Gift Buying Guide

Willow Tree

Artist Susan Lordi hand carves each original Willow Tree® sculpture.  Using family and friends as models, Susan tries to capture a moment in time, or express a feeling. Pieces are cast from her original carving, and then individually painted by hand. Softly washed colors, carved and metal accents, and representative icons of nature mark Susan's work.  Willow Tree was introduced in January 2000. The line has grown to encompass those sentiments that we most want to express. To our friends, to our family, to our teachers; to those near and dear, to those far away.

The original inspiration for Willow Tree still holds true today: Willow Tree is an intimate, personal line of figurative sculptures representing qualities and sentiments that help us feel close to others, heal wounds, or treasure relationships. Susan Lordi carves each original piece with this thought in mind. Her figures continue to evolve as she identifies emotions so important for us to convey, and renders them in simple, pure gestures. These art forms beautifully express love, closeness, healing, courage, hope... all the emotions of a life well lived.

The name Willow Tree was chosen to symbolize that which is gestural and beckoning. The figures are columnar in design, like a tree, and often carry natural objects or animals as metaphors for human virtues or qualities... rosemary for remembrance, a bird for healing, flowers for beauty.

The sculptures are rendered so as to suggest elegance, simplicity, peace and serenity. Forms reveal their expressions through body gestures only... a tilt of the head, placement of the hands, a turn of the body. Emotions are left to the viewer to discern, which makes them personal and powerful. Willow Tree is an understated line that speaks in a compelling way.

Disney Traditions

Combining beloved characters with the unique sculpting talent of Jim Shore, Disney Traditions delivers the fun and excitement of Disney in a unique and magical way. The designer Jim Shore has worked in conjunction with the Walt Disney Company under the umbrella of the Disney Showcase to create a truly magical collection of statuettes and collectibles.

Disney Traditions features an all star cast including your favourites Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Winnie the Pooh, Tinker Bell, Pinocchio and Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, amongst many others in a delightful range of fun poses. Disney Traditions has something to warm the hearts of anyone and will be a delightful addition to any collection.

Jim Shore uses a variety of media to complete his creations. Jim's nostalgic memories from his southern country upbringing and his love for intricate patterns, blends together to create a truly charming collection. His genuine, down-to-earth personality and excellent eye for detail gives every piece its heart-warming appeal. This talent for expression is never more evident than in the Disney Traditions collection. This unique blend of Disney enchantment and Americana folk art offers you the opportunity to display the magic of Disney motion pictures and the artistry of Jim’s designs adds a whole new dimension to the bold Disney palette.

These beloved Disney Traditions collectibles will touch hearts, lift spirits, and make dreams seem like a reality, so that young and old alike will experience the golden glow of a true Disney 'happily-ever-after.'

Lilliput Lane

The first Lilliput Lane cottages were introduced in 1982 and they immediately impressed with their authenticity and attention to detail. From then on, whether recreating the intricate thatch motifs decorating the roofs of traditional country cottages, capturing the majesty of Buckingham Palace or reflecting the sacred character of the smallest church, the Lilliput creative team of sculptors, designers and artists have delighted collectors with the miniature designs. With their fascinating insights into many aspects of Britain’s heritage, the cottages evoke nostalgia for bygone times.

Entirely hand-made and painted in the Scottish borders by skilled artists the cottages have evolved over the years. Several designs now include illuminated windows and doors, music or movement whilst the enchanting wintry and snowy themed cottages are of especial appeal during the festive season.

The Collectors' Club was formed in 1986 in response to requests from enthusiasts who wanted to learn more about the background and history of their favourite cottages, how they were made and also to have the chance to meet up with like minded fans. There are as many types and sizes of collections as there are cottages and whether you are just starting out or you’ve been collecting since the earliest days you can be assured of a friendly welcome from Lynne Thomson and her colleagues at the Club.

The World of Beatrix Potter

Border Fine Arts has been producing The World of Beatrix Potter resin figurines since 1987.  The collection has grown to include figurines, ceramic money banks and musicals as well as picture frames and nursery ornaments.  Each of the beautifully sculpted figurines and accessories depicts a much-loved character from the stories and is handcrafted and hand painted to the highest standards by skilled artists, bringing these ever-popular characters to life. 

The Tale of Peter Rabbit was published by Frederick Warne & Co. in 1902 with an initial 8000 copies printed and the tale has never been out of print since.  Beatrix Potter went on to publish another 22 little books over the next 28 years, the proceeds from which enabled her to buy Hill Top Farm in the Lake District.  Eventually she went on to own 15 farms and over 4,000 acres of land in the area.

Disney Classic Collection

The Walt Disney Classic Collection bears that name with pride as it upholds the standards of imagination and excellence established by Walt Disney himself.  It starts with a dream...and ends with a dream come true in porcelain.  One magical moment is picked from the animated film, and from then the sculptors use all of the film's production resources to assure complete authenticity to the film's spirit and artistry. 

The Disney Classic Collection offers the true collector an impressive range of high end figurines; offering poses of all the major Disney characters including Dumbo, Bambi, Cinderella, Mickey  and Minnie Mouse, Pluto and Peter Pan to name just a few. 

Border Fine Arts 

Nearly forty years ago Border Fine Arts was founded in an eighteenth century farmhouse in Langholm – in the very heart of Borders countryside. From then on Borders farms, wildlife and country scenes along with the breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills and sparkling streams have provided inspiration for a team of talented sculptors and artists which, since 1977, has included master sculptor Ray Ayres.

Quality and attention to detail is as important to all three Border Fine Arts brands today as it was back in 1974, when the first figurines – then made from bronze and silver – were created. Classic is the brand’s flagship range and comprises mainly limited edition sculptures that are completely made and painted by hand in Scotland. Realism is especially important to these figurines and every subject, whether a native Borders species, an African elephant or even a horse from America’s Wild West, is thoroughly researched to ensure total authenticity before sculpting begins.

The Studio collection offers variety ranging from traditional themes such as farming, wildlife and pets to character ranges that reveal a light-hearted and comical approach to design. Again sculptors and designers are meticulous in their approach, particularly for licensed ranges such as Beatrix Potter and Winnie the Pooh.

BFA Contemporary, the third brand, concentrates on creating humorous and stylish gifts for every occasion and home décor to suit every lifestyle. With an eye to the latest in modern design, ranges include bright, colourful and witty products as well as sleek and avant-garde concepts.