2023 Artist Insights: Playful Penguins
Keepsake Artist Kristina Gaughran is well known and loved for her adorable Playful Penguins. They’re always up for adventure, and this ornament finds them on an icy Ferris wheel that lights up and plays music from “Toyland” as the wheel turns.
Kristina Gaughran
There’s a lot of complexity behind this magical Ferris wheel. “I worked with one of our wonderful engineers on this one,” Kristina says. “She definitely had the hardest part! I can come up with an idea, but the engineer really makes all the magic work. So, while she focused on that, I added my penguins and a whole lot of wintery details.”
“If you’re not familiar with these playful pals, they do have a back story,” Kristina says. “They have distinct personalities and names. They love to have fun, and two of them are pretty bold and daring. Wade is more adventurous, outgoing, caring and kind. He likes to take his friends on imaginative adventures. Waddles always has a smile. He’s very carefree, silly and happy—and always ready for excitement! And Wendel is like me. He loves to have fun but gets nervous easily. He’s the introvert of the group, but if there are snacks—he’s 100 percent in!
“So, Wendel isn’t so sure about being up too high on the Ferris wheel because he gets a little anxious. I kept that in mind as I designed this and wanted it to feel more like a little kids’ Ferris wheel to give Wendel a moment of being brave! He’s finding his courage and having fun.”
There are a lot more adventures in store for these precious penguins, but all Kristina can share right now is that “you can be sure there will be lots of fun, and lots of ice and snow!”
Playful Penguins
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Kristina Gaughran about her Playful Penguins ornament (available now)!” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, November 29, 2023. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3539554672951198
2024 Sneak Peek: Tiers of Joy
Tiers of Joy
Here’s a sneak peek of the 2024 Tiers of Joy ornament! Available in January,
2023 Sneak Peek: Magic
Here are sneak peeks of two 2024 magic ornaments: Magic Snowball Claw Game by Nello Williams and Up on the Housetop by Anita Marra Rogers.
Magic Snowball Claw Game
Nellco
By Nello Williams
Up on the Housetop
by Anita Marra Rogers
Meet the Artist: Sharon Visker
- After spending time on a rotation in the Keepsake Studio, Sharon officially became a permanent Keepsake artist in 2000.
- Both her mom and older brother are artists, so Sharon grew up surrounded by inspiration and art. Her mom encouraged her creativity and that kept her going.
- Sharon passions are travel, thrift stores, antiquing and movies.
Reveal: 2023 World Series Keepsake Ornament
Texas Rangers™ 2023 World Series™ Champions
Special Edition
The Rangers just won their first World Series in franchise history! Remember the home runs, the leaping catches, and all the baseball heroics of the Texas Rangers’ 2023 World Series championship! This commemorative ornament is the perfect way to celebrate the thrilling victory as the Rangers won the Fall Classic. But don’t wait long—supplies are limited.
PREORDER NOW
Available at participating Hallmark Gold Crown Stores and on Hallmark.com
Announcement: Halloween Ornaments to Return in 2024
If you have missed out on either Citizens of Halloween Town, the Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, set of 5 ornaments or Mysterious Mickey Jack-o-Lantern, Disney Mickey Mouse ornament this year, do not worry!
Hallmark has announced that they will be bringing them back for Halloween 2024, so you will still have a chance to get these cool ornaments.
Halloween 2024 Re-issues
2023 Artist Insights:Season’s Treatings
There’s no Keepsake Ornament series sweeter than Season’s Treatings and this year marks its 15th anniversary! To celebrate the occasion, the 15th ornament in the series, a train with Santa as its engineer, is joined by a Special Edition ornament, a train depot where Mrs. Claus awaits.
Sharon Visker
Keepsake Artist Sharon Visker found her inspiration in a tabletop piece she created back in 2021. “I had worked on Deck the Gingerbread House, and I really liked it and wanted to do more gingerbread. So this year, I did the Gingerbread Village (available now) with sound, light and motion. And I decided to do the Season’s Treatings with gingerbread as well.”
In fact, if you look at the Season’s Treatings train, you’ll see a miniature version of it, with slightly different coloring, on the Gingerbread Village train track! And I also put a ‘15’ emblem on the caboose to celebrate the series anniversary.”
As for the train depot Special Edition ornament, Sharon gives credit for the idea to Art Director Charles Young. “Charles suggested we add something to the series this year for the anniversary. And he said, ‘Why don’t you do something that goes with a train—what about a depot?’ So, I did a quick sketch to get the idea on track.” (Good one, Sharon.)
She continues, “I tried to coordinate the size so if the train did pull up to the depot, they’re kind of in scale. The train depot is a little smaller but they’re similar. I couldn’t do it spot on or the depot would have gotten too big. Then, when it came to some finishing touches, I gave a nod to candy canes with the checkered roof and added gumballs to the top. I really wanted the two pieces to stay Christmas-y with coordinated colors.
I also used actual decorating tips for the icing on the roof, and I specifically asked that it not be fixed to look perfect. I wanted it to look real, like any person might have done it. It’s kind of rough and I like that it looks more authentic. I prefer something real over something perfect.”
And you might be wondering where Mrs. Claus is waiting to go. Sharon says, “Mrs. Claus has packed her suitcase and is waiting for Santa to pick her up so they can go—where else—to Gingerbread Village!”
You can pick up the Season’s Treatings Special Edition ornament beginning December 1 (for KOC members only), at our ’Tis the Season event. The series ornament (Santa in the train) is available now. And if you’re wondering what’s ahead for the series, well, Sharon says for now she’s sworn to secrecy—so you’ll just have to wonder s’more.
Seasons Treatings
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Sharon Visker about her Season’s Treatings, both 15th in the series (available now) and Special Edition (available Dec 1) ornaments!” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, November 01, 2023. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3523521124554553/
2024 Sneak Peek: New York Comic Con (Pop Culture)
In conjunction with New York Comic Con, Hallmark provided a sneak peek of some of the pop culture ornaments that will be released in 2024.
Star Wars™
Grogu™ in Hovering Pram
Star Wars: The Mandalorian™
Qui-Gon Jinn™
Star Wars™: The Phantom Menace™
25th Anniversary
28th in the Star Wars™ series.
Darth Maul™ and Sith Probe Droid™
Star Wars™: The Phantom Menace™
25th Anniversary
STAR TREK
Doctor Who
Disney The Nightmare Before Christmas
Captain Christopher Pike
STAR TREK™: Strange New Worlds
The Cyberman
Doctor Who
Oogie Boogie
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
Power Rangers®
Marvel
Batman™
Green Ranger®
Hasbro®
Power Rangers®
Wolverine
MARVEL
Batman™ in his Batmobile™
1989 BATMAN™
35th Anniversary
Harry Potter™
MINECRAFT
Jurassic Park™
Ron and Hermione
Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets Collection
Storytellers
Piglin
MINECRAFT
Jurassic Park Gate
JURASSIC PARK
2023 Holiday VIP Gift
Participating Hallmark retailers will once again kick off their Holiday season by inviting Platinum Crown Rewards customers to an exclusive holiday event. If you are a Platinum Crown Rewards member, keep an eye on your mailbox for an invitation to this years Holiday VIP event. Accompanying this invitation will be your coupon for the free with purchase* VIP event gift.
Holiday Open House & VIP Event, November 10-19, 2023
Festive Snowman
Limited Edition
You make things merry
You’re all about sharing holiday spirit this time of year. So, we’d like to add some joy to your world with this exclusive VIP gift. You’ll find fun ways to cozy up, deck the halls and enjoy every merry moment of the season. No one deserves it more.
Your holiday VIP Gift Includes:
- Santa Stemless Wine Glass
- Trees and Red Truck Socks
- Wrapped Present Salt & Pepper Shakers
- Postcard Trinket Tray
- Red Truck Tote Bag
- Festive Snowman Keepsake Ornament
* Gift with a purchase of $75 or more (after deductions). Valued at more than $75.
Valid: 11/10/23 – 11/19/23. Lirit one FREE Holiday VIP Gift while supplies last. Valid only at Hallmark Gold Crown store listed. Not valid on gift card purchases, postage stamps Keepsake Ornament Cub membership or past purchases. See store for any additional exclusions. Purchase of $75.00 or more, after deduction of any other it-store offer(s), is required to receive offer. Designs may vary. Quantities limited.
Additionally, individuals spending $125 or more will also receive a Holiday Trees Nesting Plates (regularly $24.99), Individuals spending $200 or more will also receive a Tis the Season Santa Throw Blanket ($29.99 value). While supplies last.
Holiday Trees Nesting Plates
Tis the Season Santa Throw Blanket
Holiday VIP Gift – A promotional offer directed at Platinum Crown Rewards customers.
2023 Reveal: Storied Moments Ornament Sets (UDATED)
On Friday, Walmart will host its last Collector Con event of 2023. The special event, which introduces collectors and toy lovers to new and exclusive launches, will feature over 40 new items.
During the event, you’ll be able to preorder three different Hallmark Christmas ornament sets including:
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
SPIDER-MAN
MARVEL
Chapter 13: The Jedi!
Star Wars: The Mandalorian™
The Christmas Ornament Sets will go on sale at 7:00 AM PST on Friday, October 13 in conjunction with Walmart Collector Con.
PREORDER
Available on Walmart.com
UPDATE (11.01.23) – Additionally, the three Christmas Tree Ornament sets will be available along with three other ornament sets at Walmart Supercenters and on Walmart.com.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
By Dr. Suess
A Charlie Brown Christmas
PEANUTS®
Disney Mickey’s Christmas Carol