Materials to make two 2x2” stitched and embellished amulets (one necklace and one pin). This process is a balance of creative (shape and decoration) and mechanical/technical (assembly) and I delight in the overlap between the two. The technical aspects can be very creative as there are so many ways to finish each piece. Originally featured in Taproot Issue 57::BLUE, this project stemmed from a towering pile of indigo-dyed linen that sits on the table next to my writing desk. The subtle shades of blues and greens are mesmerizing to me, a whole spectrum of sky and sea tones pulled from the leaves of one humble plant. 

I like to tuck words – a little mantra to myself, a memory to hold close, an ode to a person I love, a reminder – inside the amulet. This project connects so many disjointed pieces into one cohesive, treasured object.

Kit contents:

• (2) 2 x 2” square of indigo dyed organic linen fabric (blue tones vary)
• (1) 2 x 4” piece of indigo dyed organic linen fabric (blue tones vary)
• 4 colors of embroidery floss
• 5g crushed walnut shells
• 2g buckwheat hulls
• 3g of assorted beads and fabric scraps
• (1) 48 x .25” charcoal silk ribbon
• dyed with oak galls
• (1) hand sewing needle
• (1) straight pin
• (1) collarless safety pin
• inspiration booklet with photos
• full page of stitch designs

Gather from home:

• scissors
• additional ephemera for decorating: favorite charms, beads, buttons, etc. (optional)
• pencil or pen (optional)
• paper (optional)
• fray check, used to dab the raw edges, helps them from fraying too much (optional)
• sewing machine (optional)