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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

June 24th, 2024|0 Comments

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

June 11th, 2024|0 Comments

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

June 11th, 2024|2 Comments

2024 Artist Insights: Pun-tastic Ornaments

For the love of laughter
Keepsake Artist Sharon Visker details her pun-tastic new ornaments.

Sharon Visker

From researching, brainstorming, sketching and sculpting, creating new ornaments is no joke! Well, usually. It’s a different story when Sharon Visker is working on a collection of humor ornaments. In that case, jokes are strongly encouraged. You could even say they’re required!

“Coming up with the visual joke is the best part. I don’t consider myself to be much of a jokester, but I love listening to comedy, watching cartoons and reading the funnies,” Sharon says. “I also have a brother-in-law who is a ‘punny’ guy, full of inspiration and dad jokes.”

Once Sharon has found a few punch lines, it’s time to conduct the laugh test.

Mistletoe Fishmas

“I usually have to pitch my idea to the art director planning the line that year. If they laugh, I know it might be a good idea or at least that we have the same sense of humor. Sometimes it might be a funny idea but a little too edgy and niche to appeal to the general public,” she says. “Humor is a hard category to work with because everyone has a different sense of humor, but that keeps it interesting.”

For her latest ornaments, Sharon used both tried-and-true humor methods (who doesn’t love a pun?) and modern visual approaches to give classic jokes a fresh twist.

“Something I love to create is automata, which are basically moving sculptures powered by hand. For Mistletoe Fishmas, I thought the idea of two fish swimming around in separate bowls stopping for a kiss would be fun, and our amazing engineer Ellie figured out the mechanics to make it work.”

All jokes aside, whether Sharon is dreaming up an elf using a jackhammer on some fruitcake or inventing new ways for that mischievous reindeer to runover grandma, we’re thankful for all the ways she keeps us smiling.

“For the love of laughter.” For Keeps 24 Summer 2024: 6-7

Shaky Cake

Grandma Got Runover By a Reindeer

Mistle-Toad

June 11th, 2024|0 Comments

2024 Sneak Peek: Joanne Wright Studio (UPDATED)

Would you like to know what Joanne has been up to? Introducing Retro Reindeer, the latest addition to the Joanne Wright Studio Retro Christmas Collection! This porcelain ornament will be adorned with a gold metal bell around its neck and a fabric Santa hat on top of its head. It will be available on her website this Fall!

UPDATE (08.14.24) – Available on October 4, 2024, at 9 AM CST.

Retro Reindeer
Retro Christmas Collection

June 6th, 2024|1 Comment

2024 Artist Insights: Gnome for Christmas

Are you ready to go Gnome for Christmas? You know we’re always ready, which is why we’re excited to share a behind-the-scenes chat with Keepsake Artist Gregor Benedetti.

Gregor Benedetti

When it comes to the continuing adventures of Gnaughty and Gnice, Gregor says, “It’s always about the fun storytelling with these two. They continuously love celebrating all the Christmas traditions together—usually with a twist.”

Gnome for Christmas
4th in the series.

You’ve probably noticed those celebrations include festive apparel for Gregor’s petite pals, including special touches like the snowflakes on their overalls and suspenders. “When I started this series,” Gregor reveals, “I wanted to give them special seasonal icon accessories on their adorable little outfits. When the gnomes go trick-or-treating next year, those icons will be different.” (Wait, did he just treat us with a little 2025 surprise?!)

Since he brought up 2025, we wondered how far ahead Gregor’s been working on Gnome for Christmas adventures. He explains, “For Gnaughty and Gnice, I tend to only plan a year ahead, unlike the sweet gnome sister companions. I designed Peppermint, the fourth sister, back in 2022, and she’s finally coming out next year in 2025. She’s just the cutest ever!” (And so was that sneaky reveal.)

Sticking with our 2025 theme, Gregor says, “Next year, the gnomes will be celebrating one of the most classic, time-honored Christmas traditions. Gnaughty’s extra happy about it since it involves food. And I’ll also be debuting a cute little critter sidekick.”

But Gregor’s not stopping there, because 2025 is a special year for Gnaughty and Gnice. “2025 marks the 5th anniversary of Gnome for Christmas, and I may have designed an additional papercraft ornament commemorating this milestone…just saying.”

Even with so many fun things to look forward to in 2025, we’re not losing sight of the fun this dynamic little duo is having in 2024. The 4th ornament in Gregor’s series will be available at Ornament Debut in October, and now is the perfect time to mark your Wish List so you don’t miss it.

And don’t forget to pick up the sister ornament, Ginger’s Favorite Gift, also available at Ornament Debut. She’s a limited quantity, so use your Early Shopping Pass to pick her up in store a day before everyone else shops the event.

Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Gregor Benedetti about his Gnome for Christmas! Coming at Ornament Debut in October.” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, June 5, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3664341110472553/

June 5th, 2024|1 Comment

2024 Reveal: Kickstarter Exclusive

Escape from Gringotts™
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™: Part 2
Kickstarter Exclusive
Set of 2 ornaments

Experience the magic of this WIZARDING WORLD Kickstarter exclusive!

For the first time, Hallmark is partnering with Kickstarter to create an exclusive collectible for Harry Potter fans. This amazing, highly detailed two-piece Keepsake Ornament Set, Escape from Gringotts™, features synchronized light, sound, and dialogue. It is only available to purchase through Kickstarter for a limited time and will not be sold in stores.

Don’t miss your chance to bring the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione to your tree.

Click on the link below to pre-order your Kickstarter-exclusive Harry Potter™ Escape from Gringotts™ two-piece Keepsake Ornament Set. But don’t wait too long! This limited offer ends soon.

PREORDER NOW
Available on Kickstarter

May 29th, 2024|0 Comments

Press Release: Bring Home the Magic of Harry Potter™️ with this Exclusive, Limited-Edition Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Set

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (May 29, 2024) — 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.

This spectacular set was brought to life by Hallmark Keepsake Artists Jake Angell and Tim Bodendistel, working alongside Art Director Kurt Gaulke and a talented group of engineers, editors and sound & light designers, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. The limited-edition ornament set features captivating, synchronized lights and over a minute of screen-authentic dialogue and sound effects from the movie.

Escape From Gringotts™️
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™: Part 2

“Our goal was to capture every intricate detail of this iconic scene in this two-piece set, from the Ukrainian Ironbelly’s metallic scales, deep red eyes, and impressive 10-inch wingspan,” said Kurt Gaulke, senior art director at Hallmark. “We wanted to give fans a new way to experience the magic of Gringotts Wizarding Bank.”

Loyal fans may already be familiar with and proud owners of Harry Potter Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. Escape from Gringotts is a one-of-a-kind treasure that will only be available once exclusively through Kickstarter. This is an essential addition to any collector’s cache. Be a part of the magic at crowdworks.hallmark.com.

Escape from Gringotts Keepsake Ornament Set Highlights

Two-piece Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Set with the dome of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, and the Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon with Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley riding its back
Captivating synchronized light show
Real dialogue and sound effects from the movie
Incredible attention to every detail
A Kickstarter exclusive

About The Harry Potter Franchise:

From the moment eleven-year-old Harry Potter met Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, his adventures have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Today, over 25 years later, the Harry Potter phenomenon thrives as one of the most successful and best-loved entertainment properties in history.

J.K. Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter novels have been brought to life in an ever-evolving, interconnected universe which is loved by millions of fans worldwide. Eight blockbuster Harry Potter films and three epic Fantastic Beasts films bring the spellbinding action to life on screen, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child mesmerises on stage, and state-of-the-art video and mobile games from Portkey Games allow players to experience the wizarding world like never before. Fans can proudly showcase their passion through innovative consumer products, and thrill at spectacular location-based experiences – including five theme park lands at Universal Studios locations around the world.

This expanding portfolio of Warner Bros. Discovery-owned Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts offerings includes ground-breaking touring experiences and events, each developed to celebrate special moments and locations that fans cherish, as well as the Platform 9 3⁄4 retail shops and iconic flagship store – Harry Potter New York. Wizards, Witches and Muggles alike can also discover something new as they explore behind-the-scenes secrets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter.

With a new Max Original TV series based on the Harry Potter books on the way, this extended world continues to provide the community with fresh and exciting ways to interact. For its global fans, and for generations to come, it invites everyone in to find the magic for themselves.

For the latest Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts news and features, visit www.wizardingworld.com.

May 29th, 2024|0 Comments

Announcement: Hooked on Ornaments Festive Fall Sale & Artist Signing Event

Join Hooked on Hallmark for their:
Festive Fall Sale
& Artist Signing Event

Friday, October 4th
& Saturday, October 5th

1380 S. Enterprise St.
Olathe, KS 66061

www.hookedonornaments.com

FESTIVE FALL SALE & ARTIST SIGNING EVENT

Hundreds of Ornaments $10.00 or less!
Hallmark Ornament Bargains Galore!
Bring your wish list! Thousands of items are in stock!

FRIDAY FESTIVITIES (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

ALL DAY SHOPPING (Early Bird Shopping starts at 9:00 AM)
EVENT EXCLUSIVE MERCHANDISE
$1.00 Hallmark & Precious Moments Sidewalk Sale!
CONCESSIONS FOR CHARITY
ARTIST PRESENTATION (Noon)
SPECIAL PRESENTATION (2:00 PM)
DOOR PRIZE DRAWING (3:00 PM)
SILENT AUCTION

BBQ DINNER AND ARTIST PANEL (6:00 PM)
Contact custservice@hookedonhallmark.com to purchase dinner tickets

SATURDAY FESTIVITIES (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

SHOPPING BEGINS (9:00 AM)
CONCESSIONS FOR CHARITY
ARTIST SIGNINGS (10:00 AM-Noon & 1:00 PM-3:00 PM)

Ken Crow
Retired Hallmark Artist

Chris Webb
Retired Hallmark Artist

- Artists will only sign ornaments they created or contributed to.
- All Ornaments (by the signing artists) purchased at the sale, can be signed for FREE
- Additional ornaments brought from home can be signed for $4.00 each.
ARTIST PRESENTATION (Noon)
DOOR PRIZE (3:00 PM)

DIRECTIONS
to Hooked on Ornaments warehouse

Take 1-35 to Olathe
Take Exit 215
TURN RIGHT (at the end of the exit ramp)
Immediately TURN RIGHT again onto S. HAMILTON CIRCLE (at McDonalds)
Follow S. Hamilton for 1 block
TURN RIGHT onto ENTERPRISE ST.
Hooked on Ornaments is straight ahead on the far right.

If you get lost, call: (913) 764.0169

May 21st, 2024|0 Comments

2024 Reveal: Reissued Ornaments from Keepsake Archives (UPDATED)

Once again Hallmark Keepsake will be releasing a limited quantity of ornaments from the Keepsake archives. Capture meaningful moments you might have missed the first time around.

The reissued Keepsake ornaments will be available on Hallmark.com and through the Hallmark Keepsake Store on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca. See below for the reissued designs we have been able to identify.