Muse's Tailsman

For centuries many cultures have worn amulets containing spiritual affirmations, charms of protection, or prayers. As we converge at Fort Worden we carve out a sacred zone for ourselves, give ourselves permission to create in a safe, nurturing environment, and listen intently for our muse. As we soak in the creative hum that builds with each day at Artfest, wouldn’t it be wonderful to manifest some of that ephemeral magic, and capture it in a few words to be kept forever in a special amulet? Carry away some of those special thoughts with you always in this splashy pendant. We’ll explore the idea of the talisman and its importance in our lives. We will bend copper around small pieces of wood to form this container with a sliding lid. No former metals experience required! Join us as we make tangible a memory box pendant infused with the magic of Artfest, so that you might keep it close to your heart when you’re back in your work-a-day world. Let it serve as a kind of protective amulet for your muse!

Supply List:

• 22ga or 24ga copper (In the pictured example I used old, already patina’d cast off roofing)
• hand shears/snips for cutting metal
• 320 grit wet/dry sandpaper for metal
• ruler and pencil for marking copper (I also like Sharpies and metal scribes for this)
• small screw eyes
• chain that will fit through your screw eyes (but not so fine that you’re saying bad words trying to work with it!)
• a short length of little copper tubing that will fit through your screw eyes- approx. 4-6” in length. Check the small metal parts K&S display at your hardware store.
• craft acrylics to paint wood sides and a brush or applicator (I used a Q-tip!)
• beads and/or charms for embellishment
• fibers/ribbons
• scissors to cut fibers
• copper wire to attach beads and fibers-20ga or smaller
• small brass escutcheon pins (There’s a great hardware store in Port Townsend, Henery’s Do it Best. They are VERY friendly and helpful and can order things for you. Don’t panic if you can’t find them I’ll bring extras)
• a small hammer- I suggest a 4oz-8oz ballpein
• a small steel benchblock
• paper for your affirmation inside your amulet, pen, ink or whatever to write or embellish
• Magnifying/reading glasses, if you need them
• a box or pouch for when you are not wearing your pendant, and to get it home.
  
  Homework:
• be thinking about your favorite quotes, affirmations or prayers to share with us
  
  Optional:
• Metal stamps (I’ll bring some but in case you want your own)
  
  Teacher will bring:
• small wood pieces, any other metalworking tools, patina, drilling stuff, and boundless energy!