Make a stamped metal bracelet with your name on it or one for a friend. It’s fun and we’ll show you how. We’ll introduce you to metal alphabet stamps, a jewelry hammer, and how to use a jeweler’s bench block. Plus we have tips to make the stamping nice and clear!
Follow along with this video we made then use the steps below to make your own. If you have any questions or comments, leave us a comment below and we’ll reply.
How To Make A Stamped Metal Bracelet
Materials
Metal Blank With Holes, 6mmx35mm
Metal alphabet stamps, 3mm
2 Silk cording pieces, 6” long each
Silver wire, 24-gauge
Magnet clasp
Tools & Supplies
Hammer
Jeweler’s bench block
Double-stick tape
Wire cutters
Scissors
Optional: Mouse pad
Steps
1. To spell out a name, attach the metal blank to the bench block with double-stick tape. We like to just put a piece of double-stick tape right on the jeweler’s block.
Then we press the metal blank onto the tape. This will keep the metal blank from jumping around on the jeweler’s block while you are hammering.
2. Find the center of the metal blank and set the central letter in that spot. (We like to rest the bench block on an upside-down mouse pad to keep it from slipping and absorb some of the hammer strike.) Hold the letter stamp perpendicular to the metal blank and hit it once with a medium tap from the hammer. Do not pick up the stamp – keep it in place.
3. Holding the stamp in the same spot, tap it in four directions to get a more complete impression. To do this, tilt the stamp to the right, then strike it with the hammer. Tilt the stamp towards you, strike it, to the left, strike it, and away from you and strike it.
4. Repeat to imprint the next letter to the right. Then the next letter to the left. Continue until the name is stamped. If your name doesn’t fit, look for a smaller font size when you buy the metal stamps.
5. Slide a piece of cord through the hole in one end of the blank.
Fold the end back on itself about one inch. Cut a 4-inch piece of wire. Wrap it around the overlapped cord about 8-10 times.
Trim the wire ends with wire cutters.
6. Repeat to add the other piece of cord to the other side of the stamped blank.
7. Measure the bracelet to see where to attach the clasps. Then use the same technique to attach the clasp to the loose ends of the cords. Trim the cord ends with scissors.
Stamping is a bit tricky the first time you try it, so go easy on yourself. Think practice not perfection. We do practice stamps all the time using inexpensive copper blanks. And when we make a bracelet like this, we buy several blanks to have on hand in case we mess one up. Don’t worry. They are cheap! This is definitely worth getting good at because you can customize and personalize so many things! Pendants, key chains, bracelets! And it’s so fun to give a personalized handmade item as a gift!
Let us know if you have any questions. We are here to help!
Cheers,
Jennifer & Kitty
This is so cool. I have always loved this type of jewelry and hated to pay for them, but did not possess the know- how to make my own. Now, thanks to you, I know whay I need to know. Thank you so much for sharing your talents and gifts
Thank you Jeannie!