Allie Robillard

If Keepsake Artist Allie Robillard has a favorite ornament in her Sandal the Sandman series, this Special Edition is the one! She explains, “The main reason is because this ornament introduces us to our new seagull friend, Sammi! Anyone who has been to the beach is very aware that once the seagulls show up, they never leave, so you can expect to see more of them in the future.”

Inspired by her Florida upbringing, Allie thinks back to her own childhood when imagining what Sandal will do next. “The concepting process always starts with me asking myself what I loved about going to the beach and what favorite memories I’ve kept. Then it’s about translating that joy to Sandal’s experiences. How can I make a sandman do my favorite activities and make it believable? What friends can I invite to his fun? Finally, I like to look one last time and try to add that Hallmark touch—a little something extra that elevates the scene.”

Sandal the Sandman
Special Edition

When it comes to the scene Allie set for this ornament, she has a charming story to tell. “Every ornament has a story. I’ve built a world and made a friend in Sandal. The story I imagined for this design was that Sandal and Sammi found the paddleboard left at the beach. They had seen other beachgoers using these contraptions before, so when they discovered it, they looked at each other with big eyes and wide smiles as they realized that now was THEIR chance to go play in the waves.”

This sweet Sandal the Sandman Special Edition ornament (available at the ’Tis the Season event)—don’t miss YOUR chance to add it to your tree!

Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Allie Robillard about her Sandal the Sandman Special Edition Ornament!” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, December 3, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3816692741904055/