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Stars Align

SKILL LEVEL : Intermediate

Express your own individuality by aligning your own hand-stamped zodiac star sign. Added to a medallion bracelet, your star sign will be sure to make a ‘Big Bang’ stellar statement!

Step 1

Place texture stamp of your choice in the Multi-Function Hammer, with the notch in the stamp facing down (when notch is available). Secure stamp in the hammer by tightening the screw at the bottom of the hammer.

Step 2

Place bracelet blank on stamping block. Hold the hammer with the palm of your hand over the screw. Then while holding the bracelet in place, stamp the blank repeatedly with medium force until only the ends of the bracelet blank are textured. Place bracelet blank aside.

Note: Do NOT texture the medallion circle of the bracelet blank.

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 3

Center the zodiac constellation guide over circle stamping blank. Use guide marks to stamp zodiac design, working from largest star to smallest. 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. For a spark of color, stamp select stars with the crystal setter. Remove stamp guide.

Step 4

Adhere a straight or circle stamp guide on the blank. Use the guidelines to evenly space out letters and align stamp impressions in either a straight line or on a curve.

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.

Step 5

Place stamp on blank, in line with 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 before striking with medium force using Metal Stamping Hammer. Repeat to complete the 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 the guide while dragging the stamp. Make sure you hold the stamp flat and firmly in place before striking the stamp.

Step 6

Place blank, stamped side down, inside dapping cavity of dapping block. Hold punch in the center of blank and tap the punch with the Metal Stamping Hammer until blank is evenly domed into a convex shape.

Step 7

Highlight impressions with Stamp Enamel. Wait 3-5 minutes and then wipe away the excess enamel from the surface of the blanks.

Step 8

Use the Bracelet Bending Bar to bend the blank into a cuff shape. Place one end of blank into the channel with the stamped side facing up. Firmly place your thumb against the end of the bracelet to secure it in place. Using the palm of your hand, bend the bracelet halfway around the bar until it forms a 90-degree angle. Repeat on the other side to finish shaping a bracelet.

Step 9

Continue to round out only the ends of the cuff with Bracelet Bending Pliers. Match the curvature of the pliers to the curvature of the bracelet. Then begin at each end of the bracelet and squeeze down. Work towards the center of the bracelet, stopping just before the medallion circle.

Note: Do NOT bend the medallion circle of the bracelet blank.

Step 10

Use flush cutters to cut the bail off the bezel. Use coarse grit on the Matte Finish Buffing Block to soften any sharp edges. Hold the buffing block in the palm of hand and use downward strokes with moderate pressure to file sharp edges. Repeat until edges are smooth to touch.

Note: Be sure not to scratch the surface of the blank.

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

Step 11

Secure flat back crystal 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 12

Use the jewelry adhesive to secure stamped circle blank inside the bezel. Then adhere the bezel to the circle medallion part of the bracelet. Allow the bracelet to dry completely before wearing it.