2022 Announcement: Ornament Debut Top Ten
What Was The Top-Selling Ornament During Ornament Debut 2022? Scroll over each of the tiles below to reveal the top 10 Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments (based on units sold) for Ornament Debut.
10
I’ll See You Again
Star Wars™: The Mandalorian™
9
IG-11™ and Grogu™
Star Wars™: The Mandalorian™
8
Up On the Housetop
The PEANUTS Gang®
7
SEGA Genesis Console
SEGA GENESIS
6
Gnome for Christmas
2nd in the series.
5
Penguin Gumdrop
Special Edition
4
Count of Cozy
Noble Nutcrackers
4th in the series.
3
Sandal the Sandman
1st in the series.
2
Holiday Barbie™ Ornament
8th in the series.
1
The Worlds Most Magical Celebration
Walt Disney World
50th Anniversary
Save the Date: 2023 Keepsake, and Retail Event Dates
We are so excited to share with you the 2023 Keepsake Ornament release event dates. Mark your calendars and be sure to save these dates! And remember, if you’re a Keepsake Ornament Club member, you can shop all ornament release events a day before anyone else!
KOC Dream Box
begin shipping
April
Keepsakes’ 50th Anniversary
In-store Artist Signing
July 14 (KOC members only)
Keepsakes’ 50th Anniversary
In-store Artist Event
July 15 (General public)
Ornament Premiere
July 15-23, 2023
(KOC Early Access to shop – July 14)
2023 KOC enrollment closes
July 31, 2023
Ornament Debut
October 14-22, 2023
(KOC Early Access to shop – October 13)
Holiday Open House
November 10-19
(VIP event November)
‘Tis the Season Event
December 2-6
(KOC early Access December 1)
Ornament Spotlight: Ring in the Season
Inspired by home and family
Tracy Larsen shares a sneak peek and the story behind his 2023 Ring in the Season ornament design.
Ring in the Season
9th in the series.
When it comes to finding inspiration for an ornament design, there’s nothing better than home and family, where traditions begin and lasting memories are made. That’s just where Tracy Larsen found his vision for the 2023 Ring in the Season ornament, the 9th in the series.
“My mother’s family-the Barkers, among others-were some of the earliest pioneers to settle the town of North Ogden, Utah, in the early 1850s.” Tracy says. “It’s my Mayberry, where the best of my childhood memories were made, and the homes and buildings featured on this ornament were a big part of that.”
“The Barkers had a whole section of property along the main road, Washington Boulevard, starting with my grandparents’ home on the south, then the family barn, silo, and dairy cows. Then came my uncle Marvin’s home, the post office that my aunt Maureen ran (and where Barker Dairy products were sold), and my uncle Wayne’s gas and service station, where I worked as a teenager. Those buildings are all gone now, but the memories remain.”
Tracy started with a pencil sketch that shows all those buildings he remembers so fondly, but it was his family who brought those places to life, and he honored them on this ornament, too.
“My mom’s four brothers are represented in the scene. My uncle Verle, who took care of the family cherry orchard, is driving his truck to deliver the Christmas tree. My uncle Marvin is represented by the dairy barn, the Quality Dairy delivery truck, his home and the post office, and my uncle Wayne with his Barker Service Station. My uncle James, who was killed in the Italian Alps in 1945 as a member of the 10th Mountain Division during World War II, is represented by the star in the front window of my grandparents’ home.”
This isn’t the first time Tracy has been inspired by his childhood home. He’s featured both his hometown and his grandparents’ house in various ornaments over the vears
“It started with the lithopane ornament and the A Joyous Christmas ball ornament back in 1999. And, in 2012, I used my grandparents’ home as inspiration, with their house in the center of swirling snow, while Dean Martin sings Let It Snow.‘
Tracy’s 2023 ornament brings together all the very best parts of Christmas: happy childhood memories, the places that take us back to those times, and the people we love at the center of it all. We’d say when it comes to next year’s holiday, there will be no better way to ring in the season.
“Inspired by home and family.” For Keeps 21 Winter 2022: 4-5.
New Keepsake Studio Artist: Iman Zadrozny
Introducing Iman Zadrozny
Hallmark sat down (virtually) with their newest Keepsake artist to get to know her and they’d love for you to meet her, too!
Iman Zadrozny
Iman: “Art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I spent my younger years collecting the vibrant fall leaves in Watertown, MA. My first loves in art were pencil drawing, acrylic painting and collage. I learned digital art programs at a relatively young age, too. I have a bachelor of fine arts in illustration from Ringling College of Art and Design. I had so many great influences who helped shape me into the artist I am today. From teachers to my parents, friends and professors, they all helped me find my way.”
Iman: “I did an internship with Hallmark in the summer of 2021. I was so thankful to have Orville Wilson as a mentor. He’s such an amazing artist, and I learned so much.”
Iman: “When I got to Hallmark and saw that they really do value artists with a diverse skill set, I knew I’d found my place. I’m not just any one thing, I want to be everything -a digital artist; a traditional artist, a painter, a sculptor! It was so refreshing to find a place that not only accepts my path as an artist but encourages me to branch out in my skills. My position at Hallmark is unique-l’m an illustrator and a sculptor for both the Visual Studios and the Keepsake Studio, so it gives me a chance to work with so many amazing people who are passionate about their work.”
Iman: “My favorite so far was the one I made for Thor: Love and Thunder. I’m a big Marvel nerd, and Thor is one of my favorite characters, so getting to sculpt him made my inner child so happy. When the ornament came out, I went to my Hallmark store only to find it had sold out! After checking two more stores and online, I finally found one. The feeling of knowing how dearly my work was treasured by Keepsake fans out there was so moving.”
Baby’s 1st Christmas
Winnie the Pooh Collection
Iman: “One of the ornaments I have coming out is Baby’s First Christmas (at right). It was inspired by the Tigger stuffed animal I had as a child that I was obsessed with, so I wanted the ornament to be reminiscent of a soft hug.”
Iman: “I’m lucky to be able to work from my home in Orlando, FL. Hallmark has been so accommodating to make me feel as welcome and comfortable as possible. From weekly virtual sketching together to lunch hangouts, we’ve been doing our best to stay as close as we can. A big thank-you to everyone who has welcomed me into the Hallmark family!”
Iman’s designs
“Introducing Iman Zadrozny.” For Keeps 21 Winter 2022: 6.
Artist Insights: Mythical Mermaids (New Series)
Hallmark: If you’re a fan of Kris Gaughran’s Fairy Messengers series, then do we have a treat for you. Did you know Kris has been working on an all new series? That’s right! Her first in series Mermaid Keepsake Ornament will be released in 2023 and we can’t wait!
Kristina: “I have been a fan of mermaids, and all things fantasy, for as long as I can remember,” Kris says. “Since I work on the Fairy Messengers, I wanted to explore some other friends that could also live in their world but give them a look all their own.”
Hallmark: Each of the mermaids in her series will be based on real sea life. “I’m excited to explore the diversity that could be found in their world,” she continues. “Much like I do in my fairy world series. Each mermaid will be a unique take on a real fish and the type of mermaid that might have that tail.”
Kristina: “I’m hoping that this first one will get the fans curious as to how the series will progress. I wanted to take a different approach to these mermaids, something a bit more unique and playful in their styling. I really think it will appeal to people of all ages.”
Hallmark: In designing this series, Kris was surprised at how true to her initial sketch the design stayed.
Kristina: “It was a bit unusual for how I work to be honest,” she continued. “I had so many options to choose from, with so many unique and colorful fish out there. I just love the sweetness of her pose and side glance. Most of all, I’m thrilled about finally being able to create a series like this. I’ve ALWAYS wanted to design a mermaid ornament. Being able to bring this series to life really makes the little girl in me quite excited!”
Hallmark: Keep your eyes open for this fun and fanciful new series. And if you need anything else to get you excited about this new series, Kris let it slip that the first 5 ornaments in this series have already been sketched! That’s right…FIVE more are already in their final planning stages.
Mythical Mermaids
First in a new series.
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Kris Gaughran about her first in series Mermaid Keepsake” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, November 28, 2022. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3291599657746702/
Reveal: 2022 World Series Keepsake Ornament
Houston Astros™ 2022 World Series™ Champions
Special Edition
The Astros have won their second World Series in six seasons! Remember the home runs, the leaping catches, and all the heroics of Houston’s 2022 World Series championship! This commemorative ornament is the perfect way to celebrate the thrilling victory as the Astros 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
Artist Insights: Retro Designs
Hallmark: Are you loving the retro design of Joanne Wright’s recent ornaments as much as we are? They’ve become really sought-after, and we thought it would be fun to find out what inspired Joanne to create them.
Joanne: “I love the retro/vintage look, especially in Christmas ornaments and decor, not only for the fun style, but also for the colors and materials. I enjoy combing the antique stores for them, and I’ve always wanted to create this look and style in an ornament. In 2020, my wish came true! I created the Nostalgic Santa ornament and, thankfully, the fans and collectors loved him as much as I did. While most of the figurines in the ’50s and ’60s were made of either plastic or porcelain, I chose to create my Santa in porcelain to give him a special look and value. That Nostalgic Santa led to the Vintage Snowman in 2021 and now the Retro Reindeer for this year.”
Hallmark: You can also find Joanne’s newest design, Jolly Santa, at our Trim the Tree Event this year. Remember, you can shop early on December 2, when you bring your Early Shopping Pass in store. Joanne is excited for you to see this version of her special Santa.
Joanne: “Being asked to bring back my 2020 Nostalgic Santa for the Trim the Tree Event this year—this time as a new Jolly Santa—was really special to me. I thought it was important to use the bottlebrush attachment again, so this time Santa has that attachment as a wreath, and I love how it turned out.”
Hallmark: Joanne is grateful for the positive feedback she’s received from you.
Joanne: “I must give a shout-out to all our friends and fans out there who have done an amazing job displaying them. Nothing inspires me more!”
Joanne’s Retro Designs
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Joanne Wright and her Jolly Santa and Retro Reindeer ornaments!” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, October 27, 2022. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3265497543690247/
2023 Reveal: Member Exclusives
The five Member Exclusive offerings for 2023 have been revealed.
Christmas Window 2023
(Keepsake Korners Christmas Shoppe)
Christmas Windows
21st in the series.
Toucan
The Beauty of Birds
Sweet Decade
Special Edition
Clara
Nutcracker Sweet
5th and Final in the series.
Stocking Stuffers Surprise
Mystery Box
Reveal: 2022 Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament
2022 Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament
The 2022 Mayor’s Tree Ornament, 42nd in the series, was cut from the 2021 Mayor’s Christmas Tree. This year’s ornament, “Celebrating 50 Years,” was designed by Hallmark Artist Shedya Best. The laser-cut design features the Mayor’s Christmas Tree in green with some of Crown Center’s iconic holiday decorations in gold, silver and white. This ornament celebrates the 50th year that the Mayor’s Christmas Tree will stand in Crown Center Square.
Proceeds from the purchase of these commemorative ornaments benefit the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, a Kansas City charity since 1908, that benefits thousands of Kansas City’s less fortunate each year.
Ornaments will go on sale, Friday, November 25, at Crown Center Customer Service, Level 2 of the Crown Center Shops. Ornaments are $16.95 plus tax. Limits apply.
Can’t make it to Crown Center? Orders that will be shipped by early December may now be placed by completing 2022 Mayor’s Christmas Tree Ornament Order Form.
NOTE: A limited supply of ornaments are available from 2003 (Snow Sled), 2006 (Nutcracker), 2007 (Christmas Bell), 2008 (Christmas Candle), 2009 (Gingerbread House), 2010 (Hallmark Centennial Celebration), 2011 (Holiday Mittens), 2012 (Snow Globe), 2013 (Christmas Tree), 2014 (Carousel Horse), 2015 (Woodland Joy), 2016 (Festive Fox), 2017 (Skate Away), 2018 (All Aboard), 2019 (Here Comes Christmas), 2020 (Heart of Kansas City), Festive Friends (2021).
2022 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 4-13, 2022
Top Hat Snowman
Limited Edition
This Exclusive VIP Holiday Gift is full of seasonal items just for you.
Includes:
- Pine Branch Mug
- Wreath Tea Towel
- The Uncorked Stemless Wine Glass
- Good Cheer Tote Bag
- Top Hat Snowman Keepsake Ornament
- Cardinal Salt and Pepper Shaker
* Gift with a purchase of $75 or more (after deductions). Valued at more than $75.
Valid: 11/4/22 – 11/13/22 (for Platinum Crown Rewards members – local Invite only),
11/14/22 – 12/24/22 (Stores have option to open up to all customers during event, based on available inventory. (for sale $24.99 USA)
Additionally, individuals spending $125 or more will also receive a Christmas Tree Stacked Mug Set (regularly $24.99), Individuals spending $200 or more will also receive a Comfort and Joy Blanket ($29.99 value). While supplies last.
Christmas Tree Stacked Mug Set
Comfort and Joy Throw Blanket
Holiday VIP Gift – A promotional offer directed at Platinum Crown Rewards customers.