Beer Stein
Created by Tom Best

Available at Ornament Debut

Beer Stein
10th in the unofficial series.

Believe it or not, Tom Best says he “floundered” a bit when beginning the design for his 2021 Bear Stein ornament. But he explains “it was only because I had so many things I wanted to include on it! I had piles of research and ideas and truly struggled to edit them down to what would actually fit on an ornament.”

That research is something Tom considers a personal pleasure. “I love history, and beer steins by their very nature are old-world, and harken back to centuries gone by.”

“For this American-themed ornament. I started with the iconic Lady Liberty and James Montgomery Flagg’s famous illustration of Uncle Sam as the hinge character. I put the purple mountain majesty on the back side with amber waves of grain as the handle and design elements. And I used noble North American mammals, an eagle, stars and bars to cover the rest.

The unofficial series has gained a lot of popularity through the years, and Tom says he views it as “one for the fellas.” He also explains, I’m of mostly German heritage and I’m a beer lover, so I come by this series honestly.”

Tom also comes by his love of Christmas honestly and shares his favorite part of it all.

“I love the last week that leads up to Christmas with all its excitement. That said, it’s the quiet, wee hours of Christmas Eve that come to mind. It’s me who ‘lets Santa in’ once everyone is asleep, including the dog. I quietly gather the gifts from their hiding places and arrange them under the heavily ornamented tree. That done, I sit with a glass of spirits with only the tree lights on and Christmas music on low. Cheers and Merry Christmas to all!”

2022 SNEAK PEEK

Beer Stein
11th in the unofficial series.

Cheers to a sneak peek of Tom’s 2022 ornament!

“Beer Stein.” Behind the Designs. 14-17