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Latest News2024-04-23T08:41:12-06:00

Cowboy and Moo Cha Cha: The Last Roundup

Some prototypes are simply unreleased designs. Others are all that remain of a story that was never fully told. This is the story of one of those forgotten legends.

Across the wide-open frontier was a place unlike any other—a town where the residents were not settlers, miners, or cowboys. They were cows. It was the greatest cow-town the frontier ever knew. Not a town where cows simply wandered through. Not a place where they were just part of the scenery. This was their town.

Built by the herd, for the herd, it was a place where every cow had a story, every pasture had a purpose, and every resident had a place in the community. The cows knew every trail, every favorite grazing spot, and every quiet place to rest beneath the prairie sky.

Life followed the rhythm of the herd. Each morning, the cows made their way out to pasture. Some spent their days peacefully grazing, some gathered together while chewing the cud, some were happy to follow the herd, and some were determined to do things their own way. Every cow mattered.

But among all the residents, two names became legendary.

Cowboy

Cowboy and Moo Cha Cha.

Cowboy was the cow everyone trusted—the one who always knew the way home. With his signature hat, trusty lasso, and steady confidence, he watched over the herd and knew every trail across the prairie. When a young calf wandered too far or a problem needed solving, Cowboy was there. He never hesitated. He never turned away. When a challenge appeared, Cowboy was always ready to take the bull by the horns and lend a hoof when it mattered most.

Moo-Cha-Cha

Then there was Moo Cha Cha. No cow brought more sparkle, personality, or excitement to the prairie. With her dazzling style, sparkling red boots, and famous maracas, Moo Cha Cha had a way of turning ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. When her music filled the air, cows came from across the prairie to see what was happening. The quiet cows came closer. The serious cows forgot their worries. Even those who preferred a peaceful afternoon in the pasture couldn’t resist joining the celebration.

Because Moo Cha Cha had a gift. She didn’t just make music. She brought the herd together.

Together, Cowboy and Moo Cha Cha became the perfect pair. Cowboy was the dependable one—the cow everyone trusted when a steady hoof and clear direction were needed. Moo Cha Cha was the spark that brought the herd together, turning ordinary days into celebrations. One helped the herd find its way. The other reminded them to enjoy the journey. That was why they became legends.

But like many great legends, their story was never fully told. Before collectors ever had the chance to discover them or the whimsical cow-town they inhabited, these rare prototype ornaments were quietly tucked away, remaining unseen for years—holding the promise of a story that was waiting to be told.

Until now.

The Last Roundup has arrived.

For the first and only time, Cowboy and Moo Cha Cha have returned from the forgotten pages of that legend. These are not simply rare prototypes. They are surviving pieces of a lost story—a glimpse into a world where cows had character, friendships ran deep, and every resident had a story worth telling.

When the bidding ends, Cowboy and Moo Cha Cha’s journey will continue—but only with one collector who recognizes their charm and chooses to become the next keeper of their story. For everyone else, Cowboy and Moo Cha Cha will remain a legend. For one collector, their story will live on.

The gates are open. The herd has gathered. Will you be the one to bring Cowboy and Moo Cha Cha home?


Auction Information

In-Person Bidding
Bidding is open to everyone attending the Secondary Market Show and is open to the public—no event ticket is required.

Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Proxy Bidding
Collectors who are unable to attend may participate through a proxy bidder. To register, email your name, city/state, and phone number to Hallmark-Volunteers-Auction@outlook.com.

Auction Location
Bridgewater Place
205 Bridgewater Road
Knoxville, TN 37923

The auction will be held in conjunction with the Secondary Market Show at Bridgewater Place.

Please note that tickets for the Artist Signing and Dinner portions of the event have sold out; however, the Secondary Market Show and auction remain open to the public.

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

August 8th, 2026|0 Comments

2026 Announcement: Hallmark Volunteers Collectors Club Artist Signing & Silent Auction UPDATED

Rare Hallmark Artist Pieces Featured in Exclusive Silent Auctions

Attendees of the August 14–15, 2026 Hallmark Volunteers Collectors Club Retired Artist Signing in Knoxville, Tennessee, are invited to bid on a selection of one-of-a-kind pieces and special items from the artists’ personal collections.

These unique offerings go beyond traditional ornaments—Hallmark pre-production pieces are among the rarest collectibles, with many representing truly one-of-a-kind examples from the creative process. Don’t miss the opportunity to add a special piece of Hallmark history to your collection.

In-Person Bidding Bidding is open to everyone at the Secondary Market Show.  (Open to the Public, No Ticket Required.)

  • Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Proxy Bidding For those not attending, you may request a Proxy Bidder in your place.  To register, Email your Name, City/State and Phone Number to Hallmark-Volunteers-Auction@outlook.com.

The event and Secondary Market Show are being held at:

Bridgewater Place
205 Bridgewater Road
Knoxville, TN.  37923

Tickets for the Signing and Dinner portions of the event are now sold out.


Auction items from the personal collection of retired Keepsake Ornament Artist, Tracy Larsen.

Winter Fun With Snoopy Prototype

Winter Fun with Snoopy (1998)
Hand-Painted Prototype

This auction features a hand-painted prototype of the 1998 Winter Fun with Snoopy miniature ornament, the first release in a popular series that showcases the many ways SNOOPY® and his friends enjoy winter. From the personal collection of Hallmark Keepsake Artist Tracy Larsen and signed by him, this original design piece offers collectors a unique connection to the development of this beloved series.

Final Bid: $300.00


Auction items from the personal collection of retired Keepsake Ornament Artist, Sharon Visker.

Moo Cha Cha and Cowboy Bundle

Moo Cha Cha
and Cowboy
Hand-Painted Prototypes

470x470

Moo Cha Cha
and Cowboy
White Bodies

This exclusive bundle features two unproduced, hand-painted prototypes by Sharon Visker. Moo Cha Cha and Cowboy are all dressed up for an evening out, with Cowboy even sporting boots made from genuine leather.

The auction also includes an unpainted white body of each cow, offering a rare look at the development process behind these designs.

Final Bid: $1,500.00


2024 Season’s Treatings Bundle

Seasons Treatings (2024)
Hand-Painted Prototype and Sketch

This auction features a hand-painted prototype and original sketch for the 2024 Season’s Treatings ornament, the 16th release in a popular series that showcases delicious homemade treats arranged in festive holiday displays. From the personal collection of Hallmark Keepsake Artist Sharon Visker and signed by her, these original design pieces offer collectors a unique connection to the development of this beloved series.

Final Bid: $400.00


2024 Howliday Helpers Bundle

Howliday Helpers (2024)
Prototypes and Sketches

This auction features a collection centered around the 2024 Howliday Helper ornament, the first in a series featuring miniature puppies dressed in festive holiday attire. The bundle includes the original prototype, the first production piece, a final production ornament with its box, and sketches showcasing concepts considered for future designs in the series. Together, these pieces provide collectors with a unique glimpse into the creative process behind this charming collection.

These items are from Sharon Visker’s personal collection and are signed by the artist.

Final Bid: $240.00


Other Auction Items curated by the club

Holiday Lighthouse Display Bundle

Holiday Lighthouse Series
(2012 – 2026)

This auction item includes the first through 14th ornaments in the Holiday Lighthouses series (2012–2025), featuring original designs inspired by actual lighthouses throughout the United States. Also included:

  • 2018 Tabletop Edition
  • 2022 Special Edition.

Please note: The photos shown are stock images and not photographs of the actual auction items.

Final Bid: $500.00


Tea Time Service Bundle

Tea Time Series
(2016 – 2020)

This auction item includes a tray featuring all five designs from the Tea Time series. Each design includes two ornaments—a teapot and a teacup—sculpted in a variety of classic shapes and decorated with cheerful holiday designs, for a complete collection of 10 ornaments. The ornaments are signed by Tracy Larsen.

Please note: The photos shown are stock images and are not photographs of the actual auction items.

Final Bid: $300.00


Jack-in-the-Box Memories Display Bundle

Jack-in-the-Box Memories
(2003 – 2009)

This auction features a display of the Jack-in-the-Box Memories series (2003–2009), a collection of Keepsake Ornaments featuring beloved characters that pop out of a toy jack-in-the-box. The ornaments are displayed in a toy trunk and are signed by the artists who created them. Sharon Visker signed each ornament except the 2007 piece, which is signed by Anita Marra Rogers, the artist who created that ornament.

Please note: The photos shown are stock images and not photographs of the actual auction items.

Final Bid: $350.00


‘Tis the Seasoning Bundle

‘Tis the Seasonings
(2015 – 2018)

This auction features a wooden snowman-shaped charcuterie board created by Gwenda Downhour and all six ’Tis the Seasoning ornaments for an easy wall display. The series celebrates the charm of salt-and-pepper shakers, which come in all shapes and sizes—the only requirement being that they complement each other. Each ornament set features a festive pair of salt and pepper shakers, and this collection includes:

  • All three series ornaments from 2014–2016
  • 2013 KOC Exclusive
  • 2015 KOC Event Repaint of the first ornament in the series
  • 2018 Salt and Pepper Shaker Limited Edition VIP ornaments.

The ornaments are signed by Sharon Visker.

Final Bid: $350.00


Howliday Helpers Display Bundle

Howliday Helpers
(2024 – 2026)

This auction features a display of the 2024-2026 Howliday Helpers miniature series on a felted wool dog bone Christmas tree.  All three ornaments are signed by Sharon Visker.  The 2026 ornament also includes Ramone Olivera’s signature.

Please note: The photos shown are stock images and not photographs of the actual auction items.

Final Bid: $120.00


Village Express In-Store Display

Village Express
In-Store Display

This auction features a large in-store display created to promote the 1986 Keepsake Lighted Collection ornament, Village Express. The display also introduced customers to a new Keepsake ornament feature: motion.

The oversized ball ornament display was designed to hang in Hallmark stores, with a train engine continuously circling the village scene inside.

Please note: The photo shown is a stock image and is not a photograph of the actual auction item.

Final Bid: $25.00

August 5th, 2026|0 Comments

2026 Reveal: Work of Whimsy: The Jolly Trio

Available as a Set or Individually

A snowy celebration is underway! Through a sparkling winter snowfall, three cheerful snowmen make their way across a winter wonderland, each carrying a special piece of Christmas magic. Sugar Cookie arrived first, bringing a tray of delectable treats to share. Rapper Ribbons followed, finally untangling himself from his gift-wrapping project and arriving with presents for everyone. Last to appear is Tops Holiday, who is always fashionably late. A dapper fellow through and through, he made his grand entrance carrying candy canes to hand out to friends along the way.

Inspired by Tammy Haddix’s original artwork, this delightful trio captures the warmth, generosity, and joy that make the holiday season so special. With rosy cheeks, colorful scarves, and cheerful expressions, each snowman has a personality all his own, yet together they tell a heartwarming story of friendship, giving, and celebration.

Tammy has lovingly brought the snowmen from her print to life as hand-crafted prototype figures. Each piece is individually sculpted, molded, painted, and hand-assembled, making every prototype a unique work of art. Because they are handmade, slight variations should be expected and celebrated as part of their charm.

From presents tucked beneath the tree to sweet treats shared with loved ones, these whimsical snowmen remind us that Christmas is made memorable by the simple joys we share with family and friends. Their playful expressions and festive details bring the magic of a snowy holiday day to life, making them a charming addition to any seasonal display.

These delightful snowmen are created to order, so please allow time for Tammy to work her magic. They will be well worth the wait!

The Jolly Trio Prototypes are available individually or as a complete set at a special discounted price. Please see the Select Options drop-down menu for available choices.

Sugar Cookie
The Jolly Trio
Hand Painted Prototype

 

Rapper Ribbon
The Jolly Trio
Hand Painted Prototype

Tops Holiday
The Jolly Trio
Hand Painted Prototype


ORDER NOW
Exclusively Available at Work of Whimsy

July 15th, 2026|0 Comments

2026 Ornament Premiere: Limited Availability & Late-Arriving Ornaments

The following ornament(s) will be available in reduced quantities during Ornament Premiere, with additional inventory expected to arrive at Hallmark Gold Crown stores between early July and late August. Availability may vary by store.

Snow Buddies
29th in the 
series.

Holiday Parade
8th in the series.

Tree Delivery
Frosty Friends

The Nutcracker Ballet

LIONEL® Christmas Mountain

1976 Ford Mustang Cobra II
36th in the Classic American Cars series

1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R
2 Fast 2 Furious
6th in the Car’s the Star series

Dreams Go Round Carousel
Disney Princess

Cozy Little Christmas
Disney Chip and Dale

Lightning McQueen
Disney and Pixar Cars 2
15th Anniversary

Patriotic Snoopy
The PEANUTS® Gang

Finn and Jake
Adventure Time™

Fire Mario
5th in the Powered Up With Mario series.

U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-G
StarTrek™: Picard

Supergirl™

Defying Gravity

Wicked

Festive Sally Nutcracker
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

The following ornament(s) will not be available during Ornament Premiere. Inventory is expected to arrive at Hallmark Gold Crown stores between early July and late September, with estimated arrival dates listed below. Availability may vary by store.

Merry Mahjong

Mid-July

Transformers® My Little Prime
My Little Pony®

Mid/Late-July

Link
The Legend of Zelda™: Tears of the Kingdom

Early August

Stack and Snack
Lunchables™

Mid/Late-September

Miracle Whip

Mid/Late-September

Poké Balls
Pokémon

Mid/Late-September

July 8th, 2026|0 Comments

Hallmark Reveals 2026 Online Fan Exclusive Keepsake Ornaments, Coming to Hallmark.com

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 23, 2026) – Hallmark is excited to share limited-edition online fan ornaments available this October exclusively at Hallmark.com. Designed with pop-culture enthusiasts in mind, this year’s offerings showcase the craftsmanship and artistry Keepsake Ornaments are known for, bringing beloved characters and moments to life. Hallmark will offer two online exclusive Keepsake Ornaments, with details available at Hallmark.com/FanEvents.

Limited availability items include:

Greedo™ Vintage Figure Ornament, Star Wars Keepsake Ornament – Featuring iconic vintage styling, this exclusive Keepsake Ornament celebrates the legendary line of action figures that inspired generations of STAR WARS fans and collectors.

In 1978, STAR WARS collections expanded from the original 12 action figures to 21. Greedo was one of four figures representing the memorable aliens from the iconic Mos Eisley Cantina scene. —Only 5,000 Ornaments Produced! $35 USA.

Shuttlecraft Einstein NCC-1701/6, STAR TREK TOS: The Doomsday Machine – Keepsake Ornament with sound features the Shuttlecraft Einstein spacecraft from the “Star Trek: The Original Series” episode “The Doomsday Machine.” Press the button to hear dialogue and sound effects. Battery operated.—Only 5,000 Ornaments Produced! $45 USA.

“Hallmark has long been part of fans’ convention traditions, and we’re excited to continue that connection in a new way this year,” said Meredith McCormick, VP of Global Licensing. “By bringing these ornaments to Hallmark.com, we’re making it easier than ever for fans everywhere to discover and collect these special designs.”

Convention goers can still celebrate their favorite fandoms with these limited-edition designs, even without an in-person Hallmark presence at fan conventions this year. For fans who haven’t been able to attend a convention in the past, this creates a new opportunity to add these ornaments to their collection.

Each Keepsake Ornament will be sold exclusively on Hallmark.com in limited quantities, beginning in early October. Additional timing details will be shared closer to launch. Fans will be limited to one of each online exclusive product while supplies last.

Fans are encouraged to visit Hallmark.com to explore the full line of pop culture-themed products available year-round or visit your local Hallmark Gold Crown Store. Don’t forget to follow @HallmarkStores and @HallmarkKeepsakeOrnaments for updates on the latest offerings.

Greedo™ Vintage Figure Ornament
STAR WARS™

Shuttlecraft Einstein NCC-1701/6
STAR TREK™: The Original Series

June 23rd, 2026|0 Comments

2026 Reveal: Retro Christmas Elves by Joanne Wright Studio

Christmas may still be months away, but something magical is already stirring in Joanne Wright’s Kansas City studio.

Beyond the frosted windows of Santa’s workshop, where teddy bears are stitched with love, rocking horses await their next adventure, and toy trains are polished until they shine, three special elves are preparing for Christmas.

Meet the newest elves to join Santa’s North Pole Workshop.

Inspired by the whimsical charm of the mid-century holiday era, this delightful trio captures the wonder of a vintage Christmas and the enchantment of Santa’s workshop. With rosy cheeks, merry smiles, bright eyes, and festive attire, these cheerful companions look as though they’ve stepped straight from a beloved Christmas storybook.

Jingle (The Rocking Horse Wrangler) tends to a classic rocking horse, carrying the spirit of imagination and adventure, where every Christmas wish can become a grand journey and every dream a magical destination.

Twinkle (The Bear Keeper) lovingly cradles a cherished teddy bear and candy cane, watching over comfort, kindness, and the warm feeling of being home for the holidays.

Tinsel (The Train Master) proudly presents a bright red toy train, delivering the excitement, anticipation, and joyful surprises that make Christmas morning unforgettable.

Together, they represent the heart of the season: wonder, comfort, and excitement—the very magic that transforms ordinary December days into treasured Christmas memories.

Handcrafted with Joanne Wright’s signature blend of retro charm and storybook whimsy, Retro Christmas Elves celebrate a simpler time when favorite toys became lifelong friends, imagination knew no bounds, and Christmas felt filled with endless possibilities.

Whether welcomed into your collection individually or together as a complete trio, these merry helpers are ready to bring a touch of North Pole magic to your holiday home.

Some say Santa delivers the gifts.

But it’s Joanne who creates the magic.

Jingle, Retro Christmas Elves
Retro Holiday Collection
Hand Painted Prototype

Twinkle, Retro Christmas Elves
Retro Holiday Collection
Hand Painted Prototype

Tinsel, Retro Christmas Elves
Retro Holiday Collection
Hand Painted Prototype


Sold separately or as a set.

Available Beginning Wednesday July 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM CST
exclusively on the Joanne Wright Studio website

June 21st, 2026|1 Comment

Where hope took flight—the original design.

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 nicki@hookedonhallmark.com 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.]

April 17th, 2026|0 Comments

Some ornaments decorate… this one takes you back.

Nifty Fifties Keepsake Ornaments

This is an ornament that was on Santa’s wish list.

From the Nifty Fifties collection, this piece presents Puppy Love, Mischievous Kittens, and Cozy Critters as a single ornament design—three finial forms captured together in their original retro-styled box, glowing with mid-century holiday charm.

It’s easy to see why it caught his attention. It carries that familiar feeling of a 1950s Christmas morning—when the tree stood glowing in the corner, tinsel shimmered in the light, and everything felt simple, bright, and just so.

It didn’t remain on that list for long.

Now it hangs on Santa’s own tree in a place of honor, as though it had always belonged there—stirring memories of holidays long past and a time when wonder felt effortless.

He pauses there, and the feeling returns—like opening a long-forgotten box of decorations, each piece holding a quiet spark of joy you didn’t realize you’d been missing.

“This is Christmas as I remember it,” he says softly.

From early sketches through prototype to final production, the idea carries through unchanged—bright ornaments designed to bring beauty and joy to the holiday home.

It’s more than a piece—it’s a snapshot of a Christmas that never was… but absolutely should have been.

Bidding opens at 9:00 AM CT on Friday, April 17, and wraps up later that afternoon at 2:00 PM CT. Don’t wait—pieces like this don’t come around often, and when they do, they don’t stay available for long.

For more details or to secure a bidder number, interested collectors can reach out to Nicki at nicki@hookedonhallmark.com.

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

April 17th, 2026|0 Comments

Some ornaments sparkle… but this one snuggles.

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 nicki@hookedonhallmark.com 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.]

April 16th, 2026|0 Comments

Santa to the Rescue: A Rare Prototype and Signed Treasure Up for Grabs

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 nicki@hookedonhallmark.com.

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

April 16th, 2026|0 Comments
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