Tammy Haddix

Slice of life
Take a peek into Christmas Window #23,
Zach and Ben’s Pizzeria.

Fans of the beloved Christmas Window series know that these charming ornaments always feature an adorable kiddo bundled up and peering through a wintry shop window. But what you might not know is that the series is a reflection of some of Keepsake Artist Tammy Haddix’s favorite memories.

Christmas Windows
(Zach and Ben’s Pizzeria)
23rd in the series.

“My two sons, Zach and Ben, have inspired the series of ornaments since I began working on them. I always try to pick a theme they’re able to relate to,” Tammy says. “When they were growing up in Platte City, we ate at the local pizza shop at least once a week. It was always a favorite, so that became the theme for Christmas Window #23.”

As it turns out, this ornament series is an entire family affair. When Tammy works from home, her husband acts as equipment assistant.

“I started this project with a sketch on my iPad, then designed it on a computer program to be cut out on my CNC, which means computer numerical control. I design, then my husband Rick opens it on his computer and sends it to the router that machines it out of wood for me to work with. Once I have the structure, I add wax to it and sculpt the details,” Tammy says.

“While it gets harder every year to do something relevant that will relate to one or both of my boys. I still have a few ideas! I love getting to use my sons as inspiration–it’s almost like reliving their childhood.”