Latest News

On Wings of Hope
3-D paper Mock-up

For many Hallmark Channel fans it was their first Hallmark Keepsake Ornament. For collectors it was a beloved part of their collection. And for others it was an “in search of” ornament with frantic calls to Hallmark stores all over the the country.

For Hallmark, it was quite simply a huge success.

A delicate porcelain butterfly ornament with classic dimensional metal attachments, On Wings of Hope presented a simple message, “With hope, we find our wings.”

It was Keepsake Artist Terri Steiger who designed THE Christmas ornament for “The Christmas Ornament” Hallmark Channel movie in 2013. Cameron Mathison is seen proudly holding it on the cover of the DVD.

This weekend at Hooked on Ornaments Spring Sale and Artist Signing, you have a unique opportunity to own THE original design of the ornament that so many Hallmark employees had to repeatedly tell customers they were sold out of.

This delicate butterfly being a pencil sketch on layered, cut-paper comes from the artist’s personal collection. A piece to brag about amongst all your Hallmark Channel-watching friends.

Bidding opens at 9:00 AM CT on Friday, April 17, and concludes Saturday at 3:00 PM CT. Proxy bidding is available for those unable to attend in person. Interested bidders may contact [email protected] for additional details and to obtain a bidder number.

Auction also includes an artist-signed production ornament, a signed 2013 Our Christmas Together production ornament, the DVD and a certificate of authenticity from Terri Steiger.

[Click here for the full list of auction items.]

Close-Knit Sisters
Handcrafted Prototype

Wrapped up in cozy stitches and sisterly charm, this darling pair of mittens tells a story sweeter than hot cocoa on a snowy afternoon. One in rosy pink, the other in cheerful green, they lean into each other just like sisters do—close, comfortable, and completely inseparable. Between them rests a glittery heart, proudly proclaiming Close-Knit Sisters 2011—because some bonds aren’t just strong… they’re stitched together for life.

You can almost hear the giggles, feel the warmth, and sense just a hint of “I borrowed it without asking” energy tucked into every thread.

This Friday, April 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CT, you’ll have the chance to bring home not just this charming Keepsake Ornament, but something even more special—a beautifully displayed shadow box pairing the ornament with Keepsake Artist Ruth Donikowski’s original knit design. Both are finished with her signature and a heart.

Set against a sleek black backdrop, the pink and green pop like a winter day brightened by laughter, making it a piece that feels just as at home on display as it does in memory.

Can’t make it to the Hooked on Ornaments Spring Sale and Artist Signing in Olathe, Kansas? No worries—proxy bidding has you covered. Just reach out to [email protected] to get your bidder number and join the fun from afar.

Bidding opens at 9:00 a.m. CT on Friday, April 17, and wraps up later that afternoon at 2:00 p.m. CT.

Because when it comes to sisters—and ornaments like this—life is simply better when they hang together.

[Click here for the full list of auction items.]

Santa’s Fire Engine
Here Comes Santa
7th in the series.
Wood Prototype

Santa Claus wears many hats at the North Pole… and not all of them are red. One of his most important roles? Fire Chief.

Tucked between toy-making and sleigh-tuning, Santa keeps a watchful eye on the village, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice. His favorite way to answer the call is in a charming, turn-of-the-century fire engine—polished, puffing, and filled with just a touch of Christmas magic.

He loved that little engine so much, he asked his elves to create toy versions, so children everywhere could imagine racing through snowy streets on their own holiday rescues.

Hallmark Keepsake Artist Linda Sickman captured this delightful slice of North Pole life in the 1985 Here Comes Santa ornament. With its carved wooden engine and hand-sculpted Santa at the wheel, it feels as though the Fire Chief himself has just dashed by with a cheerful wave.

It’s a whimsical reminder that at the North Pole, Santa is always busy—and no matter the job, he brings a little magic to every one of them.

At the Hooked on Ornaments Spring Spectacular Sale and Artist Signing Event this Friday, one lucky collector will have the rare chance to bring home not just a piece of holiday magic—but two.

Up for grabs are both Linda Sickman’s original design and a signed production ornament, a pairing that doesn’t come around often.

Bidding opens at 9:00 AM CT on Friday, April 17, and wraps up later that afternoon at 2:00 PM CT. Can’t make it in person? Proxy bidding is available, so you won’t miss your chance.

For more details or to secure a bidder number, interested collectors can reach out to Nicki at [email protected].

[Click here for the full list of auction items.]

Reindeer Games

NORTH POLE, Arctic Circle (April 14, 2026) — The North Pole Department of Reindeer Affairs is pleased to confirm what many have long suspected—and a few devoted ornament collectors already know: reindeer are far more versatile than previously documented.

Beyond their well-known abilities to guide Santa’s sleigh through the night sky, reindeer have demonstrated remarkable talents including ice skating, bobsledding, fitting neatly into stockings, piloting aircraft, playing the piano, navigating telephone booths (with occasional difficulty), and even operating motor vehicles—albeit sometimes very, very poorly—ask Grandma for a firsthand account).

In a groundbreaking field observation several years ago, Hallmark Keepsake Artist Nello Williams documented an extraordinary new behavior. While studying reindeer in their natural habitat, Williams encountered a young reindeer perched atop a tree stump. Initially appearing at rest, closer inspection revealed the animal engaged with a laptop computer.

Speculation ran high. Was the reindeer assisting Santa with his annual list? Reviewing long-range December weather patterns? Conducting advanced aerodynamics research on sleigh flight at altitude?

The reality proved far more unexpected.

Upon careful observation, Williams confirmed the reindeer was playing solitaire.

Recognizing the significance of this discovery, Williams captured the moment in an original sketch and later developed a sculpted prototype—preserving what is now considered a historic glimpse into reindeer leisure activity.

This weekend, the North Pole proudly highlights a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike. At the Hooked on Ornaments Spring Spectacular Sale and Artist Signing Event, one fortunate individual will have the chance to acquire this unique piece of reindeer history.

Williams’ original sketch and one-of-a-kind prototype will be offered at auction. As the ornament was never produced, the winning bidder will become the sole keeper of this closely held North Pole secret—that reindeer, while questionable drivers, are remarkably skilled at solitaire.

Bidding opens at 9:00 AM CT on Friday, April 17, and concludes Saturday at 3:00 PM CT. Proxy bidding is available for those unable to attend in person. Interested bidders may contact [email protected] for additional details and to obtain a bidder number.

[Click here for the full list of auction items.]