Save the Date: 2023 KOC Enrollment
Mark your calendars for the Keepsake Ornament Club Launch Party (Facebook Live event) and opening 0f KOC enrollment for 2023.
Keepsake Ornament Club Launch Party (Facebook Live event)
November 1, 2022 @ 10:00 a.m. CDT
KOC enrollment for 2023 opens
November 2, 2022
Santa Claus
Artist Insights: Festive Octopus
Did you know Sharon Visker’s Festive Octopus ornament features sound and motion? Simply press the button on the ornament to hear a FUN version of “Jingle Bells” and see the Octopus drum along.
Hallmark: We love that this ornament spreads sea-son’s greetings 
with Sharon’s colorful design featuring a crab and octopus that merrily drums along to a calypso version of “Jingle Bells.” And we wanted to hear more about it, so we sat down with Sharon Visker to learn more!
Of her inspiration, Sharon said, “I’ve been fortunate to travel to Tahiti over the past few years and spend a lot of time building sand sculptures of various creatures. It’s become a new hobby of mine, but I don’t get much practice with real beach sand living in Kansas! I have a new appreciation for the beauty of the ocean and beaches even though I’ve never lived close enough to enjoy them on a regular basis. When I started to paint this ornament, I wanted to go after an island/Caribbean color vibe, so I chose a brighter fun palette that reflects island life.”
Who thinks we need a group trip to Tahiti with Sharon? Purely for research purposes, of course!
Hallmark: Because this ornament has magic (sound and motion), we asked Sharon to share more about working with the editorial and engineering teams. She said, “the editorial/sound team came up with an awesome song that has that bongo drum beat with a carefree, fun Christmassy island feel. Then, our engineering team came up with the movement. Four legs of the octopus actually move! They drum to the beat of the song.” Check out a video of the ornament in action here. Scroll through all the pictures until you get to the video. Press the play button to see it in action!
When it came to the styling of the octopus, Sharon had a real-life experience to pull inspiration from! She said, “When I was in Tahiti, I saw a baby octopus up close…that was a pretty cool experience!” More reason for that group trip to Tahiti next time, right?
What do you think? Is this one on your list this year? We know so many of you have beach-themed trees and décor. We think this ornament would fit in perfectly! Pick it up at Ornament Debut in October online or in your local Hallmark Gold Crown store.
Festive Octopus
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Sharon Visker and her Festive Octopus ornament!” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, September 21, 2022. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/permalink/3233922350181100
Announcement: Keepsake Artist Tom Best’s Retirement
The Best of times
Reminiscing on Tom Best’s 40-year Hallmark career
Tom Best
Senior Keepsake Artist
Hundreds of sketches, dozens of ornaments, and oh-so-many memories–that’s the legacy Tom Best will leave behind when he retires on December 28, the date of his 40th anniversary at Hallmark.
Although Tom began as a card illustrator in 1982, he decided to take his career from “two dimensions to three” and become a Keepsake artist in 2003. We’re so glad he made the switch–and Tom is too.
“Being a lifetime lover of toys and all things miniature, creating characters, scenes, and stories you can hold in your hand sounded perfect!”
Looking back, Tom says, It would be impossible to choose just one “best day of work ever!” moment. but he’s loved traveling for research and signing events. He’s been all over the country, including Alaska, and even got to pitch ornament ideas to the top designers of Hot Wheels.
“If my 10-year-old self could have dreamed of that, oh, boy–now that was a good day at work!”
And just like he can’t pick one favorite memory, Tom can’t pick just one ornament either, so a few of his favorites are pictured below! On the topic of ornaments, Tom assures us he is leaving all his projects in very capable hands: “Like time itself, Don Palmiter’s ‘Houses and Shops’ series will march on! Rodney and I have collaborated for a few years and have completed new ornaments through 2024.” Tom also says that he’s finished the 2023 and 2024 Beer Stein ornaments.
As he looks to retirement. Tom says he’s most grateful for all the friendships he’s formed and all the memories, too.
“Let me say how grateful I am to Hallmark and to all of you collectors and fans. You have my sincere thanks for all your warmth, kind words, and support. I am truly appreciative!”
Tom Best
Senior Keepsake Artist
Best Bucks
Rock and Roll All Nite
Santas Reinbeer
“The Best of times.” For Keeps 21 Fall 2022: 4-5.
2022 Reveal: Holiday Barbie® Ornaments
The wait is over. Here she is! Inspired by the 2022 Holiday Barbie™ Doll, this Keepsake Ornament is the perfect way to carry on the Barbie™ tradition of fabulous holiday fashions.
Holiday Barbie embodies the spirit of the season in a vibrant red gown inspired by the beautiful poinsettia, a symbol of good will and community spirit. Her ensemble dazzles with a shimmering poinsettia detail at the neckline and a layer of tulle and satiny petals adorning her long, full skirt. Gorgeous golden chandelier earrings complete her look.
Holiday Barbie™ Ornament
8th in the series.
Inspired by the 2022 Holiday Barbie™ Doll
2022 Video: All About Mickey!
Lights, camera, Mickey! Hear Nello chat all about his NEW All About Mickey! series, which will feature Disney’s Mickey in a new hobby or occupation each year. This year, he’s a tourist. In the future, maybe he’s a baker or magician.
Tourist Mickey
All About Mickey!
1st in the series.
2022 Video: Noble Nutcrackers
Hear where Keepsake Artist Terri Steiger found the inspiration for the Count of Cozy, 4th in the Noble Nutcrackers series, and then add tidings of comfort and joy to your tree when it releases at Ornament Debut in October.
Count of Cozy
Noble Nutcrackers
4th in the series.
Artist Insights: Beer Steins
Did you know? Tom Best has not one, not two, but THREE Beer Stein ornaments in this year’s Keepsake Ornament line.
- Beer Stein – the next ornament in his ‘unofficial’ series
- Hoppy Halloween – a stein ornament in Halloween styling
- Mini Beer Stein – a miniature ornament in stein styling
Hallmark sat down with Tom Best to discuss his Beer Stein ornaments! Starting with his unofficial series Beer Stein ornament, Hallmark asked.
Next up, Hallmark chatted with Tom about his Hoppy Halloween, Halloween Beer Stein ornament.
Lastly, Hallmark chatted with Tom about his Mini Beer Stein ornament.
We hope you enjoy the Hoppy Halloween and Mini Beer Stein ornaments available for purchase NOW, and the Beer Stein ornament available for purchase at Ornament Debut in October!
Beer Steins
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Tom Best and his Beer Stein ornaments!” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, August 25, 2022. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3213458958894106/
2022 Announcement: Ornament Premiere Top Ten
What Was The Top-Selling Ornament During Ornament Premiere 2022? Scroll over each of the tiles below to reveal the top 10 Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments (based on units sold) for Ornament Premiere.
10
Lady Tufted Titmouse
Special Edition
9
Grogu™ Greetings
Star Wars™: The Mandalorian™
8
Stocking Stuffers
2nd in the series.
7
Frosty Friends
43rd in the series.
6
Cookie Cutter Christmas
11th in the series.
5
Mischievous Kittens
24th in the series.
4
Father Christmas
19th in the series.
3
Seasons Treatings
14th in the series.
2
Sweet Decade
3rd in the series.
1
Twelve Drummers Drumming
Twelve Days of Christmas
12 and Final in the series.
2022 Video: All-American Trucks
Go back in time with art director, Kurt Gaulke as he chats more about this 1972 Ford F-100 ornament! 28th in the All-American Trucks series.
1972 Ford F-100
All-American Truck
28th in the series.
Local Club News: August 2022
Here is the latest Club communication.
Dear Local Club Presidents,
Hello from the Keepsake Village and Happy Summer! We hope this update finds you well. It’s been a busy summer here in the Keepsake Village and we’re looking forward to all the fun yet to come this year. We’re planning another KOC exclusive sale in September, followed by the release of 150 brand new ornaments at Ornament Debut, and the opening of enrollment for the 2023 Keepsake Ornament Club in November. Keep reading to learn more about upcoming Keepsake events, 2023 KOC, sneak peeks, and more. Enjoy!