I promise, I will show you what I put in the box really soon! :) I will also get to the full tag tutorial after I take just a minute to give you my thoughts on these metal stamps.
This is what ImpressArt sent me. This font is a really fun one called Scarlett’s Signature. They actually have a pretty amazing selection of fonts and design stamps… the horseshoe is perfect for the Colts fan that lives in my household. ;)
Now, you may recall my post a while back on metal stamping for beginners. I advocated picking a basic font to make sure you enjoy stamping, before you invest a lot of money into extra fonts and frills.
If you did – the next step is to play with new fonts and some designs! They can be a little more tricky to work with – especially the more elaborate design stamps. But it’s the next thing you want to do to take your stamping to the next level.
I just cut into my can, and cut some strips. I wasn’t terribly concerned about uniform size, and you can trim up the edges later, too.
You may want to use a jewelry file on those sharp edges. Your call.
I didn’t photograph myself stamping here – but if you want a referesher – visit my beginners’ tutorial. Stamping on thin aluminum like this is very different from other metals – it’s much softer. You won’t need that same firm tap – try doing 2 or 3 very soft taps on the stamp to get your impression.
After I stamped my message, I trimmed up the tag and rounded the edges slightly. I have a set of pliers that lets me pop a hole in most metal blanks, so I punched holes on the sides to tie my tag on. Since the scissors didn’t struggle with the aluminum, my guess is that a very small diameter paper punch would probably also do the trick (though I can’t say with certainty, since I didn’t try it).
I had to try a couple methods of making the letters contrast here. It turned out that you can NOT use a sharpie to darken your letters, unless it’s a super fine tip and you don’t get any ink outside the letter impression. It stains the aluminum. So what I did instead was to fill it in with acrylic paint, and wipe off the excess with a damp paper towel. Which was actually pretty cool, because then I could make it any color I wanted!
Then, I filled the box with this… for my Colts fan. ;) This is just an aluminum jewelry blank on a leather cuff. I attached it by using my hole punch on the blank and on the cuff, and using tiny brads from the scrapbook department. You’ll notice that I haven’t quite mastered the steady hand that design stamps require… the horseshoe has quite a bit of detail. But the good news is that I can keep practicing!
But I liked the design so well, I made a similar one for myself!
A stamped gift tag is a really great way to finish off a stamped gift inside!
Thanks for dropping by today, and for sticking with me through this whole post. ;) I’m going to introduce the fantastic sponsors for Monday’s giveaway tomorrow, so please show these great businesses and bloggers some love by coming back to comment and thank them.
Disclosure – I received supplies from ImpressArt Metal Stamps for the purpose of this review. The opinions in this post are my own.
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I’m new to metal stamping. Just bought the lettering kit. What is the purpose of the metal stamping block? Is it a necessity? TIA!
Where did you find your triple strand leather bracelet for your bracelet that says “be yourself”? And did you use a popcan for that as well?
How do you remove scratches after stamping? I seem to always have scratches on my metal and haven’t found a cheap way to remove them.
The only way to truly polish it would be to use something that would remove enough additional metal to smooth it out. Instead, you need to be careful when placing your stamps so as not to scratch the surface. I think a few scratches probably aren’t noticeable, though.
Awesome! You could be my best friend! ;)
This came at a great time for me Thank U keep up the great work !!!!
Hiya.i found u on Pinterest just at the right time as I want to start metal stamping!yr projects &
Web page is just so inspiring & as a busy mum of 4 I
Love the way they can all be done in a short space of time.
You are one super talented lady!keep up the good work!
Victoria x
I love your site, out of curiosity, is the acrylic permanent? I too used acryic paint for stamping but wanted to throw my pieces in a tumbler for polishing and was afraid of the outcome…any thoughts?
What a cute project! I love it so much that I decided to feature it in our roundup of soda can crafts! Check it out here: http://www.favecraftsblog.com/recycled-soda-can-crafts/
Have a great day!
So cool & creative!!!
What a creative idea!! I love it! I am featuring this at todays link party!! WAHOO!
http://twoyellowbirdsdecor.blogspot.com/2012/08/thursdays-temptation-27-fabulous.html
Jill
Hey girlie, you know how much I love these! I will be featuring it at our party tomorrow. Anything that has to do with DMD has to be good right?!
Thanks so much for linking up this is fantastic. It is such a fun idea. Just another reason why I need a stamp kit. Next time some one asks me what I want for a present I have to remember! I wanted to let you know that I'm featuring this today feel free to stop by and grab a button. I can't wait to see what you have to share this week.
Marissa
http://raegunwear.blogspot.com
Thanks for linking up to last week's Tuesday Confessional! You've been featured and pinned. Head over and see for yourself!
http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2012/07/features-from-last-weeks-tuesday.html
~Macy
I've been wondering how people stamp metal! Awesome! Because, I NEED another craft… ha ha! :-)
As usual I am amazing of what you come up with:) I love these small projects that I can do in a day. And this makes me wish to try the metal stamping (something I have never thought of before). Super great bracelets! Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays.
That looks so fun! I have been wanting to try these!! Thanks for the inspiration!
My Goodness you have A LOT of patience!! I would like to try this out – makes SUCH a BIG statement on a gift to personalize it this way. I love the idea so I am going to certainly check this out RIGHT NOW! Thanks so much.
jenny at dapperhouse
OH i love it!! Impressart sounds fantastic… I have always wanted to try stamping jewelery!
Great review & post!
I will have to restrain myself from running out to try this craft, but it really appeals to me! Love the bracelets and the gift tag. Came over from Peas.
Distressed Donna Down Home
Super cute! I've seen some awesome metal stamped stuff out there and it's making me want to try it myself. Thanks so much for sharing this at The Fun In Functional!
RAD!! thankyou!
This is such a cute idea! Look at you being all clever and thrifty. I never would've thought about using the pop can. Brilliant!
I love this! Wonderful idea. Thanks for sharing at the All Star Block Party.
Holly
How clever are you to use a pop can?! I love it!! I am so excited for the giveaway. The stamps and hammer sound fantastic!
I am amazed at the versatility you have. Just with metal stamping alone, you seem to cover off every idea out there, lol.
This looks like so much fun. Good way to get out agressions using a hammer too I guess. :) Thanks for sharing.
I made my first gift to give away last week and the recipient loved it. I still had to scrap my first effort though. I just need to keep practicing. Thanks for the tips!!
I have always wanted to try hand stamping. Great info!