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How to Show Sympathy for a Friend After They Lose a Loved One

Losing a loved one is never easy, and everyone experiences and expresses grief differently. It may be a comfort to share stories or gifts with your friend, or they may need space and time to process. If you’re not sure how to help your friend, bereavement gifts can let them know you are thinking about them during a hard time, and invite them to open up to you if they feel able.

Send a Simple Message Write a message to your friend. It can be easier to express yourself when you have as much time as you need to write down and edit your thoughts. Share stories of their loved one if you knew them. It’s a quiet but cathartic way to let your friend know that you love them, especially if you do share their sense of loss. If you would prefer, you might want to pour out your heart onto paper, and never send it. Instead, start again and send the second version to your friend. Writing down everything that comes into your mind first, then editing your thoughts later, is a great way to make sure you send the right message. Consider Bereavement Gifts Comforting memorial gifts are a way to both express your feelings without needing to say a word and provide something thoughtful for your friend to remember their loved one by. One good idea might be an angel with wire wings and hands crossed over her heart, a small golden heart above her hands, and her dress carved with images of nature. You can also add a personalized shelf for the figurative sculpture, with a name inscribed on it. The angel is a gift that expresses sympathy, comfort, and remembrance, as well as fond memories. Share Photos Look through your phone and share any photos you may have of your friend together with their loved one. Photos that your friend might have forgotten that you took can help them to talk about meaningful moments with their loved one. If possible, get together with your friend to reminisce in person, but be prepared for them to say “no, not right now.” If you do meet with them, see if they want to share photos and stories, as well, and be a good listener. They may need to talk about what they are experiencing, and whether or not you can directly relate to their loss, they might appreciate it if you take the time to just listen. Often, you won’t need to say anything. Offer Help Offer to help your friend around the house: bring them food, go shopping, or even mow the lawn. Don’t put the onus on them by telling them to let you know when they need help. Instead, make specific offers. Mention you are going grocery shopping and ask if you can pick up anything. Offer to mow the lawn next weekend. Ask if next Tuesday is good for you to bring over dinner. Plus, you can use the time to connect with your friend and see if they need to talk, giving them chances to talk and grieve. Always remember not to be offended if they turn down your requests or ask you to stop offering to help. Grief manifests in so many different ways. Your friend will open up when they’re ready. About Willow Tree® The relationships and strong bonds forged between our family, friends, and pets are on display with Willow Tree® figurines. The intimate line of artwork from artist Susan Lordi is easy to recognize, characterized by a simplicity of form and gestures such as the placement of the hands or a turn of the body to reveal emotion. Each piece is cast from the original hand carvings that Susan Lordi makes in her Kansas City, Missouri studio, and then painted by hand. Willow Tree® offers an extensive collection of meaningful figurative sculptures, cake toppers, ornaments, wall plaques, and much more. Browse the entire Willow Tree® collection for thoughtful memorial gifts at Willowtree.com Original Source: https://bit.ly/2J93Ow4

Four Great Gift Ideas for a Spring Wedding

Spring is in the air, and it’s a popular time for weddings. With flowers blooming and life springing back up after winter, your friends are sure to have a lovely day. What, though, should you get them as a wedding present? There are plenty of options, and the following are great ideas that your friends will love.

Meaningful Sculptures Representing the Couple Art is a wonderful expression of love. Figurative sculptures that represent the love between the happy couple are a fantastic gift you can give. You might choose a piece with a man holding a woman from behind, the woman reaching behind her to hold the man’s head as they lean into each other, to show the love of the couple. Another option is a girl holding forget-me-nots, a message of a timeless friendship, and a reminder not to forget the love that brought them together—perfect for spring. Choose one that will represent both what your friends mean to you, and what they mean to each other as a couple. Cake Toppers for Their First Anniversary Your friends probably already have a cake topper for the wedding, but they probably do not have one for their first anniversary. It’s often a tradition for the couple to keep part of the wedding cake frozen and eat it on their first anniversary of a wedding. Why not think ahead and choose from romantic cake toppers as a gift for the future? Consider a cake topper with a man and woman sitting next to each other, foreheads nearly touching, holding hands, the palms of their other hands pressed together. Carved in the round, it’s perfect for topping a cake that can be viewed from any angle. Something to Start a Tradition A wedding is a perfect time to start a new tradition as a new family is created. Giving the newly married couple heirloom-quality nativity figurines can start a tradition of collecting a new piece during holidays. They can watch as the nativity set grows each year as they slowly receive and build up the nativity set, adding a crèche, angels, the wise men, and more. Start simply with the holy family, which can set the tradition in place. The Magic of Music to Make Memories Memories can be made from taste, smell, sight, and sound. A music box gifted on a wedding day can bring back fond memories for years to come. Choose a musical that features a rotating base, topped by the figurative sculpture of a couple in a close embrace. The piece plays Pachelbel’s classic “Canon in D Major,” commonly played at weddings. From one side, it looks like the couple is kissing, and from another, they look like they are dancing. Every time the music plays, they will remember their special day. About Willow Tree® The relationships and strong bonds forged between our family, friends, and pets are on display with Willow Tree® figures. The intimate line of artwork from artist Susan Lordi is easy to recognize, characterized by a simplicity of form and gestures such as the placement of the hands or a turn of the body to reveal emotion. Each piece is cast from the original hand carvings that Susan Lordi makes in her Kansas City, Missouri studio, and then painted by hand. Willow Tree® offers an extensive collection of meaningful figurative sculptures, cake toppers, wall plaques, and much more. Browse the entire Willow Tree® collection and find a beautiful wedding gift at Willowtree.com Original Source: http://bit.ly/2xIrmoR

Gifts to Give Your Spouse on Your Anniversary

It’s been another love-filled year since your wedding, and it’s time to think of an anniversary gift for your spouse. Art can speak volumes, with a meaning shared by both the giver and receiver—a unique interpretation shared only between the two of you. The following works of art make ideal anniversary gifts that celebrate your love as a couple.

Romantic Figurative Sculptures For an anniversary, you want a lasting, romantic gift that will endure the test of time. Figures can express what words can’t, showing your love for your spouse. A figurative sculpture of a woman standing behind a sitting man, one arm draped around him while the man holds the other creates one such thoughtful message. It represents the couple that navigates life together, through all the joys, challenges, and daily activities around the home. It shows the trust and support couples give each other, making it perfect for an anniversary gift. Another option is a man and woman sitting together, facing each other with their foreheads nearly touching. The couple is holding hands, and their opposite hands are raised between them, touching palms. It could represent a young couple finding romantic love, the butterflies and uncertainty mixed with the chemistry and electricity of a relationship. The piece is tender and intimate, the pose derived from dance, giving it the appearance of movement from different angles. Musical Figures with Rotating Figures A rotating stand with a figurative sculpture on top makes a beautiful display piece in your home. One featuring a man and a woman holding each other close represents the love you feel from each other. From one angle, it looks as if the man and woman are kissing. Viewed from another perspective, it appears they are dancing, hands clasped together. As Pachelbel’s famous “Canon in D Major” plays, the figurative sculpture rotates, giving you a different understanding of the piece as it turns. If you played the song at your wedding, it adds a layer of wonderful memories to the piece. Cake Toppers Depicting a Bride and Groom If it’s your first anniversary, you might have kept a piece of your wedding cake to eat. If so, a romantic cake topper is a perfect addition to the cake. Standing on a base of carved flowers, a man holds a woman from behind while the woman reaches up and behind her, holding the man’s head close. The piece represents finding your true partner in love and life. Even if you’re celebrating a much longer marriage, a cake topper can be a beautiful reminder of the wedding day. Nativity Sets for Spiritual Affirmations of Love With an heirloom-quality nativity set, you can start a new tradition: giving a new piece of the nativity with each anniversary or major holiday. You can watch each year as your display grows, from the holy family to dancing angels and the wise men. As your marriage grows, so too will your display, which can be rearranged however you want every year. About Willow Tree® The relationships and strong bonds forged between our family, friends, and pets are on display with Willow Tree® figures. The intimate line of artwork from artist Susan Lordi is easy to recognize, characterized by a simplicity of form and gestures such as the placement of the hands or a turn of the body to reveal emotion. Each piece is cast from the original hand carvings that Susan Lordi makes in her Kansas City, Missouri studio, and then painted by hand. Willow Tree® offers an extensive collection of meaningful figurative sculptures, cake toppers, figurine ornaments, wall plaques, and much more. Browse the entire Willow Tree® collection and find a beautiful anniversary gift at Willowtree.com Original Source: http://bit.ly/2waGOK6

The Best Gifts for Situations Where Words Fail You

There are times when your mouth feels dry, and you can’t think of the right words of encouragement, sympathy, or love. You have the feelings and want to express them but can’t think of how. Sometimes a thoughtful gift can say more than words. Expressive figurines, where gestures and emotions are displayed for you, make wonderful gifts. Here are a few situations where a gift can say a thousand words while you’re struggling to find the right ones.

A New Baby Having a baby is a momentous occasion, but sometimes you aren’t sure how to congratulate someone. A gift of a figurative sculpture that captures the moment is ideal and better than just saying a hearty “congratulations!” Choose a figure like one that features a man and a woman holding a baby, the woman cradling the baby’s head, and kissing the baby’s forehead while the man holds her and supports the baby. Another option is a man sitting and holding the baby while a woman kneels behind him, holding his arm and looking over his shoulder. Both represent the loving relationships that form between child and parents. Loss of a Loved One It can be hard to express sympathy for friends and loved ones when they lose someone close to them. It can feel like walking a tightrope, where you might say the wrong thing. Instead, express your sympathy with bereavement gifts. An angel with wire wings and her hands crossed over her heart, holding a small, gold heart, is meant to recall memories. It helps remind the person that we keep memories of lost loved ones safe within us, connecting us to those we love. Another option is an angel with outstretched arms, holding a butterfly. It can represent courage and confidence, being ready to fly despite hardship and grief. The angel can also represent freedom, honoring someone with a free spirit. When “I Love You” Isn’t Enough Can’t think of a good way to express your love for your partner? Try saying it with a figurative sculpture featuring a man and a woman embracing each other. Depending on which angle you view the sculpture from, it can look like they are kissing or dancing, giving multiple interpretations of the piece. Another option is a man sitting with a woman standing behind him, holding his shoulder with one hand and holding his hand in the other. About Willow Tree® Artist Susan Lordi’s Willow Tree® figures represent the relationships and strong bonds forged between us and our family, friends, and pets. The aim of the intimate line of artwork is to comfort and inspire, leaving the interpretation of each piece up to the giver and recipient. The pieces are cast from Susan Lordi’s original handcrafted carvings, made in her Kansas City, Missouri studio. Each piece is then painted by hand. Simplicity of form makes Susan Lordi’s signature Willow Tree® sculptures easy to recognize, and gestures such as a tilt of the head, a turn of the body, or a placement of the hands reveal emotion instead of facial features. Willow Tree® offers a wide variety of meaningful figures, with artful sculptures, angel ornaments, bereavement and memorial gifts, wall plaques, cake toppers, appreciation gifts, and much more. Browse the entire Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com Original Source: http://bit.ly/2SP7lUy

Wedding Shower Gifts That Show Love for the Couple

Finding the right gift for a wedding shower can be a challenge. It needs to express your love for the couple, send a meaningful message, and be something they both enjoy and will use or display. The following are gift ideas that any couple would love to receive.

For the Wedding: Cake Topper The first idea is for a practical gift, a cake topper with figures representing the happy couple. There are a few options for figurative sculpture cake toppers, each involving a couple in a loving pose. You could give them a cake topper of a man and woman holding each other. From one angle, they appear to be dancing, and from another angle, they seem to be kissing. It’s perfect for a couple about to marry, and they can use it as a cake topper for their wedding if they haven’t decided on another. It also makes a beautiful decoration around the house and can be used on anniversary cakes. For Their Home: A Figurative Sculpture A decoration showcasing the love between the couple is an excellent option they can show off around the house. Figurative sculptures in poses that show how the couple cares for each other are ideal for this. A man sitting while a woman stands, draped over him, holding his shoulder while the man holds her hand shows the love and support shared between the soon-to-be-weds. Another option shows more of a romance between the couple, with a man holding the woman from behind. One of the woman’s hands rests on the arm wrapped around her, while the other reaches up and behind to hold his head. It represents finding a true partner in love and life. For a Tradition: Nativity Figurines Whether it’s starting a new family tradition or adding to an existing one, nativity figurines are fantastic wedding shower gifts. Gifts for holidays can add on to the set, from wise men to angels, from background elements to the Holy Family. While traditionally displayed at Christmas, the pieces can also be displayed year-round. This is especially true of angel figures, which offer sentiments of life, joy, and hope. Using separate figurative sculptures means they can customize their nativity scene, as well. They can create a symmetrical scene, with an equal amount of sculptures on either side or create a procession up to the Holy Family. If they don’t already have the tradition in place, a gift of a different figure once per year can help complete the scene. About Willow Tree® Willow Tree® figures represent the strong bonds and relationships forged between us and our friends, family, and pets. Artist Susan Lordi’s intimate line of artwork aims to comfort and inspire the recipient. Each piece is cast from her original handcrafted carvings in her Kansas City, Missouri studio, and then individually painted by hand. Her signature Willow Tree® sculptures are easy to recognize by their simplicity of form. In place of facial features, gestures such as a tilt of the head, a turn of the body, or a placement of the hands reveal emotion. This leaves the interpretation of each piece open to both the giver and receiver. Willow Tree® offers a meaningful variety of nativity set options, artful sculptures, angel ornaments, cake toppers, bereavement and memorial gifts, plaques, and much more.

Browse the entire Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com

Original Source: http://bit.ly/2SQHXxJ

It’s Never Too Late to Show Your Love with Expressive Figurative Sculptures

While Valentine’s Day is over, it’s never too late to show your love for your partner, a sibling, your parents, or your close friends. A gift can show them how you feel any time of the year. Here are a few ideas for gifts for the important people in your life to show them how you feel.

The Love of a Partner While you probably exchanged gifts or a dinner with your significant other on Valentine’s Day, you can surprise them with an expression of your love at any time. They will love the surprise. Consider something that depicts the love you feel for your partner, such as a figurative sculpture of a man holding a woman from behind, holding her hand while she cradles his head. It’s a tender moment shared between two lovers and the perfect way to show your partner how you feel. Another option is a pair of figures, a man sitting on a block with a woman holding him from behind. One of her hands rests on his shoulder, while the other is clasped by his hand. Relaxed and casual, it represents a couple navigating life together and an appreciation for the little things. The Trust of a Sibling The bond that forms between siblings is something that should be celebrated often. A figurative sculpture of two sisters sitting together, holding hands and arms around each other, speaks to a lifelong friendship that can only happen between siblings. For brothers, an older brother holding a younger brother, with the younger brother looking up at his older brother, speaks to forging a bond that lasts a lifetime. Looking for a brother and sister? Try a figure with both sitting on a rock, side by side, a consistent, supportive presence in each other’s lives. The Bond Between Parents and Children Any time of year is a good time to show your love for your mom and dad and thank them for raising you into the person you are today. A figurative sculpture of a mother holding a daughter close expresses a close connection, yet also freedom. A mother holding her son’s head, the son acting nonchalant, expresses a push and pull of the relationship that develops between a mother and child. By the same token, a figurative sculpture of a father sitting next to a daughter celebrates the bond of father and daughter. A son draping himself over a sitting father shows the strong base of trust and love between the two in a sculpture. Or, get your parents something for their Christmas tree, like figurine ornaments. A woman holding hearts expresses the love and care that is shared with parents and children and is perfect for the tree. A Friendship of Love and Encouragement Whether it’s two women holding hands as they walk and talk or a child holding flowers, you can represent the love between friends with a figurative sculpture, just like for members of your family. Friendship is, after all, the sweetest gift you can give. About Willow Tree® Artist Susan Lordi’s Willow Tree® figures represent the relationships and strong bonds forged between us and our family, friends, and pets. The aim of the intimate line of artwork is to comfort and inspire, leaving the interpretation of each piece up to the giver and recipient. The pieces are cast from Susan Lordi’s original handcrafted carvings, made in her Kansas City, Missouri studio. Each piece is then painted by hand. Simplicity of form makes Susan Lordi’s signature Willow Tree® sculptures easy to recognize, and gestures such as a tilt of the head, a turn of the body, or a placement of the hands reveal emotion instead of facial features. Willow Tree® offers a wide variety of meaningful figures, with artful sculptures, nativity set options, angel ornaments, bereavement and memorial gifts, wall plaques, cake toppers, appreciation gifts, and much more.

Browse the entire Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com

Original Source: http://bit.ly/2HAa1QV

Gifts to Give Your Family in the New Year

With a new year comes new hopes, aspirations, and dreams. It’s also a time to be thankful for family for the previous year, and any hospitality they showed you during the holidays. If you are looking for gifts to inspire, show love and friendship, or say thank you, consider sending the following to your family members.

Inspiring Gifts

If you are looking for gifts that will inspire your family members in the year to come, try giving them figurative sculptures that they can display around their home. A statue of a woman meant to change moods and lift spirits can inspire your family members through the power of nature. It can represent the small miracles that happen all around us every day, with carvings in her dress depicting butterflies, plants, birds, flowers, and the cycle of seasons. Her arms are open wide, inviting, and welcoming, inspiring your family member for the new year to be open to whatever may come.

Gifts of Hospitality

If your family hosted you for the holidays, consider thanking them for their hospitality with the gift of nativity figures for their home. It’s something they can display each year, or if they already have a nativity set, they can continue to add to it each year. The gift is as enduring as the story it portrays and is the ideal way to start a family tradition. While you can start with the Holy Family and a backdrop, you can also add figurative sculptures of the three wise men, the shepherd, stable animals, and more.

Thank You Gifts

Did your family throw a great New Year’s party? Do you just want to thank them for their support over the past year? Tell them how you feel with a thank you gift. You could go subtle with a woman presenting a bouquet of peonies, a heartfelt appreciation for ongoing support. Or you could gift them an angel figure holding a wireframe “thank you” expressing gratitude and inner peace, with the angel also representing the protection your family provides you.

Gifts of Friendship and Love

If you simply want to express your love for your family, choose a figurative sculpture of an angel crossing her arms in the American Sign Language sign for “love.” It’s the perfect way to express love and care that goes both ways, and how family members support each other. Another idea is a woman holding a wireframe “love you” inside a circle. These two small words mean so much, and serve as a daily reminder of your feelings for the recipient.

About Willow Tree®

Willow Tree® sculptural figures represent the strong bonds and relationships forged between us and our friends, family, and pets. Artist Susan Lordi’s intimate line of artwork aims to comfort and inspire the recipient. Each piece is cast from her original handcrafted carvings from her Kansas City, Missouri studio, and then individually painted by hand. Her signature Willow Tree® sculptures are easy to recognize by their simplicity of form. In place of facial features, gestures such as a tilt of the head, a turn of the body, or a placement of the hands reveal emotion. This leaves the interpretation of each piece open to both the giver and receiver. Willow Tree® offers a meaningful variety of artful sculptures, including angel ornaments, cake toppers, bereavement and memorial gifts, plaques, nativity figures, and much more.

Shop the Willow Tree® collection for gifts at Willowtree.com

Original Source: http://bit.ly/2U4ChCs

#cake toppers

Send a Message of Hope in the New Year

A new year is a time of reflection. It’s a time to remember loved ones who were lost in the previous year and to look ahead at the coming year with hope. Whether you are giving memorial gifts or a gift of hope, these gifts will send a message of love to the ones you care about.

Angels of Bereavement

The start of a new year can be a tough time for those who have lost a loved one in the previous year. It’s a reminder that their loved one won’t be with them in the coming year, and emotions can run high. Bereavement gifts can help send a message of comfort, sympathy, and remembrance.

An angel figurative sculpture holding her hands underneath a gold heart represents the warm, comforting memories that heal us when we’re missing a loved one. These personal memories connect us to the people we love, whether they are still with us or not. It’s an uplifting piece that encourages and supports someone in need.

A Calming Music Box

Another way to send a message of healing is through a calming music box. An angel, hands clasped in prayer, with a carved tree in her dress, can express condolences while allowing the recipient to cherish the memories of their loved one. The tree is a metaphor for strength, grace, and beauty, and the prayer one of hope and healing. Trees are grounding, connecting us with the earth and those no longer with us, and the figurative sculpture can also represent the Tree of Life. The music box appropriately plays “Amazing Grace.”

A Message of Hope

For a sculptural message of hope, you might gift a figure of a woman releasing a white bird to soar into the wild. While the piece can be an expression of sympathy for a lost loved one, it is also hopeful. It’s a celebration of new beginnings and endings, a celebration of life, and the road to recovery without discounting grief.

A similar figurative sculpture, an angel with wire wings holding a wire butterfly in her outstretched hands, can be a message of courage and confidence in a time where both are hard to find in the wake of a loss. It honors the memory of the loved one while encouraging healing, an inspiration to continue living a good life that their loved one would be proud of. It’s a piece with a message open to interpretation, special between the giver and receiver.

About Willow Tree®

Willow Tree® figurines represent the strong bonds and relationships forged between us and our friends, family, and pets. Artist Susan Lordi’s intimate line of artwork aims to comfort and inspire the recipient. Each piece is cast from her original handcrafted carvings from her Kansas City, Missouri studio, and then individually painted by hand. Her signature Willow Tree® sculptures are easy to recognize by their simplicity of form. In place of facial features, gestures such as a tilt of the head, a turn of the body, or a placement of the hands reveal emotion. This leaves the interpretation of each piece open to both the giver and receiver. Willow Tree® offers a meaningful variety of artful sculptures, including angel ornaments, cake toppers, bereavement and memorial gifts, plaques, nativity sets, and much more.

Browse the entire Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com

Original Source: http://bit.ly/2v0L2TG

#figurines

Thoughtful Gifts to Give Your Young Daughter for Valentine’s Day

When it comes to communicating love to your children on Valentine’s Day, there’s always chocolates and heart-shaped candies. But if you’re looking for a different way to show them the L-O-V-E this year, treat them to little heartfelt gifts they will always remember. Here are a few ideas to inspire creativity.

What I Love About You – Keepsake Box

A small, sweet container to stash treasures is a gift your daughter will adore. If she doesn’t have a keepsake or memory box, you can find a lovely hand-painted wood box with a carving on the lid for an extra special touch. If she loves her dog, look for a keepsake box that has a carved representation of her and her pup on the lid. Or, for a more sentimental approach, the carving could be a representation of you and her on the cover. You could place little notes in the box telling your daughter what you love about her. It’s a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift she’ll treasure forever.

Lots of Love – Figurative Sculpture

Gentle sculptures or figures have a way of expressing feelings and capturing everyday moments without words. Susan Lordi is one such artist known for her touching figurative sculptures. She gives each piece a level of meaning that’s open to interpretation. Many of Lordi’s figures represent love. Wish your daughter a happy Valentine’s Day with a pretty hand-painted sculpture where the female figure is holding a delicate gold heart. It’s a beautiful reminder that she’s loved and cared for.

Hearts and Flowers – Delicate Ornament

Figurine ornaments aren’t just for Christmas trees, especially if they’re adorable enough to be hung year-round on personal effects, such as on your daughter’s jewelry tree, her personal bulletin board, or her bedroom doorknob. Look for a small double-sided ornament with a heartfelt sentiment printed on one side and a mini carving of a girl holding a heart or flowers on the other side. One with intricate metal lace edges brushed with glitter is also a nice, festive touch for Valentine’s Day.

Surrounded by Love – Musical

If you think your daughter would enjoy a musical or music box that plays a familiar melody about love, this would make a beautiful gift for her. Every time she winds it up to hear the tune, she’ll think of you and be reminded that your love is always surrounding her. An artful musical is like a figurative sculpture in motion. The sculpture on top acts as a companion to the melody. Think of a musical as poetry in motion. It’s the type of gift that could turn into an heirloom for your daughter.

About Willow Tree®

Willow Tree® figures represent the strong bonds and relationships forged between us and our friends, family, and pets. Artist Susan Lordi’s intimate line of artwork aims to comfort and inspire the recipient. Each piece is cast from her original handcrafted carvings in her Kansas City, Missouri studio, and then individually painted by hand. Her signature Willow Tree® sculptures are easy to recognize by their simplicity of form. In place of facial features, gestures such as a tilt of the head, a turn of the body, or a placement of the hands reveal emotion. This leaves the interpretation of each piece open to both the giver and receiver. Willow Tree® offers a meaningful variety of nativity set options, artful sculptures, angel ornaments, cake toppers, bereavement and memorial gifts, plaques, and much more.

Browse the entire Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com

Original Source: http://bit.ly/2ub5rEU

#figures

Honor Loved Ones this Holiday Season with Remembrance Gifts for Yourself or Others

If you or someone you love is feeling the loss of a person who passed away, the holidays can be a difficult time. During the Christmas season, memories and traditions are felt more keenly in their absence. However, it’s also a chance to remember them in a loving way. Keep in mind that hope can be found everywhere you look, especially during the holiday season. Here are a few ideas to keep in good spirits, find some peace, and honor your loved one at the same time.

Continue Past Traditions

Keeping with a sense of tradition provides comfort for some as a way to hold onto favorite memories of a lost loved one. Cook dishes they excelled at making. Play family games together. Watch their favorite movie. Identify a couple of ways you can continue to honor them during the holidays. Family traditions are what the holidays are all about.

Begin a New Tradition

While it’s understandable to hold onto old traditions, it’s also a good idea to start a new one. As the years go by, families grow and change. Introducing a new tradition might be a welcome way to honor a late loved one. Talk with others if there’s something new you’d like to incorporate.

Buy a Comforting Gift

Memorial gifts are a way to express feelings without having to say a word. A thoughtful figurative sculpture or angel ornament can serve as a tangible reminder of the people and memories we want to keep close to our hearts. When words are sometimes hard to say, choose a meaningful sculptural figure that expresses emotion through gestures, hand placement, or a tilt of the head. Choose one for yourself or others who may benefit from a little gift.

Share a Favorite Holiday Memory

Simply acknowledging someone by sharing your favorite memory or funny anecdote about them from the holidays is a nice way to feel connected to them and others who loved them. Creating space to grieve, laugh, cry, and share stories about loved ones is a normal and acceptable part of life and the grieving process.

Write Down Your Thoughts

Some people would prefer to quietly express themselves through journaling. Writing out your feelings instead of keeping them buried inside sometimes helps with the grieving process. You may even feel a weight lifted from the experience of journaling your thoughts. Don’t worry about crafting the perfect sentiment—just write from the heart.

However you choose to honor a passed loved one, whether it’s through bereavement gifts, journaling, starting new traditions, or recognizing old ones, remember to be kind to yourself and enjoy the spirit of the season with those who are still in your life.

About Willow Tree® Willow Tree® truly shines at Christmastime. The intimate line of angel sculptures, nativity sets, and tree toppers created by artist Susan Lordi make excellent gifts for the loved ones on your Christmas list or yourself. It’s through Willow Tree® that you can find figurative sculptures that represent your relationships with others or find a piece that speaks to your heart. Willow Tree® offers a variety of figurines, cake toppers, plaques, musicals, keepsake boxes, ornaments, and more. Whether you need Christmas gifts, bereavement gifts, wedding and anniversary gifts, or birthday gifts, Willow Tree® has a thoughtful collection of items for you. Browse Willow Tree® at Willowtree.com

Original Source: http://bit.ly/2PFPRK9

Add Holiday Cheer to a Loved One’s Home with These Thoughtful Decorations

You can make a difference in someone’s life by spreading a bit of Christmas cheer this season. This can mean baking cookies, singing carols, donating clothes, or helping a loved one who needs extra support decorate their home. Christmastime is synonymous with generosity and bringing cheer, happiness, and love to others. Spread a little holiday cheer to a loved one with the following holiday decorations they can display in their home.

An Heirloom-Quality Nativity Set A well-crafted nativity set or individual nativity figurines are wonderful decorations to display at Christmastime. If the person you are buying for has space in their home for a lovely nativity set, you could purchase one for them. Choose an appropriately sized set for their home that speaks to their style and taste. Not all nativity scenes have an heirloom-like quality to them, so be mindful of your selection. Artful Angel Ornaments Angels have a special way of conveying peace and tranquility. They are iconic symbols of hope, faith, and enduring love. Angels are also a way of communicating joy through gestures of wonder, and they can serve as beautiful reminders of those whose memories we want to keep close. Figurative angel ornaments are a celebration of the holiday season. A Classic Tree Topper An eye-catching tree topper can elevate the look of a Christmas tree and is a visual reminder of family traditions. The holiday spirit in one’s home can be captured beautifully with a warm, inviting tree topper. Choose one that catches light and sparkles at every angle. Whether it’s an angel with golden wings or a star, it should be a symbol of Christmas and all that the occasion represents. Lovely Figurative Sculptures An endearing sculpture is a meaningful gift that captures everyday moments, expresses a feeling, or embraces personal relationships with others. Hand-painted figurative sculptures may speak in quiet ways to inspire or comfort through gestures, the placement of hands, or a tilt of the head. Choose an uplifting sculpture with a theme that reminds you of the glorious holiday season. The recipient of your gift will appreciate it. Musicals: Figurative Sculpture in Motion Reminiscent of traditional music boxes, a musical is a figurative sculpture in motion that plays a familiar tune, such as “March” from the Nutcracker Suite. The rotating figurative sculpture on top may serve as a perfect complement to the melody, such as an angelic dancer with graceful gestures. It’s like poetry in motion as she turns delicately on the base of the musical. Giving gifts to the people in your life lets them know how much you appreciate and value them. And don’t forget the simple gesture of wishing people “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas.” About Willow Tree® Willow Tree® truly shines at Christmastime. The intimate line of angel sculptures, nativity sets, and tree toppers created by artist Susan Lordi make excellent gifts for the loved ones on your Christmas list or yourself. It’s through Willow Tree® that you can find figurative sculptures that represent your relationships with others or find a piece that speaks to your heart. Willow Tree® offers a variety of artful sculptures, cake toppers, plaques, musicals, keepsake boxes, ornaments, and more. Whether you need Christmas gifts, bereavement gifts, wedding and anniversary gifts, and birthday gifts, Willow Tree® has a thoughtful collection of items for you. Browse Willow Tree® at Willowtree.com

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Still Christmas Shopping? Try These Last-Minute Gift Ideas

If you are still doing last-minute Christmas shopping, it can be hard coming up with ideas for family and friends. For those who like leaving shopping until the 11th hour, here are a few gift suggestions for your loved ones so you can have peace of mind and avoid rushing around.

Figurative Sculptures Figures are an ideal way of expressing the bond between you and your friends or family. A figurative sculpture depicting two girls clasping hands is perfect for a gift between sisters, while a woman holding a baby under a quilt is ideal for a mother or grandmother. An older man holding the hand of a toddler is perfect for a grandfather. A man sitting with a girl or sitting with a boy draped over one shoulder is great for dads. Family Groupings Jumping off the idea of figurative sculptures, instead of choosing small pairings in the family, create a family grouping to represent everyone in the house. It can be a representation of personalities, memories, or even familiar gestures. With two or more figures posed together in a group, it can give the appearance of the figurative sculptures interacting, turning toward each other, and touching as families do. Whether it’s parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, or siblings, family groupings make a great, sentimental gift. Nativity Set A nativity set is an enduring symbol of Christmas. It makes a fantastic Christmas gift that can be added to over time, creating an ongoing family tradition and heirloom. Choose a high-quality set that reveals the humanity of the Holy Family through their expression and gestures. A nativity set that will fit any space and opens figurative sculptures up to interpretation allows the recipient to place the Holy Family and other figures as they see fit. It can be built symmetrically or with a specific focus on the Holy Family. Wall Plaques Does the recipient still have bare walls in their home? Try wall plaques. Choose one with a carved bas-relief for a three-dimensional piece of art that expresses friendship and kindness. Is the recipient an animal lover? Find plaques depicting a person with a dog, cat, or horse for a gift with an engaging statement for any pet owner. Ornaments Looking to fill a spot in your recipient’s Christmas tree? Consider giving them figurine ornaments. Whether it’s a woman holding flowers in a sign of friendship, a wire-winged angel dancing in the air, or an angel making the sign for love, there are options for any recipient on your gift list. They can carry an expression of friendship, love, hope, or inspiration into the holidays. About Willow Tree® Willow Tree® truly shines at Christmastime. The intimate line of angel sculptures, nativity sets, and tree toppers created by artist Susan Lordi make excellent gifts for the loved ones on your Christmas list or yourself. It’s through Willow Tree® that you can find figurative sculptures that represent your relationships with others or find a piece that speaks to your heart. Willow Tree® offers a variety of artful sculptures, cake toppers, plaques, musicals, keepsake boxes, ornaments, and more. Whether you need Christmas gifts, bereavement gifts, wedding and anniversary gifts, or birthday gifts, Willow Tree® has a thoughtful collection of items for you. Browse Willow Tree® for your Christmas gifts at Willowtree.com

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The Best Holiday Gifts to Represent Your Friendship

With the holidays coming up, it’s time to start thinking about gifts for your friends. The best gifts are ones that evoke the bond between you, lending a personal touch to the gift and reminding you of the emotions that brought you together.

Figurative Sculptures of Friends

Art is always a good choice for a gift during the holidays. Each time the recipient sees the piece of art on display, they will think of you, the giver. Consider giving figurines as a way to express your feelings while leaving the interpretation of the piece up to each of you. An artistic figure with two or three friends interacting could represent your time together. A carved figurative sculpture of a little girl holding flowers could represent the love and friendship you feel for each other, or it could be a wish for health and happiness. Calla lilies, for example, represent a pure and simple wish for beauty in our lives, something you can pass to your friend in a thoughtful present.

Thoughtful Ornaments for the Holidays

Ornaments are taken out every year to decorate a Christmas tree, and each ornament has a history attached to it. They can hold memories of the person who gave the ornament, where the ornament was bought, and more. Artistic figurine ornaments offer a chance to recognize, celebrate, and remember all of the year’s achievements. Perhaps choose a woman holding a book to commemorate your friend’s graduation, or an angel with wire wings and her hands together in prayer to represent how you keep your friend in your thoughts. Ornaments will delight the recipient every year they pull them out to decorate their Christmas tree.

Wonderous Musicals for Celebration

Similar to a music box, a musical is a figure on a slowly spinning base that plays music. These are perfect for your music-loving friend, especially if the two of you grew up playing music together. The figures can hold as much meaning as the music. You might choose an angel dancing to “March” from The Nutcracker Suite to celebrate the vivaciousness of your friend, or a woman with birds landing on her outstretched arms set to Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Flowers” representing the joy and happiness your friendship brings. Musical figures are wonderful, multifaceted gifts.

Keepsake Boxes for Memories

If you and your friend have a rich history together, full of objects that conjure bright memories, consider a memory box. These boxes can hold the treasures that remind your friend of your friendship, no matter the distance between the two of you. One with a carved bas relief of two girls sitting and talking is perfect to represent the hours you have spent talking, and the supportive friendship you share.

About Willow Tree® Willow Tree® figures evoke the relationships and bonds between us and our friends, family, and pets. This intimate line of artwork from artist Susan Lordi is meant to comfort and inspire the recipient. Each hand-painted piece is cast from her original handcrafted carvings, made in her Kansas City, Missouri studio. Lordi’s Willow Tree® sculptures are easily recognizable by their simplicity of form. Gestures such as a tilt of the head, a turn of the body, or placement of the hands are used to reveal emotion instead of facial features. Because of this, the interpretation of each piece is open to both the giver and receiver. Willow Tree® offers a meaningful variety of artful sculptures, including cake toppers, angel ornaments, bereavement gifts, nativity sets, plaques, and much more. Browse the entire Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com

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Gifts That Convey Expressions of Courage, Strength, and Hope

Sometimes a small gift is all you need to give someone to lift their spirits. You can give gifts that represent strength, courage, and hope during both happy and sad times. Whether a friend is struggling at the moment or a sibling is making a move to a new city, healing gifts to show support and belief in someone or congratulatory sister gifts for a milestone might look similar. That’s because it’s the relationship and the interpretation that really counts in these thoughtful gifts. To elaborate, here are a few ideas of heartfelt items that convey courage, strength, and hope.

Inspirational Angels

Angels capture the imaginations of many and carry different meanings for everyone. In a world with many unknowns, angels often provide comfort to those looking for answers. To others, angels represent watchfulness, are a reminder of someone who’s gone, or serve as a symbol of inner peace. That’s the beauty of angels: They can be whatever you want them to be. They could be a gift for the people in our lives who inspire us with their strength and courage every day.

Angel figures or ornaments convey a sense of tranquility and can also be iconic gifts symbolizing hope, faith, and enduring love. Angels can also communicate joy and happiness through gestures of awe and wonder. They serve as beautiful reminders of those whose memories we want to keep in our hearts.

Figurative Sculptures

Visually uplifting figurative sculptures in the form of people or animals interacting with each other or with everyday objects or those found in nature can be metaphors for the human experience. A female sculpture releasing a bird could mean that it’s time to soar. An angel holding a teapot could represent a warm comfort between friends. Each piece should have meaning for the person you are giving the gift to. The meaning may not be evident to others, but it’s a form of communication between you and a loved one.

Carved and hand-painted sculptures that focus on gesture and meaning are a way to embrace our personal relationships and remind us of the emotions that bring us together. Figurative sculptures designed by artists are meaningful gifts that can creatively capture everyday moments or express deeper feelings.

Artful Keepsake Boxes

Keepsake boxes are meant to hold precious memories. They are usually a small, sweet place to keep treasures, such as photos, jewelry, cards, and notes. Finely crafted keepsake boxes make lovely gifts for grandma as a celebration of a new baby in the family or as a symbol of new beginnings. Choose a keepsake box with a beautiful design and typography or one with a handcrafted sculpture on the lid. When love transcends the years, it should be honored with a place to hold memories.

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Give Thanks and Remember Lost Loved Ones This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks and being with family, but your family may have lost loved ones in the past year. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to share stories, give sympathy gifts, and ultimately give thanks to family members who are gone but not forgotten by coming together as a family.

Share Stories

As you gather around the Thanksgiving table, share stories about your lost loved ones. They can be funny or a happy memory you have of them. It might also be a good idea to write up these stories and memories and save them, so that future generations might know who their family members were. Sharing the stories can be cathartic for the entire family, and a great way to keep a loved one’s memory alive. This can be done during or after dinner when the whole family is gathered in one place.

Give Memorial Gifts

Consider giving those closest to the family member memorial gifts. A figurative sculpture of an angel with her arms crossed over her heart can express sympathy, comfort, remembrance, and healing. The warm, comforting memories of the family member can help heal when they are missed, and those personal memories are safe within our hearts connecting you and your remaining family members to those no longer with you.

Make a Memory Box

For the physical memories, treasures built up over a lifetime, your family can make a memory box. Remember the family member through their most cherished items and pass them on to future generations as keepsakes and heirlooms. From the esoteric to the valuable, any item with a special memory should be included. For a cohesive sympathy gift, find a carved memory box in the same style as the figurative statue.

Come Together as a Family

As you come together as a family for Thanksgiving, be sure to make yourself open to other family members. While sharing stories can be done as a whole family, merely being around as a shoulder to cry on or to reminisce about the lost family member can be extremely helpful and valuable to loved ones who are still hurting. At the same time, make sure someone is available if you need them, as well, and don’t be afraid to talk about your emotions with a family member you trust. Everyone grieves differently, and if you need someone’s ear, or they need yours, be open to talking or listening. Whether some members want space to be alone with their thoughts, or want to talk it out, offer to be there when needed.

About Willow Tree®

Willow Tree® figures evoke the relationships and bonds between us and our friends, family, and pets. This intimate line of artwork from artist Susan Lordi is meant to comfort and inspire the recipient. Each hand-painted piece is cast from her original handcrafted carvings, made in her Kansas City, Missouri studio. Lordi’s Willow Tree® sculptures are easily recognizable by their simplicity of form. Gestures such as a tilt of the head, a turn of the body, or a placement of the hands are used to reveal emotion instead of facial features. Because of this, the interpretation of each piece is open to both the giver and receiver. Willow Tree® offers a meaningful variety of artful sculptures, including cake toppers, angel ornaments, bereavement gifts, nativity sets, plaques, and much more.

Browse the entire Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com

Original Source: https://bit.ly/2CVR9JK

Tips for Grieving the Loss of Your Grandmother

Even though grief is a natural part of the healing process, it doesn’t make it any easier to lose your grandmother. If you were close, it’s especially tough. Memories flood your heart and it can feel overwhelming—and that’s okay. Be especially understanding with yourself and know that everyone grieves differently, that your particular process is valid and beautiful. Here are a few tips for mourning the loss of your special family member.

Turn to Your Faith or Spirituality

Those with strong spiritual beliefs turn to their higher power during hard times because it comforts them. Because grieving can feel like such a lonely process, it’s good to have something bigger than yourself to remind you that you aren’t really alone. Lean on your faith during this time.

Talk to a Grief Counselor

It’s common to have difficulty investigating your feelings, and you might find it difficult to perform ordinary tasks each day while dealing with loss. It may be helpful to see a professional counselor who’s trained with grief counseling, and who can offer effective coping strategies.

Spend Time with Other Family Members

If there’s a tendency to isolate, make an effort instead to seek support and comfort from other loved ones who are mourning as well. People who are going through the same experience can find comfort in one another. Thoughtful bereavement gifts for a few family members might be appropriate, such as small angel ornaments for each of them. You could all get gifts for one another to share in moments of reflection and togetherness.

Prepare a Memory Box

An heirloom-quality memory box would make a nice gift for yourself. Maybe the lid has a carving of a woman praying on the lid and the inside has an inscription that says, “May you find strength, beauty, and peace each day.” Fill the box with photos, recipes, cards from her, poems, or anything that reminds you of her. Keep her memories close and think of it as gifts for grandma that are actually gifts for yourself to remind you of her.

Take Up One of Her Favorite Activities

What did she enjoy doing in her spare time? Was she an excellent baker, bowler, or knitter? One way to feel close to her memory is by learning something she was really good at and incorporating her favorites into your life in some way. You’ll always think of her fondly and can be proud that you acquired one of her admirable skills.

Take Care of Yourself

Your grandmother would want you to be happy and smile again when you’re ready. She would want you to take good care of yourself physically and emotionally. She would also want you to do nice things for yourself, like take a trip, read books, write in your journal, or whatever it is that makes you feel grounded in this world.

About Willow Tree®

Willow Tree® figurines represent the relationships between us and our friends, family, and pets. It is an intimate line of artwork meant to comfort and inspire the recipient. Each hand-painted piece is cast from artist Susan Lordi’s original handcrafted carvings from her Kansas City, Missouri studio. Willow Tree® sculptures have a simplicity of form, using gestures such as placement of the hands, a tilt of the head, or a turn of the body to reveal emotion instead of facial features. This opens the interpretation of each piece to both the giver and receiver. Find a meaningful variety of artful sculptures, including cake toppers, angel ornaments, nativity sets, plaques, and much more. Browse the Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com

Original Source: https://bit.ly/32wnzpm

Gifts for Friends and Family Separated by Distance

When friends or family are separated by distance, a gift can let them know that you’re thinking of them. Whether it’s best friend gifts or family gifts, these ideas will help you close the distance and feel like your friends and loved ones are always with you.

Angel Sculptures

What better way to let someone know you are watching over them, always willing to help, than with an angel sculpture? Consider an angel sculpture holding a conch to her ear, as if she can hear the other person through the shell. Or, if you are looking for brother or sister gifts, consider an angel with her arms crossed using the American Sign Language sign for love.

Keepsake Boxes

A keepsake box lets your friend or family member keep small treasures and mementos, particularly of you. Consider, for instance, one with a girl holding a dog for dog lovers, which reads “Truly a friend” at the bottom of the box. The box can hold notes and small items that remind them of you and is perfect for keeping other small gifts that you send. For something slightly larger, consider a box with a relief of a woman with her arms around a horse with the sentiment, “Always there for me.” Each box lets your loved ones know that you are there in spirit if not in person.

Books

When you finish a book that you loved, send a copy to your loved one. It can be the copy you just read or a new one. You can write an inscription at the beginning of the book to personalize it. When they are done, you can discuss the book and have something in common to share, even if it’s not location.

Plane Tickets

When you are missing your friend or family member too much, send them a plane ticket to come and visit! This may be tricky as you’ll need to make sure they have an open schedule, but it can be an exciting surprise to know they get to see you in person soon. You can also send a note with the promise of tickets so that they can work in a visit with their schedule.

Mixtapes

While the days of cassette and even CD mixtapes are in the past thanks to streaming music services, you can still create a playlist on a USB stick to mimic the mixtapes of old. Plus, thanks to modern memory standards, your mixtape could easily have a hundred songs. Tell a story with the songs or the titles, save the songs to the USB, and send it to your friend or family member. They can even keep it in the keepsake box.

About Willow Tree®

Willow Tree® figurines represent the relationships between us and our friends, family, and pets. It is an intimate line of artwork meant to comfort and inspire the recipient. Each hand-painted piece is cast from artist Susan Lordi’s original handcrafted carvings from her Kansas City, Missouri studio. Willow Tree® sculptures have a simplicity of form, using gestures such as placement of the hands, a tilt of the head, or a turn of the body to reveal emotion instead of facial features. This opens the interpretation of each piece to both the giver and receiver. The instantly recognizable pieces make memorable gifts for any occasion, including memorial gifts, birthday, wedding, anniversary, and more.

Browse the Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com

Original Source: https://bit.ly/2BmoM6L

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