CELTIC IMAGES

Hey, everyone!

I have always wanted to go to Ireland...it's been a dream of mine for many years! I have always enjoyed everything relating to the Irish. My mom always made something fun for us kids during each holiday...and now that I am a mother I do the same thing for my children. Kadesia is 7 years old and Javan is only 1½ years old so there were several years that it was just Kadesia. We started a tradition of making cookies...sugar cookies and then we added green sprinkles or green frosting. I love this tradition. I am eager to see what Javan thinks of the tradition this year!

I had a FunShop last month with Sue and her wonderful family. I enjoyed it so much. Carolyn Sue wanted to make Easter and St. Patrick's Day cards and I posted them to my blog for you all to see. The stamp set I used for the St. Patrick's Day card is called Celtic Images from The Angel Company. It is a set of 5 for only $10.95 found on page 49 of the fall/winter 2008 Catalog and Idea Book. The item number is T-788. I stamped each image in Viridian Leaf Hybrid Palette ink. Here is what the stamp set looks like (click on the image for a closer view):

I took some time to research online what the various symbols stood for and here is what I learned:

The cross symbol represents the very highest ideas and aspirations of the Celts. It also represents a bridge or passage between heaven and earth with the 4 arms being: fire, earth, air and water. The ring in the center is God's infinite or endless love. It can also represent a halo emanating from the Christ.

The circle is a symbol of purity...often used when a new baby is born.

The heart is a symbol of charity, joy, compassion, romantic love or the "Sacred Heart" of Christ.

The knots are for best wishes of longevity or luck with new endeavors.

The claddagh is a sign of betrothal, friendship and love. The heart is for love, the crown for loyalty and the hands for friendship.

The 4 leaf clover represents:
FAME
WEALTH
LOVE
HEALTH

If you wear a clover your sweetheart will come to you.
If you possess a clover no evil can harm you.
If you dream of a clover you will live happily the rest of your days.

I hope you enjoyed learning more about the Celtic Images. This is a stamp set I am definitely glad I got. Now that I know the meanings to the symbols I think it makes the stamps more special because I can personalize cards with more than just St. Patrick's Day messages. I can even print a little card off if I wanted to describing what the particular symbol represents that I feature on my cards.

Thank for visiting with me today! I look forward to sharing more of my creations with you soon!

Hugs,