Beauty of Birds: A Collector’s Guide to Hallmark’s Most Elegant Ornament Series
There’s a quiet kind of magic in the way a Hallmark ornament can hold a memory, a feeling, or even a season. And no series does this with more grace and sophistication than Beauty of Birds. With delicate sculpting, intricate patterning, and gentle nods to nature’s rhythms, this Keepsake series has become a favorite for collectors who love both artistry and meaning.
Whether you’re new to the collection or have been building your flock for years, this guide will walk you through the story, the inspiration, and the most memorable pieces in the series.
A Graceful Beginning: The Northern Cardinal
The Beauty of Birds series debuted in 2005 with the Northern Cardinal , designed by Hallmark Keepsake Artist Edythe Kegrize . For Edythe, the inspiration came naturally. She has always loved birds, and this series gave her the perfect canvas to combine that passion with her background in decorative illustration.
“I fancied them up,” she explains. Drawing inspiration from the cloisonné enameling technique, Edythe adds stylized patterns, gemstone-like accents, and a little gift of nature to each bird—like mistletoe in the cardinal’s beak, or holly carried by the Black-Capped Chickadee , released in 2006.
Before joining the Keepsake Studio in 2003, Edythe was known within Hallmark for her elegant surface designs and deep knowledge of handcrafted art. She brings that mastery to every illustration, meticulously researching and sketching her birds before passing the sculpting work to talented collaborators like LaDene Votruba, who sculpted the first two ornaments.
Her focus is on birds with dramatic plumage and wide North American recognition —making each piece not only beautiful but familiar. Though each bird has its own personality, Edythe holds a special fondness for the Chickadee. “He’s a very stylish and dapper little fella,” she says. “Just the kind of ornament I’d hang on my tree.”
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"The Beauty of Birds collection celebrates nature’s most graceful creatures through stylized elegance, heartfelt symbolism, and timeless holiday artistry.”
Why Collect Beauty of Birds?
This series strikes a perfect balance between realism and whimsy. Each bird is grounded in nature but adorned with flourishes that elevate it to something truly special. They’re rich with symbolism—peace, remembrance, love—and they make heartfelt gifts as well as treasured heirlooms.
Collectors love how each piece tells a quiet story: of seasons past, of loved ones remembered, or of small joys found in everyday beauty.
Starting Your Collection
There’s no need to collect in order. Many people begin with a bird that resonates personally—perhaps one that reminds them of their childhood backyard, or one they see regularly at their feeder. Others begin with the current year’s release and build from there.
We carry a curated selection of Beauty of Birds ornaments. While we may not always have every release in stock, we invite you to check our current inventory often—especially around Hallmark’s Ornament Premiere and Debut seasons.