Monday, October 24, 2011

Jet of the Day - JEMSBYJBANDCOMPANY



STAMP CAMP!

Hand Stamped Three Metal Disc Necklace on Copper Chain

A short while ago, I decided to try my hand at metal stamping. It looks so easy, but I found very early on that it really required patience and skill. I have been practicing now for some time and have acquired some tools to help me get into this aspect of jewelry making. I thought I would share a few thoughts here for those of you who may have been toying with the idea of trying it yourself! Stamping itself is a very basic technique. Combined with your jewelry designs, you can add some personalization and make your jewelry really special. There are a few basic tools that you will need to get started.


·       You can start with an inexpensive letter set in either lower or higher case. There are many of them on the market and you can broaden your font choices as you gain more knowledge and skill.
·       A few design stamps will get you on your way. Try some simple designs to start and expand your collection once you get the hang of it.
·       A steel bench block ensures a sharp impression. These can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes.
·       Safety goggles should always be work to protect your eyes from injury.
·       A stamping hammer should weigh at least one pound. Ideally, a brass hammer prevents bounceback.
·       Prefabricated shapes in either copper, brass or sterling silver can be found online in many metal stamping shops. When you improve your skill and decide that this is something you want to continue exploring, you can purchase sheet metal and disc cutters to make your own.
Of course, there are lots of other things which you can add to your repertoire down the road. Center punches, table vises, ring clamps, bench pins and cutters will all come in handy. 
The key to a successful result is a firm, steady strike with your hammer. Place your disc on the steel bench block secured by a small piece of painters tape. Hold the stamp in your stabilizing hand and the hammer in your dominant hand.  Make sure the hammer comes down straight, striking the stamp dead center. Sounds easy right! NOT. Lots of practice using scrap metal in copper or brass will help you determine just how hard you need to strike the stamp to get the desired impression.
There are many books out there and some contain videos as well as online websites with free tutorials, so take advantage of all the advice and knowledge you can obtain.
Here’s to a fun and personalized jewelry style!!!
Judy

13 comments :

Erika Price said...

Great post Judy, I agree that stamping is definitely NOT easy (I'm still practising, LOL)

Bob J24-7 said...

Stamping takes a lot of patience and practice. It seems like such a basic technique; but it IS harder to do than most people think. Great to see you've broadened your skills!

YourDailyJewelsBLOG said...

Judy,
Thank you!. I have always been curious about stamping and now I think I will give it a shot. My thumb hurts just thinking about it.
Your pieces are lovely.

JillreOzmay said...

Oh Judy, I know I'm not the only one who ever bought the basics thinking, "this will be easy", only to find out - um.. NOPE. Since THAT lesson was learned, I put my stamps away and have been too intimidated to try again. I think I will give it another shot. Thank you for the inspiration!

Tracy said...

I've always wanted to try stamping! Thanks for the inspiration!

Michele said...

Great post on stamping, definitely something you have to practice a bit, but it's fun!!!

Made By Tammy said...

Fantastic Post! Your hand stamped jewelry is Awesome.

SendingLoveGallery said...

great post and information, Judy! your handstamped jewelry is wonderful!

Granitesonline said...

Nice pictorial blog. The photographs in the blog were fantastic, are you a photographer by any chance. Any way it was awesome.
Great Blog
Keep Posting

DG Jewelry Designs said...

Judy, great blog post. Love your examples.

WanderingJewel said...

Great post Judy!

Unknown said...

Wonderful post! Nice tip to tape down the piece your stamping! I'll have to try that!

Brooke said...

Great tutorial and examples!