April Showers

Place rectangle blank vertically on stamping block. Position Flower Ultra Detail Design Stamp on the blank, stamping only the bottom 3/4” of the stamping blank. Use the Tilt & Tap technique to stamp 6mm and larger stamps, or stamps with more details. While applying pressure to the stamp, strike once with medium force. Then without lifting the stamp, continue to strike while very slightly tilting the stamp in a circular motion to catch all sides of the design.

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: Use stamp tape to secure the blank to the stamping block so it doesn’t move while stamping.

Note: Harder metals and stamps with more detail require a harder strike than softer metals and stamps with less detail.

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.

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.

Use Round Nose Pliers to create a rounded bail at the top of the stamping blank. Grab the very end of the top of the blank between the back of the Round Nose Pliers jaws. Rotate the pliers 180-degrees until the bottom jaw is on top, and a round loop is formed. Pull pliers out of the created bail.

Insert the chasing head, with the notch facing down, into the Multi-Function Hammer. Turn the pendant on it’s side and tap the round loop bail a couple of times to line up the seam. Then turn the pendant, stamped side facing up, and use the hammer to tap the top of the bail to close the seam.

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 blanks.

Secure flat back crystals inside stamped divot impressions with jewelry adhesive, and allow to dry.

Slide pendant onto premade chain and close clasp. Allow the necklace to dry completely before wearing.