2026 Sneak Peek: Papercraft
The Nutcracker Ballet
A stunning new papercraft ornament is twirling its way into the 2026 collection.
The Nutcracker Ballet
On December 19, 1892, in St. Petersburg, Russia, The Nutcracker ballet made its debut. But it wasn’t until the New York City Ballet put on the production in 1954 that the show became the beloved Christmastime classic that it is today.
“One of my favorite family traditions was going to see The Nutcracker at Radio City Musical Hall in New York City at the holidays, followed by ice skating at Rockefeller Center” says Keepsake Artist Gregor Benedetti. “This piece is a beautiful tribute to one of my fondest childhood memories and a tradition that so many people cherish.”
The ornament’s wooden frame is shaped like a classic theater with beautiful gold-foil accents and a festive wreath. Inside, intricate paper layers take center stage, adding depth and amazing detail. The Nutcracker Prince, Mouse King and Sugar Plum Fairy pose in front of the fantastical growing tree, and a large cutout window on the back lets light shine into the scene.
But, of course, no The Nutcracker ballet ornament is complete without a little magic! Pull the string to see the ballerina twirl and hear a version of “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” composed by our very own in-house sound team.
Gregor says this is one of the first papercraft ornaments in our collection with magical features. To that, we say: Take a bow!
“The Nutcracker Ballet” For Keeps 26 Spring 2026: 2
2026 Double Take: Christmas Windows
Nikki’s Quilt Shop
Take a closer look at the newest shop in the Christmas Window series.
Christmas Windows
Nikki’s Quilt Shop
24th in the series.
Fans of this beloved series know that Keepsake Artist Tammy Haddix, now retired, often designed ornaments based on the people in her life. And this year’s quaint little quilt shop is no different. Tammy’s soon-to-be daughter-in-law is an avid quilter and became the inspiration for the design. So, naturally, we named the shop after herhi there, Nikki!
In front of the shop is a little girl (also inspired by Tammy’s future daughter-in-law) holding an adorable, quilted teddy bear. Inside the store window is a sewing machine along with all kinds of quilt-essential details that fellow quilters will love. Along the back wall, Tammy even sculpted а colorful quilt, and it’s sew very cute!
We’re so excited to see how this longstanding series continues to grow as it’s passed on to a new artist. In fact, we couldn’t resist trying to get a few more secrets out of the team for what’s next. “How ’bout a comic shop or video game arcade?” says Art Director Charles Young.
“I’d love to see a bookstore in the future, or a shoe store or museum might be fun,” adds Editorial Director Lindsay Evans. “But who knows where this series will take us!”
“Nikki’s Quilt Shop” For Keeps 26 Spring 2026: 3
2026: Sneak Peek: Final in Series
Sandal the Sandman #5
Say hi to the final ornament in this sunny series.
Sandal the Sandman
5th and Final in the series.
From paddleboarding to decorating their palm tree, Sandal the Sandman and his trusty turtle pal have had some pretty fun adventures together the past 5 years. So, it’s only fitting that the final ornament in the series is packed with playful energy, shimmery details and the signature smiley styling of Keepsake Artist Allie Robillard.
“My creative process always starts with brainstorming. I like to sit with the characters for a bit and think through what activities they could be doing,” Allie says.
“In this ornament, the story is that Sandal and his turtle friend, Tub Tub (now you know what I’ve been calling him!), were collecting seashells, as all must do, as they walked on the beach. “They decided to stack them and make their own seashell tree with driftwood, sand dollars and a starfish tree topper.”
Allie says the biggest challenge of this ornament was color, since both sandpeople and seashells can be very beige. So, she added a layer of glittering gold, shiny silver and beautiful bronze to make the shells and driftwood pop. We can’t wait to see it shimmer under the tree lights!
“My favorite part of this series has been Sandal,” Allie says. “Whenever I catch him in passing on my tree, his expression brings a smile to my face. He’s just a goofy, sweet little sandman in my head!”
“Sandal the Sandman #5” For Keeps 26 Spring 2026: 4
2026 Artist Insights: Newest Keepsake Studio Artists
All about our artists
Learn more about the newest artists to join our Keepsake Studio.
Bruce Bibler
Hallmark Keepsake Artist
Bruce has worked at Hallmark for 24 years and just celebrated his 1 year anniversary as a Keepsakе artist. He’s a self-proclaimed morning person, and with his sunny personality, we aren’t surprised! His favorite time of year is autumn for the crisp air and beautiful colors.
Black coffee drinker, Star Wars™ fan and retro design lover Ramon was born in Santa Clara, California, after his parents and older sister emigrated from Cuba in the late ’60s. After college, he took a job at Hallmark that’s turned into a 29+ year career. In January 2025, Ramon brought his versatile artistic talents and love of learning to the Keepsake Studio.
Ramon Olivera
Hallmark Keepsake Artist
Iman Zadrozny
Hallmark Keepsake Artist
When she’s not creating adorable ornaments, Iman can be found thrifting, eating good food with good friends and crafting-usually with an iced caramel coffee or strawberry matcha in hand. Iman studied illustration in college, became a Hallmark summer intern in 2021 and joined Hallmark full-time that fall. If you see her at a signing event, please talk to her about crafts!
Morning person, night owl and toddler dad Adan joined Hallmark in 2005. The first ornament he collaborated on was the 2010 Smiling Soldier, which has inspired him to work hard, be reliable and always have a smile on his face. His coffee order? A chai tea latte-with a splash of chocolate, just for fun.
Adan Chung
Hallmark Keepsake Artist
Sam Bassett
Hallmark Keepsake Artist
The proud new artist of the Father Christmas and Brilliant Butterflies series, Sam loves a Saturday morning trip to the bookstore with his wife and an afternoon bike ride with his two sons. He could eat Mediterranean food every day, and his favorite color is yellow because it feels like a smile you didn’t know you needed. He started working on Keepsake Ornaments in 2023.
“All about our artists.” For Keeps 26 Spring 2026: 5
2026 Ornament Insights: Spring
The magic of spring
Artists Emma and Kristina talk about a few of our favorite things: birds, fairies and butterflies.
Crocus Fairy
22nd in the Fairy Messengers series.
While there’s nothing we love more than a sparkling, snowy scene-especially when we’re snuggled up by the Christmas tree!-there’s a special feeling that only spring can bring. The days get brighter, the weather gets warmer and pretty colors start popping up all around.
“When I think of spring, I think of joy and renewal. The bright and cheery colors, everything is clean and new,” says Keepsake Artist Kristina Gaughran. “This year’s Fairy Messengers ornament was inspired by a patch of crocus flowers that pops up in our yard every spring. I always look forward to seeing them.”
When Kristina is starting a new ornament for Fairy Messengers, she begins by choosing a color then researching which flowers come in that color and what they all symbolize. She says the flower’s meaning guides her while she sketches, adjusting the fairy’s frame along the way. Crocus Fairy, #22 in the series, is all smiles and playfully posed capturing the joy, cheerfulness and happiness represented by the crocus flower.
Freesia Fairy
Miniature
Kristina’s mini fairy ornaments are also inspired by fresh florals. Just like her namesake, mini Freesia Fairy represents thoughtfulness, friendship and joy. But flowers and fairies aren’t the only signs of spring in the Keepsake Studio!
“Is ‘birds’ too obvious of an answer for my favorite part of spring?” jokes Keepsake Artist Emma Leturgez-Smith. “I drop some serious cash on good quality birdseed when the weather turns warm, so I get all kinds of colorful visitors in my yard. Last year, I even had a family of bluebirds move into a hollowed branch. I hope they come back!”
Emma worked with Kristina and now-retired Keepsake Artist Terri Steiger so that their 2026 mini bird, fairy and butterfly ornaments were color coordinated and would look pretty when paired on the Christmas tree. Speaking of pretty…
Black-Billed Magpie
22nd in the Beauty of Birds series.
“For the Black-Billed Magpie ornament, #22 in The Beauty of Birds, I had been playing around with iridescent, color-shifting paints. Magpies have such striking color-shifting feathers framed by elegant black and white that Ijust had to make one into an ornament,” Emma says. “I’m also really excited for everyone to see the limitedquantity companion, which features a rare color mutation found in the wild!”
“This whole little collection is just lovely,” adds Kristina. “I always admire Terri’s butterfly ornaments, and Emma’s birds, because of the beauty and simplicity in the designs. They’ll look so nice hanging on the Christmas tree together.”
Brilliant Butterflies
10th in the series.
Lovely Little Butterfly
Pine Grosbeak
Miniature
“The magic of spring” For Keeps 26 Spring 2026: 6-7
2026 Sneak Peek: Making Memories
Welcoming Wreath
19th in the Making Memories series.
In this year’s Making Memories design, a cheerful big snowman is busy placing a lush evergreen wreath—with a little “help” from his tiny companion, who has managed to pop right through the center. With a bright red bow perched above and a perfectly round little face peeking out, the wreath becomes more than décor… it becomes part of the moment. Down below, their loyal pup looks on, quietly taking in the scene.
The 19th in the Making Memories series continues the tradition of one big snowman and one little snowman sharing simple, joy-filled holiday moments. This scene captures that perfectly unscripted bit of magic—when helping turns into playing, and decorating turns into laughter.
Wrapped in his cozy scarf and winter hat, the big snowman stands steady and patient, while the little one—now fully “decked out”—seems delighted with his new role. It’s a gentle reminder that the best memories aren’t the perfectly planned ones, but the ones that happen along the way.
Full of charm, humor, and heart, this ornament tells a small story you’ll recognize instantly—the kind that feels familiar, warm, and worth holding onto year after year.
2026 Sneak Peek: Gnome for Christmas
Gnome for Christmas
6th in the series.
A sprinkle of North Pole magic and a dash of mischief can only mean one thing—a sneak peek at Gnome for Christmas #6 by Keepsake Artist Gregor Benedetti!
Gnaughty and Gnice are back at it, bringing their playful holiday spirit to a gingerbread house decked out in sweet details and snowy icing. These North Polar opposites may be different in every way, but they’re always in it together—ready for another round of festive fun.
Look for this ornament arriving in October!
2026 Reveal: Eggbert the Eggtra-Ordinary Gnome by Work of Whimsy
Something delightful is getting ready to hatch for the season—introducing a charming new creation from the Work of Whimsy Studio, celebrating Easter in the most whimsical way.
Meet Eggbert, the eggtra-ordinary gnome artist, whose passion for painting Easter eggs is brought to life in every detail of this limited edition design. With brush in hand and a joyful expression, Eggbert proudly presents his beautifully decorated egg—adorned with playful patterns, soft springtime hues, and thoughtful, hand-crafted touches. Each element reflects a love for creativity, where design and storytelling come together in a truly special way.
From the painted details of his gnome hat to the delicate brushstrokes on his egg, every feature is intentionally designed to capture the spirit of handmade artistry and the joy of the Easter season.
Don’t let this little artist “egg-scape”—Eggbert is ready to add a splash of spring to your collection!
Eggbert the Eggtra-Ordinary Gnome Artist
Limited Edition Ornament or Figurine
Available Beginning Monday, March 23, 2026 at 9:00 AM CT.
exclusively on the Work of Whimsy website
2026 Sneak Peek: Power Up with Mario
Fire Mario
5th in the Power Up with Mario series.
Today’s date, March 10 — MAR10 — spells Mario!
To celebrate Mario Day, we’re sharing a special look at Fire Mario, the fifth ornament in the Powered Up with Mario series. Powered up and on the move, Mario charges ahead with a blazing fireball in hand — a tribute to one of his most iconic abilities from the Mushroom Kingdom.
Add this fiery hero to your collection when Fire Mario arrives at Ornament Premiere in July.
Wahoo!
2026 Sneak Peek/Double Take
Here are a few more sneak peeks and a few double takes from the 2026 Keepsake Ornament line.
Father Christmas
23rd in the series.
Stunning Santas
1st in the series.
Holiday Lighthouse
15th in the series.
The Perfect Tree
Perfect Penguins
Howliday Helpers
3rd in the series.
My Little Pony®/Transformers™
Boba Fett™ Vintage Figure Ornament
STAR WARS™