Step 1
Rotate stamping block so it's positioned in a diamond shape. If stamping on both sides of the bracelet blank, Adhere a scratch protector on stamping block to reduce marring. Then place bracelet blank on stamping block. Secure a straight stamp guide on the bracelet blank. Use the guide marks to evenly space out letters and align stamp impressions.
TIP: Use stamp tape to secure the bracelet blank to the stamping block so it doesn’t move while stamping.
TIP: Write desired message directly onto the stamp guide and utilize the guideline marks for spacing.
Step 2
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 word.
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.
TIP: Harder metals and stamps with more detail require a harder strike than softer metals and stamps with less detail.
NOTE: For lowercase letters g, j, p, q, y: Place bottom of the stamp on the thin horizontal blue line that runs through the guide marks.
Step 3
After stamping the first line, move the straight stamp guide down and repeat the technique to finish stamping any additional lines. Rotate block or blank to change the direction of your stamped impression.
TIP: If stamp guide becomes unusable due to rips or markings, then use a new straight stamp guide to complete the project.
Step 4
Stamp design stamps of your choice around the stamped words or quote to further personalize the bracelet.
TIP: 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.
Step 5
Highlight impressions with Stamp Enamel. Wait 3-5 minutes and then wipe away the excess enamel from the surface of the blank.
Step 6
Use the Bracelet Bending Bar to bend the blank into a cuff shape. Place one end of blank into the channel with the stamped side facing up. Firmly place your thumb against the end of the bracelet to secure it in place. Using the palm of your hand, bend the bracelet halfway around the bar until it forms a 90-degree angle. Repeat on the other side to finish shaping a bracelet.
Step 7
Continue to round out the cuff with Bracelet Bending Pliers. Match the curvature of the pliers to the curvature of the bracelet. Then begin in the center of the bracelet and squeeze down. Work towards each end to give bracelet a rounded finish.
Step 8
Use the fine and super fine grit on the High Polish Finishing Block to clean and buff metal to a high shine. Or use the medium grit on the Matte Finish Buffing Block to create a brushed matte surface.
Note: High Polish Finish Blocks & Matte Finish Buffing blocks can be used on all ImpressArt blanks excluding ImpressArt Artisan collection plated blanks.
