Emma Leturgez-Smith

This year, the beloved Beauty of Birds series turns 20! To mark this special occasion, Keepsake Artist Emma Leturgez-Smith says she decided to spread her wings and create an ornament—and limited-quantity companion!—that are extra vibrant.

“I was inspired by the color green,” Emma says. “Looking at all the past birds in the line, I felt like a deep green was missing. The Violet-Green Swallow also let me work with a really beautiful purple—another uncommon color in birds.”

Violet-Green Swallow
The Beauty of Birds
20th in the series.

Emma inherited this series in 2022 after Keepsake Artist Edythe Kegrize retired. Edythe had finished designs up until 2022, so this new ornament is just the second one Emma has worked on from start to finish. After brainstorming for the initial design, Emma went straight to the computer to start sculpting. But she didn’t just wing it—she tested lots of different colors and poses along the way before landing on the final look.

“My favorite detail is how the series ornament fits alongside its limited-quantity counterpart! The colors, the poses—they fit together so well and I’m eager for people to see them as a pair,” Emma says.

We don’t want to ruffle any feathers but, sadly, you’ll have to wait until Ornament Premiere in July to pick up the Lady Violet-Green Swallow companion ornament. Lucky for us, Beauty of Birds #20 will be available starting in March at your nearest store or on Hallmark.com!

Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Emma Leturgez-Smith about her Beauty of Birds Limited Quantity Companion Ornament Coming at Ornament Premiere in July” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, January 31, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3580075618899103