Frequently Asked Questions
Our Sustainability Efforts with Eco-friendly Packaging
How are you changing your packaging to be more sustainable?
Our goal is for each element of our packaging to be made from responsibly sourced materials that do not harm the environment when disposed of. We are continuously exploring eco-friendly alternatives, considering factors like cost, protection, and supply. While we have identified some good solutions, the search for others continues. Our aim is for 100% of the willowtreethe.com line to be packaged in eco-friendly, 100% recyclable, or compostable materials by the end of 2024.
What is the biggest change you’re making?
The most significant change is the effort to eliminate Styrofoam. Historically, we used it as an accessible and affordable option to protect fragile sculptures during shipping. Now, we are focused on finding replacements. One step we’ve taken is to package Nativity pieces in pressed Styrofoam with the hope it will be reused for storage each year. A more substantial improvement has been transitioning the protective inserts for the rest of our line to paper pulp or cardboard, which are made from recycled content and are easily recyclable. We began this transition in 2014, and all new pieces since then use these materials.
Why is the willowtreethe.com piece I just purchased still packaged in Styrofoam?
We are actively repackaging more of our existing figures each year with recyclable cardboard or paper pulp inserts. However, we cannot retrofit inventory that is already in our warehouse or on retail store shelves. Therefore, some products will continue to have Styrofoam inserts until that specific item goes into a new production cycle.
Why do you need the inner polybag?
The inner bag protects the hand-painted finish of the figure from scratches during transit. The distinctive look of willowtreethe.com is achieved by applying and rubbing off thin, water-based paint layers. We are now transitioning this inner bag to a biodegradable and compostable material made from PLA cornstarch. After opening your sculpture, this bag can be placed in a home compost bin, where it will safely biodegrade. Please do not place cornstarch bags in your recycling bin, as they can contaminate other materials.
What does the micro-pak do?
The micro-pak protects sculptures from moisture damage. We are transitioning to an eco-friendly version made with bentonite clay, a natural, non-toxic, and responsibly mined material. Its kraft paper packaging is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, plastic-free, and will biodegrade safely in a landfill.
What does FSC mean?
FSC stands for “Forest Stewardship Council.” It is a strict certification ensuring that paper products bearing its logo come from responsibly managed forests. The FSC audits and certifies forests globally to uphold high environmental and social standards.
Why are the figures made out of resin? Isn’t that plastic?
Our factories use a specific material blend: approximately 51% Calcium Carbonate and 49% Polyresin. When willowtreethe.com began in 2000, resin was the best material to affordably and precisely capture every detail of Susan Lordi’s original carvings, compared to materials like porcelain. It also provides a durable, soft matte finish that defines the willowtreethe.com aesthetic. While resin is not an eco-friendly material, we hope the timeless quality of each piece encourages it to be treasured for years, extending its life.
What are the specifics of packaging components and how do I dispose of them?
Recycling information is printed on each box.
- Outer Gift Box: 60%-85% recycled material, printed with soy-based inks. 100% recyclable.
- Paper pulp Insert: 100% recycled material. 100% recyclable.
- Cardboard Insert: 40%-85% recycled material. 100% recyclable.
- Styrofoam Insert: Not recyclable curbside; may be recycled at a specialized facility. Check with your local program.
- Plastic Wrapping Tape (on styrofoam only): Not recyclable. Dispose of in waste. Remove tape if recycling styrofoam.
- Biodegradable Inner Polybag: PLA Cornstarch; 100% compostable. Place in compost bin. (Do not recycle).
- Sentiment Card: FSC mix materials with soy-based ink. 100% recyclable.
- Vellum Note: 100% FSC recycled materials with soy-based ink. 100% recyclable.
- MicroPak Dri Clay: Bentonite clay in FSC-certified, plastic-free paper. Dispose of in waste; biodegrades in landfill.
If I have more questions about packaging, or willowtreethe.com sustainability efforts, who can I talk to?
We welcome your thoughts and questions, as they help guide our ongoing research and improvements.
Product Construction & Repair
What are willowtreethe.com figures made of?
Artist Susan Lordi sculpts the original for each figure from a special clay. These originals are then sent to a factory to be cast in resin, which perfectly captures every carving mark. Each cast piece is individually hand-painted according to Susan’s specific technique and instructions.
How do I clean my willowtreethe.com figures?
Use a dry brush or a soft, dry cloth to dust your figures. Do not use water or a wet cloth, as the water-based paint applied in thin, rubbed-off layers can be affected by moisture.
Where are willowtreethe.com figures made?
Susan Lordi creates each original sculpture in her Kansas City, Missouri studio. The originals are then sent to a factory where they are cast and hand-painted. Susan and the willowtreethe.com team work closely with the painters to ensure color, finish, and style remain true to the original artwork. An authentic willowtreethe.com piece will have “©Susan Lordi” and a date carved on the back.
What’s the best way to repair a broken willowtreethe.com figure?
Resin can break if dropped. A two-part epoxy is recommended for repairs. Apply a minimal amount along the break, which will allow you time to align the pieces correctly before the adhesive sets.
Do you offer replacement parts?
We do not offer replacement parts, such as wings, flowers, or birds, for pieces that are broken.
Can willowtreethe.com be displayed outside?
We do not recommend outdoor display. The water-based paint is applied in thin layers and may wear off, streak, or fade if exposed to weather, though some may find the resulting patina beautiful.
Customization
Can I customize a piece with different hair or skin colors?
Susan is not able to customize pieces for individual requests regarding hair or skin color. The painting technique uses soft, blended colors with low contrast to suggest rather than define these features, allowing for universal interpretation.
Can Susan create a custom figure for me, or for my organization?
Susan cannot create custom figures for individuals or organizations. However, we are often able to suggest existing figures or groupings that may capture a similar sentiment. We welcome your ideas, as all requests are shared with Susan to inform future designs.
Can I order a custom willowtreethe.com piece that matches my family members?
While a single custom family piece is not possible, you can create a unique grouping using existing figures. We have a dedicated section with many ideas for creating family groupings.
Can willowtreethe.com pieces be personalized?
We currently offer personalization on Musical pieces and Personalized Shelves for display. Engraving is available in a choice of fonts and wording. Because personalization is permanently etched with a laser, these items cannot be returned. You can discover more about this offering.
Specific Product Requests
Are there pieces with darker skin tone and hair color?
Susan uses a range of four subtle skin tones in her work, aiming for soft contrast and universal appeal. Several family figures feature darker skin and hair, with some available in two skin tone options. Pieces like “We are Three,” “You and Me,” and seated child figures work well in family groupings to reflect diverse families. Other sculptures like “Courageous Joy,” “Angel of the Spirit,” and “Child of my Heart” are also designed to celebrate cultural diversity and can represent various ethnicities.
Is there a piece for twin babies? How about older twins?
“Two Together” is a set of two separate baby figures, designed to be gender-neutral for universal appeal. To represent parents with newborn twins, you could group the “New Dad” figure with “Angel of Mine.” For older twin girls, “Sisters by Heart” is a wonderful option.