Opening the Chamber of Secrets™
Our team of ornament Wizards shares how they brought the new Harry Potter™ Stortellers collection to life-no parseltongue necessary!

It’s no. secret that the Keepsake Ornament Studio is filled with magic. But what happens when the magic meets the world of Harry Potter™?

“There is a wealth of content within the Harry Potter™ film series. When we’re brainstorming, it’s important to choose compelling scenes that feature a fun range of characters and actions that can be brought to life with lights, dialogue and sound effects,” says Art Director Kurt Gaulke. “Our partners from Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products are fantastic, and they’re especially supportive when we propose concepts and ideas for ornaments or sets of ornaments that contain magic. They’re always happy to see us push our boundaries with their content.”

Once the story in chosen, there’s still an important task to complete before the adventure begins- it’s time to assemble the team!

“Artists Kris, Jake and Orville have been our go-to sculptors on many of our Harry Potter-inspired ornaments,” says Kurt. “Kris is able to capture the character likenesses and gestures so spot-on. Jake loves sculpting the more fanciful creatures from the series, capturing all the enchantment perfectly. And Orville has an incredible eye for detail and accuracy.”

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™️ Collection
Storytellers 

As fans of the series themselves, it’s important to the team that they get every detail just right-from Tom Riddle’s diary laying at Harry’s feet to the glowing headlights of the Weasleys’ flying Ford Anglia.

“When I was creating Dobby™ I went over his scenes again and again trying to capture the kind, meek nature he has in this particular story,” says Artist Jake Angell. “We landed on using the ‘Bad Dobby’ scene of him with the lamp. Even though the scene is comical, I really felt for Dobby in that moment!”

What ornaments are in store next for Harry, Ron, Hermione and Dobby? Kurt has a wand-erful idea!

“We’re already recreating fans’ favorite scenes with light and sound in our Storytellers…but what if we someday were able to add actual movement to further enhance these stories? Even more magic!”

“Opening the Chamber of Secrets™.” For Keeps 24 Summer 2024: 2-3