The intimate size and sensitive quality of all Willow Tree angels make them a quiet, personal way to communicate important emotions. Some current favorites have been in the line since the original introduction in 2000: Angel of Healing, Angel of Learning, Angel of Friendship, Angel of Prayer. Another favorite is a tree, a prayer, which has carved elements on the figure’s dress. This is a nice piece for Baptisms, First Communions or Confirmations.

For 2009, Susan has re-carved Angel of Freedom. This piece was much-loved in the past, and the new piece carries a similar sense of freedom and independence. For more stories about angel sculptures, go to the Inspiration page.

Willow Tree figurines symbolize the qualities we value most in ourselves and others. Susan chooses experiences that are relevant and timely in her own life to portray universal emotions. Family, motherhood; the intangible, yet so valuable gift of friendship. The love of learning. Willow Tree figurines range from single iconic expressions of healing, hope and peace… to two- or three-person pieces depicting close and complex relationships within families, among siblings, between friends. For more stories about some of the figurines, go to the Inspiration page.

Loving relationships, enduring friendship, generosity, kindness… 2009 introduces new, yet classic figurines with themes both universal and intensely personal. Susan’s foremost sculpture, Close to me is a mother/daughter figurine carved with intertwined vines and birds in flight on the dresses. It expresses the connection, yet freedom which exists in the best of relationships.

New figurines Spirit of Giving and Truly Golden offer valuable gifts of generosity and precious friendship. New boy and girl figures titled Kindness communicate this quality through gentle gestures with their pets. For stories about these newest figurines, go to the Inspiration page.

A unique concept that allows you to create your own family of figurines will be in stores by Mother’s Day. It’s called The Roses in my Garden, and consists of six new sculptures (3 boys and 3 girls) and a special display case (Reliquary) that positions the figures in a beautiful way. For more information and photos of this collection, go to the Product Spotlight page.

Memory Boxes are a functional format, giving you another way to enjoy Willow Tree sculptures. Bas-relief carvings are inset and framed in a finely crafted wooden box. The boxes are hand-painted with a sanded finish in complementary 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, mementos; or just keys and change. These boxes make great gifts for Dads.

The newest story in Willow Tree nativity collections is The Christmas Story. The two richly painted figures of Mary holding Jesus, and Joseph are majestically displayed on the Sanctuary. This collection is much larger than the traditional Willow Tree Nativity. Now, Susan has sculpted three animals to accompany Mary and Joseph: Gentle Animals of the Stable. The texture, coloring and expression of these animals add richness and surround to the quiet tenderness portrayed in The Christmas Story composition. The donkey and two sheep fit on the base of the Sanctuary, nestling close to provide warmth, while keeping a protective watch over Mary, Joseph and their child, Jesus.

These are elegant animals, who communicate gentleness in the turn of their heads and position of their bodies. This quality of expression is uniquely Willow Tree. The scale of the pieces gives each animal a stately presence of watchful waiting. We think they are a beautiful complement to The Christmas Story and Sanctuary, and we hope you will too.

“I wanted these animals to have a calming, elegant presence – by use of color, texture and their gestures. I wanted to give them a softness.”
— Susan Lordi

The most recent addition to the traditional Nativity is the Ox and Goat. The two animals join Mary and Joseph, the sheep and donkey, the Wisemen, and the shepherds and stable animals in the Crèche. There’s still room to add companion angels such as a tree, a prayer, Angel of Prayer, Angel of Light, Bright Star, Celebrate and even the Peace on Earth figurine. You can use the Angel Stand as a way to elevate figures in the grouping.

PLEASE NOTE that the animals and figures created for the traditional Nativity are not the same proportion as The Christmas Story.

Introducing Decorative Metal-edged Ornaments. Willow Tree introduces a new ornament format that is perfect for all gift-giving occasions as well as the holidays. Lovely, small bas-relief plaques of favorite figurines and angels are delicately framed in cut-metal lace, with a sparkle of glitter around the edging. A sentiment is printed in elegant script on the back, so that both sides are presentable. They look elegant on the holiday tree, or as the perfect flourish on a wrapped package. These decorative mini-plaque ornaments have a jewel-like appearance, making them a stand-alone gift for many occasions such as teacher gifts, graduation, new baby, housewarming, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or any time you need a little something extra to communicate your feelings.

Willow Tree continues its Dated Ornament series with 2009 – Peace and Joy throughout the year. 2009 is a figurine with outstretched arms, holding a plaque of cut-edge metal with the year on it. All Willow Tree ornaments are small versions of the most-loved angels, figurines and plaques.

The beautifully colored plaque of a girl and her horse titled Quiet Strength continues to be the most popular plaque in the Willow Tree collection. 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. It was inspired by Susan’s family’s experience with their horse, Diamond. Quiet Strength has also been made into a beautifully painted Memory Box.

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.

Special events such as weddings and anniversaries are celebrated with thoughtfully designed pieces in the Willow Tree® Wedding Collection. This collection reminds us of the promise of love at any age.

At customers’ request, Susan resculpted the Promise figurine to a 6" size, ideal for wedding cakes. It’s designed to beautifully complement any wedding décor, with a round base of carved roses that provide extra stability on top of the cake. The resin used for all Willow Tree figurines is cured and painted, and the paint is lead-free. The Cake Topper has been tested to ensure it is food safe.

The Photo Album and Guestbook coordinate with each other and the Cake Topper. The image of the Promise figurine is surrounded by a beautiful antique pattern of roses in soft Willow Tree neutrals, and bound with fine linen fabric. These are high-quality pieces. Acid and lignin-free materials have been used in their construction. The Guestbook has over 50 lined pages for signatures and messages, and the Photo Album holds 300 4"x6" photos.

In addition, the Roses Photo Frame is available in 4"x5" size (perfect for professional wedding proofs); also 4"x6" and 5"x7". The carved rose border and creamy-white linen mat of the frame echo the base of the Cake Topper and design of the stationery products to create a timeless after-ceremony keepsake grouping.

Willow Tree is excited to introduce a brand-new product for 2009: Candleholders. Hand-formed of porcelain, these candleholders retain the tactile, hand-wrought quality that has come to be known as classic Willow Tree.

The initial collection includes nine pieces, representing themes such as hospitality, friendship, quiet reflection and love. Variations in the glaze colors complement the simplicity of the bas relief Willow Tree carvings. Candleholders come with a tealight, which softly illuminates a sentiment on the inside edge of the holder. A votive candle will also fit nicely inside. We hope the warm combination of beauty and function will offer another meaningful way to give and receive Willow Tree.

“Candleholders are a natural extension of the Willow Tree line – both symbolically and visually. We wanted the look to be soft and welcoming; they actually feel warm and tactile - and fit right into your hands. And when they’re lit, the sentiments literally glow from within. We hope these pieces engage all your senses.

“A candle can be a symbol … a reminder of something ongoing. Candles can bring to light comforting memories ...a wish for someone you love … an illumination of your thoughts….” – Susan Lordi