Spotlight: Willow Tree Figurines

Have you heard of Willow Tree figurines? I love them! Simple, elegant and affordable. Three words I love. Artist Susan Lordi handcrafts the design and then they are recreated for the world to enjoy.

The figures evoke such emotion but without much ornamentation. I think that's the main reason I love them. When you look at a tableau like Cherish, Angel of Mine and New Life.... when you put those three figurines together it's beautiful and the story it tells will warm your heart. First you have a simple figurine: a young woman, the figurine is called "Cherish." Her hands cradle her belly and you see the rounded curves and realize that she's pregnant. Your mind serves up the missing facial expression. You know it already -- the serene joy that is a expectant mother's right. Next, once the baby has been born, illustrated in the figurine "Angel of Mine," you see the woman holding the newborn to her chest. The infant's hand rests on the mother's collarbone. A tender scene of motherly love. The last figurine is "New Life." Here you see the father and the lines of his body as he holds his brand new child are wonderful. You see his amazement as he gazes at this tiny creature. His wife kneels beside him and you know that they are thinking "Look at what we made!" Any new Dad would love to have this reminder of the magical moment when he first held his child.

It's the right time of year to talk about the Willow Tree nativity figurines. For less than $200 you can have a unique and evocative nativity scene. Start with the Family. Joseph with his staff, Mary with baby Jesus in her arms, a shepherd boy with a few sheep and the famous donkey that got Mary & Joseph to Bethlehem. Next, add the Three Wisemen. Each holds his precious gift -- gold, frankincense and myrrh. In particular, their turbans are nicely rendered. There's a second shepherd, with camel and a few more animals that can be added to the scene. In addition there's an ox and goat combo that can be bought and added. The crowning touch? A Willow Tree angel! My favorite is the Angel of Hope. Her lantern will shine light on the whole scene and add just the right touch.

I'm so glad I found out about Willow Tree collectables! I was just wandering in one of our local gift shops one day. You know how it is -- just waiting for inspiration and then I saw these figurines. That was, oh about three years ago and my collection keeps growing!