Item SKU: 26167
Generations
Making memories that last lifetimes
I learned to sew from my mother, and she learned from her mother and aunt. I wanted this piece to not only depict the process of learning, sharing and making, but also the creating of memories that are passed down with love through generations. I hope it resonates with anyone who has lovingly carried on any special tradition within her family.
Your Stories 
This reminds me more of my sister my grandmother and I. My sister and I both learned how to sew from my grandmother, and it's almost as if she would be watching us with our work
Submitted by Hannah in MN, July 2011
I bought this for my Nan's birthday.
We had a baby shawl that was passed down the female and baby 'Generations' of the family, but when my mother lent it to her brother's partner, the dog ate it!
She's currently knitting a baby shawl and some other items after I asked her to because it would mean a lot to have something we could pass down the 'Generations.' She hasn't knitted in over ten years! She must very excited about her first Great-Grandchild because she hasn't stopped!
I believe this figurine represents herself, my mother and me. Maybe one day it will represent my mother, me and my daughter. This piece will be passed down.
Submitted by Rael in United Kingdom, July 2011
My sister and I gave my daughter the Nativity and all the pieces. My sister bought me Sisters by Heart, Generations, and this Christmas she gave me Grandmother, and With My Grandmother. I know of no other artist who can capture the true essence of love the way you can. I have been blessed with two beautiful granddaughters, and I want to thank you for giving me a reminder of how lucky I am. I have given my son-in-law some as well, and he really likes them. God bless.
Submitted by frances in pa, December 2010
This particular figurine has special meaning for me as I come from a very abusive home where love was non existent.
When my daughter and her husband were expecting their first child they looked for a special way to tell me i was about to become a grandmother. They presented me with 'Generations' along with a beautifully touching note about the beginning of a new generation in our family and their daughter-to-be having a kind and loving grandmother.
As a child i didn't experience love in any way. As a wife, mother and now grandmother my life is filled with love and every great event in my adult life is reflected by the gift of a Willow Tree figurine from my beloved family!
Submitted by TESS in AUSTRALIA, November 2010
My father was born in Scotland and moved to Canada when he was 20 years old. I met my grandma for the first time when I was eight years old. I remember our family traveling with her to Rapid City, South Dakota; she could not get over the presidents on the mountain. She would tuck me in bed, read me my bible stories and say my prayers with me, then softly kiss my cheek. We held hands while we went for walks, and she would bake the best scones ever. I did not see my grandma very often because of the distance between us, but she left such a loving and lasting impression on me. When I had my first child at 15 it was quite a shock. Grandma got on the first plane to Canada so she could comfort me and meet her first great grandchild, crocheting sweaters and booties for him all the way here. She taught me how to crochet, and now I'm crocheting for my own beautiful granddaughter. She died in 1988 but I still feel her presence very strongly. She taught me what true unconditional love is and what strong family values are. She lives in my thought and in my heart. This carving has brought back so many wonderful memories of a beautiful loving woman who is now my very own angel. I can't wait to add this to my collection. Thank you to the artist for bringing back the memories of my grandmother. Oh, how I miss her!
Submitted by Heathermarie in Manitoba Canada, November 2010
I just received this lovely figurine from my hubby for my birthday. It's very precious to me as my mum lives in England and I live in Australia. We just had a family holiday in UK and whilst we were there my mum taught my 10 yr old daughter how to sew a purse! Mum taught me to knit & sew from a young age, a skill I used to take for granted, but now love her for it as I can make lovely keepsakes for family and friends.To have the story and memories that I will treasure captured in this beautiful figurine is a cherished gift for me; thank you for creating it!! I also have two other pieces; one from a friend & another from my hubby on our anniversary. I love them all!! Thank you, love & light, Christine
Submitted by Christine in NSW, September 2010
I love your figurines. I own "The Hero" because of a loved one who has passed away and she stands next to his military flag. I gave "Close to Me" to my daughter while she was away at school. I gave "Generations" to my grandson's mother at her baby shower. I gave "Father and Daughter" to my husband when I first saw your beautiful figurines, and "Promise" was my anniversary gift to him a year ago on Valentines. Right now I am looking for Mother and son for both of my sons. One son is now a father and the other is going through some rough times. So I thought I needed different emotions, but of course your figurine says it all. I do wish though, that there was one showing a mom embracing her son like she never ever wanted to let him go. I think my son needs that right now and he is in another state, so symbolically your statue could say that for me.
Thank you for making such beautiful and meaningful art! Sometimes I find myself standing there in tears or smiling or just...standing in awe. RL
Submitted by Robin in Utah, September 2010
I grew up sleeping over with my grandmother each night so she would not be alone. She lived three houses down from us. Granny Ray was always quilting on her treadle sewing machine. My mom learned to quilt from Granny Ray and there was usually always a quilt in a frame that was hung from our bedroom ceiling. I learned to quilt standing at their side. On several occasions, I have shared my wonderful memories of learning to quilt from my mom and grandmother with a few close friends. One of these friends later gifted me with "Generations." She told me that when she saw the beautiful sculpture, it immediately reminded her of the "learning to quilt" stories I had shared about my mom and grandmother. I cried when I opened the Willow Tree box. My grandmother and mom are both deceased and it was like opening a window to the past love and caring that they both gave me. I still feel that warmth each time I view my sculpture in its place of honor on my mom's shelf that I inherited when she passed.
Submitted by Dotte in Texas, June 2010
My mother gave me this as a gift for Christmas; naturally, I cried. My grandmother (her mom) died when my mom was one, so I knew just how special "Generations" is. It was my mom's way of saying she is proud of me, and that my grandma is watching from above. What a special gift. Every time I look at it I am reminded of my heritage, and I smile.
Submitted by Samantha in Virgina, June 2010
Years ago my mom, an accomplished seamstress, contacted me and told me that she was working on a quilt. I said, "Quilt? You don't quilt!?" She told me that she had a bunch of finished quilt squares, that were started by my Great Grandma, and completed by my other Grandma. She inherited the project from Grandma by agreeing to put the quilt together, and therefore being the 3rd generation to work on it. She was calling to ask if I was interested in being the 4th generation to work on it, by hand-quilting it. At that time, I had small children, and I told her yes, I would be interested in doing it someday. Well many years later, it is now someday, so I contacted an area quilter and asked for a lesson. I am now in the process of hand quilting the quilt, and while I work on it I spend a lot of time thinking about the generations before me that worked on the quilt (now all deceased). I think about the reasons each generation had for making the quilt-- warmth, a sense of accomplishment, history, a sheer love for family. I was recently walking through a store that had Willow Tree figurines. I love them and have several already, and then I saw it "Generations"! It was the exact figurine to fit my situation, the love of family and the passing down of traditions. I told my family I just had to have it! They agreed it was perfect, and gifted it to me for Mother's Day. I love the simplicity of Willow Tree, how each figure represents people, relationships, and events in our lives. Generations celebrates family connections, passage of time, and sharing traditions and crafts. Thanks!
Submitted by Tammera in South Dakota, May 2010
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