1988 Reveal: Keepsake Ornament Collection Puzzle
Keepsake Ornament Collection Puzzle
Puzzle Plus series.
New Puzzle Features Keepsake Ornaments
What has five hundred movable parts and is covered with your favorite Keepsake Ornaments?
No…it’s not your Christmas tree. It’s the new “Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Collection” jigsaw puzzle for 1988!
The puzzle features nineteen different Keepsake Ornaments that span the years from 1975 through 1987. They were chosen by the designer of the puzzle, Kim Warner.
“I wanted the group of ornaments to look like a personal collection that someone started in childhood,” she says.
“The photograph has a soft antique glow,” Warner continues. “I imagined that the ornaments were stored at Grandma’s house. She has just opened the chest and is starting to unpack the ornaments because it’s time to trim the family tree.”
Warner, who is a photo designer in Hallmark’s Season. Design Studio, says she arranged the ornaments to showcase their character and detail. “I created a setting that would complement the designs and reflect how much these ornaments are truly cherished by collectors.
“The wooden chest is an antique,” she explains. “It dates back to 1803 and is part of the Jerry Smith Collection of antiques and collectibles.”
Warner adds that she grouped the ornaments close together to heighten the complexity of the photograph. “A puzzle needs to be both challenging to assemble and beautiful when it’s complete,” she says. “The intricacy of Keepsake Ornaments makes them ideal for a puzzle.”
When you open the puzzle box, you’ll discover that there’s a surprise in-side. The puzzle is part of the Hallmark Puzzle Plus series and comes with a brass snowflake Trimmer ornament. It’s a gift from Hallmark and a real “plus” for you.
“New Puzzle Features Keepsake Ornaments.” COLLECTOR’S COURIER Volume 2, Number Two: 4.
500 interlocking pieces.
18″ w. x 23.5″ h.
$8.95 USA
1988 Sneak Peek: Little Angel Makes Big Series Debut
Little “Buttercup” will fly into your home and heart this Christmas. Designed by Hallmark stylist Mary Hamilton, this angel is the first ornament in the new “Mary’s Angels” Collectible Series.
Collectors will recognize Hamilton’s design because her artwork goes back to the beginnings of the Keepsake line. A 1974 glass ball named “Charmers” was the first Keepsake Ornament to feature her appealing characters.
In the following years, Hamilton angels, children, and animals appeared on several different ball ornaments, including commemoratives, and on acrylic designs such as the 1977 “Drummer Boy! “Buttercup” is the very first three-dimensional Hamilton design in the Keepsake collection.
It’s no surprise that Hamilton’s designs are favorites with collectors. Her artwork has appeared on hundreds of Hallmark products such as cards, plaques, books and calendars. The Hallmark Nativity Collection of porcelain figurines and Christmas series of limited edition pewter plates also feature her designs.
Hamilton joined the Hallmark creative staff in 1955 after attending the Kansas City Art Institute. People who know her say her characters reflect her own gentle smile and friendly blue eyes.
The artist says she started drawing children and scenery when she was a child. “I loved to create whimsical fantasy worlds with my pencils and brushes,” she explains.
All of the angel ornaments in the new series begin with Hamilton’s original paintings.
These paintings are then transformed into three-dimensional figures by a Hallmark sculptor. Robert Chad was given the challenge to sculpt “Buttercup.” In addition to being the first ornament in the “Mary’s Angels” series, “Buttercup” is the first ornament Chad sculpted for the Keepsake line.
“I wanted to recreate the gentle quality of Mary’s drawings,” he says. “I knew the angel had to portray the soft, flowing look of her artwork.”
Buttercup
Mary’s Angels
1st in the series.
Every detail of the ornament contributes to this effect. “The way the angel’s dress drapes over the cloud gives the design a peaceful, gentle appearance,” Chad explains. “The pastel colors and pearly wings reflect the soft mood of the ornament.”
When collectors examine this first edition closely, they’ll find Hamilton’s signature “Mary” and a series symbol on the bottom of the frosted acrylic cloud.
“Little Angel Makes Big Series Debut.” Collector’s COURIER Volume 1, Number Three: 7.
1987 Reveal: Member Exclusives
Of course, wishes come true. especially when they are made by Hallmark ornament collectors!
The new Keepsake Ornament Collector’s Club was formed in direct response to the wishes of ornament collectors across the nation. “Letters inquiring about a club have been pouring into Hallmark for some time,” says Pam Brown, club manager. “Several local clubs have been started, but collectors wanted a national club.”
According to Brown, two major benefits members seek from a national club are exclusive ornaments and inside information.
Wreath of Memories
1987 Charter Member Keepsake of Membership.
In 1987, two ornaments are available exclusively to club members. The first is the “Keepsake of Membership” which is mailed to collectors in the membership kit. This intricate ornament, named “Wreath of Memories” was sculpted by Duane Unruh.
“The wreath has special meaning for our members,” Unruh explains. “It’s decorated with miniature reproductions of popular Keepsake Ornaments from the past such as the ‘Rocking Horse’ and ‘Clothespin Soldier. The design also carries the club logo engraved in brass.”
The second club ornament for 1987, “Carousel Reindeer,” shows a reindeer prancing inside a hoop with the club’s logo printed on the bottom. Club members can order it directly from their Hallmark dealers by using the certificate enclosed in the membership kit.
Linda Sickman, the sculptor of this design, explains how it symbolizes both the history and the evolution of the Keepsake Ornament line. “The handcrafted hoop resembles the early “Nostalgia’ ornaments that were offered in 1975, 76, and ’77“, she says. “But the elegant, contemporary look of the reindeer reflects the artists’ continuing efforts to keep the ornaments innovative and fresh in design.”
Brown emphasizes that both 1987 club ornaments are dated and carry the inscription, “1987 Charter Member.” Club members must order the “Carousel Reindeer” from their Hallmark dealers by May 1, 1988, and orders are limited to one ornament per membership. The ornament becomes available September 1, 1987.
Members also will receive annually two issues of the Collector’s Courier – the official club newsletter.
“The Courier is our communications link,” explains Brown. ” It will feature artist interviews, ornament previews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the planning of the Keepsake line.
“The newsletter will provide a forum for members to share their experiences as collectors,” Brown continues, “since we plan to print selected member letters.
“The Hallmark staff is very excited about the club,” says Brown. “It’s the beginning of a wonderful two-way exchange of ideas and insights.”
“Wishes do come true.” Collector’s Courier 1 Number One 1987: 1-2.