I am not a fantastic metal stamper, and sadly, practice doesn’t always make perfect. I am the queen of stamped four-letter words, and even those are crooked. But actually, what I need is a process that camouflages my imperfections as rustic charm and offers the opportunity for do-overs. If this sounds too good to be true, it’s not–read on to learn how in this step-by-step tutorial.

1. Hole Punching

You will need these hole-punching tools and supplies:

• Metal hole punch (I used item #69-235)
• Permanent marker (comes off with a paper towel dipped in rubbing alcohol)
• Rubber block (I used item #69-118)
• Metal charm blanks (I used item #44-498-0)

Use a permanent marker to mark the location of your hanging hole. I prefer the punched hole to be 1-to-2mm from the edge, but this is partially dependent upon the size of the metal blank.

EuroTool’s two-hole metal punch makes holes in two sizes: 1.6mm (1/16″) and 2.3mm (3/32″). I used the smaller 1/16″ hole for my project. The punch is easy to use; line the hole punch up with the mark and slowly twist the crank handle clockwise to punch the hole. Then turn the handle counterclockwise to remove the punch. I have added low-tack masking tape to my hole punch to protect the blank from being scratched.

The finished punched hole–the blank is ready for use in jewelry making.

If you want to skip the task of punching a hole in the blank, you can select from the many metal blanks that come pre-punched and ready for use.

2. Soldering

You will need these soldering tools and supplies:

• –Soldering Iron and Stand (I used item #69-417)
• #69-389 Ranger Non-Stick Craft Sheet (heat resistant)
• #69-418 Hakko Superior-Quality 599B Soldering Iron Tip Cleaner (not shown, I used a damp sponge)
• Soldering Tweezers (I used item #69-429)
• Lead-Free Soft Solder (tin-based) (I used item #69-068)
• #69-052 Stay-Clean Liquid Flux for Soft Solder, 4 oz – HZ*
• #82-596 Craft Brush, Metal Handle
• Small Disposable Container (for flux)

To avoid contaminating the entire bottle of flux, pour a small amount into a disposable or dedicated-to-the-task container.

Dampen the soldering sponge. Plug the soldering iron in and allow it to heat up. Once it is heated, use the damp sponge to clean any ash and debris off the tip. You will repeat this step throughout the project and before putting the soldering iron away for the day. 

Dip the craft brush into the flux container and apply the flux to the brass blank.

Melt a small blob of solder onto the soldering iron tip.

Apply the solder to the brass blank in a sweeping motion. I want my stamped charms to be part solder and part brass so, I am coating only a portion of the blank with solder. You will notice black ash and debris on the solder, not to worry, because it will wash off. 

This process is so quick you can prepare several blanks in a short amount of time. If you aren’t happy with the effect, you can apply more flux to the blank and try again. Remember, soldered items are HOT! I prefer to let them cool naturally before picking them up, but you can also use tweezers if you need to handle them sooner.

3. Clean and Prep

Once the soldered blanks have cooled, put them into a disposable or dedicated-to-the-task washing container.

Use gentle dish soap to wash the brass blanks and remove the flux and soldering debris. Then use paper towels or a soft rag to dry them.

You will need these tools to sand and polish the blanks:

• Rubber block (I used item #69-118)
• #69-257-0004 3M Sanding Sponges, 800-1000 Grit
• #63-537 EURO TOOL Polishing Cloth, Brilliant
• #63-528 EURO TOOL Polishing Pads, Ultra, 2×2″

Use an ultrafine 800-1000 grit sanding sponge to remove any remaining solder debris and smooth the blank’s soldered surface. A rubber block is the perfect work surface for this task; the rubber grips the blank and keeps it from scooting around while you sand.

Use a polishing pad or cloth to smooth and buff the blank’s surface. No need to make it perfect; remember we are trying for “rustic charm”!

4. Metal Stamping

You will need these tools to stamp words on the soldered blanks:

• Metal Stamping Set of your choice (I used item #69-240-530-L)
• Brass Hammer of your choice (I used item #69-345)
• Steel Block (I used item #69-125)
• #69-118 Rubber Bench Block, 4x4x1″

• Plan your stamped word. Based on my 3mm letter stamps and 19mm round blank, I am stamping short words of five letters or less.
• Plan the layout of your word on the blank. You can use a ruler and marker to plan and mark the position of each letter.

• Work on a stable workbench or table. I think standing up when you stamp gives you the best control.
• Stack the steel block on top of the rubber block, this will deaden the blow which makes metal stamping a tiny bit quieter and less stressful on your hammer-swinging arm.
• Tape down the blank on the steel block.
• Use a large brass hammer. The brass is a softer metal than steel and will prolong the life of your metal stamps. The large hammer’s head makes stamping easier.

These stamped charms turned out pretty good, and are ready fro finishing. Keep in mind if you mess up, just go back to the soldering step and remelt the solder–for an almost instant do-over!

5. Patina Finish

You will need these patina supplies:

• Novacan Black Patina
• Cotton Swab
• Disposable work surface
• Rubber block (I used item #69-118)
• #63-528 EURO TOOL Polishing Pads, Ultra, 2×2″

Novacan Black Patina is my favorite “darken it quickly” patina. I prefer applying the patina with a cotton swab because it allows more control than dipping, plus there is less waste (just a drop will do).

Dip a cotton swab into the patina and apply it to the stamped letters. Rub the cotton swab back and forth over the letters to darken deep in the crevices. It is okay if the patina doesn’t look very neat at this stage.

Now use the polishing pad or polishing cloth to polish the patina off the high part of the solder so that just the darkened letters remain. Now the stamped words really “pop”!

6. Turn your Charms into Jewelry

“Blue Moon Earrings” by Rings & Things designer Mollie Valente.

Just added a pair of French earring hooks to your creations for instant jewelry that is ready to wear!

“Maker Bracelet” by Rings & Things designer Mollie Valente.

Just add a stamped word charm to personalize a stretchy gemstone bracelet.

Make things!

Mollie

www.rings-things.com