Raise your hand if you’re ready for Spring! Can you see both my hands in the air? I am SO done with this winter…it snows practically every day here in Artsy Land and we got two feet of it dumped on us last week. I’m ready to pack up my boots and trade this weather for flowers and sunshine! To help cheer us all up, some of #myfavoritebloggers and I got together and created a bunch of springtime-themed projects I think you’re going to enjoy. Here’s mine!
Hand Stamped “Bloom” Necklace
Materials {note: some of my materials were provided by ImpressArt. All opinions are my own}.
– stamping blank {I like to use ImpressArt’s soft strike blanks because they’re SO easy to work with}
– letter stamps
– Leaf Tree design stamp
– Metal Stamping Hammer
– jump ring
– small bead in a springy color
– head pin
– necklace chain and clasp
– Bic Mark-It fine tip black marker
– needle nose pliers and wire cutters
– polishing cloth
Step 1: To create this necklace, I started out just like I do with any metal stamping project. I placed my stamping blank on a steel block, chose my letters and designs, and hammered the stamps where I wanted them to go. If you’ve never done metal stamping and want a basic step-by-step tutorial with lots of photos of the process, be sure to check out my Metal Stamping Basics post and then come back here for more on this project.
Step 2: Here’s where things got FUN! I tried a new technique I’d never attempted before. I’ve made two other necklaces in this same basic style, the “be still” necklace, and the “honestly” necklace, but I didn’t think to try and texturize them! You see, the hammers I had in the past were like miniature versions of ‘normal’ hammers. But the one ImpressArt sent me a few months ago is different…see how one end is for the stamping, but the other end is rounded? That’s for adding texture!
All you do is turn the hammer so that you’re using that rounded side, and tap all over your piece! Look! See how gorgeous that is? Instant texture! I. am. obsessed. I want to do this to every piece I own.
Step 3: As always, to make the stamped design stand out, I colored it in using my Bic Mark-It permanent marker {because it’s non-toxic and acid free!}, then I went back and got rid of that excess by using a polishing cloth. You can also remove it quickly and easily by using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Step 4: At this point, my stamped blank was finished. I just placed a pretty purple bead on a head pin, made a quick wire loop, and added a jump ring to both the bead and the blank so that I could hang them from my chain. For a basic tutorial on beading and making a wire loop, see my Simple Beading post.
There you have it; a pretty, texturized necklace that makes you think Spring! If you’re in the mood for more Springtime projects, you should definitely check out some of the things #myfavoritebloggers came up with this month!
From top down, left to right: Stamped “Bloom” Necklace from One Artsy Mama, Spring Centerpiece from Happy Go Lucky, Washi Tape Popsicle Stick Flowers from The Benson Street, Simple Circle Pinwheels from Creative Capital B, Semi Homemade Strawberry Shortcake from Seven Alive, Five Minute Hair Pins from It Happens in a Blink and Suburble, Kool-Aid Dyed Yarn in Your Microwave from 4 You with Love, Color-able Free Printable Spring Banner from Do Small Things with Love, Fairy Guesthouse from Happy Hour Projects, and Geometric Print Vase from Pitter and Glink. Enjoy!
Tiff says
It’s so dainty. I love it.
Heather says
This necklace is so pretty! You are such a talented lady!
Glenna Anderson says
You’re an enabler Amy! I’m trying so hard not to run out and buy one of these. lol Love your projects!
Jean Israel says
That is really pretty!! I gotta tell you Amy…the home we own used to belong to Jeff’s grandparents, and great-grandparents before them (who built it). There are so many bits and pieces of supplies *buttons, yarn, thread, needles, etc* that belonged to Jeff’s grandma that I have NO CLUE what to do with, but refuse to get rid of…I need to organize them and take a picture. I think you could come up with some amazing ideas!!
Marilyn says
Amy this is so beautiful! I’ve been wanting to try metal stamping…..You’ve inspired me to give it a try! 😀
Tara says
I love stamping! I’ve been practicing quite a bit. That textured look is awesome – I love it!
Nancy says
that hammer is so cool! I want one!
Sky says
That texture is awesome! Who knew this is what the rounded end of these kinds of hammers are for- not me! 🙂 Great job hon!
dancers4life says
I know!! I had no idea!
Trisha says
good god woman, thats gorgeous! The finishing touches with the marker, perfect! Ive been wanting to know how to do this for a while, thank you so much for showing me.
Kara says
I so need to try metal stamping. You make it look so easy!