Southwestern Symbols and Critters!

There are many designs I sketch out and then I make my own stamps. This really makes the work your own. If you purchase stamps from a store the chances are high that many other people have used them. I would like to encourage you to make something your own and use your creative energy throughout the process. Many of the beads I make are two sided and you can wear them either way.

I really like how this rattlesnake came out. I can press the design into the clay with this stamp. I will also be working on some sculpted items as well. The arrowhead has a lot of detail and I really enjoyed working on the Zia and sun symbols. You may have seen the Zia on the New Mexico automobile license plates. I did some research about the design and this is what I read on the Internet: The Zia Indians of New Mexico dating back to the 1400's regarded the Sun as a sacred symbol. Their symbol, a red circle with groups of rays pointing in four directions. Four is the sacred number of the Zia and can be found repeated in the four points radiating from the circle. The meaning of 4 to the Zia: 4 points of the compass (north, south, east, and west); 4 seasons of the year (spring, summer, autumn and winter); 4 periods of each day (morning, noon, evening and night); 4 seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle years and old age); and the 4 sacred obligations one must develop (a strong body, a clear mind, a pure spirit, and a devotion to the welfare of others), according to the Zia's belief. Ah, there is so much to learn about in this world!