Amulets and Talismans

So I decided I wanted to make some amulets and talismans.  Not sure if I'd carve them from stone, bead them, or what.  So since I couldn't decide, I decided to practice with some pouches to hold them.  This one is to hold a small item.  I used a larger yarn:

This one is a copy of my iPod holder.  Only I used a crochet thread instead of yarn to see how the size of the pattern would change:

The one on the right is a knotless netting pouch I made with waxed linen.  I decided to see what would happen if I changed the technique to crochet & used a larger yarn.  The result is on the left:

This one I used crochet thread & a ridge stitch.  People seem to like it almost as much as the knotless netted one.  But this tiny pouch took 2 and 1/2 hours!

So after all this experimenting I decided that, except for special occasions,  I'm just gonna make a flannel or felt pouch for the talisman or amulet.  Now to get to making them!!!

House Pouch

Before the restorers came today, I wanted to bless our house.  So yesterday I smudged the whole thing!  Every nook and cranny!  And I made the house a pouch.  I made sure it was placed in the wall of the house before the insulation was put in.  Here's the process:

1.  Make a knotless netting pouch.

2.  Add a cord and beads.

3.  Choose crystals, stones, charms & write wishes.

4.  Add gifts to pouch.

5.  Tie pouch tightly.

6.  Leave in framing before insulation is put in.

Then just make sure the restorers really leave it there!

I hope our home feels loved and happy now!

Gift for a Pal

There's a special amulet pouch I make for very special people. I first received one from a Native American woman in Washington State. Since then I've made up my own designs, & make each one specifically for the person who is to be gifted. It's really time consuming, but they turn out to be very attractive. I've had to remake mine several times over the years just from wear. Yet every time I wear it, people look at it instead of me! One guy told me "there's alot of mojo goin' on there"!

This one was for a pal who loves the ocean but also the forest. She can keep something special in it. I gave her a piece broken from one of my crystals so she'll always have a memory of me in it. I also tried to make the top a little more ruffly than usual to give the impression of waves. The colors & embellishments were chosen just for her. And she liked it! Have a peek: