Hammered Metal Charm & Collected Shell Necklace

July 29, 2015

Hammered Metal Charm & Collected Shell Necklace

Today, we are going to make a pretty necklace inspired by family fun and beachside memories. Follow along to learn how to make this necklace and then enter to WIN a Maker's Kit to make your own at the bottom of the post! Remember, every day this week I am featuring a different kit and giving you a chance to win one of FIVE fun kits! Tweet a bunch and you might win TWO! That is FIVE KITS you guys -- enter to win at the bottom of the post! GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

Hammered Metal Charm and Shell Necklace Win FREE Makers Kit from A Nest for All Seasons

This is Makers Week here at the Nest and I have partnered with Maker's Kit

to bring you these fun ideas and a chance to WIN every single craft you see this week!
GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

SUPPLIES:

Full Alphabet and Number Stamping Set

Metal Stamping Hammer

2 Circular Brass Blanks

Brown Faux-Suede Leather Cord

Brass Ball and Chain Necklace

2 Brass Plated Split Jump Rings

Chipboard

Free Video Guide

Various shells, baubles or charms (not included in Maker's Kit...find beach combing!)

optional - Jewelry Drill for Shells/Seaglass with no holes

concrete floor, wood surface, sidewalk, etc (hard hammering surface)

*When you buy a Maker's Kit, ALL the supplies you need in the exact amounts you need are included (a great way to get a metal punching tool kit!). You WILL be paying more than if you buy the ingredients in bulk, but if this is your first foray into metal-stamping, a kit is a fun and easy was to initiate yourself!

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start by deciding how you want your necklace to look and what you want it to say. You can make dogtag like necklaces, luggage tags, bracelet, etc. I wanted to put the names of my four children on the tags and add a couple shells from our favorite beach - Glass Cove.
2. If you have never used metal stamping letters before, practice on cardboard first. Place your stamp letter down and hit on the top 2-3 times HARD.

3. Use a pencil to make lines on your brass pieces for even words or just freehand alignment. Place your stamp letter down and hit on the top 2-3 times HARD. Repeat to create whichever word you choose.
4. Attach metal pieces to chain or leather.
5. If you choose to add shells or seaglass, they will need a hole. Some shells come complete with a hole straight from the ocean, while others need drilling. Use a Dremel or other Jewelry Drill (I use THIS ONE so I do not have to worry about charging batteries...it is on sale now for $25 down from $70) and drill at a high speed into the shell while it sits in a small bit of water (to keep it cool).
6. Use the included jump ring to attach shells to chain or simply string the chain through the holes.