Emma Leturgez-Smith was the perfect choice when it came to deciding who would carry on The Beauty of Birds series. As she explains, “I’ve been in love with birds of all kinds since I was young, and it’s so much fun sculpting my favorite creatures and seeing how colorful I can get. I’m also loving the growing library of cute bird references I now have on my computer!”

When it came to her 2023 design, Emma had artistic reasons behind her choice of the Steller’s Jay for the 19th ornament in the series. “I felt like sculpting a stately bird this year as opposed to some of the more round and sweet birds. The shapes of the long beak and crested head of this jay really stood out to me. And its colors are so interesting. The small, bright streaks of color on top of the jay’s head turn to teardrop streaks on the sculpt, with darker blues around it that make the colors pop.”

Emma also has a reminder about something to be on the lookout for. “Keep an eye out for the limited quantity companion this year. It’s called a Leucistic Steller’s Jay, and this one has a unique (and totally opposite!) color palette that I ended up absolutely loving.”

Sounds like a couple feathered friends will be flying off the shelves in 2023. Don’t miss your chance to pick up both ornaments this year!

Steller’s Jay
The Beauty of Birds
19th in the series.

Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Emma Leturgez-Smith about Steller’s Jay, 19th ornament in the Beauty of Birds series that is available now!” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, January 30, 2023. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2330268633879814