You'll need:
1. Metal Stampers. I got this 1/8" 36 piece set with letters and numbers at Hobby Lobby for about $7 with a 40% off coupon. Score!
2. Some sort of string, twine, hemp or leather. This bracelet (or necklace) could be cool with a thicker strap, but I am loving this thin leather I found at Hobby Lobby. It was around $3 for 25 yards.
3. Metal washers. Find 'em at Home Depot (where I picked these up) or hanging out in your garage. For a necklace, I might go smaller, but I love these big ones for a statement bracelet.
While the whole process may seem self-explanatory (hammer the letters into the washer, tie some string and voila!), I struggled at first. My letters were not stamping very well even after I pounded that hammer 16 times--and that, my friends, is no exaggeration. Luckily, Chris, my hero, stepped in and showed me that if you rock the stamper back and forth with each swing of the hammer, the letter gets pressed into the washer perfectly.
Then I just cut two lengths of leather (depending on the size of your wrist) and looped each around the washer and tied it to my wrist. I actually love it for its looks, simplicity, cost and--most importantly--for the message.
Even though I'll be camping the rest of the week with a herd of 12-18 year old girls (oh dear...I really am NOT a camper), I have posts lined up so a beat won't be skipped. And yes, those posts include the curtain and carpet reveal in the studio (you're gonna die), as well as some other fun posts you can look forward to.
Anyone else struggling visualizing me camping? Are you so not surprised the crafts are my favorite part about camp? What letters would you stamp in your washer?
Psst. Through tomorrow get 20% off our Etsy shop with code Memorial20.
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Really a cute idea!
Very beautiful
Thank you sooooo much for the "rocking" idea. It worked like a charm! May I ask what the surface is that is under your washer? Looks like a special board.
Just a cutting board!
How do you get the letters evenly spaced and perfectly wrapped around the washer?
Just take my time.
Beatiful idea.!!
Brazelate!
Love the idea. What brand are. The metal stampers? Looked on line at hobby lobby and couldn't find
I found that using clear (or colored) nail polish as a coating will allow girls with a metal/nickel allergy to wear them too. It forms a barrier between the metal and skin.
Made one for myself today that reads "Stop Pray Obey" ....absolutely love this! Will surely make more in the near future! Thanks for sharing!!
If you use copper washers they will be much easier to hammer on since copper is softer. You can also do a "cheaters patina" to darken the letters. Use a sharpie to color in the letters then wipe off the excess with rubbing alcohol.
That is really great looking. I also get design stamps at http://www.themysticalportal.com and eBay also has a good selection of metal stamps. I love your piece and adding some of the designs with design stamps to the lettering would be awesome. Thanks for the great idea!
that bracelet is rad! i want those stamps! how cool. girls camp rules! you are going to have the best time. and the girls will eat you up cause you're the coolest.
You my goshhhhh girls camppppppp!!!! Eeekeeeeekkkks! Loving that bracelet! How neat! Youre so creative girl. Those girls camp Girls are lucky to have you! Be safe! Have fun!
I love girls camp! And am going to make something similar to this (will probably use a thicker leather) to make bracelets for my girls. Hope you had a great time at camp and thanks for the tutorial!