The Keepsake Studio spoke with Hallmark Artist Kristina Gaughran about her background and shared a glimpse of an ornament she created for 2025.

Kris: “ I did a summer internship in 1995, and then when I graduated from college in 1996, I started as an official Keepsake Ornament sculptor! I love creating ornaments that tell a story or mark a special occasion or interest in someone’s life. As a mom, I love pulling the ornaments out and reminiscing about what my boys were into each year.”

Kris: “My husband is putting new windows in my office, which will be nice but maybe not super-exciting. But I am really looking forward to everything turning green again—and for the daffodils to come up. They’re my favorite flower because they always mean spring is making its first appearance!”

Kris: “This is a koi mermaid, inspired by a koi fish. These fish are so beautiful with their color patterning, and I knew while planning out the series that I wanted to create a mermaid inspired by them. I remember going to EPCOT on a family vacation and seeing koi fish while at the Japan Pavilion, so I wanted this mermaid to feel Asian-inspired with that same beauty.”

Mythical Mermaids #3 will be available at Keepsake Ornament Premiere in July!

Mythical Mermaids
3rd in the series.