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26413827
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Christmas 1997
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26413827
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Christmas 1997
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Records of the First Lady's Office (Clinton Administration)
Bobbie Greene's Files
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42-t-7763273-20120872S-004-006-2015
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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM
TO:
THE FIRST LADY
FROM:
Ann Stock
DATE:
July 22, 1997
RE:
Christmas Ornament Project for Blue Room Tree
CC:
Melanne Verveer
Ellen Lovell
Cheryl Mills
I am attaching a draft letter which will be sent to the following three groups we are inviting
to create ornaments to hang on the Blue Room Tree depicting the theme, SANTA'S
WORKSHOP.
1.
Members of the National Needlepoint Association
(They will each needlepoint a toy which would be found
in Santa's Workshop).
2.
Glass Artists who are members of the American Craft Council
(They will submit a decorated glass ball blown by their studio).
3.
Council of Fashion Designers
(Each designer will create their version of a Santa's Suit which
will be hung on the tree with a small hanger).
Please take a look at the attached and let me know if you approve. Each of the above
groups will get the same correspondence with slight revisions.
We hope to begin sending out letters of invitation by the middle of next week.
Thanks.
246
July 30, 1997
XXXXX
Dear XXXX:
The White House is never more beautiful and reflective of the American spirit than during the
Holiday Season. It is a time when all of us share in celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
The First Family is grateful to have all visitors to the White House join with them in
experiencing the beauty which fills this national treasure during the holiday season.
Christmas holds a particular bond for all of us. As we reflect upon the memories and anticipation
of the season, our thoughts turn to those of children. This holiday, the President and First Lady
would like the White House to reflect Christmas as seen through the eyes of a child. Therefore,
they have chosen the theme, SANTA'S WORKSHOP. It is their wish that we continue to
recognize the hopes and dreams of our next generation.
Each year the First Family invites specific groups and individuals to create ornaments, which
depict the chosen theme, for the White House Blue Room Tree. This year the members of the
National Needlepoint Association are being invited to design and stitch one needlepoint
ornament portraying toys and objects one might find in SANTA'S WORKSHOP. It would be.
an honor to have your creation as a part of this year's White House holiday celebration.
We hope you will be able to participate as we are extremely excited about this holiday theme. It
is imperative that the Christmas theme remain confidential until Mrs. Clinton unveils it at a press
conference the first week of December.
I am enclosing a list of ornament specifications which includes suggested designs, deadlines and
mailing instructions. Also, I am requesting that the attached form be returned to my office by
August 25. This will confirm your participation. If you have any questions, please contact
Debby McGinn in the White House Social Office at 202/456-7136.
On behalf of the First Family, I would like to thank you for your consideration of this invitation.
I personally look forward to working with you to make SANTA'S WORKSHOP at the White
House a memorable experience for all.
Sincerely,
Ann Stock
Social Secretary
BLUE ROOM TREE
Ornament Requirements and Restrictions
Needlepoint Ornaments
1.
The size of the Blue Room Tree will be approximately 19'6". Each needlepoint
ornament shall measure (finished) from 8" to 12" in diameter. You may either
stitch a3 dimensional or 1 dimension ornament. (All stitching and finishing of the
ornament must be done in the United States). If you choose to create a 1 dimensional
ornament, I have enclosed fabric for the backing so that your ornament will coordinate
with ribbons we are using in the Blue Room. Any light weight stuffing can be used.
Please select your favorite threads or yarns, however, we would like to request all
stitchers use 13 to 24 count canvas.
2.
The needlepoint ornaments will be hung on a very dark green Christmas tree lit with
white lights, therefore, when selecting yarns, any large area should be filled in with
a light color which will show against dark branches.
3.
We ask that each stitcher attach a gold cord at the top of the ornament, leaving a 6"
drop. This will give each ornament a unifying cord to attach to the tree.
4.
Please place your initials somewhere on the ornament, however, they should not be
larger than ½ inch in height or width.
5.
The general theme and decorations are to be treated as confidential until revealed
to the press by the First Lady in a press conference the first week of December. We
request your assistance in not publicizing your participation prior to the
announcement by Mrs. Clinton. Any media inquiries should be referred to the
First Lady's Press Office at 202/456-2960. Individual media campaigns are
prohibited.
6.
Designs and ornaments may not be reproduced for sale as being "designed for or
exhibited at the White House". These are policies that forbid the commercial sale of
products or items produced for or that purport to include the endorsement of the
White House, the President or the First Lady.
7.
The ornaments will not be returned to you. They will become part of the White House
collection of ornaments.
8.
Ship all ornaments, prepaid, to arrive no later than October 31 to: Ann Stock, Social
Secretary, The White House, Suite 200 - East Wing, Washington, D.C. 20500. ATTN:
Needlepoint.
PAGE TWO
9.
All stitchers should attach a 3x5 index card to the ornament prior to
shipping. On the card, please include your name, address, telephone number
and a general description of the work. Please attach a photograph of your
ornament to the back of the 3x5 card. These cards will be filed for future use.
If you have a finisher and would like to include that person's name as a creator
of the ornament, please provide the name and address of that individual on your
3x5 card.
10.
Please see the attached list of suggested subjects for ornaments depicting this
year's theme, SANTA'S WORKSHOP. Your own ideas are welcome.
11.
Please return the attached form to me by August 25 confirming your participation.
If you have any questions about the above requirements, please do not hesitate to call
Debby McGinn in the Social Office at 202/456-7136.
SANTA'S WORKSHOP
Ornament Suggestions
Santa Claus
Mrs. Claus
Sleigh
Reindeer
Toy Train
Truck
Candy Cane
Horn
Saxophone
Rocking Horse
Wagon
Teddy Bear
Ball
Bat
Bicycle
Doll
Jack in the Box
Nutcracker
Drum
Sack of Toys
Cornucopia
Snowman
Stocking
Angel
Star
CONFIRMATION OF PARTICIPATION
Blue Room Tree
Needlepoint Ornaments
Please complete the following information confirming your participation in the creation of
a needlepoint ornament for the White House Blue Room Tree. Please return to me at the
following address or fax by August 25.
Ann Stock
Social Secretary to the White House
East Wing - Suite 200
Washington, D.C. 20500
ATTN: Needlepoint
FAX NUMBER: 202/456-6771
I-will be participating in the creation of ornaments for the White House Blue
Room Tree.
I will not be participating in the creation of ornaments for the White House Blue
Room Tree.
NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
FAX
NUMBER:
LOCAL NEWSPAPER CONTACT (Include Address):
FINISHER'S NAME AND
ADDRESS: