• Sentiment card reads: “You will always have my heart”
• Measures: 5.5″ H

Product Description
Heart of Gold You will always have my heart.
5.5″h Willow Tree®
by Susan Lordi
In this ninth year of Willow Tree®, Susan Lordi continues to create sculptures that speak in quiet and meaningful ways of healing and hope, love and family. Her newest Figurines work beautifully in groupings with formats such as Photo Frames and Memory Boxes. Willow Tree® captures moments in time, and turns them into lifelong memories..

• Willow Tree Kindness (Girl)
• Sentiment Card Reads: Above all, kindness
• Approximately 3″ H

Product Description
Willow Tree is an intimate, personal line of angels, figurines, ornaments and keepsake boxes representing qualities and sentiments that make us feel close to others, heal wounds, or treasure relationships to living things. The name Willow Tree symbolizes that which is gestural, beckoning and romantic. The figures are columnar in design, like a tree, and often carry flora or fauna symbolic of human virtues or qualities. The angels are rendered so as to reveal their e… More >>

Willow Tree Kindness – 26218

• provides a beautiful backdrop for your Willow Tree Nativity set
• Measures approximately 19.7 x 11.2 inches

Product Description
This Willow Tree wooden creche provides a beautiful backdrop for your Willow Tree Nativity set. The affixed star reminds admirers of the awe and wonder of the Christmas story. Measures approximately 19.7 x 11.2 inches…. More >>

Willow Tree Creche

Why teddy bear from Charlie

The era of cheap and rough feathered bears are gone and now is the trend to grab one of Charlie Bears. This company came into being in the year 2005 and has been making these soft and adorable products since then.

This company consults bear makers from all over the world for every collection of theirs. These are traditionally designed bears and are tangible in nature. The pieces of the bears such as its head, arms and legs are carefully knitted and joined to the main body frame to give it an undetectable texture. The Charlie Bears are very pleasing and joyous in their personality and for this very reason; they have gained exceptional popularity within the last four years. Each piece of bears range is personally monitored and designed and the superior look and fabric of theirs is derived from the best quality of luxurious and woolen cloth. The best aspect about them is that they are very affordable and can be included in any body’s collections. No age group bar can be constrained for the owning of these Bears.

Strenuous process of designing Charlie Bears

The designing of these bears is a hectic process. The co founder Charlie Morris along with her hubby, Will, takes an inspiration from any living creature, existing bears or any other product line in the market. This idea is then personally discussed by them to one of the many Artists of Charlie Bears. The company, usually, makes a lot of bears in one category, which are similar in shape, size, looks and attributes. The company, then upon its sole discretion selects one artist from the many options, to develop the idea into a panda, an orthodox bear or any other extraordinary animal.

The mechanics of the bear is decided subsequently. The amount of weight to be filled in the bottom and the granules those have to be inserted to manipulate its weight is then decided by carefully judging the size, shape and appearance of the teddy. The most appropriate weight that these Charlie Bears have is a kitten weight. This is the approximate weight of a kitten and by holding a Charlie Beer; you can have a feel of holding one of those lovable creatures. A prototype is then developed and after its approval, a paper sample of it is sent to its factory in Thailand. Their, various standards and guidelines are followed in developing them. Each bear comes out of the factory after going through several tests and examinations.

Thus, Charlie’s bears collection is a nice collection of teddy bears which is designed with attention to details which shows in the final product.

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Charm Bracelets For All Ages

The young babies can enjoy the gift of charm bracelets by loved ones and actually build on the collection at each birthday to commemorate their life and the beauty of their birth. Teens can display their unique sense of artistic style with charms that capture their interest. From rainbows to ballet slippers and butterflies to tennis rackets, the selection is limitless.

The latest silver charm bracelets have evolved into high end fashion items which are sported by fashionistas and are part of the collections launched by every jewelry designer worth their salt. The designer elements incorporate precious and semi precious stones in the silver charm bracelets. Other than this caramelized and deep brown chocolate Murano glass beads also make a perfect addition to the elegant and bespoke silver charm bracelets.

These high end glass beads in sea green sky blue or fresh berry red add color and class to any charm bracelet. Very easily a woman can make a unique jewelry piece to add to her collection. A staple in every modern age woman’s jewelry box, the charm bracelet truly reflects the identity and character of the woman in a soft and playful manner with a grown up platform using precious metals.

Inspiration For The Charm Bracelets

A ballet pump and tutu can signify passion for the coveted and elegant art of the ballet dance form. Modern dance fans can use a salsa element along with musical instruments like a guitar or drums. Fans of skating can get silver charm bracelets with roller blades, skates and even the helmets. Basketball fans love the hoops and balls of the popular game suspended from their charm bracelets.

Travel Fans Can Build Memories With Charm Bracelets

For women who love traveling why not build an elegant charm bracelet to commemorate the visits to different lands? The shells for Seychelles, Kangaroos for Australia, Palm Trees for Malaysia or Pyramid for Egypt would make the perfect icons to identify the lands travelled by the trail blazing women. It is also possible to get silver charm bracelets as a collection string for silver guineas from different periods.

Commemorative Lineage Based Charm Bracelets

To depict the family crest, the charm bracelet can be crafted bespoke by leading Italian manufacturers known for their expert craftsmanship of the unique silver charms. No subject or iconic element is untouched by the charm bracelet manufacturers and one is sure to find a collectors item housed at exclusive merchants to start off or add on to their personal charm bracelet.

The charm bracelets make a very versatile gift item and can be presented with as many or as few pieces to be built on later by the wearer.

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• Pedestal is a great piece to display your collection.

Product Description
Willow Tree pedestal for displaying Willow Tree Figures. Made of resin. 2 1/2″ Tall…. More >>

Willow Tree Figurine Pedestal

http://www.demdaco.com/detail.aspx?ID=17309

Answers show below in Comments section

Do you want to find something that is truly special and unique for yourself or the ones you care and love?

Spun Glass Figurines are perfect for gifts and your own entertainment. They bring you fun, warmness and the memory of your childhood.

There are so many varieties of spun glass figurines: Angels, pets, toys, plus … Frog Couple on Swing and Yummy Strawberry – think about them!

Spun Glass Figurines are full of surprise. Have you ever thought about raising a pig OR Two at the same time? If your answer is no, do it now – you can “raise” (Oh Yeah!) two pigs with your small finger – they are as tiny as a one-cent coin in the miniature figurine world!

Spun Glass Figurines bring you true love and joy. They tell touching stories and reveal the details of your daily life, which you might have been too busy to notice.

Animal Figurines are a very special type of Spun Glass Figurines that everyone loves. You can own one or more animal figurines just like your real pets. You can enjoy the same closeness, warmness and companion and avoid the hassle of hairball and walking in the snowy evenings. Especially you don’t have to worry about losing your sweeties one day.

Angels Spun Glass Figurines get you closer to the angels in your mind. They bring you peace, courage and guidance.

Figurine is more than Spun Glass. Artists use all kinds of materials plus their own unique imaginations and techniques to make special figurines. For example, the Olmec Figurines represent a very special culture. Look at these: Baby-face Figurine, Elongated Man and Were-jaguars Figurines!

When creating figurines, artists go beyond materials and techniques. In each piece of their work (spun glass figurines as well as others), they speak loudly and clearly on their observation of the world. For example, The Royal Doulton artists strived to show you the details of the life, while Susan Lordi of Willow Tree believes in simplicity and openness: “I hope this makes it more personal, and allows the viewer to decide its meaning.”

Today, both Royal Doulton and Willow Tree are extremely popular. Their figurines are among the most sought after. Surely, the style, the uniqueness and the philosophy on how to observe and interpret life make them stand out. It means for us that Spun Glass Figurines are only part of our exploration. We need to look at all the figurines to find something that are truly special and unique.

Do you know what are the hottest figurines people are looking for on the Internet at this moment?

Do you know where to find them – special, unique and dirt cheap?

Have you ever wondered how the beautiful colors were added to your favorite Spun Glass Figurines?

Did you know that blown glass is another way to make delicate figurines in additional to Spun Glass Figurines? What is Float Glass (That affects everyone’s life)?

If Spun Glass Figurines really interest you and you are looking for something special and unique, please spend a few minutes with us by visiting http://www.spun-glass-figurines.info to enjoy the beautiful spun glass photos and interesting discussions, and discover where to get your unique spun glass figurines that will surprise all your family members and friends.

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Susan Lordi is now known as the artist behind the figurines – but less well known is that she is in fact a highly qualified fine artist with some rather high brow qualifications! Susan holds Masters level certificates in Fine Arts and Textile Design and in a previous incarnation was making something of a name for herself with her textile art. She was listed in the reference book, ‘Art Textiles of the World: USA Vol 1′ for her cloth, devore and cloque artwork. Although having a long-standing affinity for textiles, Susan chose to develop her next project as an utterly radical departure from this art scene.

The Willow Tree line of figurines was launched in 2000 without any textile mediums used at all. Instead, there were fifteen angels and a handful of Christmas nativity figures launched for sale, all individually sculpted then reproduced on a grand scale so that they could be an everyday purchase as presents or as decorative items for the home. From 2000, the line continued its now famous tradition of discontinuing pieces and replacing them with new ones in a continual creative cycle, expanding the availability to today’s levels of over 300 pieces.

The consumer reaction has been strong, with Susan apparently asked to create figures featuring people from differing ethnic backgrounds, and even with special hair colors for particular events. One example is the wedding cake topper which began as a figurine pair of lovers embracing, called ‘Promise’. This was then miniatures down to the size where it could be safely placed on the pinnacle tier of a wedding cake – and then the requests began for different hair colors.

Their appeal is deceptively simple – they always embody deeply felt universal human sentiments. The emphasis is on positive aspects, such as love and family relationships, rather than becoming a theatrical montage akin to those famous dramatic masks, one laughing, and one crying. Understanding the artists’ genuine fine art background can help to explain why the line has been able to grow from a tiny customer base year after year to the huge range on sale today.

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The gift Grant selected flattered her-such a meaningful gift. It was perfect. It moved her. But as she sat at her desk adoring the transparent luster of the miniature figurine, she grieved, for her brush with romance had filled her with uncertainty again. This confusion about her life was so bewildering, as she had always seen her future very clearly. Perhaps a reclusive stroll through the park where she could find counsel with herself would clear her mind some. It had been months since she last visited the place.

Elsa stepped outside on an early hour of a cold January morning. The chilled winter air greeted her. The sky was overcast white. Elsa passed through the rigid bars of the iron gate, then tucked her hands inside her warm, mink fur muffler while a thick, knitted scarf shielded her neck.

After a short walk through the neighborhood streets, Elsa set foot upon the white grounds of Willow Park. The vast acreage of the place was deserted. The trees stood frozen, their twisted branches barren. She listened to the silence about her. A great calm filled the air. All was quiet. As she began walking upon the snow-covered path, her eyes surveyed the frost-covered branches of the sleeping willows. She embraced the peace knowing that the pounding of music ringing in her ears and noisy school halls echoing with chatter was only days away. As she strolled by herself over the snow-covered pathways, she couldn’t find answers to the dilemma that plagued her mind.

~

Elsa resumed her studies at the University of Kingston. Her spirits remained dismal like the gray clouds hovering low over Kingston. Her busy schedule, which included an important music final exam, was hindered by a weighty matter that could not be delayed any longer. She owed Grant an explanation for not writing sooner.

Elsa reluctantly wrote a very painful letter to the young man whom she so fondly admired. When she finally mailed it off, Elsa pushed hard to forget him altogether.

Meanwhile, in Boston, Grant found himself in the shadows of Elsa’s silence once again; his daily trip to the post office always resulted in emptiness. Finally, one month after Christmas, a letter arrived in his mail slot.

Thursday, January 20, 1916

Dear Grant,

Thank you for the gift … it is lovely.
I should have written to you sooner. The day following Christmas, I stared at a blank page in my dairy for almost an hour and didn’t know what to write. As I sat at my desk, I realized that I may have been too hasty when I left you the note on my front door during Thanksgiving.
Our time on the icy pond was truly romantic. But when the dawn of Christmas morning arrived, something inside of me regressed. Concerning relationships, courting is a delicate matter which can be terribly complicated. If one such as I engage in courting on one hand and manage the affairs of my life on the other, there is a careful balance that must be well maintained. I would be like a performer walking a tight rope-balancing her life with a pole. She must keep an eye on her destination and be stalwart enough to remain well balanced in order to reach her intention without falling off. As I mentioned, my world is quite arduous with my dream of teaching music and all that requires of me. I feel courting may have besetting consequences on my future. I’m afraid of losing a part of my life that I love.

Grant, I wish not to discourage you; neither do I say that your calling must come to an end. Please take my words well-and with understanding.

Respectfully,

Elsa

Elsa’s agenda, busy with class studies, pushed into early February. She did well on her midterm exams, but her final in music received criticism from her professor, Mr. Hodges. Her modern style, the veteran professor told her, would not be favorably accepted in the music world. Ingrid Bowers, a classmate who’d known Elsa since the ninth grade, had been a thorn in her side. Ingrid played the classics well, but lacked the talent for composition, which was something that Elsa did with ease. After the music professor made his blunt assessment of Elsa’s work, Ingrid looked over her shoulder and snickered cruel words to her nemesis.

Since the start of the new year, Madeline had noticed that her reclusive daughter was overly quiet and distant. Her spirit seemed downtrodden, burdened with emotional perplexity since Grant’s visit. A silent storm churned within her. Elsa remained confused; her normal contentment and focus were lost.

When Elsa came home from school one day, her mother sought to speak with her. Elsa had already retreated to her room, ruminating on an English paper, when a gentle nock sounded on the door.

”Elsa,” her mother beckoned, “may I come in?”

”Yes, Mother.”

Her mother, indeed, knew of Elsa’s shifting moods for Grant. She gave her daughter the time and space needed to sort out her feelings, but it was time to clear the air. Madeline opened the door and entered Elsa’s room.

”Dear, I would like to speak with you.” The care and concern in her mother’s voice touched Elsa. “Sit here with me on the bed.”

Elsa capped her fountain pen and sat next to her mother, though she wished not to delve into her confused state of mind.

”Elsa, I’ve noticed that you’ve been extra quiet since Christmas. Is there anything bothering you?”

Elsa was silent. She did not know which set of problems burdening her soul her loving mother had noticed in her demeanor. After a brief pause, all Elsa could say was “No, Mother.” Her head hung low; she was unable to make eye contact.

”Are you sure, dear?” her mother asked sympathetically.

Her mother’s gentle probing softened Elsa; she could no longer remain silent.

”Last week, during our music finals,” she painfully explained with tears swelling in her eyes, “we had to demonstrate a music piece-either from a classic or an original composition. After I played my composition, Mr. Hodges humiliated me in front of the whole class telling me that my style would not be accepted because it is too modern. He implied the classics are the only recognized form of art.”

”Dear, you know that’s not true,” Madeline expressed compassionately as she wrapped her right arm around her daughter’s shoulder pulling Elsa to the safety and warmth of her side. “Mr. Hodges is an old music professor who believes in the classics-like your father does. He should keep his antiquated comments to himself!”

Elsa continued, “Then Ingrid Bowers turned and jeered at me saying that my modern style is a waste of time.”

”Ah, that girl,” Madeline exclaimed. “Dear, do you know why Ingrid said that?” Elsa nodded affirmatively, her head hanging low. “She’s always been jealous of you because she can’t write music herself. Don’t allow her cruel words to interfere with your dreams.”

Elsa sat calmly. Her silence expressed that there was more.

”Dear, what else is bothering you? I see it in your face,” her mother gently probed deeper.

Just then Elsa looked her mother in the eyes, knowing that her feelings for Grant could no longer be hidden. Silent tears flowed from her eyes and streamed down her checks. Suddenly, Elsa burst into a heartfelt sob, like a little girl who’d fallen and torn the fabric of her favorite dress.

Madeline wrapped both arms around her misery-stricken daughter and held her tightly, trying to comfort her child as she had when Elsa was a babe in arms. Elsa cried fervently on her mother’s shoulder.

”Elsa, my sweet darling,” she said calmly, rocking her grown daughter gently, “It’s all right, my precious darling. It’s all right. You can tell me whatever it is that is bothering you. Is it Grant?” Madeline had seen the sadness grow in Elsa since she had sent off her last correspondence to the handsome young suitor.

”I don’t know what to do, Mother!” Elsa bellowed, still crying frantically.
Madeline felt Elsa’s ribcage vibrate with the stir of emotions that pounded within.

”Do you love him?” her mother asked.

”I think I do,” her lips stammered with the crackling of her voice, “but then other times I’m not sure what I feel. If we get married, I worry that I’ll regret not following my dream. I’m afraid that I’ll lose everything that I’ve come to cherish in my life. But sometimes I feel that I cherish him as well.”

”No, my precious, no! You won’t lose anything,” her mother assured her.
Her mother’s words helped to diminished Elsa’s sobbing to a few tears as she listened to words of advice.

”Darling, life has a way of giving every man and woman a chance to sing with life, a chance to skip with life, and a chance to waltz with life.

Life is knocking at your door and giving you this chance. If you don’t take it, you will certainly have other opportunities. But you may not have a second chance with this wonderful young man named Grant Ford. Nothing happens by mistake. There’s a reason for everything.”

The weight of Elsa’s body continued to lean into her mother’s side. All was quiet-calm. Elsa then heaved a deep sigh as her lower lip quivered with the discharge of emotions; they were spilled round about her and seemingly on the floor as well. Madeline reached into her pocket and pulled out a white handkerchief and wiped Elsa’s tears. Elsa was exhausted.

”Don’t be afraid, dear,” her mother said. “Grant is a gentleman who respects himself and who manages the affairs of his life well. And he loves you. I can see that when he looks at you, Elsa.”

Mother and daughter embraced each other with warmth and a renewed sense of calm and confidence.

(Excerpt from The Silent Note reprinted with permission from the author, Patrick Davis).

(Originally published at GoArticles and reprinted with permission from the author, Patrick Davis).

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