Willow Tree, Gentle Animals of the Stable

Each original Willow Tree® sculpture is hand carved by artist Susan Lordi. Using family and friends as models, Susan’s goal is to capture a moment in time or express an intimate feeling. Pieces are cast from her original carving and individually painted by hand. Softly washed colors, carved and metal accents, and representative icons of nature add depth and sentimentality to this beloved line. 

Susan Lordi sculpted these three animals to specifically fit the larger scale and presence of The Christmas Story and Sanctuary. “I wanted these animals to have a calming, yet very stoic, elegant presence — by their gestures, their stance, the turn of their heads. I experimented with color and texture to give them a softness. I was interested in transforming a hard surface by carving and carving into it until it looked wooly or furry, or in the case of the donkey, had the clothlike surface of a blanket.” - Susan Lordi

Aside from peak seasons, most orders will ship within 2-3 business days and tracking is provided via email when the order is given to the carrier.  Delivery usually takes an additional 3-4 business days, and some locations can take longer for the carrier to complete delivery.

Please provide a physical street address when you place an order.  Mardel will not accept P.O. Boxes as shipping destinations for online orders, and your order will not be fulfilled until you provide an alternate physical address to our Customer Service team. 

Visit our Shipping  page for more information, including how to Expedite your order.

If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, you may return your order in-store or online within 90 days of the purchase with receipt.  All merchandise must be in the same, saleable condition as it was when you received it.

Visit our Returns  page for complete information.