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Jan 13, 2013 by Dblair

Even if you've never stamped on metal before, you can make these shimmery earrings in just a few easy steps.

Here's what you'll need:

Circle pendants or blanks (I used 20.5mm antique silver-plated blanks from FusionBeads.com)
Star or snowflake charms (shown here are 6mm sterling silver starburst charms from Nina Designs)
Jump rings
Ear wires
1/8" or 1/16" metal alphabet stamp set
Bench block
Hammer
Black permanent marker, such as a Sharpie
Extra-fine steel wool, or a polishing pad (I like the Pro Polish pad from Beaducation.com)
2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers

		Place the pendant or blank on a steel bench block. Hold the letter stamp perpendicular to the blank and strike the stamp very deliberately with the hammer. Do not strike the hammer more than once because the stamp will move ever so slightly and your letter will be blurred. Continue in this manner until your entire word has been stamped.
		Darken the letters using a permanent marker.
		Buff off the excess color using a polishing pad or steel wool, leaving the impressions black. Use jump rings to attach the charms to the blank, then attach the ear wires.
Get creative! Metal stamps come in a variety of designs and fonts. Some of my favorite sources, not only for stamps but for tips as well, are Beaducation.com, PJ Tool Jewelry, and Artbeads.com. Happy stamping! Debbie Blair, Managing Editor

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