Spiral Heart - a Symbol of Eternal Love

We all know the most popular symbol for LOVE is the heart.
It is colored red to show the blood that runs through it and symbolizes passion and strong emotion.

Handmade Heart belt buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/54512171/heart-spiral-buckle-silver-heart-metal

The history of the shape is what I find particulariy  interesting. Although it is a somewhat stylized representation of the actual human heart organ, it's origin is said to be a bit more unique than that explanation.

It has been noted that ancient peoples used the seed of the silphium plant as and herbal contraceptive.  (.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_(symbol) ) The shape of the seed resembles and upside down heart. It can be viewed at http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=IPM1023-9.

The spiral has been noted as a symbol of bringing order to chaos, eternity and brining order out of chaos.

So, when the spiral and heart are combined, the image now becomes a symbol for eternal love.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner! Whether you want to give your significant other, friend or yourself the gift of eternal love, you can find beautiful handmade metal spiral hearts on our Etsy site at http://www.wattoonline.etsy.com/.
 

Wishing you much love in your life!

mary & jon

Here's some shots with our stuff and celebrities!

Molly Quinn of Castle with WATTO blinged heart spiral buckle

Deborah Gibson (singer) with Jon Watson and Heart Spiral buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/54512171/heart-spiral-buckle-silver-heart-metal

Bridger Zadina Movie Surfers & Michelle Defraites Pregnancy Pact _2
with WATTO green clover keychain and spiral heart chain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56051644/spiral-metal-heart-charm-on-gunmetal



Adren Frantz of Bold & Beautiful &Scott Bailey of Praying for Bobby with WATTO Heart & Clover Buckles
http://www.etsy.com/listing/54512171/heart-spiral-buckle-silver-heart-metal
http://www.etsy.com/listing/31155902/clover-buckledistressed-clover-metal

Molly Burnett_of_Days of our Lives
http://www.etsy.com/listing/54512171/heart-spiral-buckle-silver-heart-metal

Athlete Gene Kerr- Olympic Water Polo
http://www.etsy.com/listing/54512171/heart-spiral-buckle-silver-heart-metal



Sherri Saum of Gossip Girls
 http://www.etsy.com/listing/54512171/heart-spiral-buckle-silver-heart-metal

Marisa Lauren of Greek & Kamen Rider
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56051963/red-metal-spiral-heart-charm-on-gunmetal

Kate Linder of The Young & the Restless
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56051644/spiral-metal-heart-charm-on-gunmetal

Skull Mania



Skulls are HOT!

Why? Because they have so many meanings to so many different people and cultures.

Though many people associate the skull with death and negative imagery, it actually has a wealth of meanings and symbolisms. The skull can symbolize mortality, power and strength.

Jessie Mendia Photo by Steph Fowler
http://www.stephfowlerphotography.com/

Celtic Skulls

The Celtic culture has been said to view the skull as the house of the soul and the place of power. The  view the skull as being a symbol of creation, divinity and time. To find out more about the skull and the relationship to the Celtic Culture visit http://www.whats-your-sign.com/celtic-skull-symbol-meanings.html.

Skulls and Tattoos

Skulls are everywhere in the tattoo community. Everyone has their own reason for adorning themselves with a skull. Here are just a few: overcoming death, symbol of past life, and a declaration of triumph. To learn more about skulls and tattoo designs visit. http://ezinearticles.com/?Skull-Tattoo---The-Real-Meaning-Behind-Its-Symbol&id=2575954

Mystical Meanings

According to Craig Hamilton-Parker of the book "Hidden Meaning of Dreams" gypsies viewed skulls as representing wisdom from their ancestors. http://www.dreamsleep.net/skull-dream-interpretation.html

Dia de los Muertos

Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos is a 3000 year old hispanic holiday where family friends gather to pray and honor freinds and family who have passed on. The spirits of ancestors are called upon to live among the living. Since the skull represent death and life, it is a major symbol for the holiday. Find out more at http://www.hispanic-culture-online.com/day-of-the-dead-mexico.html

Celebs with WATTO Distinctive Metal Wear Skulls

Adam Cagley with WATTO Trple skull buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/40410646/skull-buckletriple-skull-distressed

Ben Kasica of  Skillet with WATTO Single Skull buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/54513378/skull-buckle-gold-single-skull-metal 

Aranda Band Member with WATTO Twin skull buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/31101908/skull-buckle-gold-twin-skulls-gold-metal

Davis Leduke  billy boy on poison with WATTO Triple Skull Buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61195341/skull-buckle-triple-red-metal-skull-belt

Hugo Ferreira of the band Tantric with WATTO Twin Skull Buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/31101908/skull-buckle-gold-twin-skulls-gold-metal

Jesse Hasek -vocals of the band 10 years with WATTO Single Skull Buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/40410552/skull-buckle-distressedsingle-skull

Julia Ling of ChucK with WATTO Triple Skull Buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/54636948/skull-buckle-coppertriple-skull-copper

Kara Taily of The Hard Times of RJ Berger with WATTO Twin Skull buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/31109981/skull-buckle-pinktwin-skull-pink-metal

Leigh Kakaty of the band PopEvil with WATTO Single Skull Buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/40410552/skull-buckle-distressedsingle-skull

Mark Goodwin drummer for the band Sick Puppies with WATTO skull chain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55884652/silver-metal-skull-pendant-on-gunmetal

Ppaul Phillips of Puddle of Mudd with WATTO Twin Skull Buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/26010675/skull-buckle-redtwin-skull-red-metal

Actress Sally Kirkland with WATTO Single Skull Buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55006484/skull-buckle-red-single-skull-red-metal

WWE The Miz with WATTO Twin Skull Buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55002812/skull-buckle-coppertwin-skull-copper

Musician X2 with WATTO Single Skull Buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/40410552/skull-buckle-distressedsingle-skull

BArry Kerch of the band Shinedown with WATTO skull chain and lion belt buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55884652/silver-metal-skull-pendant-on-gunmetal

John Cooper of the band Skillet with WATTO skull chain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55884652/silver-metal-skull-pendant-on-gunmetal

Gregory Michael of the TV show Greek with WATTO Skull chain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55884652/silver-metal-skull-pendant-on-gunmetal

Sasha Cohen Olympic Ice Skater with WATTO skull chain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55884652/silver-metal-skull-pendant-on-gunmetal

Stephen Glickman of the TV show Big Time with WATTO skull chain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55884652/silver-metal-skull-pendant-on-gunmetal

Tammin Sursok of Pretty Little Liars & The Young and the Restless with WATTO Skull Chain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55884652/silver-metal-skull-pendant-on-gunmetal

bandmember of Richy Nix with WATTO skull keychain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/60385408/metal-skull-charm-on-gunmetal 

   

Alexis Neirs of Pretty Wild with WATTO skull keychain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/60385408/metal-skull-charm-on-gunmetal

The Cross-A Symbol For All Times

   

 

The cross symbol dates back to the stone age and has been seen etched into caves dating back to the earliest of civilizations.

During the Bronze Age (3300-1200BCE) the cross was used on vessels and thought to to symbolize consecrations especially in regards to burial (1).

It's most common association is with Christianity. For those with religious beliefs, as it reminds Christians of Christ's sacrifice to take away the sins of the world.

It has also become a pop culture symbol that is unrelated to any religious belief.

 



The cross has been used in many modern depictions including organizations such as "The Red Cross" which uses it as a logo, the medical industry which uses it as a symbol of first aid and many nations using the cross as emblems on their flags.


http://www.etsy.com/listing/65015810/handmade-rose-jeweled-metal-cross-charm

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65016122/handmade-bluegreen-jeweled-metal-cross?ref=v1_other_1




Whether you hold your faith close to your heart, or just like the cross symbol, our handmade metal crosses will be sure to meet your needs. Everyone is unique since each one is individually ground by Jon WATTO Watson to give it it's unique finish. It's then powdercoated for protection. We have crosses in buckles, chains, keychains and necklaces. Please visit our Etsy site for more information on our cross designs. http://www.wattoonline.etsy.com/

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross

 



 



New Fleur-de-llis Dangle Earrings

Check out our new earrings just posted on Etsy

Handmade metal fleur-de-lis metal earrings. One with Swarovski crystals and one without. Read my earlier blog about the meaning of fleur-de-lis.

handmade metal fleur de lis earrings with Swarovski crystals

The Truth Behind the Fleur-de-lis

Although many would argue the fact that the fleur-de-lis was created by the New Orleans "Saints," the truth of the matter is that it is one of the oldest symbols in history.

What it Means

The fleur-de-lis is a beautiful and popular symbol worn by both men and women. Derived from the French word for fleur "flower" and lis "lily," it is a stylized version of the actual lily flower. It has been used throughout time in many cultures and time periods.

 

Heraldry

This symbol has been used in heraldry over the centuries on many European coat of arms and featured in the Crown Jewels of England and Scotland. However, it is mainly associated with the French monarchy and has been used on French postage stamps though it has never become an official symbol of the French republic.

The continued association with France carried over in North America were the symbol was associated with areas settled by the French such as St. Louis, Louisville, Louisiana and Quebec.

One theory is that the 3 leaves of the fleur-de-lis represent the three medieval classes: the workers, fighters and prayers.

 

Religious Affiliation
The fleur-d-lis has also been seen as a symbol of purity and chastity as well as female virtue and spirituality. The Virgin Mary was often depicted holding a lily and the fleur-de-lis was seen as a decorative element in the image either in a sceptre or within the ornamentation some where in the painting.

Similar to the Irish Shamrock, the French fleur-de-lis depicted the Holy Trinity with the three petals and the band on the bottom symbolizing the Virgin Mary.

Architecture
You will often find the fleur-de-lis symbol at the top of iron fence posts. It is a symbol of defense warding off intruders. It has also been used as patterns on tile work, and as finials and the point on gables.

 

Scouting
The fleur-de-lis has also been the symbol for scouting thanks to Sir Robert Baden-Powell who adopted it from the reonnaissance specialists who wore it as an arm badge in the British Army.


The Stars and WATTO Distinctive Metal Wear Fleur-de-lis accessories
The stars show off their WATTO DMW accessories!

Kaylee Stroh of Highschool Musical with WATTO Distinctive Metal Wear gold fleur on chain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55957239/coppery-gold-metal-fleur-de-lis-charm-on

Shantell VanSanteen of "One Tree Hill" with WATTO Distinctive Metal Wear fleur-de-lis charm on chain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55957239/coppery-gold-metal-fleur-de-lis-charm-on

Actress TAnia Gunadi with WATTO Distinctive Metal Wear silver fleur-de-lis charm on chain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55961493/silver-fleur-de-lis-charm-on-gunmetal

Stacey Oristano of "Friday Night Lights" with WATTO Distinctive Metal Wear purple charm on chain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55968137/purple-metal-fleur-de-lis-pendant-on

Ryan McCombs of the band "Drowning Poo" with WATTO Distinctive Metal Wear silver fleur-de-lis charm on chain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55961493/silver-fleur-de-lis-charm-on-gunmetal

Harvey Guillen of "Huge" with WATTO Distinctive Metal Wear silver fleur-e-lis charm on chain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55961493/silver-fleur-de-lis-charm-on-gunmetal

Isabelle Fuhrman of "the Orphan" with WATTO Distinctive Metal Wear Copper fleur-de-lis belt buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/49930069/fleur-de-lissmall-copper-fleur-metal

Piggy D of the band "Rob Zombie" with WATTO Distinctive Metal Wear fleur-e-lis distressed metal belt buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55006561/fleur-de-lis-bucklelarge-silver-fleur

Sameer Bhattacharya & Ames Culpepper of the band  Flyleaf with WATTO Distinctive Metal Wear  iron cross and fleur-de-lis belt buckle http://www.etsy.com/listing/61971098/fleur-de-lis-bucklesmall-silver-fleur

Sam Trammell of "True Blood" with WATTO Distinctive Metal Wear distressed metal fleur-de-lis belt buckle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61971098/fleur-de-lis-bucklesmall-silver-fleur

Morgan of the band "Sevendust" wiath WATTO Distinctive Metal Wear gold fleur-de-lis charm on chain
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55957239/coppery-gold-metal-fleur-de-lis-charm-on

If you would like to read further about the fleur-de-lis visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleur-de-lis.
All information was adopted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleur-de-lis.