Step 1
(Optional) Buff surface of the blanks to a matte finish using Matte Finish Buffing Blocks. Use medium grit to create a brushed matte textured surface. Hold buffing block in palm of hand and use even, smooth downward strokes to buff the surface to a matte finish. Repeat until desired texture is achieved.
Note: High Polish Finish Blocks & Matte Finish Buffing blocks can be used on all ImpressArt blanks excluding ImpressArt Artisan collection plated blank.
Step 2
If stamping on both sides of the snowflake blank, adhere a scratch protector on stamping block to reduce marring. Then place snowflake blank on stamping block. Secure a straight stamp guide on the blank. Use the guide marks to evenly space out letters and align stamp impressions.
TIP: Use stamp tape to secure the snowflake 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.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
Place ball pein texture stamp in the Multi-Function Hammer, with the notch in the stamp facing down. Secure stamp in the hammer by tightening the screw at the bottom of the hammer.
Set blank on stamping block. Hold the hammer with your palm of your hand over the screw. Then while holding the bracelet in place, stamp only the edge of the blank repeatedly with medium force until the entire outside edge of the blank is textured with a bevel effect.
TIP: Use stamp tape to secure the blank to the stamping block so it doesn’t move while texturing. You will be able to texture the blank through the tape.
Step 5
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. Remove blank from block. Repeat steps 2-5to stamp the remaining side of the snowflake.
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.
Step 6
Highlight impressions with Stamp Enamel. Wait 3-5 minutes and then wipe away the excess enamel from the surface of the blanks.
Step 7
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.
Step 8
Secure flat back crystals inside stamped divot impressions with jewelry adhesive, and allow to dry. Use tweezers to help set crystals in place, making sure not to scratch the crystals.
Step 9
Slide stamped snowflake blanks together and use jewelry glue to secure them in place.
Step 10
Attach a ribbon to the top of the ornament using a Lark’s Head Knot. Fold the length of the ribbon in half at the center. Take the fold and slide it through the hole in the ornament. Take the two ends of the ribbon and pass them through the loop made by the fold of the ribbon. Pull tight to secure the ribbon to the ornament.
