Get ready, friends, because today’s post is going to be a lot of fun. I’m partnering with ImpressArt Metal Stamps on an awesome starter set giveaway, and we’re going to be talking FONTS! (Note: the giveaway period has closed. Please read on for tips on choosing a great font!)
See here’s the thing about most hobbies… when you find something you love, you begin amassing a lot of accessories for it. In my case, I want ALL THE FONTS. Haha. (Is that so bad, really?) But there’s a reason for it – each project is truly enhanced by the font you choose for it. We do the same thing in graphic design… we pick a font that says something on its own to help make our message visually better, right? And then, because we’re also stampers, we have the satisfaction of taking hammer to metal to make these fonts happen. Bam. It’s so satisfying.
I get a lot of comments from new stampers advising other new stampers to save money by buying an economy stamp set from a tool outlet. That’s not bad advice. But I want to take a moment to point out, that’s an uppercase-only letter (and possibly number) set. It’s actually the first thing I started out with, myself! The price point can’t be beat, that’s for sure – but when you buy from a tool outlet, you’ll most likely end up with a very industrial-looking set, which translates to industrial-looking pieces. Which is cool if that’s what you’re going for. But if you’re getting into metal stamping for things like gifts and keepsakes, then you generally want a softer message. So really take a look before you make any investment, because other than my first couple practice pieces, I used my industrial tool-outlet stamp set exactly zero times for real pieces. It’s the only thing I own in my stamping supplies that I feel was actually a waste of money, rather than a savings.
I… well, here’s my confession. I’m going to show you my fonts. (And please don’t judge that I haven’t yet mastered my newest addition, the Varsity font. I’m still getting used to it, haha.) Take a look, and see what your font is saying, before you’ve even stamped a word.
Okay and if I’m being really honest… I have 3 sizes of the sans serif font. And looking to acquire a 1/4 inch set too, ahem. But what I did here was think about the statements that my fonts make. Then, I stamped that word on a sheet of copper. Kind of interesting, when you view it like that, huh? (I added labels of the font names after the fact for your reference, so you can find them if you spot one you love. You’re welcome.) Most of these I have upper and lower case for, but I stamped with what I most often use (which is overwhelmingly lowercase).
See, different pieces just inherently have their own tone and message. Using the different fonts adds the element I’m already going for with the word or statement I’m stamping. Here are some of my recent projects, to show you what I mean:
I’m not saying you should start buying all the fonts, but once you start with your economy set (and as usual, if you can’t afford both then I recommend trying out the lowercase, because that makes it look like you AREN’T SHOUTING) and find you like it… it’s time to choose maybe one font that you love. Consider your design style: is it sentimental, or edgy, or inspirational? Do you make pieces mainly for yourself, for friends, or for children? How can you take your flavor of design to the next level? Making one or two small upgrades can do amazing things to even basic techniques. Take a look at what I’ve done below – I swapped out the economy font for a designer font (I used ImpressArt’s Jeanie font) and I changed the beginner aluminum blank to a beginner pewter blank instead.
It’s just one word, stamped on a 3/4″ size disc. But the new details give the piece more depth and more character. All the while you’re still just stamping one word. And you – yes, you – can totally stamp a single word. (Think you can’t? I have a great beginners’ metal stamping tutorial to get you started!)
It’s kind of surprising, isn’t it? What a difference.
I love ImpressArt stamps because they’re easy to hold while you stamp, they’re marked clearly with the letter you need, and they have a great variety of designs. Many of which I do own. (Don’t judge.) And I love, love my stamping hammer.
I’d love to let you guys come over and stamp with me sometime to see which font is your favorite, but today, I’m going to do the next best thing: I’m going to hook you one of you readers up with a new stamping kit of your own, courtesy of ImpressArt!
You’ll want to do a couple things here: first, take a peek at all the beautiful fonts ImpressArt has to offer, and check them out socially on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Then, let Rafflecopter guide you through how to get your entries in to make the Jeanie font your own as part of this great beginners’ kit! The giveaway is open to US readers and friends, just get your entries in by June 12th at 11:59pm EST. Good luck, and happy stamping!
Hi, such lovely pieces :) what font did you use for the bracelet, the Bad ass Unicorn one? I love it!
Thanks, Ali
Hi there would you recommend – 3mm stamp set to start out or 4mm?
I recommend you choose whichever one you like better! The size difference between 3-4 mm is really minor. Either size is a good beginner size. So choose the font you love best!
Hi Adrianne! I’m just starting out and came across your post. This was the most helpful information I’ve come across! I’ve been trying to decide if aluminum is the way I want to go and after seeing your examples I can finally see the difference. I won’t use aluminum. And I couldn’t decide which font to start with. You explain things extremely well! You have no idea how much you’ve helped me! Thanks! Cindy
Hi Cindy!
Aluminum is fantastic for practice because it’s inexpensive. If you goof, you’ve only lost 20 cents or so. But for gifts, I like other metals. I love stamping pewter, and recently ImpressArt rolled out their own signature alloy called Alkeme – it’s lead free and it looks like sterling silver. It’s got a nice weight to it (unlike aluminum) and it’s way cheaper than sterling. It’s a nice option in the middle for beginners!
Thanks for the note, and good luck!
Such fun! Hope to get started soon.
I am loving Jeanie or Bridgette. I can’t decide which one I like best.
Ballroom Boogie and angel stamps!
Ballroom Boogie and angel stamps
What great information! And a fun read even! I’m so excited to start stamping! Thanks for the great info ????
I would love Script or Scarlett’s Signature! But first I need to upgrade to Impress Arts hammer and stamping block.
I haven’t done any stamping yet. I have just started making simple bracelets and necklaces for my daughters, but SO want to try the stamps. My girls would love it. My favorites are the “sweet & sassy” designs I guess he cause I have girls and these are so girly.
Hi! This is such a cool crafting idea!! One of my favorites is their Shabby Chic Metal Stamp with the Floral Swirl design. So fun! Thanks!
While I haven’t done any metal stamping yet, I’d like to! Especially after being inspired with some of the tutorials/projects here on Happy Hour. I suppose I am first drawn to either the Classic font or the Simple font.
I love the Scarlett’s Signature font. Great products!
I love the Jeanie font the most but honestly I can see liking them all for different projects!
Ang
I love the snowflake stamp!
I love the IA Bridgette style.
I’m partial to the classic style myself!
These are all so beautiful, but my favorite is the Bridgette lettering set. I have a cheap, cheap, cheap set of metal stamps from Harbour Freight, and I’ve been coveting these lovlies for a while now. I really want to get into stamping!
Love all the different fonts, I am gonna have to get myself a couple new ones!
I would love the Bridgette uppercase font!
I like Jeanie and sweet.
hearts & symbols I like too.
I live the whimsical & chabby chic fonts, actually I love them all, I want to win so bad ! I have been making jewelry for a long time now But havent been able to afford any metal working fonts supplies in so long due to always paying for my drs appts, so I would be estactic to win, this and have some new jewelry to make & sell.
I’ve been wanting to get into stamping for awhile now. It’s such a great hobby/craft!
I don’t have any so anything would be a plus for me. Thanks for the giveaway.
Ooh, I want Scarlett’s Signature!
Pick me.. Pick me.. Pick me! I want to win! :)
I like Scarlett’s Signature! I hope I win, I so wanna try metal stamping but can’t afford the tools to start.
They are all cool, but I kinda like Scarlett’s Signature!
I absolutely LOVE your blog! I get your emails, g+, and I have enjoyed the past Crafty Hours you have done! THANK you so much for this post! I have been wanting to start this craft (mostly thanks to YOU!) :) and with all your helpful tips and thoroughness I hope to start soon. I will definitely post some pics so you can see how well you’ve helped!
Thanks so much… looking forward to your future beautiful creations!
Thanks for offering this as a giveaway. I’ve been wanting to try metal stamping but haven’t known where to start! This was helpful.
Love them all….Scarlett was cute! Pick me, I want to make all kinds of jewelry!
newsprint for sure
I love Bridgette! It’s such a bubbly, summery font
I really like the Royal Crest but would be Happy with any of them.
OH YAY!!!!! Love this!!! What a great post! I so want to start this craft! been looking at it for a while and I am in LOVE with it! Would like to purchase the Bridgett and or the Jeanie font sets!
Just love the IA Bridgette font…. this is so cool, would love to be able to do that!!!
Thank you for this opportunity! :)
I would love to win! The Varsity font is my absolute favorite. Thank you for such great giveaway
I really like the tri-swirl design and the Jeanie & Scarlett’s Signature fonts.
Thanks for the chance :-)
Its a tie between Bridgette and Scarlett’s Signature. Both are fun looking fonts :)
Love Scarlett’s Signature font!
I have Ballroom Boogie but I’d love Bridgette, Scarlet or maybe Royal Crest…seriously difficult to choose Impress Art has some AWESOME choices!!!
Love the Jeanie!!
I have several sets of fonts and some ImpressArts for stainless. I always seem to gravitate towards my 2mm font set that is capital letters. I would love more fonts in this size. It would be fun to have to choose which font to use rather than just what fits best!
Jeanie is definitely on my wishlist!
This is all new to me! But Newsprint looks like fun!
I”ve been wanting to try stamping for forever now! I’d totally get some of the symbols and the Greek letters!!
What a great giveaway! Forwarding this to a friend too!
I love Scarlett’s Signature and Ballroom Boogie. Thank you for the chance to win!
Royal Crest looks fun!
I LOVE newsprint! So fabulous!
What a great giveaway, Adrianne! So much fun!
I would love to try that Jeanie font so its going on my wishlist
i like them all :) how can i pick just one?
Bridgette is awesome
I love the moon and shooting star stamps in the Space & Beyond category. I think those would be lots of fun…for starters. :)
I like the Bridgette. is that the 1 you used on ‘sparkle & shine”? Also want the doxie, song bird & sleeping cat. Now, to hit the lottery….
Love the Bridgette! Stamp happy yoga mamma!
Awesome! This is something I’ve wanted to try for a long while ;)
So excited about the new line! Would love to have them all!
I really like all the metal stamping that you have shown. Thanks for the chance to win a stamping set!
I love the way you have presented this, especially the comparison photo. Really gives me something to think about when I start a project. What stamp is next on my wish list? Its hard to decide, I want so many. :-) I think one of the cats, either the Sleeping Cat or the Cat Face but I really like the Butterfly Swirl 2. Oh, they are like potato chips, you always want one more. :-)
The Bridgette is adorable!
I love the Jeanie font!
Really like the Jeanie font
I love that Jeannie font and would love to be able to create some projects with it.
I was wondering if you’d consider adding me to one of your Pinterest boards? The one titled “My Favorite Bloggers.” Of course, only if you like my blog: ZzzonkOwl.blogspot.com
Thanks so much!
Ohhh, I hope I win this! I just sold my other ImpressArt kit that was 3mm because it was too small. I want to purchase either 4, 5, or 6mm but financially can’t at this point LOL. So *fingers crossed*!!!
I have been dying to get my hands on metal stamping supplies! I think it’s my next project . I love Bridget and the old favorite Newsprint. What a cool giveaway!
I have been eyeing Scarlett’s Signature – Uppercase and Lowercase
Digging on Corsiva for sure!
I like the Scarlett signature. Did you know I was OBSESSED with GWTW once upon a time? :-)
I love the Scarlette!
I love the shabby chic designs!
I like simple or newsprint!
Loving the Bridgette!
I like to keep things simple…the newsprint font is my favorite!
I have over 30,000 fonts on my external… being a graphic designer I just love fonts… I love love love the Bridgette or Jeanie.
agree fonts make the project – my favorite to get is the Jeanie.
I love to add to my collection of metal stamps. I enjoy your post and your projects.
I love ImpressArt! I have a few but looking into a few more in upper and lower. Love the newsprint and lowercase Jeanie! What a great giveaway!
I love the varsity letters.
I would love the newsprint letter stamps!! What a fun giveaway!!
This is a wonderful giveaway! Thank you for your lovely blog entries…this is an entertaining and informative one on stamping on metal.
This looks like so much fun!
Love your site! I make handmade jewelry and wanted to get into stamping to bring something new to my jewelry and I’ve thought many times about buying the economy set because of the price but I always talk myself out of it for one reason or another, but I still would like to try it.
I am so into all of ImpressArts fonts! I can’t pick just one to order first! And then there is all the adorable design stamps!
I’m loving the sassy! I dabble in jewelry making and would love to try this!
the jeanie font is calling my name.
I love Jeanie’s whimsical font:)
I like the Newsprint.
It’s a tie between Scarlett’s Signature and Bridgette
Love the newsprint!
What a great giveaway!! I love all the fun fonts!
Love the IA Bridgette font
Love the IA Jeanie font.
Thank you the chance to win this great giveaway!
I really love all the fonts, but I have been wanting the Jeanie and Bridgette
I’m the same way with the stamps! I only have one, and made the mistake of buying cheap industrial. I’ll have to save up and buy something cute!
While I want ALL THE FONTS, I really NEED the Newsprint set.
Metal Stamping Kit w/ Bridgette Boogie Lowercase Stamp Set
I’d love to start out with the Bridgette font set!
I love the Bridgette font, but they are all cute! Thank you for the awesome giveaway!!
I like the Bridgette font! Thanks for the tutorials, love your site!
WhImSiCaL!!!??? I LoVe this font!
I like the way Corsiva looks! I’d love to try that one :)
I love the whimsical font
I have not been stamping for long and am already thinking of all the stamps I would like to use! You hit the nail on the head – the simple industrial set/font was great to learn with but I rarely use it in my projects. It was an inexpensive way to see if metal stamping was for me.
The stick family sets are cute!
I like the Jeanie and the Bridgette fonts.
I really like the Jeannie font!
I like the sassy font!
I love Jeannie! I want to make herb markers. Thanks for the inspiration and for the chance to win.
I love these–the ‘sweet’ is my favorite :)
Love the Bridgette font.
I really like the Jeanie font
Love the sassy and Jeanie fonts!
I love IA Newsprint
Looks like fun! Would love to try it!
I love it when you do ImpressArt giveaways! It makes my heart… happy, happy, happy! <3 <3 <3
I would love to welcome Jeanie to live at my home with the rest of my metal stamping supplies. Im sure she’d fit right in! I hope to add Ballroom Boogie in the near future!
Happy Stamper,
Jennifer Hubbell
Love the newsprint font!
So fun!! I’ve been wanting to get into stamping. I don’t have one, but it like the looks of the Bridget letting! It’s so pretty and I can think of so many projects to do with it. :)
the sporty absolutely being the momma of a boy who LUVS all sports that’s the one that I would use most
I have an industrial set and have not used it yet. I really like the Bridgette font but if I had the Jeanie, it might inspire me to actually make something! ;)
would love to try this .. looks like fun
would love to try this.. looks like fun
Would love to try this craft .. looks like fun
I love the Bridgette font!
The angel stamp will be my next purchase!
I like the sassy and the sporty. This looks like sooo much fun.
That looks like so much fun. I want to win it! :)
The Newsprint looks cool!
I like the SWEET style.
I like the IA Bridgette font.
Carolyn
Carolynscreations@live.com
I like the sweet or newsprint. Thanks
I love the Newsprint font!