To start off, I thought I'd give a little tutorial for just the stamping, so I can refer to it in the coming tutorials. So wait a week to see what you can do with these if you think this is boring. :)
First, you'll need your materials. You'll need washers, a steel stamp set, hammer, and a permanent sharpie marker. I also used one of those thin flexible plastic cutting boards on top of concrete as a pounding surface. You can use any size washer you want, but I used 1/4 inch washers for the small ones and 5/8 inch washers for the large ones. I started out buying a few from the bulk section, but then when back and bought a whole box when I saw how many fun things you can do with them. Also, be sure to buy extra washers because you're sure to make mistakes.
I ordered my stamp set from Harbor Freight online for $5 (plus $7 shipping). It's been well worth the investment already with the number of things I've been able to make with them.
You start by stamping your washers. You need to do this on a HARD surface. I used concrete with something (a thin flexible cutting board) to protect the back of the washer. You don't want anything with any bounce to it because you won't get a good letter impression. I found 4-5 pounds with the hammer got a good impression. You have to be very careful, though, not to move the stamp AT ALL between pounds.
One by one, you should get letters like this.
Then I wipe the washer with a baby wipe. Having the surface just slightly damp seems to help the marker wipe off better. Then color over the letters with a permanent marker, making sure to get ink in all the grooves.
Wait a few seconds and wipe off with a baby wipe.
If it dries too long, you might need to scrape it off with your fingernail or something, but it will come off because permanent marker doesn't stick to metal all that well. If you're still having trouble getting it off, you can color over it again with the sharpie. Doing it again will re-dissolve the pen and make it easier to wipe off.
Then you should end up with a nicely stamped washer ready for lots of fun projects, like...
...or Washer Earrings
...and more washer posts coming next week.
Also, you can enter my giveaway for your own custom stamped washer keychain here.
After the first few comments people left, I figured we could use a linky to link up any washer projects other people have done. Please link up if you've done some. If you've got pics you'd like to share, but they're not in a blog post, feel free to email me and I can add them for you.
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Your washers look great! I tried to do this for Mother's Day and busted my thumb open when I went to stamp the third letter. I haven't been brave enough to get the washers and hammer back out yet:)
ReplyDeleteI can tell you that the "hiking grandma" LOVES the way these turned out. I'll have to send you a photo of me wearing the gorgeous necklace.
ReplyDeleteI made some of these as end of the year teacher gifts. I chose the word "Inspire" and they tured out SO cute! I also made some for our Sunday School teachers and AWANA teachers and used the word "Faith" Now I think it's time to make one for me and my daughters LOL!
ReplyDeleteI don't keep baby wipes at my house anymore and I had a difficult time getting the marker off my washer. I found that nail polish remover works GREAT!
I thought about making key chains out of these for the men we need gifts for. So many possibilities!!!!
wow! love it :) come on over and link up to making monday marvelous! happy memorial day!!
ReplyDeletethose are amazing!
ReplyDeleteoopss!! I linked my washer necklace, but its not stamped. Just another idea on how to make necklaces with washers.....but i am still working out the kinks! LOL
ReplyDeleteOh, you must have strong arms! /great job and thank you for sharing the making process!
ReplyDeleteLove your Dad/Grandpa washer keychain! So FuN!! I would LoVe it if you linked it up on my {Father's Day Idea} link I have going!!
ReplyDeletehttp://thecreativecrate.blogspot.com/2010/06/link-up-your-fathers-day-ideas.html
Thanks so much for sharing!!
You are awesome!! Thanks for link-in up!! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's for the tutorial. I had no idea the stamp sets were so inexpensive. I'll be adding those to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteAwesome ideas! Thanks for sharing! I'm making my husband and Dad a keychain....they are manly enough for them to actually use! I've linked up some of my ideas also. They are fun to make!!!
ReplyDeleteterelauritsen.blogspot.com
Join my link party tomorrow!
I LOVE this idea! I will try some of your washer ideas this week; we happen to own some of those cool alphabet stamps. (...and my husband thought they were *his*!!!)
ReplyDeleteWhere did you find your steel stamp set and how much was it?
ReplyDeleteIs is possible to do this project with rubber stamps?
ReplyDeleteAmy
I am definitely going to make some for Xmas presents !
ReplyDeleteThanks Polly!
ReplyDeleteI would love to know what kind of drill & bit you guys are using when you drill your washers! =)
This is exactly what I made for Father's Day! Even with the bigger/smaller washers! Love it!
ReplyDeleteRebecca@RootsAndWingsCo
I just ordered 4 sets of the tools to use at my MOPS meeting. This is a great craft and well within our budget.
ReplyDeleteProbably a stupid question... but about the washers, are they just regular zinc washers from the hardware store?
ReplyDeleteHi! Thanks for the idea. I just picked up my first steel stamp set @ harbor freight. Went to Home Depot and got some washers. I went to work. Your right the best bet is on the cement floor. I tired it on a thin rug, no go. It was so much fun. I can't wait to do more. I will make some and post a photo on my new blog in the next few days. I have just tired so hard to retrace my history so I could find this thread. It took me a while then I googled steel stamp washer and this was the top link! Thanks so much for sharing this with me. Jessie =)
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic idea. Love it! And it looks like the tool kit needed isn't too expensive. Always a good thing. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love this. I just came across your site after some serious "click here then there" action. I hope you don't mind, but I pinned this to Pintrest so I can give this a try.
ReplyDeleteI tried this and can't seem to get an impression on the washers. I'm hitting as hard as I can! Are your washers made of a different kind of metal? I bought mine at Home Depot in the bulk section.
ReplyDeleteI used the same kind of washers that you are. I find I have to pound them about 4-5 times in a row really hard AND you have to be doing in on a really hard surface. Just be sure you don't move the stamp at all in between pounds because then you'll get double impressions. I usually do it on the cement floor in my garage. I have not been able to do it on a table or the flour inside because there is too much "bounce." Hope that helps! If you have any other questions, it's better to email me directly at polly.helping.little.hands (at) gmail (dot) com so I can reply directly. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHi All - I just started making these, and I found a steel "block" that cost about $10. It was right next to the stamps. It works perfectly when pounding the letters. I just do it on my table, and the steel block is heavy enough that it doesn't "bounce".
ReplyDeleteGood Luck!
Which washers do you use? I have had trouble with the bigger washers being way too hard and not making an impression. The little washers stamp really nicely!
ReplyDeleteI made necklaces following these directions & had problems with the finish wearing off rather quickly. The washers wind up looking gunmetal grey. The guys don't seem to mind, but is there a way to stop that from happening?
ReplyDeletedid you buy 1/4 or 1/8 size of stamps? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThey're 1/8'' size.
DeleteI tried it... Looking good... I still need parctice with the spacing. But I jus wanted to add, I also bought a bottle of Brasso polish from Lowe's ( about $3) for the smallest I can find. I do a quick polish so the finished product doesn't look so dull...
ReplyDeleteThanks a bunch for showing us how to do this! I'm going to have a lot of free time on my hands soon, and maybe I'll try this! :)
ReplyDelete