Laksmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, light, wisdom, fortune, fertility, generosity and courage; and the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm.  A carved ivory statuette of Laksmi was found in a house in Pompeii along with records of the Nabatean cults and pearls and precious stones from India.  These finds present strong evidence that the Romans had trade routes to India. 

Amulets (from Latin amuletum) and talismans are found throughout all cultures in antiquity.  They were worn to protect the owner from evil.  The statuette and a photo of an amulet I found in a book about ancient Indian Jewelry inspired Laksmi.

Combining components made with peyote stitch and herringbone and embellished with precious and semi-precious stones makes the amulet.  The Viking Knit Chain shown in the photo will not be covered in the workshop but instructions for Russian Spiral will be included in the handout.

Participants should be proficient in peyote stitch.

Laksmi is an exclusive project for Beading by the Bay Retreat in San Francisco March 12-14, 2010. 
Visit http://beadingbythebay.com for the details.