Constellation Prize
SKILL LEVEL : Intermediate
A metal-stamped gift made by hand and from the heart is nowhere close to a consolation prize… and we’re not ‘lion’! Give this a’roar’ble personalized bezel constellation necklace to anyone that manes the world to you! Make their necklace even more personal by adding a crystal so they can 'shine bright like...’ their birthstone or crystal of their choice.
Place square bezel insert on stamping block. Center the zodiac constellation guide over square stamping blank. Use guide marks to stamp zodiac design, working from largest star to smallest. 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.
For a spark of color, stamp desired design details with the 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.
Highlight impressions with Stamp Enamel. Wait 3-5 minutes and then wipe away the excess enamel from the surface of the blank.
Buff stamped blank to a brilliant, high-shine finish using High Polish Finish Blocks. Use fine grit to quickly clean and polish blanks. Hold buffing block in the palm of the hand and move the block in even, back and forth strokes to remove dirt and dried enamel left on the raised surfaces. Use extra fine grit for buffing to a high shine. Hold buffing block in the palm of hand and buff in tiny, back and forth strokes with light pressure to get a mirror-like shine.
Secure flat back crystals inside stamped divot impressions with jewelry adhesive. Use tweezers to help set crystals in place, making sure not to scratch the crystals. Then use the jewelry adhesive to adhere the small square blank in the center of the large square blank.
Use the tips of two chain nose pliers to grasp the sides of a jump ring, with the opening of the jump ring facing up between the two pliers. Laterally twist each side of the jump ring in opposite directions to open the ring. Slide stamped bezel pendant and pre-made chain onto jump ring. Laterally twist the jump ring back with tension to close. NOTE: Do NOT pull outwards on the jump ring as it will weaken the metal and distort the circular shape of the ring.
Allow necklace to dry completely before wearing it.
