Matt Johnson Archives - Page 9 of 33

Disney’s Electrical Parade

After joining Hallmark in 2012, Keepsake Artist Matt Johnson quickly learned just how much Keepsake Ornaments capture and share memories at Christmas. “You can see that in how people interact with an ornament and use it in their celebrations,” Matt says. “I appreciate that each Keepsake Ornament has artistry and the ability to mean different things to different people based on the experiences they bring to it.”

Matt Johnson

Description

Magic (light and sound)

The magic of the Disney Parks doesn't stop after dark—that's when the spectacular nighttime shows come alive! This Christmas tree ornament celebrates the vibrant Main Street Electrical Parade with its colorful, twinkling lights and unforgettable song.

Connect this ornament to Hallmark's Keepsake Power Cord to see it illuminate and hear music from the beloved Disney Parks parade!

Requires Hallmark's Keepsake Power Cord (not included). Complete instructions and safety information enclosed inside box.

Artist: Matt Johnson
Released: 2023 (Ornament Premiere)
Retail Price: $29.99 USA/$37.99 CAN
Material(s): plastic
Dimensions: 4.625" w. x 3.54" h. x 1.85" d.
SKU: QXD6729
Produced in: Sri Lanka
Production Date(s):

Related Ornaments

Disney Park Attractions

Description

Magic (light and sound)
The magic of the Disney Parks doesn't stop after dark—that's when the spectacular nighttime shows come alive! This Christmas tree ornament celebrates the vibrant Main Street Electrical Parade with its colorful, twinkling lights and unforgettable song.

Connect this ornament to Hallmark's Keepsake Power Cord to see it illuminate and hear music from the beloved Disney Parks parade!

Requires Hallmark's Keepsake Power Cord (not included). Complete instructions and safety information enclosed inside box.

Artist: Matt Johnson
Released: 2023 (Ornament Premiere)
Retail Price: $29.99 USA/$37.99 CAN
Material(s): plastic
Dimensions: 4.625" w. x 3.54" h. x 1.85" d.
SKU: QXD6729
Produced in: Sri Lanka
Production Date(s):

Related Ornaments

Alternate Versions

Related Ornaments

Downloads

Related Ornaments

Disney Park Attractions

digital DREAMBOOK Team2025-07-28T07:47:55-06:00July 14th, 2023|

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

After joining Hallmark in 2012, Keepsake Artist Matt Johnson quickly learned just how much Keepsake Ornaments capture and share memories at Christmas. “You can see that in how people interact with an ornament and use it in their celebrations,” Matt says. “I appreciate that each Keepsake Ornament has artistry and the ability to mean different things to different people based on the experiences they bring to it.”

Matt Johnson

“Most ornaments are challenges, and I love a challenge,” says Keepsake Artist Jim Kemme. In his 54 years of creating at Hallmark, Jim has worked as a designer of everything from puzzles and posters to candles and ornaments. “As an artist, l’d call myself a realist. In my mind, I’m always just trying to get it right,” he says with a laugh.

Jim Kemme

Description

Magic (sound)

Serenade friends and family by playing "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" with this whimsical Christmas tree ornament. There's no doubt this happy hippo will be the star of the show, as it dons festive Christmas pajamas and a Santa hat. Press the button to hear part of the 1953 holiday classic performed by Gayla Peevey (battery-operated).

Artist: Matt Johnson and Jim Kemme
Released: 2023 (Ornament Premiere)
Retail Price: $20.99 USA/$26.99 CAN
Material(s): plastic
Dimensions: 2.79" w. x 3.46" h. x 1.91" d.
SKU: QGO2627
Produced in: Vietnam
Production Date(s):

Related Ornaments

Description

Magic (sound)
Serenade friends and family by playing "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" with this whimsical Christmas tree ornament. There's no doubt this happy hippo will be the star of the show, as it dons festive Christmas pajamas and a Santa hat. Press the button to hear part of the 1953 holiday classic performed by Gayla Peevey (battery-operated).

Artist: Matt Johnson and Jim Kemme
Released: 2023 (Ornament Premiere)
Retail Price: $20.99 USA/$26.99 CAN
Material(s): plastic
Dimensions: 2.79" w. x 3.46" h. x 1.91" d.
SKU: QGO2627
Produced in: Vietnam
Production Date(s):

Related Ornaments

Alternate Versions

Related Ornaments

Downloads

Related Ornaments

digital DREAMBOOK Team2023-07-18T16:53:36-06:00July 14th, 2023|

The Artist at Work

Every artist in the Keepsake studio was involved in creating The Artist at Work. Each one added his or her own personal creative touch!

Keepsake Artist Contributions

Design concept – Tom Best
Art direction – Anita Marra Rogers

Base, desk, and table structure – Robert Hurlburt
Design on side of desk – Tom Best
Design around edge of base – Allie Robillard

Santa – Tracy Larsen

Mary’s Angel (in Santa’s hand) – Jake Angell

On desk:

Nellco clock – Nello Williams
Bird (cardinal) – Emma Leturgez-Smith
Santa mug – Tammy Haddix
Plate of goodies – Sharon Visker
Playful Penguin – Kristina Gaughran
Snowtop Lodge ornament – Joanne Wright
Toy train – Orville Wilson
Toy car – Rodney Gentry
Cookie Cutter Mouse (on back) – Nina Aubé

Sketches on drawing table:

Gnome for Christmas – Gregor Benedetti (SNEAK PEEK)
Rocking Horse Memories – Matt Johnson (SNEAK PEEK)
Noble Nutcracker (Snowfall Prince) – Terri Steiger

On floor:

Puppy with red bow – Anita Marra Rogers
A Pony for Christmas – Debra Nielsen

Description

Santa Claus is a very busy man, designing special gifts for all the nice girls and boys on his list. Delight in his personal workspace with this incredible Christmas tree ornament. Every artist in the Keepsake Studio was involved in creating the handsome piece, crafting each element with his or her own personal creative touch. Intricate detailing in the desk, toys and pieces resembling beloved Keepsake Ornament designs makes this decoration perfect for celebrating 50 years of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments.

Artist: See Keepsake Artist Contributions
Released: 2023 (Ornament Premiere)
Retail Price: $49.99 USA/$69.99 CAN
Material(s): plastic
Dimensions: 3.5" w. x 4.76" h. x 3.37" d.
SKU: QGO2827
Produced in: Sri Lanka
Production Date(s):

A ho-ho-whole lot of help
Read how every artist in the Keepsake Village contributed to this year’s Santa’s Workbench studio ornament.

As part of our big 50th anniversary celebration, the Keepsake Village has been hard at work collaborating to create a very special studio ornament depicting Santa’s Workbench, shown above.

As you know, these studio-created ornaments are a team effort. With the merging of so many details and artistic styles, along with the number of design decisions to be made, these studio pieces take time to develop. This one, for example, was started in July of 2021 when Tom Best created the initial concept.

Anita Marra Rogers, the lead artist for the piece, was responsible for taking the idea and determining which elements would be designed by which artist based on their specialties.

“Each artist in the Keepsake Studio had a part in it, so I wanted to make sure a little of everyone’s personality or styling came through,” she tells us. From traditional sculptors to artists who create computer renderings, Anita wanted to bring together all the aspects of the studio.

Hearing her talk about the process might make your head spin. But, thankfully, she had Art Director Kurt Gaulke to help determine how each part of the ornament’s intricate design could work together in harmony.

“After the concept was chosen,” Anita says, “Robert Hurlburt crafted the structure of the whole thing, and Tracy Larsen was assigned to sculpt Santa in the same styling he has used for past club-exclusive ornaments.”

Tom Best chimed in to say that “the basic idea of Santa at his workshop drafting table came from Kurt, our art director, along with Jim Tronoski.”

And if you’re thinking the idea seems like the perfect fit for a 50th anniversary piece, you’d be right. The assortment of toys and ornaments displayed across his desk were all meticulously designed by artists throughout the studio.

“Every item at his drafting table is a nod to past ornaments throughout Keepsake Ornament history,” Tom adds.

While discussing this undertaking, Anita let us in on a sneak peek you won’t want to miss

“On top of Santa’s desk, you’ll find some drawings he’s been working on for future products,” she says.

That’s right. You won’t just have an amazing ornament created by the entire Keepsake Studio, you’ll also get a glimpse of ornaments yet to come.

“A true labor of love.” For Keeps 22 Spring 2023: 7.

NOTES:

Issued in celebration of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments 50th Anniversary.

Little Puppy Love is Anabella, a friend of Anita’s.

Related Ornaments

Description

Santa Claus is a very busy man, designing special gifts for all the nice girls and boys on his list. Delight in his personal workspace with this incredible Christmas tree ornament. Every artist in the Keepsake Studio was involved in creating the handsome piece, crafting each element with his or her own personal creative touch. Intricate detailing in the desk, toys and pieces resembling beloved Keepsake Ornament designs makes this decoration perfect for celebrating 50 years of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments.

A ho-ho-whole lot of help
Read how every artist in the Keepsake Village contributed to this year’s Santa’s Workbench studio ornament.

As part of our big 50th anniversary celebration, the Keepsake Village has been hard at work collaborating to create a very special studio ornament depicting Santa’s Workbench, shown above.

As you know, these studio-created ornaments are a team effort. With the merging of so many details and artistic styles, along with the number of design decisions to be made, these studio pieces take time to develop. This one, for example, was started in July of 2021 when Tom Best created the initial concept.

Anita Marra Rogers, the lead artist for the piece, was responsible for taking the idea and determining which elements would be designed by which artist based on their specialties.

“Each artist in the Keepsake Studio had a part in it, so I wanted to make sure a little of everyone’s personality or styling came through,” she tells us. From traditional sculptors to artists who create computer renderings, Anita wanted to bring together all the aspects of the studio.

Hearing her talk about the process might make your head spin. But, thankfully, she had Art Director Kurt Gaulke to help determine how each part of the ornament’s intricate design could work together in harmony.

“After the concept was chosen,” Anita says, “Robert Hurlburt crafted the structure of the whole thing, and Tracy Larsen was assigned to sculpt Santa in the same styling he has used for past club-exclusive ornaments.”

Tom Best chimed in to say that “the basic idea of Santa at his workshop drafting table came from Kurt, our art director, along with Jim Tronoski.”

And if you’re thinking the idea seems like the perfect fit for a 50th anniversary piece, you’d be right. The assortment of toys and ornaments displayed across his desk were all meticulously designed by artists throughout the studio.

“Every item at his drafting table is a nod to past ornaments throughout Keepsake Ornament history,” Tom adds.

While discussing this undertaking, Anita let us in on a sneak peek you won’t want to miss

“On top of Santa’s desk, you’ll find some drawings he’s been working on for future products,” she says.

That’s right. You won’t just have an amazing ornament created by the entire Keepsake Studio, you’ll also get a glimpse of ornaments yet to come.

“A true labor of love.” For Keeps 22 Spring 2023: 7.

NOTES:

Issued in celebration of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments 50th Anniversary.
Little Puppy Love is Anabella, a friend of Anita’s.

Artist: See Keepsake Artist Contributions
Released: 2023 (Ornament Premiere)
Retail Price: $49.99 USA/$69.99 CAN
Material(s): plastic
Dimensions: 3.5" w. x 4.76" h. x 3.37" d.
SKU: QGO2827
Produced in: Sri Lanka
Production Date(s):

Related Ornaments

Alternate Versions

Related Ornaments

Downloads

Related Ornaments

digital DREAMBOOK Team2023-07-24T11:13:09-06:00July 14th, 2023|

A Lotta Lights

After joining Hallmark in 2012, Keepsake Artist Matt Johnson quickly learned just how much Keepsake Ornaments capture and share memories at Christmas. “You can see that in how people interact with an ornament and use it in their celebrations,” Matt says. “I appreciate that each Keepsake Ornament has artistry and the ability to mean different things to different people based on the experiences they bring to it.”

Matt Johnson

Description

Magic (light & sound)

It was almost like a Christmas miracle when Clark Griswold thrust the extensions cords together one last time and the house illuminated in a blinding array of Christmas lights! Relive the hilarious scene from the classic holiday movie "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" with this Christmas tree ornament featuring an ugly Christmas sweater decorated with artwork of the house, Santa's sleigh and reindeer yard art, and colorful light strings.

Press the button on the ornament to hear music from "Hallelujah Chorus" and see the sweater illuminate.

BATTERY OPERATED. Batteries (three LR44) included.

Artist: Matt Johnson
Released: 2023 (Ornament Premiere)
Retail Price: $22.99 USA/$28.99 CAN
Material(s): plastic
Dimensions: 3.69" w. x 4.38" h. x 1.57" d.
SKU: QXI7437
Produced in: Sri Lanka
Production Date(s):

Son

After joining Hallmark in 2012, Keepsake Artist Matt Johnson quickly learned just how much Keepsake Ornaments capture and share memories at Christmas. “You can see that in how people interact with an ornament and use it in their celebrations,” Matt says. “I appreciate that each Keepsake Ornament has artistry and the ability to mean different things to different people based on the experiences they bring to it.”

Matt Johnson

Description

Artist: Matt Johnson
Released: 2023 (Ornament Premiere)
Retail Price: $13.99 USA/$17.99 CAN
Material(s): plastic
Dimensions: 1.83" w. x 2.84" h. x 1.857" d.
SKU: QGO2547
Produced in: Thailand
Production Date(s):

Related designs

Mom

Dad

Daughter

Related Ornaments

Description

Artist: Matt Johnson
Released: 2023 (Ornament Premiere)
Retail Price: $13.99 USA/$17.99 CAN
Material(s): plastic
Dimensions: 1.83" w. x 2.84" h. x 1.857" d.
SKU: QGO2547
Produced in: Thailand
Production Date(s):

Related designs

Mom

Dad

Daughter

Downloads

Related Ornaments

digital DREAMBOOK Team2025-07-20T23:56:58-06:00July 14th, 2023|

2023 Keepsake Artist Meet & Greet Events – Riverside, CA

Attending Artists
Friday
Saturday
Event Notes
Photos

Return to 2023 Signing Map

Allie’s Hallmark Shop’s Keepsakes’ 50th Anniversary Celebration Event

KOC Members Early Access: Friday, July 21, 2023
Gold Crown Customers: Saturday, July 22, 2023

Location & Contact Information:

Allie’s Hallmark Shop
5225 Canyon Crest #68
Riverside, CA. 92507-6321

(951) 781-8401

Attending Artists

Orville Wilson

Matt Johnson

Friday

KOC members early access

Times:

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Signing:

Signing is limited to two (2) ornaments–created by the on-site artist(s)–per attendee.

Prizes:

One KOC member will win a $250 gift card. The winner must be present to win.

Saturday

Gold Crown Customers

Times:

9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Signing:

Signing is limited to four (4) 2023 collection ornaments–created by the on-site artist(s)–per attendee.

Prizes:

The first 50 guests in line will receive a goodie bag including a Keepsake ornament. One goodie bag per attendee.
Raffles will be held throughout the event.

Event Notes

This is not a traditional artist signing event as in previous years, but a chance to celebrate the history of Keepsakes!

This event does not feature an exclusive release ornament available at only selected locations.
A dinner with the artists will not be offered.
Hotel room blocks will not be offered.

Photos

digital DREAMBOOK Team2023-07-26T13:32:35-06:00July 12th, 2023|

Stanley Cup® Vegas Golden Knights

Description

The Vegas Golden Knights are World Champs! Commemorate their exciting first-time victory as they clinched the 2023 Stanley Cup with this cool-as-ice special piece of Golden Knights pride. But don’t wait too long—supplies of this collectible Keepsake Ornament are limited. On ornament: VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS®, STANLEY CUP® CHAMPIONS.

Artist: Matt Johnson
Released: 2023
Retail Price: $24.99 USA
Material(s): plastic
Dimensions: 4.5" w. x 4.94" h. x 1" d.
SKU: QHR1263
Produced in:
Production Date(s):

Related Ornaments

Description

The Vegas Golden Knights are World Champs! Commemorate their exciting first-time victory as they clinched the 2023 Stanley Cup with this cool-as-ice special piece of Golden Knights pride. But don’t wait too long—supplies of this collectible Keepsake Ornament are limited. On ornament: VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS®, STANLEY CUP® CHAMPIONS.

Artist: Matt Johnson
Released: 2023
Retail Price: $24.99 USA
Material(s): plastic
Dimensions: 4.5" w. x 4.94" h. x 1" d.
SKU: QHR1263
Produced in:
Production Date(s):

Related Ornaments

Alternate Versions

Related Ornaments

Downloads

Related Ornaments

digital DREAMBOOK Team2023-06-14T11:14:16-06:00June 11th, 2023|

Artist Insights: 2023 Rocking Horse Memories

Rocking Horse Memories #4 is almost here! Can we get a yeehaw? Because this year’s ornament—featuring beautiful blue, white, red, brown, and silver coloring—has a subtle Americana theme thanks to Keepsake Artist Matt Johnson.

“I look at prior years to see what we have not done before with regards to the color palette. I then narrow down the colors and provide some different views to plan out the patterns on the body,” Matt says.

He also did a deep dive into horse history to ensure that the ornament is not only amazing to look at, but also accurate.

“The Spotted Saddle Horse, as seen on this year’s ornament, is a horse breed from the United States that was developed by crossing Spanish-American type gaited pinto ponies with gaited horse breeds, such as the Tennessee walking horse,” Matt says. “The result was a colorful, smooth-gaited horse used both in the show ring and for pleasure and trail riding.”

After gathering inspiration and digitally designing the ornament based on last year’s sculpt, Matt says he took a trip to his local fabric store to source material for the tail.

“I stand around in the aisle holding the embroidery floss, my Pantone fan books and earlier rocking horses to decide colors. Employees usually are curious about what I am doing so I tell them I am building a rocking horse for my dollhouse!” Matt says.

The ornament is made with a mixture of other materials, too.

“The rocking horse is styrene. The stirrups are bent wire that is plated and the gemstones on the rockers are glass,” Matt says.

The result is a charming chestnut brown rocking horse that delights us with the details- from the little gold crown on the saddle to the flowers on the bridle and harness.

Rocking Horse #4 will be ready to giddy up and go at Ornament Premiere in July.

Rocking Horse Memories
4th in the series.

Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Matt Johnson about his rocking Horse Memories, 4th in the series, that will be releasing at Ornament Premiere!” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, May 3, 2023. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3404034966503170/

digital DREAMBOOK Team2023-10-20T13:14:31-06:00May 3rd, 2023|

Artist Insights: Getting to know your Keepsake artists

Getting to know your Keepsake artists
Discover how these four featured artists found their way to the Keepsake Village.

Orville Wilson

From marketer to maker

Orville Wilson knew he’d work at Hallmark from a very young age.

“When I was little, I was always drawing. I even won a few contests at school. My mother always said I would work at Hallmark one day.”

As we all know, Mom knows best, and Orville found his way to the marketing department at Hallmark in 2016, where he spent much of his time designing the Dream Book.

It was not long after that Orville’s manager said there was an opening in the Keepsake Village.

“I jumped at the opportunity,” he says. “I had spent my free time learning to create 3D designs. So I scrambled to pull them all together and even re-rendered a bunch of them to create a portfolio.”

That portfolio that got him an interview-and onto the team.

Anita Marra Rogers

Sculpting her own path

“Growing up in Kansas City, I always wanted to work for Hallmark,” Anita Marra Rogers says. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t good enough at two-dimensional artwork to get in the door.”

That’s hard to believe, coming from someone who’s in her 38th year in the Keepsake Studio.

“But luckily, I met Peter Dutkin, a Keepsake artist at the time. And he looked at my work and told me I had talent.”

He showed her around the department, and that’s when she spotted a few of the artists sculpting ornament designs

“It looked like so much fun! I just knew I had to try my hand at it.”

With a little encouragement, Anita had found her calling. She assembled a new portfolio filled with 3D artwork. And that’s how we ended up with more than 600 of Anita’s designs.

Allie Robillard

Imagination over expectation

Becoming a Keepsake artist came as a total surprise to Allie Robillard. As a child, she imagined working with animals

“I always thought I would be a veterinarian when I grew up. Which is hilarious because l’m just not great actually being around animals. I guess I just love the idea of them,” Allie says.

It turns out Allie’s imagination would be the key to her success

“Ever since I was a kid, my imagination is the thing l’ve depended on most,” she says. “I was constantly drawing up my own new worlds.”

Thankfully, her creative spirit never went away. Instead of following her childhood dream of becoming a vet, she went to art school.

“I specialized in illustration and animation, which led me to the ornament teams at Hallmark.”

Matt Johnson

The best Halloween treat ever

For as long as he can remember, Matt Johnson has always been interested in art. The older he got, the more he became fascinated by design and architecture.

“I didn’t really begin taking formal art classes until I graduated high school,” he tells us. “I used to visit my older brother, who is an artist and works in the film industry, while he was in school. Seeing the classes he was taking had a big impact on me.”

Following in his brother’s footsteps and attending art school led to a job designing for a toy company on the East Coast. But he longed to return to Kansas City. It was after returning home that, on one fateful Halloween night, Matt made a connection with a neighbor working at Hallmark who introduced him to recruiters.

More than 10 years later, Matt’s still putting his design skills and imagination to work. Talk about a Halloween treat you’ll never forget!

“Getting to know your Keepsake artists.” For Keeps 22 Spring 2023: 4-5.

digital DREAMBOOK Team2023-02-23T10:44:51-06:00February 18th, 2023|

Super Bowl LVII Champions Kansas City Chiefs

Matt Johnson

After joining Hallmark in 2012, Keepsake Artist Matt Johnson quickly learned just how much Keepsake Ornaments capture and share memories at Christmas. “You can see that in how people interact with an ornament and use it in their celebrations,” Matt says. “I appreciate that each Keepsake Ornament has artistry and the ability to mean different things to different people based on the experiences they bring to it.”

Orville Wilson

Orville Wilson and his family enjoy celebrating the holidays with lots of different Christmas trees, each featuring a unique theme (there is a “Santa” tree, an “angel” tree, a “treat” tree, and seven others). He also likes exploring lots of different subjects and design styles in his work as a Keepsake Artist. Lucky for fans, that love of variety means that it is always easy to find the perfect “Orville” ornament for any tree, no matter the theme.

Description

Features a football, with the Kansas City Chiefs logo on it. On ornament: SUPER BOWL LVII CHAMPIONS KANSAS CITY CHIEFS.