If you are just getting into metal stamping (or have been doing it a while), you should find today’s project to be pretty easy. If you don’t stamp (yet, LOL) you can also find a fun metal charm or connector to use instead of a hand-stamped piece. And of course, if you want to know more about stamping, I have a beginners’ tutorial on the topic, so drop by there for some tips.
The stamp set I used was one I reviewed last month called Scarlett’s Signature, but for something like this, you can use any font you like. (Which goes right along with the message… be yourself!)
For this project, you will need your metal stamping supplies, a leather cuff and a blank that will fit. Mine is sterling silver, but any metal will do as long as it’s something you like and it fits your cuff. In addition to that, you will need a metal punch (I have the kind that are pliers, but the screw-down kind would work well, too) and some small brads or rivets. I couldn’t find rivets small enough, so I used tiny brads from the scrapbook department.
Stamp your blank with the message you like. A word of caution – if you are using a very narrow blank like this, it tends to bend more than bigger blanks. I’m not going to go into a lot of detail on stamping your blank here – but I do have a really thorough metal stamping tutorial for getting started you should check out if you want to know more.
When you are done, you’ll need to pop a hole in each side of the blank. Then, you’ll need to put a pair of holes in your leather cuff. I love this little cuff I found at Hobby Lobby – remember the braided leather bracelet I showed you a few months back? It turns out they make actual kits – WITH INSTRUCTIONS – for them! Wow, that would have been way easier, LOL. But I do like the nice slim cuff – and the way it’s split give me the look of a wrap just using a cuff.
Anyway – be careful when you line the holes up. I just used my metal punch for this so that it would be the same size. If you are using rivets, you’ll probably want to use a larger leather punch. But between the slim band of my leather cuff, and the small brads – I needed a way to keep it small.
Then, add your brads to attach it! I bent the metal really slightly. You may want to reinforce it with a little bit of jewelry glue, if you have some, since bracelets tend to take more abuse than other jewelry items.
I just love stamping (obviously, LOL). The message is always perfect for me – because I can choose it myself.
My husband wanted one too… so I made him a manly version using this same method.
I link up to these great parties!
I’m incharge of crafts at a grils camp for my church and want to do this bracelet that they can stamp on. I’m having problems finding blanks that will fit. Where did you get your blanks from? I’ve tried Hobby Lobby but they only have one that is an inch long and it’s tough to fit “Be Yourself” on it. Please help. Thanks!
Hi,
Love your bracelets and thanks for the tutorial. Can you tell me where you got the band for your husbands bracelet? I think my hubby and 3 boys would love to have one.
thanks
Patty
Thank you so much for this tutorial. It was very informative for me. I am making leather bracelets and did not want a huge nail head on my design. I am thankful that your post showed me that I can instead use the small brads that I was wondering about.
Do you make and sell these bracelets?
L.O.V.E. this bracelet! Santa brought me a stamping kit for Christmas, so I’ve been stamping EVERYTHING! LOL I have one question….how did you finish off the sharp end of the brads you used? Thanks bunches! I look forward to more tutorials by you!
Love it! I wish I could wear bracelets, but with my carpal tunnel it's too painful. Thanks for sharing at the All Star Block Party.
Holly
Sooooo cute!!!!
Following from the blog hop!
Hey girl! I'm stopping by from the blog hop. I'm one of the co-hosts! Thanks for linking up!
Those bracelets are so cute!
I hope you're having an awesome day! :)
-Alexis
http://www.livingthewifestyle.com
so cute! i want one!
have a fantastic day! stop by nichollvincent.blogspot.com and say hello! :)
These are so much fun! I've always wanted to make a bracelet like this…maybe there is still hope for me! Thanks for sharing it!
Wow, you make this look pretty easy. I have always been a little intimidated to work with leather and metal. Might try this!
Also, I do have a question for you. I really have been enjoying your blog and I was wondering if you'd every consider allowing me to guest post, or we could do a post swap…either way. I would love to create someting new and share it with your readers, and I know my readers would love you.
Let me know!
Nancy
http://dosmallthingswithlove.blogspot.com