Willow Tree Sheltering Animals 4-Piece Nativity Animal Set — Hand-Painted Resin, Petite Mantel-Ready Figures

Willow Tree Sheltering Animals is a four-piece, hand-painted animal set designed to accompany a small Holy Family nativity display, offering a quiet, protective presence in a compact holiday scene.

This petite collection complements Willow Tree’s Holy Family grouping with four sculpted animals sized for tabletop or mantel displays. Each figure is cast from artist Susan Lordi’s original hand-carvings and finished with subtle paintwork that preserves the carved-wood feel. The animals are intended to convey sheltering, warmth and watchful care and are packaged in a fitted gift-ready box for easy giving.

What figures are included and what are their sizes?

The set contains four animal figures carefully scaled to pair with Willow Tree’s small Holy Family pieces. The tallest piece is a 3" gray-white standing goat; a gray donkey lies with a cream-colored blanket; there are two white sheep — one standing and one lying, the standing sheep features a darker face and feet. Together they create a balanced grouping that fits smaller nativity backdrops and mantels.

• Standing goat: approximately 3" tall, gray-white finish
• Donkey: reclining pose with cream blanket, gray tones
• Two sheep: one lying and one standing, white bodies with dark facial details
• Sized to coordinate with Willow Tree Holy Family figures and pierced metal Shelter backdrop

How are these pieces made and finished?

Each figure originates from Susan Lordi’s hand-carved originals in Kansas City, then is reproduced in resin and hand-painted to capture the look of carved wood. The finish emphasizes gentle textures and muted tones rather than high-gloss color, preserving Willow Tree’s signature understated aesthetic. That craftsmanship creates subtle shadow and form that reads well in close-up displays and ambient holiday lighting.

• Designed by Susan Lordi, hand-carved original sculptures
• Cast reproductions hand-painted for authentic carved appearance
• Matte, natural tones to complement traditional and modern decor
• Packaged in a fitted box suitable for gifting

How can I display these animals with a nativity scene?

The animals are intentionally compact so they can be arranged around a small Holy Family grouping or used with the Willow Tree pierced metal Shelter backdrop for a starlit effect. Place the taller goat at the rear, the donkey to one side and the sheep closer to the front to create depth and a natural composition. Their neutral palette pairs well with wood, stone, and simple textile backdrops.

• Works with Willow Tree Holy Family figures (sold separately)
• Adds depth when used with the pierced metal Shelter backdrop
• Ideal for mantels, small tabletops, entryway consoles, or shelf displays
• Arrange by height and pose for a balanced scene

What sentiment or message accompanies the set?

The included enclosure card reads “Giving watch, warmth, protection,” reflecting the set’s intended emotional tone without religious text that dictates use. That sentiment guides how people incorporate the animals into either strictly devotional nativities or more general seasonal décor. The modest wording makes the set appropriate for gifting to family, friends, or hosts.

• Enclosure card: “Giving watch, warmth, protection”
• Neutral sentiment suitable for personal or interfaith displays
• Packaged ready for gifting with fitted box

Who is this for: This four-piece Willow Tree animal set suits collectors and gift-givers seeking a small, elegant nativity accent or anyone who wants a quiet, handcrafted touch for a mantel, shelf, or tabletop holiday vignette. It’s also a good choice for people who prefer subtle, artisan-made decorations that coordinate with Willow Tree Holy Family figures and the pierced metal Shelter backdrop.