Is Margaret Furlong still in business? That is the question many fans of her iconic porcelain angels are asking. Known for their soft white finish and seashell-inspired detail, Margaret Furlong ornaments became beloved keepsakes for collectors around the world.
From her Salem, Oregon studio, Margaret Furlong built a unique brand that blended art and meaning. Her porcelain designs were not just decorative; they told stories of hope, peace, and celebration.
In this article, we will uncover whether Margaret Furlong Designs is still active, explore her website and online presence, and guide you on where to buy her ornaments and collectibles today.
Key Takeaways
- Margaret Furlong Designs still accepts orders online, suggesting the business is technically active.
- The official Margaret Furlong website is live, though no new porcelain angels have launched since around 2020.
- Social media pages are dormant, hinting at a semi-retired status or quiet phase of operation.
- You can still buy Margaret Furlong ornaments on resale sites like eBay and Replacements.com.
The Artist Behind the Craft: Who Is Margaret Furlong?
Margaret Furlong is an American artist and designer who trained as a fine arts graduate before turning her creative passion into a successful business.
In the early 1980s, she began sculpting delicate porcelain ornaments from her studio in Salem, Oregon, blending classical inspiration with spiritual symbolism. Her signature creations, the white porcelain angels, soon became widely recognised and cherished.
Each piece in her collection reflected virtues like faith, peace, and joy, often adorned with motifs from nature such as seashells and flowers. These were heirlooms, designed to inspire and comfort. Her work resonated deeply with collectors who sought beauty with meaning.
Over time, Margaret Furlong Designs evolved into a household name among collectors and gift enthusiasts, featured in high-end retail outlets and holiday catalogues across the United States. Her designs have stood the test of time, still treasured by many decades after their introduction.
The Origins and Growth of the Brand
The Margaret Furlong brand began in 1980 in Nebraska, before relocating to Salem, Oregon, in 1982, where the company is currently located.
After earning her Master’s in Fine Arts in Nebraska during the late 1970s, Margaret Furlong launched her journey in a small Midwestern studio, sculpting white porcelain angels. Her signature style, flowing robes, seashell textures, and spiritual symbolism, set her apart and quickly resonated with collectors.
In 1985, she formalised the operation under the name Margaret Furlong Designs. Over the next decade, her handcrafted porcelain gained national traction.
Without mainstream advertising, the brand expanded through upscale boutiques, catalogues, and a loyal customer base that valued its artistic purity.
Overview of the Evolution of the Margaret Furlong Brand
Below, we highlight key milestones and shifts in the brand’s history, showing how it has grown, adapted, and sustained its relevance over the decades.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Early 1980s | Margaret Furlong begins sculpting unique white porcelain ornaments from her home studio in Salem, Oregon. |
| 1985 | Official launch of Margaret Furlong Designs, establishing a formal brand identity around her angelic themes. |
| Late 1980s | The angel collection gains traction among collectors, and demand spreads through artisan fairs and word of mouth. |
| Early 1990s | Brand expands nationally, supplying to upscale gift shops, department stores, and holiday catalogue retailers. |
| 2000s | International distribution begins; Margaret’s work is featured in specialty gift publications and collector forums. |
| 2010–2015 | Brand scales back active marketing; Margaret begins to focus more on legacy sales and archiving her collection. |
| 2020–Present | New product releases stop, though the official website remains live for archive orders, while social and retail activity slows. |
Is Margaret Furlong Still in Business? What the Website Tells Us
One of the clearest indicators that Margaret Furlong Designs may still be in business is the fact that the official Margaret Furlong website remains live and operational.
Visitors can view product collections, check prices, and even place orders. This suggests that while the brand is no longer publicly active, it has not completely shut down.
However, there are signs of minimal activity. The site does not feature any announcements, blog updates, or newly released products. Most of the collections listed appear to be legacy designs, and there is no mention of future product drops or seasonal launches.
This points to a business model focused on archive sales rather than ongoing production.
Contact details are still available, including an email address and phone number, but there is no indication of a physical storefront in operation.
Overall, the website functions more like a curated archive or final showroom, keeping the brand alive while catering to longtime collectors and occasional buyers.
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Why Many Believe the Margaret Furlong Brand Is Out of Business
Despite the official website still accepting orders, several signs have led collectors and former customers to believe that Margaret Furlong Designs may have quietly ceased active operations.
From prolonged silence on public platforms to the lack of new product development, these cues paint a picture of a business that has stepped away from day-to-day activity.
Here is a breakdown of the major signals:
| Indicator | Detailed Observation |
|---|---|
| No Social Media Updates | The brand’s Facebook page has not been updated since 2020, and there is no activity on Instagram or Twitter. This extended silence suggests no active marketing or customer engagement. |
| No New Product Releases | All products on the website are legacy items from earlier collections. There have been no seasonal launches or additions in over four years. |
| Lack of Business Announcements | There are no updates, press releases, or newsletters explaining the current status or future plans of the brand, which is highly unusual for an active company. |
| Disappearance from Retail | Margaret Furlong ornaments are no longer found in physical gift shops or holiday catalogues, where they once had a strong presence. |
| Community Speculation | Questions like “Is Margaret Furlong still in business?” regularly appear in forums like Reddit and collector groups, with no official response or clarification from the brand. |
Where You Can Still Find Margaret Furlong Ornaments
Although new product releases appear to have stopped, Margaret Furlong’s porcelain designs are still accessible through a combination of official and third-party sources.
If you are looking to complete a set or purchase your first ornament, these platforms remain active with varying levels of inventory:
| Platform | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Official Website | Accepts orders for select legacy collections. | No new releases or announcements, which makes it appear as a static archive store. |
| eBay | Wide range of items, including boxed and loose ornaments. | Ideal for rare or retired pieces; condition varies. |
| Replacements.com | Offers many discontinued pieces by collection. | A trusted source for matching or restoring complete sets. |
| Etsy | Vintage listings from individual sellers. | Includes occasional rare or unique items; availability is inconsistent. |
| Amazon (Resellers) | A small number of listings from independent sellers. | Stock is limited; often priced above retail. |
| Facebook Marketplace & Collector Groups | Private sales and second-hand listings. | Great for bulk purchases or negotiation; buyer caution advised. |
What Might Be Happening Behind the Scenes
With no official statement about closure or continuation, it is natural to speculate about what is really going on with Margaret Furlong Designs.
While the business appears dormant from a marketing and retail standpoint, the functioning website and product availability suggest that it is not entirely shut down. Here are three plausible scenarios:
| Scenario | Description | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Semi-Retired Operations | Margaret Furlong may have scaled down the business to focus on legacy sales, fulfilling occasional online orders without producing new inventory. | The business still exists, but only in a minimal, maintenance-mode capacity. |
| 2. Quiet Closure with Active Website | The brand may have informally wound down operations without a public closure notice, leaving the site online to clear out remaining stock. | No customer support, no new production and only final sales are being processed. |
| 3. Archival Legacy Model | The website functions more like a digital archive or collector’s catalogue, offering the public access to timeless pieces without future plans. | Brand is preserved for posterity, not growth; no updates, no innovation. |
While none of these are confirmed, the available evidence strongly supports the idea that the brand has moved into a quiet phase, still accessible, but no longer active in the traditional sense.
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A Quick Buyer’s Guide for Margaret Furlong Collectors
If you are a long-time fan or just discovering Margaret Furlong’s elegant designs, buying her ornaments today requires a bit more care.
With no new products and limited transparency from the brand, here is how to navigate the market safely and smartly:
| Buying Tip | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Start with the Official Website | It is still the safest place to find original pieces, but expect legacy items only and no new stock. |
| Use Trusted Resale Platforms | Stick to eBay, Replacements.com, or Etsy, where seller reviews and item condition are clearly listed. |
| Check Product Descriptions Carefully | Confirm whether the item is “new,” “used,” or “new old stock” before purchasing. |
| Ask for Photos When Needed | Always request images to confirm authenticity, especially on Facebook Marketplace or from smaller sellers. |
| Compare Prices Before You Buy | Some sellers overprice discontinued items; compare listings across platforms to avoid overpaying. |
| Look for Original Packaging | If you are buying as a collector or gifting, prioritise listings that include the original box and tag. |
Alternatives to Margaret Furlong’s Porcelain Ornaments
If you admire the purity, elegance, and spiritual essence of Margaret Furlong’s designs but are concerned about the brand’s limited availability, several other artisans and companies offer comparable work.
These alternatives uphold similar craftsmanship, symbolic detail, and timeless appeal:
| Brand/Artist | Why It’s a Good Alternative |
|---|---|
| Lenox | Offers a wide range of collectible porcelain and bone china ornaments with a classic, elegant style. |
| Lladro | Known for high-end porcelain figurines, Lladro produces angelic and spiritually themed pieces with detailed artistry. |
| Willow Tree® by Susan Lordi | Features minimalist, heartfelt figurines that reflect themes of love, hope, and remembrance. Available year-round. |
| Goebel/Hummel | German-made collectibles with religious and seasonal motifs; offers quality and tradition like Furlong’s. |
| Etsy Independent Makers | Many small artisans on Etsy create hand-sculpted, symbolic angel ornaments in porcelain, clay, or resin. |
These alternatives vary in style and price, but each continues the spirit of intentional, meaningful design that Margaret Furlong collectors value. If you are replacing a treasured piece or exploring a new tradition, these options are worth exploring.
Business Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Margaret Furlong
Margaret Furlong built a brand that quietly stood the test of time. While her business may no longer operate in full swing, her journey offers timeless lessons for entrepreneurs who want to build ventures with lasting impact.
Below are takeaways that today’s entrepreneurs can draw from her journey:
Build Products That Carry Meaning
Margaret Furlong’s ornaments were never just decorative. Each porcelain angel was rooted in a message of faith, love, hope, and peace. That emotional connection turned everyday products into cherished keepsakes.
Entrepreneurs should think beyond function. Create offerings that connect with people’s values, aspirations, or emotions. That is how loyalty is built.
See also: Is Faded Glory Still in Business? The Fate of a Discount Apparel Brand
Let Craftsmanship and Consistency Drive Growth
Despite little to no advertising, Margaret Furlong Designs expanded nationally through word of mouth and repeat customers. Her commitment to quality and consistent style did the heavy lifting.
Great branding begins with excellent products. When quality becomes your reputation, customers become your marketers.
Stay True to Your Artistic or Brand Identity
Margaret never bent her brand to trends. She stayed consistent with her porcelain, white finish, seashell motifs, angelic themes, even as other brands chased mass appeal.
In a world obsessed with constant reinvention, consistency can be your biggest differentiator. Clarity of brand builds trust over time.
Know When to Pivot, Pause, or Preserve
Instead of a dramatic rebrand or closure, Furlong appeared to scale back quietly, maintaining the website, fulfilling archive orders, and preserving her creative legacy without overextending.
Not all exits need to be loud. Entrepreneurs can choose to pause or pivot when the time is right, especially to preserve brand integrity and personal values.
Conclusion
Is Margaret Furlong still in business? For those asking, the answer is a confident yes. With over four decades of timeless design and craftsmanship, Margaret Furlong has proven that authenticity, purpose, and quality can sustain a brand through changing trends and shifting retail landscapes.
By staying true to artistic values, nurturing emotional connections with collectors, and embracing digital transformation without compromising its essence, Margaret Furlong continues to serve both domestic and global markets with her handcrafted porcelain ornaments.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Margaret Furlong still in business?
Yes, Margaret Furlong is still in business. She continues to design and sell her signature porcelain ornaments through her official website and selected retail channels.
Where can I buy Margaret Furlong ornaments?
You can purchase original Margaret Furlong ornaments from the brand’s official website, on Etsy, eBay, and occasionally through collector communities.
Can I order Margaret Furlong products from outside the USA?
Yes, international shipping is available through her official website and various third-party platforms.
What are Margaret Furlong’s ornaments made of?
They are crafted from unglazed white porcelain and are known for their elegance, symbolism, and shell-inspired wings.
Does Margaret Furlong release new designs?
Yes, though infrequently. New designs are occasionally introduced for holidays or special commemorations.
Are Margaret Furlong’s products religious in nature?
Yes, many of her pieces carry faith-based messages and are often used as spiritual or symbolic gifts.
Are Margaret Furlong products available year-round?
Yes, her products are available throughout the year via her official website, with seasonal items released during holidays.
What makes Margaret Furlong different from other ornament brands?
Her designs are deeply symbolic, handcrafted in the USA, and centred on spiritual and emotional storytelling, setting her apart from mass-produced competitors.
Has Margaret Furlong ever stopped production?
There has never been an official closure, though lower visibility at times has led many to wonder if Margaret Furlong is still in business or not.
Why do people think Margaret Furlong is out of business?
Due to her limited retail presence, minimal advertising, and a low-profile digital footprint, many assume the brand has closed, but it has not.
What should entrepreneurs learn from Margaret Furlong’s brand?
Stay authentic, grow sustainably, build emotional connections, and let your product’s quality speak for itself. These are lessons every entrepreneur can adopt.
