 2011
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of beloved Hallmark Keepsake Artist Donna Lee. Please click on the attached links to see her full obituary or sign her guest book.
Here is an article I found at hookedonornaments.com that eloquently summarizes Donna’s career.
Hallmark Keepsake Studio Artist, Donna Lee sculpted hundreds of Hallmark Keepsake ornaments before her retirement in 1993. At the time of her retirement Donna had sculpted all of the Nostalgic Houses and Shops, one of Hallmark’s most popular series. The ornaments that Donna designed for Nostalgic Houses and Shops were inspired by the buildings, the people and her memories from childhood; as were many of the ornaments that she designed.
One of the original four artists chosen to begin the Keepsake Ornament department, Donna Lee joined Ed Seale, Peter Dutkin and Linda Sickman as the artists responsible for giving life to the Hallmark Keepsake ornament line that we still love today. In 1975 Hallmark introduced the first ‘handcrafted’ ornaments to the Keepsake line. There were twelve handcrafted ornaments that first year and Donna Lee was responsible for the six Adorable Adornment ornaments.
Besides the Nostalgic Houses and Shops series, Donna created many more of Hallmark ornaments most memorable designs. Before the beginning of Keepsakes, Donna was working in Hallmark’s Specialty Design Department. During her time there she brought in a prototype of a goofy looking reindeer; that reindeer became one of Hallmark’s all time best selling properties, Rodney Reindeer. In 1982 the Musical Angel became the first in an unofficial collection of angels that Donna calls the ‘mischievous angels.’ Collectors simply call them the Donna Lee angels. Donna Lee also championed the miniature ornament line. Original market research caused Hallmark to reject the idea of the miniature line. Donna Lee was instrumental in persuading some of the other studio artists to help her create a small tree complete with miniature ornaments. When presented with the result and shown the concept the miniature line was approved.
In 1993 Donna Lee retired from Hallmark primarily due to her health. But after a couple of years of retirement Donna pleased collectors by introducing the short lived Starry Eyed Ornaments. The Starry Eyed ornaments were only produced for a short period of time, but the detail of these ornaments is extraordinary and like most of Donna’s Hallmark designs, each had a story of its own.
Some information for this article came from: “Still Following Her Star – The Story of Donna Lee and the Ornaments She Creates” by Donna Lee with Deborah Shouse.
Related Story Kansas City Star Tribute | Donna Hill, She truly followed her star
2011 Sneak Peek: Susan G. Komen For the Cure Ornament
Two dollars from the sale of this ornament will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to support breast cancer research.
Angel of Inspiration
2011 Sneak Peek (Family Fun Around The Tree)
Eight new Family Fun Around the Tree interactive Keepsake ornaments will join 5 returning favorites from 2010.
New ornaments include: mischievous hiding elves, Lumpy the Coal and a new T’was a Month Before Christmas countdown ornament that helps consumers anticipate the big day.
‘Twas the Month Before Christmas Countdown
Get a Peek at Two New Wizard of Oz Ornaments
Wicked With of the West
The Wizard of Oz
Glinda the Good Witch
The Wizard of Oz
Graduation 2011 Keepsake Ornament
Available beginning May 9, 2011.
2011 Graduate
Photo holder
Confirmation & Communion Keepsake Ornament
This spring Hallmark will be releasing a first ever Keepsake ornament to commemorate Baptism, Confirmation & First Holy Communion ceremonies. Available beginning March 28, 2011.
Coordinates with “Heaven’s Holy Love” (QXG7733) from 2010.
Milestone in Faith
2011 Sneak Peek: The Twelve Days of Christmas
Partridge in a Pear Tree
The Twelve Days of Christmas
1st in the series.
Although the new “Twelve Days of Christmas” series appears to be the most eagerly anticipated series coming out in 2011, everyone seems to be reserving their judgment until they see the 1st in series, Partridge in a Pear Tree.
Will it be 2 dimensional or figural? Will it be traditional or contemporary? Will it be comprised of singular pieces or have dangling attachments? Well what would you think if it looked like this?
Announcement: Club Exclusive Switzerland Santa Offer (UPDATE)
Switzerland
Santas Around the World
Although the deadline for ordering this KOC exclusive Switzerland Santa was December 31, 2010, stores have until January 31, 2011 to place their orders, as such you may still have some time to get your order in.
Another Keepsake Studio Artist Retires
Rumors have it that Master Sculptor and Keepsake Studio artist Sue Tague has retired. Although Hallmark hasn’t released an official announcement regarding Sue’s retirement, both her profile and list of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments have been removed from the studio artists section of the Hallmark kocmembers.com website.
Sue worked for Hallmark for 46 years, both full time and as a contract artist. Initially, she planned on staying at Hallmark for only a few years and then going on to London to study printmaking. But love for her work (as well for her husband and family) kept her in Kansas City.
Announcement: Atlanta Market (Season’s Treatings) Repaint
Season’s Treatings
Special Edition
Hallmark retailers who attended the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market® (Atlanta Market) held on January 12-19, 2011 received an advanced preview of the 2011 Holiday Gift and Keepsake ornament lines.
Additionally they were given a repainted version of the 3rd ornament in the Season’s Treatings series. Limited 1 per attendee.