https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/metal-stamped-cuff-2 • Posted by Thepotatolarcenist
I know I'm probably about 5 years too late to this trend but hey, better late than never right? Despite being a beginner (I don't use that term lightly, I started like a week ago), I thought that maybe a 'For beginners, by beginners' type of tutorial would be useful for some people. I have a more detailed version on my blog where I also elaborate about the materials and where to get them so check that out if you're interested http://thepotatolarcenist.blogspot.sg/2013/12/metal-stamping-game-is-afoot.html (I can't seem to get it to work in the promotion bar :/)
I know I'm probably about 5 years too late to this trend but hey, better late than never right? Despite being a beginner (I don't use that term lightly, I started like a week ago), I thought that maybe a 'For beginners, by beginners' type of tutorial would be useful for some people. I have a more detailed version on my blog where I also elaborate about the materials and where to get them so check that out if you're interested http://thepotatolarcenist.blogspot.sg/2013/12/metal-stamping-game-is-afoot.html (I can't seem to get it to work in the promotion bar :/)
Materials -Metal stamps -Hammer -Flat Wire (Mine's 5x1mm) -Hard surface to stamp on/ Bench Block -Permanent Marker -Masking Tape
Additional Materials for flat wire -Wire cutter -File -Sand paper (400 grit) -Nail buffer
For a cuff, take the exact measurement of your wrist and subtract 1/2 an inch. That will be the amount of flat wire needed. So since my wrist is 5.5inches, my wire needs to be 5 inches
Mark the middle of your cuff
Decide on your phrase and number each character, including spacing, to find the middle of your phrase. This is where the previously marked center should be
Lay out your stamps. I prefer to start with the second half of the phrase. If you start from the first half, start from the last letter of the first half ('I' for me) and go backwards.
Stamp away! It's hard to see in the photo but you should be able to see the reflection of the metal stamp in the metal. Use that reflection to guide you when you stamp. Use masking tape or any tape really to make sure you stamp in a straight line.
This is what it should look like when it's done! If you're curious, since I didn't buy a punctuation set, I improvised with a 1.4mm flat screwdriver as the apostrophe in "I've"
Ink up your letters! If you prefer how it looks au naturel, then great! But if you want your characters to stand out more, then you're gonna have to use a permanent marker to colour them in. Just make sure that you get ink into all the grooves
Inked
Use a tissue or a damp rag to wipe off the excess ink . Most people use a sharpie but I find that sharpie ink is harder to get out. I used Cretacolor and this ink comes off with a tissue paper. I will admit that Sharpie's ink pops better though.
Cleaned
Since flat wire has to be manually cut, the edges are usually a little sharp and stabby. So the edges need to be rounded Start by snipping off the 90 edges
Round the edges by filing it in the depicted motion. I suggest holding your file in place and moving the flat wire against it.
When you're done, it should look like this
This is optional but I find that filing this edge makes it less scratchy when the cuff is slid onto the wrist.
To make it smoother, sand it on 400 grit sand paper. Don't forget the edge that was filed in the previous step.
Lastly, buff it until it's shiny
Shiny!
Now, it's shaping the cuff. You could use a bracelet mandrel or nylon jaw bending pliers but those are about $15 and $20 respectively ie out of my price range. First, wrap it around anything cylindrical to get the C shape in the second picture. Then hold it as depicted and apply pressure with your thumbs
And you should get this shape!
And voila, you're done! Now show off your bracelet to the world