The Herd
Small donkeys, made slowly by hand. Each one has a name, a personality, and is completely one of a kind.
Donkeys are happiest with a lifelong companion. The herd is made with that in mind.
UNO
MINI DONKEY
The little donkey that started the herd. Uno was my first, made by hand without much of a plan beyond seeing if I could make a donkey. He turned out a little wonky, very small, and completely lovable.
FOUNDING MEMBER - Staying with me.
BUD
LARGE STANDARD DONKEY
Bud lives somewhere down a dusty road where nobody locks the gate. He spends his mornings in the sun, his afternoons looking for shade, and most of his waking hours wondering if anyone brought snacks.
He’s stubborn about very few things, but those things are non-negotiable. He’s also everyone’s best friend. Bud’s never met a stranger and, as far as he’s concerned, there’s always room for one more.
$185
Hand-sculpted clay, hand-painted acrylic, matte finish.
Approx. 8 × 7 × 4 in
ROSIE
SMALL STANDARD DONKEY
Rosie has found her forever home, but she’ll always remain part of the Slow Desert Studio herd.
Rosie is the sort that notices everything. She’s gentle, curious, and a little particular about how things ought to be. She’ll stand quietly taking it all in, then wander over when she’s decided you’re worth knowing.
She has delicate little hooves, one slightly crooked ear, and a soft expression that makes her look as though she knows something that you don’t.
Rosie isn’t in a hurry about much of anything— except maybe finding her person.
$135
Hand-sculpted clay, hand-painted acrylic, matte finish.
Approx. 5.5 × 6 × 2.5 in
DOLLY
SMALL STANDARD DONKEY
Dolly is the sort who makes an entrance without ever seeming to try. She’s warm, confident, and just glamorous enough to make an ordinary day feel like an occasion. She wears a red scarf and a butter-yellow flower because she believes every day deserves a little dressing up.
She was made as a small ode to Dolly Parton—sweet, witty, generous in spirit, and entirely unapologetic about standing out. Like her namesake, she knows that softness and strength belong together.
Dolly doesn’t go looking for the spotlight. It simply seems to find her. She’s waiting for someone who understands that kindness—and a little sparkle—are serious business.
$135
Hand-sculpted clay, hand-painted acrylic, matte finish.
Approx. 6 × 5.5 × 2 in
Clementine & Carol Anne
LARGE STANDARD DONKEY + an emotional-support CHICKEN
Clementine is steady, patient, and accustomed to carrying more than her share.
Carol is small, outspoken, and entirely unwilling to participate in henhouse politics. She discovered that the safest place to roost was Clementine’s blanket, and Clementine—who has never minded being needed—let her stay.
Now Clementine has an emotional-support chicken, Carol has an emotional-support donkey, and everyone is doing their best.
Clementine and Carol are a one-of-a-kind sculpture, shaped and painted entirely by hand. Carol is removable and can sit forward, backward, or even side-saddle.
$245
Hand-sculpted clay, hand-painted acrylic, matte finish.
Clementine: Approx. 8.25 × 6.75 × 3.5 in
Carol Anne: Approx. 1.5 × 1.75 × 1 in
Honey Bea
MINIATURE DONKEY
Honey Bea is the smallest donkey in the herd—and the first to notice when a fence has a loose board.
Her size has its advantages: she can slip under the rails, squeeze through the gate someone forgot to latch, and make a beeline for the apple orchard before anyone’s finished saying, “Honey Bea!”
She doesn’t so much walk as buzz from one bit of mischief to the next, ears up and golden blanket bouncing. The older donkeys find her exhausting. They say this while keeping one eye on her and the other on the orchard.
Honey Bea has a big heart beneath all that busy energy. She’s always ready to check on a friend, share an adventure, or offer you an apple—after she’s had the first bite, of course.
$95
Hand-sculpted clay, hand-painted acrylic, matte finish.
Approx. 3.75 × 3.75 × 1.5 in
Hank
LARGE STANDARD DONKEY
Hank has always had an ear for music. If a window is open and a country song drifts out, he’ll stop in the yard and listen, his big ears turned toward the sound. He especially loves records—the warm music, the little crackle before a song begins, and the way a good tune seems to fill the whole barn.
His favorite place to listen is just outside the kitchen window. Hank knows the small sounds that come before a record starts: someone choosing a sleeve, the soft shuffle as it’s taken out, the gentle scratch of the needle. He’ll amble over and settle by the fence, happy to stay for a whole side. A steady country rhythm may even earn a quiet tap of his hoof.
Hank is a patient listener. He wears his blue kerchief with its little star while he takes in the music, then wanders off contentedly when the record ends, carrying the tune with him.
$185
Hand-sculpted clay, hand-painted acrylic, matte finish.
Approx. 7 × 5.5 × 2.5 in
Willie and Waylon
A BONDED PAIR OF OUTLAWS
Willie and Waylon are two country souls who were always meant to find each other. One’s a little lighter on his feet; the other’s a dark, steady presence. Together, they make quite a pair—and they’re happiest when they’re side by side.
Willie wears his red bandana tied around his ears and carries a warm, easygoing charm. Waylon has a scruffy mane, a black hat, and the look of someone who’s seen a few miles of backroad. His blue bandana suits him just fine: understated, but unmistakably outlaw.
They’re named for the country legends, of course. Set them near the record player, on a shelf, or wherever a little country spirit and desert whimsy would feel at home. They may not sing a note, but they’ll bring a story with them.
Willie and Waylon are a bonded pair and will only travel to their new home together.
$320
Hand-sculpted clay, hand-painted acrylic, matte finish.
Willie: Small Standard Donkey, Waylon: Large Standard Donkey