Zodiac Sign Amulet

In this instructable I will guide you through a process of making a zodiac sign amulet. Made from wood and brass inlay. It is simple and quick to make and it is a perfect small gift for anyone!

Tools used:

• Hammer
• Utility knife
• File
• Sand paper
• Clamp or vise
• Hand saw for wood and metal
• Pliers ( preferably two small ones)
• Pen for marking
• Drill with small drill bit

Materials used:

• Brass sheet ( I got mine from flatening a brass tube)
• Epoxy glue
• Thin piece of desired wood ( I chose plum wood as it has beautiful reddish colour)
• Sawdust

The first step is to decide how big the amulet would be and what sign you want to have. I chose an octagonal shape and so far have made three signs. Libra, Gemini, and in this instructable Aries.

Using a pen mark on wood the desired design and sign. Wood should be dry and slightly thicker than the finished amulet.

It is much easier to engrave on a bigger piece of wood so don't cut the amulet out too early! Use a sharp utility knife to score along the lines you drew. After that using bit more pressure cut into the wood and chip out the design. Be careful with the knife!

The depth of engraving should be 2-3 mm deep

Place the sheet of brass in clamp or vise and using a metal hand saw cut about 5 mm wide strip of brass for inlay. Sand down any rough edges. The length of the strip should be long enough for the desired sign.

Using the set of pliers shape the strip into the groove you made in wood. Cut any excess out and using a hammer, gently drive the strip in the groove.

Once the inlay is shaped it is time to cut out the amulet. Use a vise or clamp and wood hand saw to cut out the desired shape. Save some sawdust from cutting that will be used in glue-up.

Mix some epoxy and add some fine sawdust in the glue to fill any void between the wood and brass. Place some glue in the groove and again drive the inlay snugly in the groove. Wait till glue is dry/hard for sanding

Now that the glue is dry. Using a file, take down the excess brass to the wood. After that use sandpaper to smooth the surfaces of all sides. I also made chamfers with file and then sanded them smoothly. The file is more precise for this purpose. Once everything is smooth, clean of dust and finish with desired oil or finish. I used mineral oil and beeswax.

Lastly, drill a small hole so that yarn or string can be passed through.

Done! Hope you liked this guide and make one for yourself or your loved ones!