HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENTS

 

Hallmark Cards developed it's first Christmas ornament line in 1972.  Hallmark sent four ball ornaments decorated with original artwork out to drug stores around the country.  They wanted the stores to evaluate them as a potential new market line.  These ornaments were well received and began a whole new tradition in Christmas decoration.  The four new ornaments were "Musicians" , designed by Betsey Clark,  "Elves" designed by Sue Tague, "Santa With Elves", and "Manger Scene".  In 1973, these four ornaments were distributed for sale as part of Hallmark's new product line.  Hallmark's talented team of artists created a collection of eighteen specially designed ornaments.  This collection included six ball ornaments and twelve yarn ornaments.  Two of the first glass ball ornaments were designed by Betsey Clark.  In fact, the first dated Hallmark Keepsake ornament was designed by Betsey Clark "First Edition" and started one of the longest collectible series made by Hallmark.   The last ball ornament was called "Christmas is Love".

The twelve uniquely designed yarn ornaments included "Mr. Snowman", Mrs. Snowman", "Mr. Santa", "Mrs. Santa", "Angel", "Elf", "Choir Boy", "Soldier", "Blue Girl", "Green Girl", "Boy Caroler", and "Little Girl".  These ornaments were more decorative and expensive than the average Christmas ornament of the time.  They were destined to be Keepsakes.

In 1976, Hallmark varied from the glass ball ornament and designed a collection called the "Twirl-Abouts.  These unique ornaments featured three dimensional figures that rotated on a brass pin.   1976 also  brought about the first "Baby's First Christmas"  ornament which would prove to be Hallmark's most  popular captioned ornament.

Over the years the types of designs and materials used to make Hallmark Keepsake ornaments varied.  1977 introduced the first acrylic ornament, sewn ornaments with silk screen designs, and stained glass ornaments.  This year also introduced the first Disney and Peanuts character ball ornaments.

 Hallmark created over 200 different Hallmark Keepsake series ornaments and collections.  A Collectible Series is a group of ornaments that share a specific theme.  Hallmark Series ornaments are issued one per year for a minimum of 3 years. In 1982, Hallmark started marking all of the Collector's Series ornament with an edition number.  The edition number was printed on the ornament within a small Christmas tree to mark the ornaments issue date.  The new identifying symbol made collecting easier and more exciting for the Hallmark Keepsake collectors. 

Below are some of the more popular Hallmark Keepsake Series ornaments.  Each week a new series will be represented in my blog. 

Hallmark scored big with pet owners when they created the Puppy Love Series in 1991.  The First in the Hallmark Keepsake Puppy Love series showed a Spaniel scrambling up a candy cane.  This Puppy Love ornament is #15 in the series and shows a Westie in a Christmas basket.  All of the puppies in the series are modeled after the American Kennel Club's top 20 most popular breeds.

The Mischievous Kittens Series was created in 1999.  The first ornament showed a black and white cat trying to get into a fish bowl.  The ornament in the picture is #2 in the series and dated 2000.  This series is a must for the kitten lovers.

 
The Flight of the Kitty Hawk was the first ornament in the Sky's the Limit Series.  This series was started in 1997.  Hallmark artist Lynn Norton created this series based on the glory days of aviation. 

   Frosty Friends is one of the longest running series in the Hallmark Keepsake ornaments.  It's lovable characters include an Eskimo, a husky pup, a penguin, and a polar bear.  This series started in 1980 and is still going strong today.  This ornament is #25 in the series and dated 2004.  The theme of this series is always the same "Warmth of fun and friendship in an icy cold place".