1977 Weather House, Twirl-About

This 1977 Hallmark "Twirl-Abouts" Ornament is part of the Tree-Trimmer Collection and features a blonde boy and girl coming in and out of a dual doorway in a white chalet with stone chimney and clay tile roof. They rotate on a spinning pin, as he carries a gift box and she holds a basket with both arms. The ornament is meant to look as if it were carved from wood and is dated 1977 in black, on a gold plaque between the two awnings over each door. The paned glass window above the doors glows with the warm light from inside and red flowers bloom in the window box planter. The shutters on the window and both awnings are painted with a heart motif, popular in Swiss and German folk art, symbolizing love, fertility, and hospitality. Bauernmalerei (Bavarian/Alpine Folk Art), or "farmer painting," originated in the Bavarian and Swiss Alps, with colorful, hand-painted hearts, florals, and birds. The year and copyright are at the bottom on the reverse side.

Kathy Killip, an accomplished American commercial artist, worked as a design supervisor for Hallmark from 1965-1974, and her artwork was featured in 1973, the first year of their ornament line. Her signature style is traditional nature themes and American folk art, and her ornaments are highly sought-after vintage items on collector sites.

Artist

Kathy Killip

Size

3.053" L x 0.992" W x 4.372" H

Material

Plastic and metal

Box Size

5.25" H x 1.25" W x 5.25" D