Gingerbread Cottage

(Optional) Buff surface of the blanks to a matte finish using Matte Finish Buffing Blocks. Use medium grit to create a brushed matte textured surface. Hold buffing block in palm of hand and use even, smooth downward strokes to buff the surface to a matte finish. Repeat until desired texture is achieved.

Note: High Polish Finish Blocks & Matte Finish Buffing blocks can be used on all ImpressArt blanks excluding ImpressArt Artisan collection plated blank.

Place roof stamping blank on stamping block.

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 details of the roof design 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. Remove blank from block. Repeat steps 2 & 3 to stamp the remaining side of the roof.

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.

Set the front of the cottage on stamping block. Stamp front of house using design stamps of your choice. Position design stamp on the 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.

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

Continue to personalize gingerbread cottage with names, dates, and initials. Personalize by stamping names. Secure a straight stamp guide on blank. Use the guide marks to evenly space out letters and align stamp impressions.

TIP: Write desired message directly onto the stamp guide and utilize the guideline marks for spacing.

Place stamp on blank, above the corresponding mark on the stamp guide. Lightly drag stamp towards the guide until the stamp catches the edge of the guide. Hold stamp flat and firmly in place by anchoring the side of your hand on workspace. Then strike stamp once with medium force using Metal Stamping Hammer. Repeat to complete desired date, initials, or word. Remove stamp guide.

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: Slightly tilt the stamp towards you while dragging the stamp towards the guide. Make sure you hold the stamp flat and firmly in place before striking the stamp.

Once designs are finished being stamped, set front of cottage blank aside. Repeat Steps 4-6 to stamp the remaining sides, door, and base of the gingerbread cottage if desired.

Highlight impressions with Stamp Enamel. Wait 3-5 minutes and then wipe away the excess enamel from the surface of the blanks.

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 blank.

Secure flat back crystals inside stamped divot impressions with jewelry adhesive, and allow to dry. Use tweezers to help set crystals in place, making sure not to scratch the crystals.

Use jewelry adhesive to begin assembling the sides of the gingerbread cottage by running a bead of glue along the edge of the blanks. Once all four sides are glued together, place a rubber band around the cottage to hold the structure in place while it dries. Finish assembling gingerbread cottage by gluing the two stamped roof blanks on top of the house.

Let gingerbread cottage dry completely for at least 24 hours.