Amulets and Talismans: Simple Techniques for Creating Meaningful Jewelry

by Robert Dancik, Tonia Davenport (Editor)

Making Jewelry with Meaning The things you collect - the ticket stubs, the coins, the pieces of shell from a beach - hold meaning and significance, reminding you not only where you've been, but also where you're capable of going. Making these items into wearable pieces of art - amplifying their power to become amulets and talismans - is a rewarding experience that's easy to do. Working with the most basic of tools, you will learn cold-connection jewelry techniques to expand your creative process. In addition to basics like creating jump rings and using a file, you will Discover the rewards of making your own amulets and talismans by learning new techniques to drive your creativity in an entirely new direction.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Art

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Steve Cran]

This book is not so much about magic as it is about arts and crafts. While there is some discussion about magic this is a do it yourself guide to making amulets and Talismans. I myself am not one for the do it yourself stuff unless it is really simple. Nor am I one to spend lots of money on tools and supplies which in the end cost as much as buying one yourself, Especially if all you want is just one.

Now a word about magic, or should I say a few. Amulets ward off negative things while Talismans draw the positive stuff your way. There is a little talk about intent and belief but after that it is all about arts and crafts. Such an approach is good for someone who wants to do this as a hobby or build a small business. Not for me.

Although I did learn a few things. I did learn about faux bone and heating it to make different shapes that you may wish to do. I also learned about working with wire and wrapping it around rocks for some jewelry. The author does make use of nuts , bolts and screws as well as glue some of the time.

I won’t give this book a bad review as it is quite good for people who like arts and craft. The book has great step by step instructions along with cool color photographs to go along with. Filled within the pages are some really professional looking items that you might be able to do. Most of it looked cool but not high end professional, I guess it depends what you are looking for.

[Angela]

Pros:
- Thought-provoking information on how the materials you use give meaning to your finished work.
- Good intro to a variety of tools and techniques: using jeweler's saw, cutting metal, using a butane torch to create a patina, and lots more.

Cons:
- The projects can be expensive if you don't already have his recommended tools.

Who It's Good For:
- Jewelry and mixed media artists looking to add a personal touch to their artwork.

I posted a full review on my blog: Review: Amulets and Talismans by Robert Dancik

[Sherry]

I was hoping this book would have more to it, but mostly it was an advertisement for Faux Bone. Some interesting projects, but the techniques seemed very complicated and you would need an awful lot of supplies.

[Nancy Noyes-ward]

I enjoyed this book immensely. Not so much for the projects, I don't like copycat crafting...I appreciated the materials list, resource list, sprinkling of historical facts and lore of sacred objects and gallery of both the author and featured artists. Loads of inspiration here!

[Leslee]

Beautiful illustrations, lots of step-by-step instructions. I haven't tried any of the projects as of yet, though.

[Elaine]

Great list of tools and techniques. Excellent examples and instructions. Attention to details. Photos of the process. I particularly like that the author stresses intention.