Wedding Date Necklace Tutorial

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue

Designer Tips

• Stamp design: If you're new to stamping, see metal stamping technique sheet.
• When stamping the date, keep in mind that tiny stamps require less stamping strength than larger stamps. Don't stamp too hard or the date will be hard-to-read globs.
• Use a center punch for the dot between the numbers in the date. Again, be careful not to stamp too hard.
• The border stamps are awesome but a little tricky -- make sure you have good lighting before using. The Simple Strike Jig can help make sure you stamp evenly. You may need a spare blank on hand when learning to use a new border stamp on a new shape. This example was my first try and I only had one heart and I had an urgent deadline! (Yikes)

• After stamping, put dots of Cobalt "patina" over the pattern and dab it into the crevices with fingertip or cotton swab. Let dry. When thoroughly dry, use circular motion to sand off excess with microfine sanding sponge.
• Pick 8 or so beads that match your wedding colors. (This wedding had browns and hydrangea blue as its colors.) Use a 1-step looper and head pins to make 8 single-bead dangles.
• Decide on length of choker (use 12-16" of chain). Use medium jump rings to attach chain to heart. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF)
• Cut chain in back. Use another medium jump ring to attach clasp to chain. Put a large jump ring at the other end, to make the necklace easy to clasp.
• Pick out 4 small (approx 4mm) matching jump rings from the jump ring mix. Make sure one fits through the chain. Put 4 beaded dangles on one. Hang this from another jump ring so the dangles hang nicely when worn. Attach about 5 links out from the heart. Repeat on other side.
  

Suggested Supplies

• 1 each #44-741-52 ImpressArt Pewter Blank, Heart with Border - Large
• 1 each [use a few drops] #86-420-999 Ranger Patina Kit, Vintaj - Antique Window
• A few colors of 4mm #5328 Swarovski crystal bicone beads - click into any color to additional colors and sizes
• 1 ounce [use 8] #37-421-1 White Plated Head Pin, 7/8", Standard
• 1 spool [use 12-16"] #40-099-13-1 White Plated Cable Chain SPOOL, 2.1mm
• 1 72-pack [use 2] #39-249-1 White Plated Lobster Clasp, 7x14mm
• 1 ounce [use 8] #37-100-1 White Plated Jump Ring, Round, Assorted Sizes

Tools

• #69-246-33 ImpressArt Metal Stamp Set, Wedding Pack
• #69-240-530-L The BeadSmith 3mm (1/8") Uppercase Gothic Alphabet (Letter) Metal Stamps Set, Letters
• #69-364 Center Punch, 4pc
• #69-245-323 ImpressArt Metal Stamp, Curved Flag Border, 6mm
• #69-123 EURO TOOL Combo Bench Block
• #69-345 EURO TOOL Hammer, Brass, 2lb
• #69-302-06 ImpressArt Simple Strike Jig for 6mm stamps