While many in-person events have been postponed or canceled, Christmas in July sales are heating up online and one River Wards purveyor just jumped on the bandwagon.
An entirely new lineup of Jawnaments just dropped on the namesake website.
In case you forgot what exactly a Jawnament is, here’s a quick refresher.
Longtime River Wards resident Susan Murphy, 55, began making the ornaments in 2017 with a picture of an Arctic Splash, Shrinky Dink paper and a toaster oven.
The process is more sophisticated now, with Murphy laser cutting and applying custom art to one-eighth-inch birch wood at NextFab.
But the inspiration behind the quirky tree trimmings is still the same.
“I chose them based on my own interests and some were from last year that I never got a chance to make,” Murphy said.
The new lineup pays homage to iconic Philly and beach-going staples including Gritty wearing a facemask, a 2nd Street sign, a Termini’s cannoli, John’s cherry wooder ice, a bag of Herr’s potato chips, a loaf of Stock’s pound cake, the Reading Terminal Market sign and tubs of Johnson’s Popcorn, Fisher’s Popcorn and Thrasher’s French Fries.
In total, Murphy has 25 Jawnament designs, with the Arctic Splash carton being the one that started it all.
Only one – the Harbison’s Dairy milk bottle – has been discontinued, but Murphy may bring it back now that the actual structure has been refurbished.
And, new Jawnaments will be added by the holiday season.
“I have several more based on some feedback from folks. I just didn’t get them done in time for this sale,” Murphy said. “And, I’m expanding to other cities and states for Christmas time, [including] San Fran, New England, NYC. I’m still deciding, but [they] will launch in November.”
A portion of proceeds from certain Jawnaments go back to the communities that inspired the designs, including the Fishtown Neighbors Association and the Passyunk Square Civic Association. A portion of proceeds from the Gritty Jawnament will be donated to a COVID-related charity.
With conditions of the pandemic limiting individuals’ activities for a few months, Murphy was excited to get back to business when restrictions eased.
“I have been eager to get back into NextFab to make more items, but they just opened recently,” Murphy said. “They’ve taken extra care to ensure the safety of all members and they have many protocols in place to ensure that we are all protected. I am very comfortable being there, and working again!” ••
The Christmas in July Jawnaments sale will run through Wednesday, July 29. Jawnaments can be ordered by visiting Jawnaments.com. All items are 25 percent off and a coupon for free shipping during the holiday season will be included. All items are shipped via the USPS. No pickups currently due to COVID restrictions.
