2024 Sneak Peek: Holiday Helpers

Sharon Visker brings you a new Howliday Helpers series of mini pups!

Howliday Helpers
1st in the series.

We can never get enough of pets dressed up for the holidays. Who can, right? That’s why we’re so doggone happy to introduce Sharon Visker’s new miniature Howliday Helpers series. Each ornament will feature a different pup all decked out in fetching gear that might include anything from festive scarves to hats, toys, sweaters, and more.

We were able to get Sharon to paws her busy schedule to give you the scoop on what inspired her and it turns out it was simple and sweet: “I’m just a dog lover and thought it would be fun!”

Sharon continues, “There are a lot of dog lovers out there, and many of us have followed Anita Marra Rogers’ wonderful Puppy Love series that started way back in 1991. I wanted to do this series of minis with a different styling that will feel more graphic and young.

“Another difference is these pups will be mixes and mutts and rescues, so maybe you won’t be able to identify a specific breed. This first ornament does look a little corgi-ish, but who really knows? You may be able to recognize some, but I think it’ll add to the fun to wonder, ‘What is it?’ Well, it’s a mutt. We love mutts!”

When it comes to getting a series like this unleashed, there’s a definite process, and Sharon shared what goes on behind the scenes.

“When I first have an idea, I do a lot of research online, looking at photos, cartoons and what’s popular in stylings, as well as culture and trends. My research pointed me in the direction of these dogs. So, at our big yearly kickoff, I submitted my idea with 3–5 years of drawings to show that it’s not just a one-and-done thing, but it can continue. They liked it and decided to move forward with the series.

“At that point, the art directors came back to me and asked which drawing I’d like to start with. The initial ideas aren’t set in stone. I want it to look a bit different every year, so I’ll look at colors and mix it up. I tend to like variety!”

As for Sharon’s creative process, she’s a traditional sculptor. “I work the old-fashioned way by sculpting my ornaments from wax and clay, using dental and sculpting tools and sandpaper. There are unique challenges to minis, because you’re working on a tiny 1½-inch surface, and it can be difficult to get all the details right. On the other hand, because they are so small, I can usually crank them out fairly quickly.”

We begged Sharon to let us all in on what’s coming next in the series, and she hinted at something she calls “schnauzer-ish.” Maybe you’ll find your own special fur-baby reflected in one of the future pups of this series. One thing’s certain—they’ll be sculpted with love—and that’s the best treat of all.