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Hearts Across the States Keychain Tutorial
Create a custom key chain with 2 home cities hand-stamped on a USA blank.
Created by: Janet Boyington
Designer Tips
Stamp hearts in desired locations on USA blank, and then use the "." (period) from the punctuation set to connect the hearts. (New to metal stamping? See Metal Stamping 101)
If necessary, use nylon or rawhide hammer to re-flatten the blank.
Punch hole (For proper technique, see Learn More tab of hole punch.)
Patina with Novacan.
If needed, sand blank to remove any large scratches.
Polish to a mirror finish with Ultra polishing pad.
Use split ring pliers to add split ring. Split rings are much more durable than jump rings -- perfect for key rings!
Cut ball chain to desired length, thread through jump ring, and add clasp.
Continued Below...
The 6mm split ring used in this project is temporarily out of production (TOP). We are actively looking for replacements, and hope to have good subs for the missing parts, available SOON! In the meantime, we've linked a 9mm version in its place.
Suggested Supplies
1 each #44-720-53 24ga Brass Stamping Blank, United States, 22x37mm
1 foot (use a few inches) #40-080-02-24-1 White Plated Steel Ball and Bar Chain By The Foot, 2.4mm
1 each #40-870-03-1-EA White Plated Ball Chain Coupling, Size 3
1 gross (use 1 piece) #41-216-1 6mm Split Ring
#86-310 Novacan Black Patina
Tools
Sanding sponge
Polishing Pads
Heart stamp
Dot stamp, or period from a punctuation set of stamps
Steel Bench Black (A rubber base help dampen sound and prevent bounce.)
Brass Hammer
Optional: Nylon hammer or leather mallet for flattening blank after stamping
