Finding a mentor through art

Hallmark was kind to give us a Keepsake ornament to review and one for a giveaway. But all opinions I write here are my own.

In the last year, Jordan has discovered her crafty side. She loves to draw but she really loves to create things… Especially jewelry and little trinkets. I don’t really know where to put all of her cute little items. That’s why I’m encouraging her to give them out as Christmas presents later this year. But what is extra cool about this year is how Jordan has discovered a mentor who has inspired her to consider art as a future career. When we had a chance to visit Hallmark’s Headquarters earlier this year to meet Keepsake artist, Tammy Haddix, Jordan learned about a career opportunity she hadn’t imagined and she can’t stop talking about it ever since.

Last week, we visited the Kansas City American Girl store. (Yes, Jordan still likes the dolls even though they continue to deny requests from many parents for an option for limb difference dolls.) As she stood waiting for her doll’s hair to get styled, she bragged about how she has a mentor at Hallmark and many others all over the country who she’s met through Camp No Limits and Nubability Athletics. There are so many wonderful and kind limb different adults who are willing to encourage our kids.

Miss Jordan was glowing with pride to the American Girl hair stylists. They were super impressed with Jordan’s knowledge of the Hallmark headquarters and her super cool connection with the Keepsake team.

So, when Hallmark gave us a chance to pick a Keepsake ornament to share on the blog, I knew this one was perfect. It’s a sweet snowman sharing the joy of crafting with a younger snow-kid. Not only is it a sweet reproduction of Jordan’s chance for mentorship from Tammy, but this is actually one of Tammy’s creations! How cool is that?

We now have five of Tammy’s ornaments on our tree… Including the very first Keepsake ornament I bought Jordan when she was a baby. I had NO idea it was created by Tammy until we saw a display of her work in Kansas City’s Hallmark Visitor Center. I love how Jordan’s Keepsake collection started with Tammy’s work and I’m certain it will continue to grow. We love her sparkles and sweet characters hanging on the tree. (Did you know most Keepsake ornament boxes share the creator’s name and signature on the back?)

Since we were lucky enough to receive an ornament from Hallmark, you can too. Hallmark will send one Born Just Right reader a Keepsake ornament… And all you have to do is fill out this raffle box below. One winner will be randomly chosen on December 12th.

You can enter the raffle by leaving a comment on this post and tell me about your favorite ornament. Each person in our house loves a different one for so many different reasons. It’s tough to pick just one.