Ring Around the Rosie
SKILL LEVEL : Intermediate
A hand-stamped key chain is a perfect accessory for not losing your keys, and maybe... not forgetting an important date.
Place circle stamping blank on stamping block.
TIP: Use stamp tape to secure the blank to the stamping block so it doesn't move while stamping.
Stamp a circle design using the Curved Line 19.5mm Metal Stamp.
Position the stamp with the line facing the desired direction of the impression. Place stamp on blank. Hold stamp flat and firmly in place by applying pressure to the stamp and anchoring the side of your hand on workspace.
Use the Tap & Tilt technique to stamp the 19.5mm Curved Line. While applying pressure to the stamp, strike once with medium to hard force. Then without lifting stamp, continue to strike while very slightly tilting the stamp in a circular motion to catch all sides of the curve. To connect curved impressions, tilt stamp and feel for end of the last impression to determine placement then stamp using the Tap & Tilt technique. Repeat to complete circle design, making sure to leave a space for any design stamp accents.
TIP: Place stamping block (with no rubber feet or padding) on a hard sturdy surface when stamping aluminum, brass, or copper with Curved or Line Metal Stamp.
Secure a straight stamp guide on blank. Use the guide marks to evenly space out letters and align stamp impressions.
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.
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.
Further personalize the blank by stamping design stamps of your choice.
Repeat stamping techniques to stamp the remaining rectangle blank.
Pierce a hole in each blank using the 1/16” punch of the 2 Hole Screw Down Punch. Simply turn the handle of the screw down punch until the punch pierces through the stamping blank. Twist the handle of the screw down punch in the opposite direction to raise the punch and remove blank.
TIP: Make sure not to screw the punch down too much as this will mar the surface of the blank and leave an unwanted impression of the base of the screw.
Highlight impressions with Stamp Enamel. Wait 3-5 minutes and then wipe away the excess enamel from the surface of the blanks.
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 stamped blank and carabineer onto jump ring. Laterally twist the jump ring back with tension to close. Repeat technique to attach remaining stamped blank.
NOTE: Do NOT pull outwards on the jump ring as it will weaken the metal and distort the circular shape of the ring.
