Me & My Mini Me

Place 5/8” tag stamping blank on stamping block. Secure a straight stamp guide on blank. Use the guide marks to evenly space out letters and align stamp impressions.

TIP: Use stamp tape to secure the blank to the stamping block so it doesn’t move while stamping.

TIP: Write desired message directly onto the stamp guide and utilize the guideline marks for spacing.

Place stamp on blank, above the corresponding mark on the stamp guide. Lightly drag stamp towards the guide until the stamp catches the edge of the guide. Hold stamp flat and firmly in place by anchoring the side of your hand on workspace. Then strike stamp once with medium force using Metal Stamping Hammer. Repeat to complete desired date, initials, or word. Remove stamp guide. Place blank aside.

TIP: If the stamp has an ImpressArt logo, make sure it is facing you so that the impression is stamped in the correct direction.

TIP: Slightly tilt the stamp towards you while dragging the stamp towards the guide. Make sure you hold the stamp flat and firmly in place before striking the stamp.

Place another 5/8" blank on stamping block. Position a Birth Flower Design Stamp on the blank. Use the Tilt & Tap technique to stamp 6mm and larger stamps, or stamps with more details. While applying pressure to the stamp, strike once with medium force. Then without lifting the stamp, continue to strike while very slightly tilting the stamp in a circular motion to catch all sides of the design.

Note: Harder metals and stamps with more detail require a harder strike than softer metals and stamps with less detail.

For a spark of color, stamp using a crystal setter. Hold crystal setter flat and firmly in place on the stamping blank. Strike with medium force using metal stamping hammer until a round indentation is formed in the stamping blank. The indentation should be deep enough so that the edges of the crystal are set in the divot and the top of the crystal protrudes out from the blank.

NOTE: Don’t position crystal punch too close to the blank’s edge as this may cause the blank to bulge out and distort as the metal spreads.

Use the fine and super fine grit on the High Polish Finishing Block to clean and buff metal to a high shine.

Note: High Polish Finish Blocks & Matte Finish Buffing blocks can be used on all ImpressArt blanks excluding ImpressArt Artisan collection plated blank.

Secure flat back crystals inside stamped divot impressions with jewelry adhesive, and allow to dry.

Use the tips of two chain nose pliers to grasp the sides of a jump ring, with the opening of the jump ring facing up between the two pliers. Laterally twist each side of the jump ring in opposite directions to open the ring. Slide blank and drape premade chain onto jump ring. Laterally twist the jump ring back with tension to close. Repeat to attach remaining blank.

NOTE: Do NOT pull outwards on the jump ring as it will weaken the metal and distort the circular shape of the ring.

Allow the necklace to dry completely before wearing. Repeat project tutorial to complete a mini matching necklace with the ⅜” circle tag blanks.