DIY Metal Stamped Washer Bracelets

I recently received a metal stamping kit from my friends over at JOANN, and I’m excited to share these new DIY metal stamped washer bracelets I made using these key supplies by ImpressArt. This is not a sponsored post, but I enjoyed playing around with the products to make metal stamped bracelets I could give out as little homemade gifts. With all of this wedding planning kicking into full gear, I love the idea of making these metal stamped washer bracelets with words like “mother,” “sister,” “wife” and “friend” as a thank you gift for those who help me throughout this process! After all, we are never just one thing – we have many names, titles or identities.

Metal stamping is not overly complicated. However, when you look at the supplies in the store, it can seem overwhelming if you don’t know what each one does. So let me break it down! It’s actually quite straightforward.

You can make these metal stamped washer bracelets with silver, copper or brass/gold washers. I loved this copper set! I chose colorful leather string for the bracelets, but you can use almost any type of string. Lastly, you can not only customize what each bracelet says but the font as well. I like this classic uppercase letter font from ImpressArt, but there are a lot of options available to choose from. It means that you can truly make each metal stamped bracelet unique for the person you’re making it for!

Supplies:

• Metal washers
• Alphabet metal stamps
• Hammer
• Metal stamping block
• Stamping marker
• Suede string
• Scissors
• Matching metal toggle clasps
• Tape

Step 1: Place the metal stamping block on a flat, hard surface. Use a piece of thin tape across the middle of a metal washer to stick it to the block.

Note, this is not completely necessary but does help hold the metal in place and also ensures you don’t stamp too much of the surface because you would cover it with the string of the bracelet.

Step 2: Choose the letters you’ll need for your first word, such as mother, sister, wife or friend. Starting with the middle letter, position it on the top middle of the washer (note the direction of the letter!) and use the hammer to hammer the letter into the metal. You may need to hit a couple times depending on the strength – I hammered 2-3 times per letter.

Step 3: Repeat with the remaining letters. Then flip the block around to hammer the letters on the other side of the washer.

Step 4: To make the letters clearer, use a metal stamp marker (some people have also used Sharpies) to mark over the letters. Let stand for one minute, then use a paper towel to wipe away excess marker so that it only remains inside of the metal stamped spaces.

Step 5: Cut two pieces of suede string about 6-7 inches long.

Step 6: Fold in half, thread through the middle of the finished metal stamped washer, then pull the strings through the loop. Repeat on both sides of the washer so that the string does not overlap the lettering.

Step 7: Measure the bracelet around your wrist to determine the proper bracelet size. On one end, thread a piece of the string through the hook piece of the toggle clasp.

Step 8: Cut a separate piece of string about 4-5 inches long. Use it to make a gathering knot. Join the two bracelet strings together, and using the separate piece of string, make a U shape over them. Wrap the working end around all of the pieces 3-4 times to secure, then pull the string through the loop at the bottom. Pull tight on the top string (from the U) to pull the end into the knot. Then trim the ends.

For another visual, check out this video for tying a gathering knot.

Step 9: Repeat on the other side of the bracelet with the loop end of the toggle clasp. Insert the bar into the loop to secure the metal stamped washer bracelet around your wrist!

I know it seems like a lot, but metal stamping just requires a bit of practice to get it right. I’m still learning too! I ruined at least one washer before I managed the keep the letters in the right places.

Psst, if you need to, you can flip over the washers and stamp the other side to practice your metal stamping! Who would you give one of these metal stamped washer bracelets to?!