Announcement: Keepsake Artist Debra Nielsen’s Retirement
Debra Nielsen
Hallmark Artist
Debra Nielsen, most widely known for her Barbie, Madame Alexander, A Pony for Christmas, and Dream Horse Keepsake Ornaments has announced her retirement from the Studio effective at the end of this month. Deb had 37 years of service to Hallmark and will be missed. We wish Deb all the best in her retirement.
Local Club News: July 2024
Here is the latest Club communication.
Dear Local Club Presidents,
Happy Summer from the Keepsake Village! We can’t wait to share more about all the exciting summer & fall plans we’ve been working on for you.
Attached you will find your Q3 2024 Local Club President update. In it, you will find info around the upcoming Ornament Premiere event, the KOC-exclusive weekend at the upcoming Hallmark Christmas Experience, remaining 2024 event dates, and more.
Press Release: Hallmark Gets Into the Holiday Spirit Early with Keepsake Ornament Premiere, July 13-21
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 9, 2024) – The holiday season may be a few months away, but Hallmark is getting into cheerful spirits early with Keepsake Ornament Premiere, July 13-21. The annual event releases more than 250 Keepsake Ornaments from Hallmark’s 2024 collection, including a new 12 Days of Christmas first-in-series ornament and ShowToppers – unique mini tree toppers that fit perfectly on the Mini ShowToppers Tree.
Partridge in A Pear Tree
12 Days of Christmas
1st in the series.
“Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments serve as a special tradition to bring people together and celebrate favorite memories or milestones, but they’re also always evolving,” said Gregor Benedetti, Hallmark Keepsake Artist. “This year, we’re excited to kick off a first-in-series 12 Days of Christmas ornament beginning with an intricate Partridge in A Pear Tree papercraft ornament. Next year, the series continues with – you guessed it – two turtle doves.”
In addition to first-in-series ornaments, Hallmark is adding to the excitement of Keepsake Ornament Premiere with a new ShowToppers collection. ShowToppers elevate an ordinary tabletop tree with intricate designs synchronized to sound and light. From vintage Christmas to fan-favorite characters and classic holiday movies, ShowToppers allow shoppers to add a piece of their personality to the top of their tree.
Hallmark’s new Keepsake Ornaments and ShowToppers are available to shop online and at Hallmark Gold Crown Stores nationwide beginning July 13. Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Club members can enjoy exclusive perks like exclusive ornaments and early in-store shopping beginning July 12. Sign up for Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Club before July 31 to unlock 2024 member benefits.
New ornaments debuting at Keepsake Ornament Premiere include the following:
Snoring Santa ornament with sound and motion – This charming Christmas tree ornament features the jolly fellow relaxing in his easy chair with a plate of cookies. Connect to Hallmark’s Keepsake Power Cord to watch his belly and whiskers move and hear him snore as he snoozes. Press the button to wake him up and hear him speak.
Santa’s Seaside Carnival musical ornament with light and motion – Set sail for fun and festivities this holiday season with this charming Christmas tree ornament. Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome polar bear and snowmen friends to their Seaside Carnival set upon a snowy hillside with a lighthouse at the peak. Watch the carnival revelers get their thrills on bumper cars, water skis and a Ferris wheel as music from “I Saw Three Ships” plays.
Howliday Helpers, 1st in the series ornament – Each miniature Christmas tree ornament in this fun new Howliday Helpers series will feature a different puppy that’s decked out in festive garb. First up in the series, a cute corgi dons a Santa hat and scarf, sure to delight dog lovers of all ages!
Ring in the Season, 1oth and Final in the series ornament – Add more jingle to the season with the newest addition to the Ring In the Season series. Complete the series with this year’s premium metal jingle bell ornament that features an embossed design of holly boughs and ribbon bows and rings out a heartwarming tone when you jingle it.
Rise and Shine!, Beagle Scouts 50th Anniversary, The PEANUTS® Gang ornament and pin – Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Beagle Scouts with this fun Christmas tree ornament. As Woodstock and friends snooze in their sleeping bags, Scoutmaster Snoopy sounds his bugle to tell his Beagle Scouts it’s time to rise and shine. To commemorate the anniversary, the cute decoration comes with a Beagle Scouts lapel pin.
Original Xbox Console ornament with light and sound – Recall hours spent parked in front of the television, video game controller in hand. Nothing mattered except battling the Covenant and completing “Halo: Combat Evolved” in its entirety. Bring on the nostalgia when you display the Original Xbox console Christmas tree ornament that lights up and plays the familiar console startup sounds and theme music of the iconic Halo video game franchise.
From categories including fan favorites, gaming, sci-fi and superheroes, to ornaments that celebrate life’s most meaningful moments and individual interests, Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments reflect the nostalgia of the Christmas spirit and the ever-changing face of pop culture. Explore the 2024 Dream Book to see all 450+ Keepsake Ornaments from this year’s collection.
For more information about Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments or to locate a Hallmark Gold Crown Store, visit Hallmark.com. Save the date for Hallmark’s Keepsake Ornament Debut, Oct. 12-20, as more ornaments are released ahead of the 2024 holiday season.
About Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments
For over 50 years, Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments have been leading innovations in the world of ornaments with a commitment to making memories. Hallmark has introduced more than 10,000 different Keepsakes Ornaments and more than 100 ornament series, annual releases of ornaments that share a specific theme. Keepsake Ornaments are made in a wide array of wood, glass, metal, porcelain and handcrafted formats some including light, sound and motion. The superior craftsmanship and high quality ensure Keepsake Ornaments will become family heirlooms and cherished collectibles. For more information, visit Hallmark.com. Connect on Instagram and Facebook.
Snoring Santa
Santa’s Seaside Carnival
Howlidays Helper
1st in the series.
Ring in the Season
1oth and Final in the series
Rise and Shine!
Beagle Scouts 50th Anniversary
The PEANUTS® Gang
Original Xbox Console
2024 Artist Insights: Haunted Mansion
If you’ve ever visited the Haunted Mansion Attraction at Walt Disney World Resort, this is the ornament collection for you. With interactive light, music and dialogue, the tree topper and ornaments bring the Haunted Mansion to life for any foolish mortal who dares take the trip.
Iman Zadrozny
Keepsake Artist Iman Zadrozny has played a major role in creating this collection, having done initial concepts for most of the ornaments. This year, she focused on creating the Ghost Bride, Constance Hatchaway.
Iman had her own childhood memories to inspire her. She explains, “When I was a kid, I loved going on the Haunted Mansion ride! I still live in Florida but don’t get to Disney nearly as often as I’d like since I’m up in the northern part of the state. But whenever I’m able to go, I can’t wait to revisit it, that ride is such a classic.”
Constance Hatchaway
Disney The Haunted Mansion Collection
“When it came to creating the Constance Hatchaway ornament, there were some unique challenges we had to plan for, and it was definitely a group effort. For light and sound elements, I turned to engineer Samantha Heryford. She’s a dream to work with and she always has my back to make sure everything functions exactly as it should. And we had an amazing fabric artist we worked with to oversee the draping. For my part, I just made sure there was enough room to attach the fabric where it needed to go so we could be accurate to the character.”
“Being accurate to the character was a priority for Iman, so she did a lot of research. “There were so many creepy reference images that I stared at throughout this project! But there was nothing I couldn’t handle. Maybe it helps that I listen to mystery and crime podcasts while I work anyway!”
Whether you’ve visited the Haunted Mansion ride already or plan to in the future, there’s one thing Iman hopes you come away with. “It’s about nostalgia. There are so many people who told me that the coffin ornament (The Coffin in the Conservatory) I worked on reminded them of being on the ride as a kid. It’s the same feeling I have about these ornaments, and I’m really glad people are reliving those great memories. I hope Constance Hatchaway and the other new ornaments in the collection just add to your fun!”
You can pick up your Constance Hatchaway ornament at Ornament Premiere!
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Iman Zadrozny about her Haunted Mansion Constance Hatchaway Coming at Ornament Premiere this Month.” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, July 2, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3683610695212261/
2024 Joanne Wright Studio: Retro Santa
Santa Claus appears to have arrived early this year. You can catch him on the Joanne Wright Studio website for a limited time, but don’t wait too long as he isn’t expected to be there for long.
Retro Santa (white)
Retro Holiday Collection
SOLD OUT
Retro Santa (black)
Retro Holiday Collection
SOLD OUT
Santa with Mug (white)
Retro Holiday Collection
SOLD OUT
Santa with Mug (black)
Retro Holiday Collection
SOLD OUT
You heard it right, Retro Santa, the latest edition to the “Joanne Wright Studios’” Retro Holiday Collection is now available exclusively on her website.
Exclusively Available at Joanne Wright Studio
Press Release: Hallmark Announces 2024 Fan Event Exclusive Products and Panels
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 28, 2024) – Hallmark is excited to be back at D23, San Diego Comic-Con and New York Comic Con with event-exclusive products and panels. These much-anticipated events unite fans of all ages to revel in their love for fandoms and pop culture, and Hallmark is delighted to be a part of the festivities.
“With our commitment to celebrating fandoms and pop culture, we are thrilled with the unique exclusive products and panels at this year’s events,” said Meredith McCormick, vice president of global licensing acquisitions at Hallmark. “Our team has enjoyed creating unique products and experiences that capture the essence of these worlds for all fankind.”
Hallmark at D23
Hallmark will attend D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at Anaheim Convention Center on August 9-11. Stay tuned to learn about Hallmark’s Disney products.
Hallmark at San Diego Comic-Con
This year at San Diego Comic-Con, July 25-28, fans will have the chance to purchase highly sought-after event exclusives and more limited-edition fandom must-haves from both Hallmark booths. All products on display will either be for purchase or sneak peeks!
Hallmark Lucasfilm Pavilion #2913S: Only Star Wars™ products available for purchase and 2024 sneak peeks on display, plus a daily button giveaway!
Star Wars Event Exclusive Ornaments
Sand People™ Vintage Figure Ornament, Star Wars Keepsake Ornament – Featuring iconic vintage styling, this exclusive Keepsake Ornament commemorates one of the first 12 Star Wars action figures released in stores in 1978.—Only 3,500 Ornaments Produced! $25 USA.
The Star Wars event-exclusive Keepsake Ornament will also be available for purchase at the Hallmark For All Fankind booth.
Hallmark For All Fankind Booth #3348: Variety of pop culture products from sci-fi to gaming to anime and more available for purchase and 2024 sneak peeks on display, plus a button giveaway!
Event Exclusive Ornaments
SEGA Genesis Gold Console Keepsake Ornament – With sounds from the original Sonic the Hedgehog video game as well as light, this exclusive is a metallic gold version of the 2022 Keepsake Ornament of the SEGA Genesis console.—Only 3,200 Produced! $35 USA.
“Red Light, Green Light”, Squid Game • Funko POP!® Keepsake Ornament Set, – This Two-pack ornament set styled after FUNKO Pop® collectible figures depicts the oversized and deadly motion-sensing animatronic doll Young-hee and a miniature ornament of Seong Gi-hun, who competed in the 33rd Squid Game as Player 456.—Only 3,000 Produced! $35 USA.
U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-B (Nexus Damage), Star Trek Generations™ Keepsake Ornament – To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Star Trek Generations feature film, this lighted event-exclusive Keepsake Ornament depicts damage sustained by the U.S.S. Enterprise-B while encountering the Nexus ribbon.—Only 3,000 Produced! $35 USA.
Wolverine Unmasked, Marvel Studios X-Men ’97 Keepsake Ornament – Features the unmasked mutant with Adamantium claws donning his signature yellow suit as seen in the Disney+ original animated series “X-Men ’97.”—Only 3,000 Produced! $25 USA.
Premier Ball, Pokémon™ Hallmark Ornament – This metal ornament depicts the distinctive Poké Ball given to Pokémon Trainers as a bonus from the Poké Mart. .—Only 1,500 Produced! $14.99 USA.
Event Exclusive Pins
Rainbow Brite, Enamel Pin – This event-exclusive enamel pin celebrates the 40th anniversary of Hallmark’s own Rainbow Brite in a distinctive PXL8® 8-bit styling.—Only 500 Produced! $9.99 USA.
Wolverine, Marvel Studios X-Men ’97, Enamel Pin – Show your love for the animated version of Wolverine with this event-exclusive enamel pin in a distinctive PXL8® 8-bit styling.—500 Produced for San Diego Comic-Con Only. $9.99 USA.
SDCC Panels
Hallmark will be part of three panels at this year’s Comic-Con! Hear about your favorite fandoms from Hallmark creatives and Hallmark Channel Star Jonathan Bennett.
Rainbow Brite: 40 Years of Color, Happiness and Hope: Thursday, July 25, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Room 29CD
- Visit the Hallmark: For All Fankind Booth #3348 on Thursday, July 25, 1-5 p.m. or Sunday, July 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for your chance to meet Rainbow Brite!
TV Guide Magazine’s Fan Favorites 2024 featuring Hallmark Channel Star Jonathan Bennett: Friday, July 26, 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. Ballroom 20
Adventures in Pop Culture with Hallmark: Saturday, July 27, 12 – 1 p.m. Room 28DE
Date, time and locations are subject to change. Be sure to check the official event schedule online or event guide at the convention for the most up-to-date information.
Hallmark at New York Comic Con
The same Six Exclusive Ornaments and Rainbow Brite Exclusive Pin PLUS a Ghostbusters Exclusive Pin will be available at the Hallmark Booth at New York Comic Con, October 17-20. Other on-site activities planned for the event released closer to the date.
Slimer, Ghostbusters™ Enamel Pin – This event-exclusive (and slime-free) enamel pin of the fan-favorite full roaming vapor in a PXL8® 8-bit styling marks the 40th anniversary of its capture in Ghostbusters..—500 Produced for New York Comic Con Only. $9.99 USA.
Comic Con Exclusive Product Details
The event exclusives will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the Hallmark booths when the convention opens each day. Sales permit one of each exclusive product to be sold per person, per transaction while supplies last.
Allotments will be divided evenly each day of the two comic conventions. Additionally, a small quantity of some of the exclusives will be made available for Keepsake Ornament Club Members. For more information on KOC membership, visit Hallmark.com/KOC.
Other Pop Culture Exclusive
Hallmark shares another way to bring ornament magic to your home with Escape From Gringotts™️ Harry Potter™️ Keepsake Ornament Set. This Kickstarter–exclusive two-piece set allows Harry Potter fans to vividly recreate the epic scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. Each piece can hang individually or connect together. Escape from Gringotts is a one-of-a-kind treasure that will only be available once exclusively through Kickstarter with orders closing on Sunday, July 28, the last day of San Diego Comic-Con.
For more information about Hallmark and our full line of pop culture-themed products offered, visit Hallmark.com or your local Hallmark Gold Crown Store.
Sand People™ Vintage Figure Ornament
STAR WARS™
SEGA Genesis Gold Console
“Red Light, Green Light”
SQUID GAME • Funko POP!®
U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-B
(Nexus Damage)
Star Trek Generations™
Wolverine Unmasked
MARVEL STUDIOS X-MEN ’97
Premier Ball
PoKéMoN™
Rainbow Brite
PXL8® Enamel Pin
Wolverine
MARVEL STUDIOS X-MEN ’97
PXL8® Enamel Pin
Slimer
Ghostbusters™
PXL8® Enamel Pin
2024 Event: Hallmark CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE KOC Weekend
.
.
.
KEEPSAKE
– ORNAMENT CLUB –
Weekend
(12/5–12/7)
Member Exclusive Package
Limited Inventory
TICKETS GO LIVE FRIDAY, JUNE 28 at 10am CST
Limit one ticket package per KOC member.*
- Limited-edition event ornament (available for purchase when you buy your KOC ticket package)
- Meet your favorite Keepsake artists,
- Attend artist signings,
- Get insider info,
- Plus enjoy magic, memories and so much more.
Member Exclusive Package – $199
Limited Edition Pre-Signed Event Ornament
This event exclusive ornament will only be available for purchase when you buy your KOC ticket package.
Hallmark Christmas Experience ornament
Limited Edition
This whimsical Santa Claus Christmas tree ornament carries a wrapped present for someone special. The pom-pom attachment on his hat and ribbon bow on the package add a sweet finishing touch. This ornament will be pre-signed by Keepsake Artist Tammy Haddix.
Only KOC Members will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase this event exclusive ornament. One per member, while supplies last.
KOC Artist Signing Sessions – Bring your ornaments for artist signings
As part of the Keepsake Ornament Club Member Exclusive Package, you’ll have the opportunity to get up to 12 ornaments signed during this exclusive KOC event at the Hallmark Christmas Experience. Limit 2 signatures per artist.
Artist signings will be held at various times Thursday, December 5 thru Saturday, December 7.
During ticket package purchasing, you’ll select two (2) session times and artist groupings
to attend (for example, session 1 – option A and session 2 – option B).
KOC Artist Panel Discussions – You’ll have exclusive access to discussion panels and sneak peeks.
- Session One: Keepsake Studio Memories
Thursday Evening, December 5 | Exact time to be announced
Join us for a fun look behind the scenes of the Keepsake Studio! Hear from artists about their favorite holiday and studio memories and see some never-before seen video footage. - Session Two: Sneak Peeks & What’s to Come
Friday Morning, December 6 | Exact time to be announced
Join us for a special session where we’ll get to hear what some of our studio artists have been up to and even get to see sneak peeks of what’s coming up from the Keepsake Studio!
Exclusive extras – Enjoy a ticket to the Light Walk, a Limited Edition KOC Art Print and a KOC Commemorative Weekend Lanyard as our gifts to you.
Special savings – You’ll receive a Food & Drink Voucher on the Square, plus a Discount on Hallmark Merchandise at the Holiday Hallmarket.
*NOTE: To be eligible for purchase, you must be a KOC member as of Thursday, June 27, 2024 by 10:00am CST.
Reveal: 2024 Stanley Cup® Champions Florida Panthers®
2024 Stanley Cup® Champions
Florida Panthers
Special Edition
The Florida Panthers are World Champs! Commemorate their exciting first-time victory as they clinched the 2024 Stanley Cup with this cool-as-ice special piece of Panthers pride. But don’t wait too long—supplies of this collectible Keepsake Ornament are limited.
PREORDER NOW
Available at participating Hallmark Gold Crown Stores and on Hallmark.com
Ornament Spotlight: Harry Potter™ Storytellers
Opening the Chamber of Secrets™
Our team of ornament Wizards shares how they brought the new Harry Potter™ Stortellers collection to life-no parseltongue necessary!
It’s no. secret that the Keepsake Ornament Studio is filled with magic. But what happens when the magic meets the world of Harry Potter™?
“There is a wealth of content within the Harry Potter™ film series. When we’re brainstorming, it’s important to choose compelling scenes that feature a fun range of characters and actions that can be brought to life with lights, dialogue and sound effects,” says Art Director Kurt Gaulke. “Our partners from Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products are fantastic, and they’re especially supportive when we propose concepts and ideas for ornaments or sets of ornaments that contain magic. They’re always happy to see us push our boundaries with their content.”
Once the story in chosen, there’s still an important task to complete before the adventure begins- it’s time to assemble the team!
“Artists Kris, Jake and Orville have been our go-to sculptors on many of our Harry Potter-inspired ornaments,” says Kurt. “Kris is able to capture the character likenesses and gestures so spot-on. Jake loves sculpting the more fanciful creatures from the series, capturing all the enchantment perfectly. And Orville has an incredible eye for detail and accuracy.”
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™️ Collection
Storytellers
As fans of the series themselves, it’s important to the team that they get every detail just right-from Tom Riddle’s diary laying at Harry’s feet to the glowing headlights of the Weasleys’ flying Ford Anglia.
“When I was creating Dobby™ I went over his scenes again and again trying to capture the kind, meek nature he has in this particular story,” says Artist Jake Angell. “We landed on using the ‘Bad Dobby’ scene of him with the lamp. Even though the scene is comical, I really felt for Dobby in that moment!”
What ornaments are in store next for Harry, Ron, Hermione and Dobby? Kurt has a wand-erful idea!
“We’re already recreating fans’ favorite scenes with light and sound in our Storytellers…but what if we someday were able to add actual movement to further enhance these stories? Even more magic!”
“Opening the Chamber of Secrets™.” For Keeps 24 Summer 2024: 2-3
2024 Ornament Spotlight: Toymaker Santa
The North Pole’s nicest guy turns 25
Were celebrating the anniversary of the beloved Toymaker Santa series.
With his jolly smile and iconic apron, Toymaker Santa has been delivering the gift of cheer to your tree for 25 years.
The Toymaker’s Gift
1999 Membership Ornament
“In 1999, Toymaker’s Gift by Robert Chad was available to KOC members to purchase. It was a complement to the Toymaker Santa series, which debuted the following year in 2000,” says Art Director Charles Young. “This beloved series, which features Santa in his workshop creating a new toy, was designed and sculpted by Ken Crow until his retirement. The Toymaker tradition has been carried on by Robert Hurlburt from 2022
until today.”
From trains to basketballs to play ovens, trikes and drones, Santa has honed his toymaking craft throughout the years. But for this special, limited-edition anniversary ornament, he’s taken up a new hobby.
Toymaker Santa
25th Anniversary
Limited Quantity
“Santa is a maker, and since we make ornaments, we thought it would be a fun idea to have him take a short break from making toys and try his hand at making a Christmas ornament!” says Art Director Kurt Gaulke. “As if there would be any doubt, he did a terrific job!”
Kurt says that reaching this milestone anniversary is “not only a testament to the creativity of the Keepsake Studio but also to the meaningful connections we have with collectors.”
And speaking of collectors… “While I’m not at liberty to reveal Santa’s toy designs, I can say that he will continue to delight collectors with his playful attitude as he shares the joy of toys!” says Charles.
CORRECTION: The Toymaker’s Gift was included of the 1999 Membership Kit. It was not available to KOCC members to purchase.
“The North Pole’s nicest guy turns 25.” For Keeps 24 Summer 2024: 4