Hallmark sat down with Keepsake Artist Kristina Gaughran (virtually!) to discuss the inspiration behind her 2020 Playful Penguins releasing at Ornament Debut in October.

Kristina: “This unofficial penguin series was inspired by an ornament I did in 2001 called Penguins at Play where 3 penguins were all bundled up in hats and scarves and sledding down a hill. I think a lot of times we pull from memories of our past and this one was very much a memory of growing up in southern Iowa where winters were very snowy. We didn’t have many large hills in our neighborhood, but I still remember sledding down our yard next to the drive. If we were braver, we would sled down the drive where the snow was compact and frozen, making for a more thrilling adventure.”

Kristina: “For me, what really kicks off the Christmas season is the moment we bring out the tree! No other decorating is done until the tree is set up. I wondered, ‘what kind of tree would these penguins have?’ Well, ice of course! So, here they are, getting ready to “Deck the Halls” as they dance around to the music.”

Kris added, “If you’re a fan of these little guys, be on the lookout at your local Hallmark Gold Crown store for some other exciting products coming out this year featuring these 3 little friends.”

Community Manager. “Behind the Scenes with Kris Gaughran and Playful Penguins.” Hallmark Keepsake Community, August 05, 2020. https://keepsakecommunity.hallmark.com/share/behind-the-scenes-with-kris-gaughran-and-playful-penguins.