Marjolein Bastin - Lifetime Achievement Award

 

Press Release from Demdaco:

 

May 20, 2013, Leawood, KS — Internationally acclaimed Dutch artist Marjolein Bastin is widely recognized for the artful way she portrays the beautiful world of nature. Homeowners and gift givers delight in her Nature’s Journey collections of dinnerware, home décor accents, and holiday decorations from DEMDACO Studio®, and her delicate and inspiring illustrations have long enticed Hallmark card-senders through their popular greeting card line. Now, Bastin is being honored for all she has done to bring people together through her art and through nature with a prestigious LOUIE Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Greeting Card Association (GCA).

 

 

The GCA’s LOUIE Awards recognizes the creative spirit and talent of artists who have touched people’s hearts and lives through the greeting card industry. DEMDACO, a wholesale manufacturer and distributor of artist-driven gift and home décor products, is proud to collaborate with this iconic artist in an expansion of her popular greeting card products to provide enthusiasts of her work with charming decorative accents for their home and cherished gifts to share with others.

DEMDACO is dedicated to providing uplifting products that enhance the emotional connections in people’s lives. Marjolein Bastin’s creations for the DEMDACO Studio® collection support and enhance this mission of giving and sharing towards a common good.

 

“It is a joy to work with the most accomplished nature artist in the industry,” says Jean Lowe, Creative Product Manager, DEMDACO Studio®. “Through her exquisite detail, Marjolein Bastin is committed to capturing a true and authentic snapshot of Mother Nature’s work. In addition to her incredible gifts as an artist, she is truly gifted with a gentle, lovely spirit that inspires and infuses her work with emotion and meaning.”

Bastin’s fascination with nature as a young girl grew into her life’s mission, and she began sketching and painting every plant and animal in sight. Today, the iconic artist uses her work to tell the story of the beauty that surrounds us and to invite us to join her journey through nature. Bastin believes she cannot simply walk by and paint nature’s wonders, but must live with nature, and become a part of it, in order to translate its stories.

Bastin and St. Louis-based artist Mary Engelbreit received the LOUIE Award for Lifetime Achievement at the GCA’s 25th Anniversary LOUIE Awards gala on May 19 in New York City.

 

 

ENJOY 10% OFF
Marjolein Bastin Nature's Journey Collection
from Demdaco at Hooked on Ornaments

Coupon Code: LOUIE
(Valid 5/21-31/13)

 

Shop Nature's Journey Collection

 

2014 Sneak Peaks

As promised here are the 2014 ornaments that were revealed during the May Dream Book event.

 

 

2014 Angels Around the World #3
America - Sculpted by Katrina Bricker

 

2014 Frosty Fun Decade #5

Sculpted by Tammy Haddix

 

2014 Cool Icicle #2

Santa - Sculpted by Nello Williams

 

 

2014 Frosty Friends #35
Sculpted by Tom Best

 

 

2014 Heavenly Belles #2

 

 

2014 Puppy Love #24

Sculpted by Anita Marra Rogers

 

2014 Season's Treatings #6

Sculpted by Sharon Visker

 

 

2014 Twelve Days of Christmas #4

Four Calling Birds - Sculpted by Edythe Kegrize

 

NEW SERIES - Salt & Pepper Shaker inspired
Milk and Cookie

(2013 Tis the Seasoning complements this series)

 

 

2014 Christmas Window #12
Nina's Nook - Craft Store
Sculpted by Nina Aube

 

 

2014 Mice Cream Sundae

Sculpted by Kristina Gaughran

 

 

2014 Santa's Grandfather Clock
Club Membership Ornament
Coordinates with other furniture pieces from Santa's Home collection.
Sculpted by Edythe Kegrize

 

 

 

Thinking of You
Available Spring 2014

 

Yule Hogs

Press the button to see the pigs move
and hear a special version of "Jingle Bells"
Sculpted by Sharon Visker

 



2013 Kansas City EXCLUSIVE Keepsake Ornaments

A Hallmark Keepsake Ornament First....Eight exclusive Kansas City Regional Keepsake ornaments.
Featuring highlights of Kansas City, these Regional Exclusives will be available beginning July 13th, allocated to Kansas City Area Gold Crown Stores exclusively. 

GRILLIN’ and CHILLIN’ IN KC
Repaint of 2008 ornament
Captioned: Grillin' and Chillin' in KC on the snowmans apron.
Artist crafted, metal and fabric.
By Terri Steiger. 3" h.
$14.95 QHG1202

THE PLAZA LIGHTS
Features a blown-glass oval Plaza Scene.
By Debra (Murray) Nielsen.
$14.95 QHG1205

 

 

KANSAS CITYAlteration of 2012
Our Family photo holder.
Features Kansas City's
skyline on base of snow globe with the words "Kansas City".
By Terri Steiger. 3½" h.
$12.95 QHG1212

OUR VISIT WITH SANTA
Repaint of 2012 photo holder.
Captioned: Our Visit With Santa, Crown Center
Dated. By Terri Steiger. 3¾" h.
$12.95 QHG1215

ICE TERRACE
Repaint of 2011
Granddaughter ornament
Features a penguin on skates,
wearing a scarf and knit cap.
Captioned on scarf: "I skated at the Ice Terrace!"
and "Crown Center, KC,MO"
By Nina Aubé. 4" h.
$9.95 QHG1242

 

CROWN CENTERAlteration of 2011
Our First Christmas ornament.
Features a porcelain snowflake
with silver crown dangle and the words "
Crown Center" "KC,MO" imprinted in silver.
By Terri Steiger. 4½" h.
$17.95 QHG1245

 

 

 

GOIN' TO KANSAS CITYRepaint of 2013
I've Been Everywhere ornament
Features "Kansas City Here I Come" on map cover
and Kansas City marked on the map.
Press button to hear music
from "Kansas City" performed by
Fats Domino. Battery operated.
By Robert Chad. 3 5/8" h.
$17.95 QHG1232

MY KIND OF COW TOWN
Repaint of 2013
Mooey Christmas! ornament
Features on ornament: "KC My Kind of Cow Town"
By Jim Kemme. 3½" w.
$14.95 QHG1222

Targeted to Kansas City Visitors and Locals. We're guessing the Amy's Crown Center Store will be well stocked for the August "Hangin' with Your Buddies" Keepsake Collectors Club Event attendees. Don't miss your chance to own one of these special 2013 Regional Exclusives...they are a first! If successful, perhaps this program will be expanded to other cities in 2014...stay tuned! 

2013 Hallmark Dream Book Party

It’s been busy around the Hooked on Ornaments warehouse! Lots of things going on:

 

·         Mother’s Day is May 12^th – In celebration, we have the Mother’s Day Gift Guide (With a Free Gift wrapping offer). We are hosting a I "Heart" Mom Giveaway on our Hooked on Ornaments Facebook page; and… our sister site, Tweedledee Baby, also has a Giveaway on the Tweedledee Baby Facebook page. Drop by and submit your entry and while you’re there, your Likes are much appreciated.

 



 

·         Bloomin’ Bucks – We just started our new promotion – Save Now and Save Later with Hooked on Ornaments Bloomin’ Bucks.

o   Save $5 off a $35+ order placed now and we’ll send you a coupon good for $5 off a $35+ order in June.

o   Save $10 off a $50 order placed now and we’ll send you a coupon good for $10 off a 50+ order in June.

o   Save $20 off a $100 order placed now and we’ll send you a coupon good for $20 off a $100+ order in June.

·         FREE US Standard Shipping for orders $30+ - For our May Days event we have lowered the Free US Standard Shipping minimum to $30! It’s a GREAT time to buy!

 

 

 

This weekend is the first official Hallmark Dreambook Party at participating Hallmark Gold Crown stores. At the event you will be able to purchase your first Hallmark Keepsake ornament of the year, see the 2013 Keepsake Ornament Club exclusive ornaments, and if you are a KOC member, get a free gift for attending and turning in a Wish List. PLUS we just found out that participating stores received additional “Sneak Peaks” ... eleven 2014 ornaments will be revealed! These include a NEW series for 2014, eight continuing series ornaments and two more special ornaments. We hope you'll attend the event at your local Hallmark Gold Crown stores.

A Spring Surprise
QHG5626 | $12.95 | 2 3/8" HDesigned by Nina Aube, Sculpted by Jim Kemme

Card carrying KOC members who attend a Dream Book party and turn in a completed Wish List will receive a 8" x 12" print of the Mary Hamilton watercolor that inspired this delightful ornament.

We encourage you to attend the Dream Book Party at your local participating Hallmark Gold Crown stores. Check back next week, we'll be sharing pics and information on the eleven 2014 ornaments that will be revealed at the events!

Happy Collecting!
Rhonda

I Heart Mom Giveaway & Mother's Day Gift Guide

Hooked on Ornaments Mother's Day Giveaway

Enter to win a prize for yourself AND your mom!
That's right, we're having a little fun for Mother's Day and we'd love for you to 

join in the fun. Our winner will be able to choose one of

ANY IN STOCK WILLOW TREE or MARJOLEIN BASTIN NATURE'S JOURNEY
item priced at $20 or less for themselves and another for their mom.
(Does not have to be the same item.)

Browse Willow Tree   *   Browse Marjolein Bastin Nature's Journey

How do I enter? I want to win!
We're glad you asked! All you have to do to Enter To Win is visit the Hooked on Ornaments Facebook page, Like Us if you haven't already, Add your comment to our Mom's Day Giveaway post. (What is the best advice your mother ever gave you?)  and Share The Post on your Facebook Timeline.

We'll choose a winner randomly on Friday, May 10th and post the winner on our Facebook page and here on the blog around 11:00 AM EST. Have fun and good luck!
( Details Below)

We'd also like to invite you to browse our

 

Browse our Mother's Day Gift Guide

We've put together a selection of items that we think you'll
enjoy for mom. We're also offering FREE GIFT WRAP for any of the items in the Mother's Day Gift Guide, just use Coupon Code: 4MOM during checkout to add the free service.

Remember Mother's Day is May 12

I HEART MOM GIVEAWAY RULES & INFORMATION:

1. How To Enter: Contest begins at 6:00 PM EST on April 18, 2013 and ends at 6:00 PM EST, Thursday, May 9th. To enter:  1. Go to the Hooked on Ornaments Facebook page and add your comment to our Mom's Day Giveaway post - "What's the best advice your mother ever gave you?"  2. Like our Facebook page if you haven't already.  and  3. Share the contest on your Facebook page.

2. Choosing a Winner: Winner will be selected from the posted comments on our Facebook page using Random.org. Only one entry will be allowed per participant.

3. Eligibility: Contest open to residents of the United States only. Void where prohibited by law.

4. Prizes and Values: One winner will select any two in stock Willow Tree or Marjolein Bastin Nature's Journey collection items priced at $20 or less. Combined retail value up to $40. Both prizes will be mailed to one address to be provided by the winner. Prize may not be substituted or transferred. If prize is not claimed via email to us at custservice@hookedonhallmark.com by May 31, 2013 by winner prizes will be forfeited.

5: Conditions of Participation: Entrants agree to be bound by these terms and to abide by any and all decisions made by Hooked on Ornaments regarding the giveaway. 

6. Internet: Sponsor is not responsible for lost or late entries due to electronic transmission errors resulting in the omission, deletion or delay in entry. 



The Making of the Dreambook

Kevin Dilmore, a Senior Writer II at Hallmark was recently the speaker at our Local Keepsake Ornament Club. He writes text for greeting cards and children's books and has been a member of the "Dreambook Team" since the 2006 Edition. He writes all the text in the dreambook except for the small print ornament descriptions.

 

Kevin shared with us information on "The Making of the Dreambook"

* The Dreambook sets the tone for everything in the Holiday Line-up including all the signage in the stores and elements in all the Holiday promotions. It is approved all the way up through the Vice-President Level...so yes, it's very important!

* The 2014 Dreambook is already in the early stages of development and will take aprox 10 months to complete.

* The Dreambook Team consists of members of Hallmark's Marketing Studio and Photography Studio plus representatives from the Marketing & Keepsakes Depts.

* The first step is establishing the Goal/Theme. For 2013, the goal of the KOC edition was celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Keepsakes.

* Next, a "Design Style Guide" is created. It contains the exact colors, type face, patterns used as a background on the various pages, ect.

* Once the Style Guide is complete, the team begins working with the "Gray Box". "Lifestyle shots"(shots that contain people) and concepts for picture backgrounds.

* The Gray Box shows all the ornaments laid out on each page with a simple light gray background. A digital photo of each ornament is carefully placed on its page. Every page tells a story and each page segways into the next with several layers of messaging throughout the dreambook.

* The first section is typically "Memories and Traditions". An initial ornament is featured and then ornaments are pictured in an order that represents a flow of story.
Section two has a focus on "Family and Friends," while section three is "Characters and Interests." The story throughout the book is roughly "What represents Christmas to all of us" then "What represents Christmas to the people closest to me" to "What represents Christmas to me."

*Once the pages are laid out, every page is pasted on to a wall to visualize the page flow once again. Great attention is given to even the smallest of details.

Questions & Answers:
Why aren't all ornaments in the Dreambook?
Marketing...spreading out the excitement of the offerings of the season.

What percentage of the ornaments pictured are prototypes?
100%

How is the Canadian Dreambook different?

No crown rewards program, some USA ornaments not included (such as USA patriotic ornaments), prices shown in CA$. The 2013 Canadian Dreambook was assembled in Canada.

Why are some ornaments pictured with ribbon hangers?

Every 2-page spread in the dreambook shows at least one ornament with a hanger attached. This is to emphasize that these are ornaments, not action figures, toys, or figurines.

Our thanks to Kevin for a really interesting and informative presentation, that gave us an all new appreciation for the Dreambook that we all enjoy!

Nicki Pierce

Lots going on this week at Hooked on Ornaments. Let's start by mentioning our new Rafflecopter Giveaway. Hooked on Ornaments and Tweedledee Baby are giving away $100. We'll select two winners - one will receive a $50 Hooked on Ornaments Gift Certificate and one will receive a $50 Tweedledee Baby Gift Certificate. All you have to do to enter is "Like" both Facebook pages via the Rafflecopter giveaway.
 

 

ENTER TO WIN a $50 Gift Certificate

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

We've found pictures and information on a few new 2013 ornaments.

 

 

First In Series: We've previously shown pictures of the new Heavenly Belles and North Pole Tree Trimmers, but we were excited to see three more new series! including a series for Halloween!

 

 

Heavenly Belles
Highly detailed and artfully crafted, this new Hallmark Keepsake ornament series will feature child-like angels paired with favorite holiday icons and designed as a porcelain bell.
 

North Pole Tree TrimmersEach ornament in this new Keepsake ornament series will feature a member of Santa's elite tree trimming team. There will be a repaint version of this ornament available at the 2013 National KOC "Hangin With Your Buddies" event.

 

Santa CertifiedThis new Hallmark ornament series will feature the best of Santa's hand made gifts.
First in the series is a locomotive. 

 

Cool IciclesThis new ornament series will feature icicles topped by a festive figure. First in the series for 2013 is a snowman. He looks quite dapper with his top hat, scarf and pipe.

 

Happy HalloweenThe first Halloween series! This new series will feature ornaments depicting a spooky scene. First in the series features a cute witch on broomstick inside what appears to be a jack-o-lantern "panorama ball."

 

 

We don't have any pictures, but we have heard that there are at least two series ending this year - Kringleville and Mickey's Christmas Carol.

 

Hallmark has unveiled a few more ornaments on the Keepsake Ornament Club pages:

 

Three from Julie Forsyth

 

Beautiful Ballerina

 

 

Ballerina Dreams

 

 

Cinderelly! Cinderelly!

 

 

And a few more sneak peeks:

 

The Band Concert
Slide lever to see the ornament illuminate, simple animation and to hear music from the "William Tell Overture." Features photocells printed around the perimeter from the 1935 cartoon short - "The Band Concert."

 

A Light Snack Taz
Oh no Taz! Taz has swallowed part of the light string!
Press button to see the lights glow inside Taz's tummy.

 

Lionel Train #18
2037 Steam Locomotive

 

 

 

I'll be out on vacation next week, so no blog article; but I imagine everyone will be busy watching their mailboxes for the 2013 40th Anniversary - KOC Edition Dreambook. Word is they will be on their way to KOC members next week.

 

 

Until next time,

Happy Collecting!