2026 Ornament Insights: Spring

The magic of spring
Artists Emma and Kristina talk about a few of our favorite things: birds, fairies and butterflies.

Crocus Fairy
22nd in the Fairy Messengers series.

While there’s nothing we love more than a sparkling, snowy scene-especially when we’re snuggled up by the Christmas tree!-there’s a special feeling that only spring can bring. The days get brighter, the weather gets warmer and pretty colors start popping up all around.

“When I think of spring, I think of joy and renewal. The bright and cheery colors, everything is clean and new,” says Keepsake Artist Kristina Gaughran. “This year’s Fairy Messengers ornament was inspired by a patch of crocus flowers that pops up in our yard every spring. I always look forward to seeing them.”

When Kristina is starting a new ornament for Fairy Messengers, she begins by choosing a color then researching which flowers come in that color and what they all symbolize. She says the flower’s meaning guides her while she sketches, adjusting the fairy’s frame along the way. Crocus Fairy, #22 in the series, is all smiles and playfully posed capturing the joy, cheerfulness and happiness represented by the crocus flower.

Freesia Fairy
Miniature

Kristina’s mini fairy ornaments are also inspired by fresh florals. Just like her namesake, mini Freesia Fairy represents thoughtfulness, friendship and joy. But flowers and fairies aren’t the only signs of spring in the Keepsake Studio!

“Is ‘birds’ too obvious of an answer for my favorite part of spring?” jokes Keepsake Artist Emma Leturgez-Smith. “I drop some serious cash on good quality birdseed when the weather turns warm, so I get all kinds of colorful visitors in my yard. Last year, I even had a family of bluebirds move into a hollowed branch. I hope they come back!”

Emma worked with Kristina and now-retired Keepsake Artist Terri Steiger so that their 2026 mini bird, fairy and butterfly ornaments were color coordinated and would look pretty when paired on the Christmas tree. Speaking of pretty…

Black-Billed Magpie
22nd in the Beauty of Birds series.

“For the Black-Billed Magpie ornament, #22 in The Beauty of Birds, I had been playing around with iridescent, color-shifting paints. Magpies have such striking color-shifting feathers framed by elegant black and white that Ijust had to make one into an ornament,” Emma says. “I’m also really excited for everyone to see the limitedquantity companion, which features a rare color mutation found in the wild!”

“This whole little collection is just lovely,” adds Kristina. “I always admire Terri’s butterfly ornaments, and Emma’s birds, because of the beauty and simplicity in the designs. They’ll look so nice hanging on the Christmas tree together.”