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2021 Reveal: Cards Inspired by Ornaments

Boxed cards with all the craft of Keepsake Ornaments


A few favorite Keepsake Ornaments have inspired their very own line of holiday boxed cards. Now you can decorate your tree with your favorite ornament—and share a companion card as your seasonal greeting. Available this year.

Toymaker Santa
Holiday Cards

Toymaker Santa
22nd in the series.

Making Memories
Holiday Cards

Cozy New Pajamas
Making Memories

14th in the series.

Noble Nutcrackers
Holiday Cards

Duke of Winter
Noble Nutcrackers

3rd in the series.

“Cards inspired by ornaments.” For Keeps 20 Summer 2021: 6

June 8th, 2021|0 Comments

Living legacies

New artists continue the craft for a few fan favorites


Some Keepsake artists retired recently and passed the torch to a new generation, beginning in 2022. Here’s your first look at the artists chosen to carry on their craft—and their favorite ornament.

Jake Angell

Mary’s Angels – Keepsake Artist Jake Angell has a legacy to live up to in taking over the much-loved Mary’s Angels series. A fan favorite since 1988, Mary’s adorable angels tap into real human emotion, brought to life by Sculptor Robert Chad.

“I love trying to capture her style,” he says. “I want to keep the spirit of it alive. It’s about honoring her legacy.”

Sweet Trick-or-Treater

Not surprisingly, Jake’s favorite ornament as a child was one of Mary’s Angels. His first design in the series was inspired by the need for healing around the world and will be revealed next year.

Jake’s Favorite: 2016 Sweet Trick-or-Treater (Inspired by the series)

Emma Leturgez-Smith

Beauty of Birds – For Keepsake Artist Emma Leturgez-Smith, taking over Artist Edythe Kegrize’s Beauty of Birds series was a good thing. Emma has two parrots herself.

“I’m bird people,” she says. “I’m coming at it from the same angle as the fans. I want to make sure they reflect the essence of the real bird.”

For inspiration, she need only look out her window. Her house sits near a wooded area, an attractive feature for wild birds, especially cardinals.

Ravishing Raven

“In the winter the leaves fall away, and there’s white everywhere, but then you see these bright dots of red. It’s beautiful.”

Emma’s Favorite: 2017 Ravishing Raven (Inspired by the series)

Terri Steiger

Brilliant Butterflies – Known for her own Christmas Nutcracker ornament series, Keepsake Artist Terri Steiger is honored to pick up where Artist Edythe Kegrize left off on the Brilliant Butterflies series.

“I love her use of blue and purple,” she says. “She used a lot of iridescent colors and gems and each one looks like it’s in flight.”

Brilliant Butterflies
1st in the series.

With each new ornament, Terri is eager to see where the butter ies can go. Expect to see new colors, patterns and design elements.

“Every ornament is an opportunity to express something new,” she says.

Terri’s Favorite: 2017 Brilliant Butterflies, 1st in the series.

Tom Best & Rodney Gentry

Nostalgic Houses and Shops – Friends and Keepsake Artists Tom Best and Rodney Gentry are collaborating on Nostalgic Houses & Shops. Taking over the series, which premiered in 1984, from Artist Don Palmiter was an honor and a challenge.

Inspiration comes from their mutual interests and observations of architecture. Rodney and Tom have lots of ideas in the works and can’t wait for their ornament to debut in 2022.

“I think it carries on the tradition,” Rodney says. “It continues the artistry of Don. I think collectors will be pleasantly surprised.”

Arts & Crafts Bungalow
28th in the series.

Palmiter Hardware & Supply
34th in the series.

Tom’s Favorite: 2011 Arts & Crafts Bungalow, 28th in the series.

Rodney’s Favorite: 2017 Palmiter Hardware & Supply, 34th  in the series.

Lisa Vogel

Christmas Cupcakes – They look sweet enough to eat, but Keepsake Artist Lisa Vogel delights in the idea of collectors displaying her Christmas Cupcakes every year at the holidays.

Taking over the series from Artist Ruth Donikowski in its 13th year is a fun-filled opportunity. Each cupcake is crafted from felt, some with a generous handful of sprinkles.

Berry-licious
3rd in the series.

A collector herself, her holidays spent with family are her inspiration.

“We eat and catch up with everyone. Santa stops by to pass out gifts and then the kids start opening,” she says. “It’s loud, chaotic and amazing!”

Lisa’s Favorite: 2012 Berry-licious, 3rd in the series.

Allie Jachimowicz

Heirloom Angels – When tapped to take over Artist Ruth Donikowski’s Heirloom Angels series, Allie Jachimowicz was more than eager.

“I presented 5 years of concepts to prove I could do it,” she says.

Allie was drawn to the sweetness of the angels, inspired by vintage porcelain figurines. With her own modern style, she has ideas on how to carry the series forward.

Heirloom Angels
5th in the series.

And when her first Heirloom Angel debuts in 2022, Allie can hardly wait for collectors to get their first glimpse of her.

“I wanted to make her feel alive,” she says. “She means so much to me.”

Allie’s Favorite: 2020 Heirloom Angels, 5th in the series.

“Living legacies.” For Keeps 20 Summer 2021: 4-5

June 8th, 2021|0 Comments

2021 Keepsake Companions

Find new friends to hang with series ornaments


This holiday, a few of the limited quantities are companions to current series ornaments. Designed to go together, think of them as counterparts to their much-loved friends.

Series Ornament | Cookie Cutter Christmas
LQ Companion | Ten Sweet Years

Keepsake Artist Nina Aubé has always had heart for tiny creatures—and an imagination wild enough to dream up their human-sized adventures. Her Cookie Cutter Christmas companion ornament commemorates the series’ 10th year.

“The Cookie Cutter series was inspired by the nostalgia of old-fashioned aluminum cookie cutters, the kind my grandmother used. There’s always a sweet scene, literally—I use candy and cookies as props for the little mouse in his little adventures inside the vignettes. It’s the most fun part for me. The Cookie Cutter series is in its 10th year and it’s my favorite series to work on. It’s fun coming up with the scenery and props for the mouse to use in his adventures. As a kid, I loved little tiny things. These are like a miniature shadowbox scene. They just make people happy.”

– Keepsake Artist Nina Aubé

Series Ornament | Star-Tipped Sweetness, Christmas Cupcakes
LQ Companion | Sweet Reindeer Treat
By Retired Keepsake Artist Ruth Donikowski

Series Ornament | All Decked Out, Spotlight on Snoopy
LQ Companion | All Tangled Up

For Keepsake Artist Tracy Larsen, the Peanuts® characters are so multi-dimensional, that at times it can be hard to tell who’s pet and who’s person. In fact, Snoopy usually gets the spotlight to himself, but this year Charlie joins him.

“‘All Tangled Up’ is a fun companion to the Spotlight on Snoopy series. It’s just Charlie being Charlie—he’s somehow got himself all tangled up. In the series, Snoopy’s tangled up in lights but he’s being decorated by Woodstock, he’s a willing participant. It’s true to each of their natures. They each have interesting quirks and idiosyncrasies. For me, an ornament can contain as much sentiment as a card. Especially when it comes out every year to hang on the tree.”

– Keepsake Artist Tracy Larsen

Series Ornament | Evening Grosbeak, The Beauty of Birds 
LQ Companion | Lady Evening Grosbeak
By Retired Keepsake Artist Edythe Kegrize

Series Ornament | Father Christmas
LQ Companion | Father Christmas’ Reindeer

Though he’s been around for centuries, Father Christmas still holds a lot of charm for Keepsake Artist Joanne Wright. This year’s Father Christmas ornament and his companion are extra special for Joanne, who created the series more than 18 years ago.

“I wanted to come up with a Santa that was new but still traditional. I’m especially proud of this year’s Father Christmas and companion ornament. He’s a departure from what I’ve done in the past. I was inspired by my childhood, growing up by the ocean in Massachusetts. I looked for fabrics that had the same blues and aquas like water, and ribbons that had a shimmer and reflective quality. The shells were molded from actual tiny shells I found on the beach. The message he brings this year is ‘Peace and Tranquility.’”

– Keepsake Artist Joanne Wright

“Keepsake companions.” For Keeps 20 Summer 2021: 2-3

June 8th, 2021|0 Comments

2021 Reveal: Ghostbusters: Afterlife™

Mini Pufts
Ghostbusters: Afterlife™

Happy Ghostbusters Day! To celebrate, Hallmark has revealed their 2021 Mini Pufts, Ghostbusters: Afterlife™ ornament–not pictured in the 2021 Dream Book–by Tammy Haddix. The ornament which is designed to commemorate the latest chapter in the original Ghostbusters universe features some of the mischievous little monsters enjoying a cup of hot cocoa. Available beginning Ornament Debut in October.

June 8th, 2021|0 Comments

Members Exclusive Offer: KOC Flash Sale (August 7th)

Keepsake Vault Release (For the first time, Hallmark is opening the Keepsake Vault to members) – After nearly 50 years of Keepsake Ornaments, Hallmark’s closets are full! Now you can help them make space for more. They’ve bundled together vintage original ornaments from 1974 to 2020 in sets of three for $39.99 per bundle. Each bundle is unique and includes series ornaments and/or Comic-Con, (convention and Club) exclusives. Available starting Saturday, August 7, at 8a.m. CT. only at Hallmark.com while they last!

Consumer cannot choose individual ornaments.     •     Limit 1 bundle per customer.     •     No returns or exchanges. U.S. only


Repaints Sale (Find a favorite in a fresh color) – The 2021 KOC Convention was canceled unfortunately, but the KOC is bringing their exclusive ornament shop to you virtually! Beginning Saturday, August 7 at 8a.m. CT, KOC members can shop a selection of favorites in repainted colorways. Available only at Hallmark.com while supplies last!

Canadian members, call 1-800-HALLMARK to order.     •     Limit one of each design per customer.

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
The Beauty of Birds
Member Exclusive

Brilliant Butterflies
Member Exclusive

Whittaker Q. Snowman
Snowtop Lodge
Member Exclusive

North Pole Tree Trimmers
Member Exclusive

Freesia Fairy
Fairy Messengers
Member Exclusive

Season’s Treatings
Member Exclusive

May 28th, 2021|3 Comments

Artist Insights: Santa’s Next Stop

Hallmark sat down (virtually!) with Keepsake Artist Anita Marra Rogers to chat more about the Santa’s Next Stop Special Edition ornament releasing on 6/12! Anita was the lead on the project, and she worked with the entire Keepsake Studio of Artists to bring the ornament to life! Keep reading to learn more of what she had to say about the process.

Don’t forget to join Hallmark on the Keepsake Facebook page on 6/12 from 12pm-1pm CST for their virtual Keepsake Artist Signing Facebook Live event! Anita along with fellow artists Debra Nielsen and Nello Williams will be chatting more about the Santa’s Next Stop Special Edition ornament and answering all your burning questions! There will be signed giveaways–the Santa’s Next Stop Special Edition ornament signed by the entire Keepsake Studio–as well selected from those in attendance. The event is completely free! See you on 6/12 from 12-1pm CST.

Anita: “The very first studio signing piece was a 1993 fireplace scene called “Santa’s Favorite Stop.” It had been so many years since that was done and we thought a fireplace would be a logical choice for this year. Retired Keepsake Artist (Robert) Chad and I were the only two remaining studio artists that worked on that first piece, and since then, there have been so many newer collectors that may not have the first one.”

Anita: “I think what I enjoyed most about leading this project was the experience it gave me. It was fun to work with each of the other studio artists on one collective piece. It was my first time to do that.”

Anita: “The most challenging part of leading this was working on it from home. Working from home on anything was a challenge in itself at first. A collaborative piece was especially challenging.”

Anita also added, “I actually named this piece! Since the 1993 piece was “Santa’s Favorite Stop,” I thought it would be fun to call this one “Santa’s Next Stop.” I suggested it to Keepsake Editor Lindsay Evans, and she loved it!”

Lindsay will be hosting the virtual event on 6/12, so you’ll get to hear more from her then too! The KOC can’t wait to chat with you on 6/12 from 12-1pm CST. See you then.

Santa’s Next Stop
Studio Edition

Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Anita Marra Rogers to chat about the Santa’s Next Stop Special Edition!” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, May 26, 2021. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/permalink/2736156716624335/

May 26th, 2021|0 Comments

2021 Graduation

Congratulations class of 2021! In celebration of the accomplishments of every graduate–from preschool to high school and beyond–here are the graduation ornaments included in the 2021 Keepsake Ornament line.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go!*

Congrats, Grad!
Photo holder

On Top of the World!
Disney Mickey Mouse
Photo holder

*This early release is available at participating Hallmark Gold Crown Stores just in time for graduation season.

May 21st, 2021|0 Comments

Local Club News: May 2021

Here is the latest Club communication that was received today.

Dear Local Club Presidents,

Hello from the Keepsake Village and Happy Spring! We hope the warmer weather finds you well. Have you turned in your Wish List yet? It was especially hard to narrow down to our favorites this year. There is so much talent in the Keepsake Studio of Artists. They keep surprising us with new ideas, new magic function, new licensors, and more! If you haven’t turned in your Wish List yet, it’s not too late. Either fill out the paper copy located in your Dream Book and turn it in to your local Hallmark Gold Crown store or visit http://bit.ly/21WishList to fill out your Wish List online and submit it to your store.

Here in the Keepsake Village, we’ve been busy planning a summer packed full of FUN for you! Ornament Premiere is just around the corner, but first, we’re hosting a Facebook Live event on the Keepsake Facebook page. We’re so excited to share all the details with you and your local club members. Keep reading for details on our upcoming Keepsake events, your 2021 Keepsake Dream Book Insider’s Guide, updates and details on 2021 KOC, sneak peeks, and more. Enjoy!

Read the Second Quarter 2021 Local Club News

(more…)

May 17th, 2021|0 Comments
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