Well I have finally, FINALLY gotten a little bit of creative time in the week, around the new carpet and getting a couple rooms painted, but writing and sharing takes a considerable amount of time. (I’m not complaining, I love it! I’ve been going a little stir crazy not getting my relaxing blogging time in!) But that means that today’s project is going to be a bit sparse on the explanation. I got some new design stamps from my friends at Beaducation and I finally got the play with them!
I will often do kind of a “practice run” on ideas, because believe it or not, I actually have difficulty re-creating the ideas in my head, especially when it comes to stamping. While I do like how this came out, it looks unfinished to me. And I also didn’t quite perfect how I wanted to say my message. I stamped this in aluminum, because using an inexpensive metal for ideas I’m not convinced about is a lot cheaper than stamping on the good stuff. ;) There’s nothing wrong with wearing finished aluminum pieces, don’t get me wrong! It’s great for people with sensitivities to metals, and it’s got a nice shine. I am just not going to waste a silver blank until I absolutely know what I want, though. I may be modifying this design a bit.
Today’s post is not going to be a stamping tutorial – but I do already have one. I will have you check out last spring’s Jewelry Stamping for Beginners if you would like to know more about how to get started stamping.
I was really excited about working in the dandelion and fluff design set, so I started there, making sure I had room for the design and then working the words in around it.
I wanted a nice grouping at the bottom. When I had a look I liked, I moved on to the text.
When I got all my stamping done, I hammered the edges because I knew it was still missing something, and the hammering really helps to finish the look of a piece.
I darkened the text with a Sharpie (because aluminum doesn’t react with liver of sulfur).
In looking at it, I really think what this necklace needs is layers, maybe add a larger disc underneath with an all-over dandelion pattern. I do like how the stamping came out, I would change the wording a little, but the overall piece still looks a bit plain to me. What do you think, any suggestions?
I love this necklace!
So pretty!! I love the saying and the look! Great job.:)
I so want to learn how to do this!
it looks pretty. but if you are trying to make it different, why not add colored markers to some of the flowers? or even to the wording. that would spruce it up a little bit more. then add a colored bead to match the wording color! if this works..i wish you would make me one! :)
So cute necklace! I haven’t bought the suplies yet but until then, it get to see all your inspiration and projects with metal stamping! Have a beautiful week Adrianne
I love it! Just the other night I dreamed about finding some old letterpress letters at an antique store, and hammering them (I think into leather). I didn’t know they sold these for jewelry!
I really love the dandelion stamps.
I am sensitive to metals (can no longer wear ANY earrings), so I think the aluminum is great. Even silver gets me, I think some has nickel in it.
It’s necklace chains that are the bane of my existence. I have never bought craft chain that doesn’t make me itch, even if they claim to be “silver” :) I do have a couple I have bought ready made that I can wear, but can’t choose my length.