A new angel was added to the Angel Collection for 2007. a tree, a prayer is the first Willow Tree piece to have carved elements on the figure’s dress. See the Inspiration page on this website for Susan’s thoughts on this piece. This newest angel would make a comforting gift for someone who loves Angel of Prayer, or for someone who needs hope and healing. The intimate size and spiritual quality of all the Willow Tree angels make them a quiet, personal way to communicate important emotions.

Child of my Heart (featured on this website's Product Spotlight) is just one of the new figurines for 2007. Remember depicts a young girl in reflective thought. Her expressive gesture could be a reference to memory or an event — a symbol for when someone is absent, or given as a gift when you want someone to remember you. This is a personal, thought-provoking piece in that it could represent an emotional time shared only by the giver and the receiver. Congratulations is a light-hearted figurine that literally tells the receiver that the giver is proud of his or her achievement! Wire writing within a wire balloon is now present in three pieces: Hope, Birthday Girl and Congratulations. Congratulations makes a great gift for new graduates or recent promotions. You can find all these new pieces in retail stores that carry Willow Tree.

Memory Boxes were introduced in January 2007. This functional new format gives you another way to enjoy Willow Tree sculptures. Bas-relief carvings are inset and framed in finely crafted wooden boxes. The boxes are hand-painted with a richly sanded finish in soft Willow Tree colors. Sentiments are printed inside the hinged lid. Memory Boxes are larger than Keepsake Boxes. They are lovely places to keep treasures, jewelry and mementos. This first offering includes the sculptural images of Embrace (a great Anniversary gift), Friendship, Family, Hug and Comfort.

A dramatic new Willow Tree sculpture for 2007 is The Christmas Story, which reveals the humanity of Mary and Joseph. The two-piece set of Mary holding baby Jesus, and Joseph are the centerpiece of The Christmas Story. The figures are nearly 15” tall, with richly layered colors. These figures mark a shift in scale and coloration for Willow Tree. The elegant movement of Mary’s and Joseph’s garments and their beautifully protective gestures bring this composition to the highest levels of sculptural art to adorn homes or churches.

The 24” tall Sanctuary serves as the crèche for The Christmas Story. The design of this piece is based on historical architecture. Its gothic arches symbolize protective havens in which people throughout the ages have gathered to seek inspiration and hope. The two sides and center panel form a triptych – a work of art in three pieces, traditionally made as an altarpiece hinged together. The panels fit onto a wide base that provides stability. The pieces are constructed of wood, hand-painted and sanded for a distinctive finish. Rusted nail holes provide a decorative linear element, but more importantly, are a metaphor foretelling the crucifixion.

Positioning the figures is important to their expression. When placed on the base of the Sanctuary, Mary is turned in toward Joseph, sheltered by his right arm. Joseph’s staff and cloak form a protective shield around his new family. Joseph’s left hand should be positioned just above the head of baby Jesus, shadowing the curve of Mary’s wrist. This is a historically symbolic gesture of blessing and protection.

Asked to explain her inspiration behind these pieces, Susan says “The Christmas Story is a story from the past… but the overwhelming emotions of holding a new baby, starting a new family, and wanting to protect them forevermore are present today in every culture and every age. My hope is that the gestures of Mary and Joseph will represent these powerful feelings of love and protection.”

The original Nativity is an intimate six-piece set that is beautifully complemented by Three Wisemen and Shepherd and Stable Animals. The addition of the unique Crèche brings a striking, yet humble presence to the home during the holidays.
Other pieces that work wonderfully with the Nativity include Peace on Earth, Angel of Prayer, Angel of Healing and Celebrate. Placing an angel on the Angel Stand adds height and interest to the display.

Willow Tree continues its dated ornament series with 2007 – Memories to keep, memories to share. 2007 is an angel holding the year written in wire, with all its memories of happy and sad moments. Willow Tree ornaments are small versions of many of the angels and plaques. Each ornament has a brown raffia hanging string in keeping with the simplicity of the piece.

New for 2007 is the beautifully colored plaque of a girl and her horse titled Quiet Strength. This plaque, with its monochromatic hues, literally depicts the strong bond that develops between horse and owner, especially when that owner is a young girl. This plaque was inspired by Susan’s family’s experience with their horse, Diamond.

Each original plaque is a hand-carved bas relief depicting a loving relationship or sentiment. All plaques have key-hole openings on the back so that they can hang flush against the wall. Or, they can be displayed on the custom-designed Willow Tree Plaque Stand. The Small Plaque Stand better supports the smaller-size oval plaques.

Willow Tree stationery was discontinued effective January 2006. There may be some products still in retail stores, but DEMDACO is no longer manufacturing the Boxed Card Collections, Journals, Notecards or Holiday Cards.