Amulets and Talismans: Simple Techniques for Creating Meaningful Jewelry

Mixed feelings on this one... While the explanations and technical details for jewelry fabrication are quite good - the projects themselves seem a bit kludgey and inelegant. Making things from mixed media or found objects can still be beautiful - but I often found myself lamenting that all this effort and expertise went into making adornments that weren't very becoming and still had a thrown-together look, rather than the results of someone putting together a hand-crafted piece of jewelry with great skill. The irony here being that it looks as if a lot of skill and knowledge went into fabricating these pieces - but the end-results end up feeling like the effort wasn't there because the piece as a whole just isn't well balanced or aesthetically pleasing. I understand that part of the point here is to make jewelry with heart and a story to tell - but telling a story can still be elegant. A torch-fired tea strainer is still just a tea strainer - even when filled with charms and with some dangles poking from the wire mesh. That's just one project in the book - but I felt that many of them suffered the same sort of clumsy composition - with some exceptions. These are interesting elements there and many useful technical techniques that are beautifully illustrated and detailed. So it's a useful book for those uncertain on how to use a jeweler's saw, torch, polymer clay or are new to the idea of using off-beat materials for jewelry (like concrete). Great instructions for patinaing and aging as well as dozens of other tips and techniques. I just didn't feel inclined to replicate any of the featured projects since I found them to be unappealing as a whole - though the two projects at the very end of the book were far better - the one that looked like a leaf and the fisherman amalulet - nice touch with the bezel set stone and rivets. Liked the abacus, but the karma bracelet looked very haphazard and thrown together. The tea strainer, baby-food lid filled with clay and beads and the compass ball pendant just seemed too much like the sort of things my kids would bring home from school saying, "look mom! I made this for you!". The medal for the Unknown Good Deed was well planned out and nicely done as are a few others - but with a few, "I would never make that!" and some "well that's interesting...um". Superb technical instruction - though I felt a word about safety should have been added (I noticed a few photos where gloves should have been worn for working with patinaing corrosive solutions - it's a little cringeworthy to see someone dealing with potentially hazardous chemicals with bare hands).

This is a very interesting and informative book. I read some of the reviews, which were not too positive, but ordered the book anyway because it looked like it had what I needed. I wanted to learn about talismans & amulets and how to create them for myself & help others create them as well. This book certainly fit the bill.Some people found that the talismans & amulets were simple and complained that they were made with found objects. Isn't that the idea? A "lucky charm" (talisman or amulet) doesn't have to be something you've spent a fortune on--it can be a beat up item you found as a kid that feels "right" for you.I make jewelry & this was very helpful in many aspects, both in how to create a piece and how to personalize items.If you want to learn about talismans & amulets, this is an excellent source. It's a good place to start learning how to make your own.I'm glad I decided to order it!

I just received my copy of this book today and couldn't wait to review it. First of all, the design of it is very professional. There is no guessing as to what you are seeing. The photos are stepped out and very clear. The projects are so interesting that I may even try a few. I originally bought the book because I was searching for a good book on cold connections. There is really nothing out there except a book by Susan Lennert Kazmer which is too poorly designed to be of any use.The links and connections Robert teaches in this book are well beyond just rivets and jump rings, although they are in there as well and in easy to understand words and photos. Plus he has a wonderful philosophy behind his designs that comes out in the language of the book in a most interesting and thoughtful way.If you are looking for a great book on cold connections and jewelry making in general, this book will be an asset to your jewelry book library.

The title "Amulets and Talismans" is exactly what I was looking for. I create talismans & amulets in much of my artwork and I wanted to extend this to some minimal jewelry. I loved all of the informative information. From the "Groundwork" section laying out materials, uses and methods to tools needed, their purposes & uses, to techniques like patinas,faux bone, & concrete, and don't forget the detailed photographs! I also liked the fact that Robert Dancik made all of his findings and shared how to do this, saving money on basics is a kudo in my book. In the "Creations section, each piece of jewelry has a list detailing all of the tools needed, materials and the quantity of each. This really does make things so simplified, easy and enjoyable for a newbie like me. I would highly recommend this to anyone!

I love the author's work, and wanted to get a better feel for it so I could incorporate some of that earthiness into my jewelry. I'm not sure if I'll be imitating his work any time soon, but this book gives me a start. In the techniques section he shows how to do all the techniques used in the projects and accompanies the text with an abundance of clear photos. Some of the lesser known techniques he covers are Faux Bone, "inlaid" polymer clay, concrete, paper clay. He also reviews the customary metalworking techniques. The projects are much simpler than his own work, but one must walk before he can run, and there are plenty of great photos of a variety of artist to inspire the reader to forge ahead toward competence.A very usable and practical book.

good clear illustrated instructions that cover various types of materialssome a bit advanced for me at present - need to buy some toolshis idea seems to be to encourage the maker to design their own amulet/talisman and put own meaning in it.I would have liked more on the meanings of symbols etc

Great idea for creating stuff, good for process of doing even if the completed articles in the book are not to my taste.

This book is really informative and very well laid out. I am a complete novice and think this has saved me loads of time learning many different techniques easily and almost effortlessly. I am making stuff that I am pleased with already. Highly recommended!

Not for me. It wasn't what I expected nor wanted

Very pleased thank you