After returning to the office, she headed to the Hallmark Archives to look for inspiration. “I was inspired by the old nostalgic Christmas cards and concepted from them.” She then began working with Senior Editor Strategist Mike Brush (who was there from the beginning) and Senior Editor Lindsay Evans. “They have both been instrumental in the development of Father Christmas throughout the years.”

Each ornament in the series brings an inspiring message written on a scroll that Father Christmas carries in a bag, along with symbols reflecting the message. In selling her idea for the series to Keepsake management, Joanne researched and drew concepts for ten ornaments, each with its own message, icons, and color scheme. “Once the message is established I think of the colors and icons that best portray that message. For example, The Father Christmas of Peace (2004) was the message that started the series off, so I gathered soft whites in fabrics and ribbons and sculpted dove charms and white peace lillies for him to hold. The design and message work hand in hand throughout the sculpting and painting process.”

Father Christmas
1st in the series.

Joanne sculpts her characters individually in wax, giving each a unique sense of vitality and appearance of movement. All prototypes were painted and assembled by hand. After completing several ornaments in the series, she started to look for inspiration in new ways.

“I am always inspired each year by friends, family and fans, who have thoughts and stories surrounding each one. They’re usually inspirations or requests surrounding color themes both present and future. I always try to keep a balance or alternate colors from one year to the next,” she says.