2023 Artist Insights: Magical Mixer
Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh-baked cookies, breads, and candies during the holiday season?
Debra Nielsen
Keepsake Artist Debra Nielsen is one who loves baking spirits bright. She says, “I love baking all year long! And the ultimate tool for baking is a great mixer. I saw that it was the number one requested gift a couple of years ago, so I thought we should offer a Keepsake version.
“I also wanted to give this ornament a little holiday twist that makes you take a second look. So, I brought Santa into the sculpted mixing bowl, and that put a smile on my face as I was designing him. Santa never disappoints.”
The baking tradition and the memories it makes have always been important to Debra. “At Christmas, I enjoy making toffee, as well as my grandmother’s recipes for molasses and sugar cookies. The cookies must be the kinds you cut out and decorate with kids or grandkids. We have so much fun making messes!”
When asked what she thinks Santa’s favorite cookie might be, Debra thinks for a moment and replies, “Well, Santa samples so many cookies at our homes, so maybe he would prefer a non-Christmas-y treat. Who knows, maybe Santa would rather have a slice of apple pie?”
For you or anyone you know who loves baking cookies (or apple pies), this ornament makes a sweet gift. Just add love.
FYI- The first picture below is an actual illustration of the mixer from Debra herself!!
Magical Mixer
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Debra Nielsen about her Magical Mixer ornament, that will be releasing at Ornament Debut!” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, August 28, 2023. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3466586856914647/
Artist Insights: 2023 Sandal the Sandman
Sandal the Sandman is back this year with the second ornament in this fun series! Growing up in Florida, Allie Robillard never saw snow on Christmas. But she did see plenty of sand, which provided the inspiration for this series.
Allie Robillard
Allie explains, “Christmas just looks so different in Florida from the quintessential snowy Christmas we all think of. I go back every year for the holidays and that’s when I gather my inspiration.
Back in college, my school had a yearly Sand Arts Festival, where students would build sand sculptures. That festival gave me the idea to have Sandal build a sand reindeer, his new friend that appears on this year’s ornament.
“Sandal’s first friend, the turtle, also shows up to join the fun this year. Turtles are beloved and protected in Florida, and this one is a classic friend to Sandal. However, he won’t be part of every ornament—in fact, a new friend will be making its debut in the future.”
As for hints about who that new friend might be, Allie says, “When you go to the beach, these animals make sure you know they’re there, too. Good luck protecting your food!”
You can pick up the second ornament in the Sandal the Sandman series at Ornament Debut!
Sandal the Sandman
2nd in the series.
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Allie Robillard about her Sandal the Sandman, 2nd in the series, that will be releasing at Ornament Debut!” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, August 2, 2023. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3466586856914647/
Artist Insights: 2023 Noble Nutcrackers Special Edition
If you’re a fan of nutcrackers (and who isn’t?) then 2023 is your year! There are three Noble Nutcrackers coming: two in October and, in July, the king of them all—a special edition created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Keepsake Ornaments!
Noble Nutcrackers
Special Edition
Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Terri Steiger about her 50th Anniversary Special Edition Noble Nutcracker releasing at Ornament Premiere!” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, May 30, 2023. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3423284951244838
Village Insights: Getting to know your Keepsake Village
Getting to know your Keepsake Village
These villagers have some fun passions and hobbies when they’re not busy creating Keepsake Ornaments!
Emma Leturgez-Smith
The Keepsake critter crew
For as long as she can remember, Emma Leturgez-Smith has been an animal lover. “I snuck home turtles, crawdads and frogs as a kid, and we had all kinds of pets. My first bird was a small budgie, who was my best buddy through middle school. He made me fall in love with birds.
“Today I have two parrots, Tequila and Matcha, who have made so many appearances on video meetings, they’re honorary Keepsake team members. They entertain us by mimicking kissing sounds-especiallv if they spot my husband and me kissing. It’s like being teased by kids!”
Emma’s dog, Finley, a 10-year-old Yorkshire terrier, is also a member of the Keepsake team. “He’s a big fan of my work-from-home schedule and also attends meetings as his nap schedule allows.”
Rounding out Emma’s critter crew are two hermit crabs and three roly-poly bugs. She says, “All of our animals love and entertain us in their own ways and they’re all family.”
Jake Angell
A monstrous universe
As early as second grade, Jake Angell was drawing monsters. “My monsters were originally inspired by Jim Henson creations,” he says. “I grew up on Sesame Street, The Muppets, Labyrinth and Dark Crystal and really enjoyed trying to draw all the Muppets.
“Now, they’re starting to become their own little universe. Last year I started working on my own gnomes, too, that live in the same forests as some of my newest creations, meditating monsters.”
So, where can you meet these monsters? Jake explains, “I was at our local convention, Planet Comicon, in March. I hope to start doing some online sales in the future but, for now, with limited time, I just do a couple shows for fun.”
The fun carries over to everything Jake has learned, too. “It’s been a great experience teaching myself how to take these monsters from paper to actual models. l’ve learned a lot about 3D printers, casting and painting to make my dreams a reality.”
Godzilla’s loft
When it comes to pop culture, Art Director Kurt Gaulke will tell you; *You name it, I collect it. I collect toys, monster stuff, comic books and records, just to name a few. But the showstopper of my house is definitely my Godzilla collection.
“As a little kid, I was into drawing monsters, dinosaurs and Godzilla. I’d pore over photos in my Famous Monsters of Filmland magazines and then draw them. Then came 3D model kits and figures and even a robot, and those things were my entry into collecting.”
Kurt still has those Godzillas of his childhood, and his collection has grown exponentially. “We built a loft in my house just for my collection. I recently took a lot of stuff down and was rearranging and dusting, and I can tell you dusting Godzilla toys is not easy! I came to the realization that I need to dial back. But there are definitely worse habits–at least that’s what I tell myself and my wife.”
Tammy Haddix
Mini gnomes, big world
Tammy Haddix has loved gnomes for as long as she can remember, so she thought it would be fun to make them herself! “The artwork in Wil Huygen’s book ‘Gnomes really captivated me, and I started creating my own miniature gnomes in 2011. I love building their worlds in cute little containers, like jars or lanterns. I work in paper clay and paint them with acrylic paint, then I use found objects for their worlds.” After opening an Etsy shop, Work of Whimsy, Tammy’s creations have become so popular that she ships her gnomes all over the world.
“I’ve shipped a gnome necklace to Greece for a bride to wear at her wedding, and my gnome cake toppers have gone to Canada and California, My creations have gone everywhere from Australia to Switzerland, Ireland, New Caledonia, Italy and more.”
Long considered good luck charms, as well as protectors of homes and gardens, gnomes are mythical little spirits, and it’s no surprise that Tammy’s tiny charmers are so popular. “Gnomes can do anything you can imagine,” she smiles. “You just have to believe in their magic.”
“Getting to know your Keepsake Village.” For Keeps 22 Summer 2023: 4-5.
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/