This is a little Valentine gift for a friend of mine, a hand-stamped and hammered aluminum cuff. Believe it or not, this is the first time I’ve hammered one of my stamped pieces and I just LOVE the effect.
I really wish the photo did it more justice but this full-time-job and the whole sun-going-down-before-dinner-is-over thing is really hampering my photography, LOL. It has a nice shiny finish to it, and the aluminum is so easy to work with!
I’m going to be a bit brief on the tutorial today (the aforementioned long day combined with the sniffles and pregnancy in general are uncharacteristically kicking my butt today) – but I’m going to refer you to another stamped cuff I made at Christmas time if you want any more detail about how I made this bracelet. If you’ve got questions about stamping in general, be sure to visit my beginners’ stamping tutorial or just drop me a note – I love talking about making jewelry. I’m certainly no pro at stamping yet, but I do love sharing the knowledge I’ve gleaned while I’m practicing that steady hand. ;)
Let me give you the short version, though! These blanks are 6 inch x 1/2 inch, 14 gauge tumbled aluminum pieces. I found mine on Etsy, but if you have a local supply store, you may be able to find some!
I decided on my message, centered and stamped it. This was particularly hilarious to my daughter. She sat eating her dinner, and every time I stamped a letter, she shouted, “hammer!” which in her cutie little 2-year-old voice is more like “hammo!” I really think I need to get that kid some tools. ;)
I wanted to darken the letters for contrast, but aluminum won’t react with liver of sulfur. So I had to go the sharpie route – I darkened the letters with an industrial Sharpie, and wiped the excess off with a bit of rubbing alcohol.
Then, I decided I wanted to try hammering the edges. I have a small texturing hammer that I have never used, and I hammered the edges. I LOVED the effect! I’m going to hammer a lot more pieces now, I don’t know why I didn’t try it any sooner. The thicker gauge looks awesome with a subtle texture.
Then, all I had to do was bend it. I have a special tool that is a bracelet bender that works amazingly well for cuffs.
And that’s it! All that’s left to do is to gift it!
What kinds of handmade gifts are you thinking about for Valentine’s Day? Jewelry is always classic, don’t you think? ;)
Hi, I’m loving your tutorials! Can I ask how you stop the aluminium from corroding and leaving black marks on skin? I’ve had aluminium jewellery in the past (rings) and they’ve left a black band on my finger.
Some people are more sensitive to some metals than others, so there isn’t really a “fix” for metallic reactions, unfortunately. All I can suggest is just know what kind of metal gives you a reaction and use a different type if you can. Some people will suggest coating with clear nail polish or something, but that only lasts so long before it chips and it’s not a real fix, it just allows you to wear it for longer. It’s really just the down side of jewelry in general, sorry!
Adrianne, I purchased a metal stamping set from PYP and I’ve been trying to think of a great project to use them…thanks for giving me some inspiration! I’m so glad you shared this at Loving Valentines Day!
TGIF!
Marilyn
This is super cute! I love that it’s meaningful and functional! Thanks for the diy!
very sweet – i need to get me a letter stamping kit! We found you via Someday Crafts – Whatever goes Wednesday.
I love it! Now you will have to excuse me as I spend the next hour on your fun blog! I’m glad I found you from Someday crafts!
Wow! That is so neat! I always wondering how that was done!
Very pretty! I am sure your friend will love it :)
This is amazing, Adrianne! I love it!
He he just banging a hammer, yes then it’s definitly me ;-) You really got me hooked, cause you have made really wonderful things! Have seen a lot a of those stamps on etsy, going to check them out once again :-) you’re welcome, I always love to see what you’re up to :-)
You really WOW me Adrianne! It looks so easy, but I’m sure it isn’t :-) so pretty, and a perfect valentines gift!!!
I’m so impressed with all of your jewelry making skills! I work at a jewelry store, so I am naturally drawn to anything having to do with it :)
Great saying and it looks fantastic with the hammered edges!! I really need to get one of those cuff bender thingys {totally technical terms here}. I looked in Hobby Lobby the other day and couldn’t find one, I’ll have to look at Micheals the next them I’m there.:)
You’re getting better and better! Love the hammered edges. I was drooling over the metal stamping tools in Hobby Lobby the other day. One day, I’m going to take the plunge…