Welcome Woodlands!

One thing you need to know to understand much of Amanda Klein’s inspiration is that she is a wildlife nut.  She’s happiest when she’s under an open sky and she’s one of those people whose toxic trait is that they think they can walk up to a wild animal and befriend them with their good vibes.  While she does give off some wonderfully positive energy, we sometimes have to remind her that she can’t pet the bears.  To (safely) celebrate her love of the woodlands, we’re introducing our Woodland Series containing both new and old friends from nature.  Read more to learn about the symbolism of each of these animals and plants.

Black Bear - Although they appear cuddly from a distance, you don’t want to tussle with a wild bear!  The Black Bear often symbolizes resourcefulness, self-sufficiency, and adaptability. 

Moose - More than just a cartoon character named Bullwinkle, the Moose symbolizes strength, resilience, and wisdom.

Bigfoot - Whether you believe the legend or not, it’s hard not to be intrigued by the stories!  For many people, Bigfoot symbolizes survivalism through intellect and intuition.

Bluebird - Often known as the “bluebird of happiness”, Bluebirds are generally associated with the concepts of joy, hope, and harmony. 

Cardinal - For many bird lovers, the sight of a Cardinal holds special meaning, symbolizing loved ones who have passed on and letting us know they are always with us in our hearts. 

Hummingbird - Often seen as a messenger of love, joy, and good fortune, Hummingbirds are believed to carry these sentiments from those of us here on Earth to loved ones in the spirit world.

Ladybug - Who hasn’t wished on a Ladybug before? A ladybug holds many different meanings to different people, but most often Ladybugs are seen as colorful symbols of positive change and renewal.

Mushrooms - While delicious on pizza or in a casserole, Mushrooms are more than just a culinary delight!  They are often associated with spiritual growth, enlightenment, and rebirth. The mushroom's life cycle, with its ability to emerge from darkness and decay, represents the cyclical nature of life, death, and transformation.

Rabbit - Whether it’s Peter Rabbit or Bugs Bunny, Rabbits have strong symbolism in many cultures.  For some, Rabbits are symbols of fertility and prosperity (think Easter Bunny). For others, they are believed to be tricksters who can bring luck and good fortune if treated with respect (think Wascally Wabbit).

Monarch - Monarch Butterflies are important cultural symbols, possibly foreshadowing the return of the souls of our ancestors. This is especially important for cultures that observe Day of the Dead, a celebration of loved ones who have passed away. 

Blue Morpho Butterfly - While it’s not likely you will see one of these in the United States outside of a Butterfly house, these gorgeous creatures couldn’t help but emerge from Amanda’s pen and brush! The blue color is most often thought to symbolize healing, whether it be personal healing or the healing of someone close to you. 

Dogwood - We can’t help but celebrate the magnificence of these white beauties. The Dogwood blossom that sprouts every Spring indicates the end of winter and the beginning of a new life, representing the joy and beauty that a new life or rebirth brings. 

As always, we truly appreciate the support of all of our customers and we hope you enjoy our collection of Woodland creatures, plants, and fungi!