Thrifty Gifty 2010 #3: Stamped Silver

This one is fun, and has many possibilities.  You will need some silverware, and a set of metal stamps.  I get pieces of old flatware at the thrift store for around 25c each.  I got my set of stamps (1/8”) at Harbor Freight.  You can order them online, or check to see if HF has a location near you; they have 330 stores in 44 states.

You’ll need to do the stamping on a hard surface, like a concrete floor.  I found it helpful to place the handle of the fork I stamped on a raised surface, so that the hammering wouldn’t totally flatten the handle.  I also had Craig hold the fork steady for me so that it wouldn’t bounce around with each whack.

This was my first attempt, which failed, but the photo is just to show what I mean by putting it on a raised surface.  I believe there are blocks made for stamping, but I don’t have one.

Now choose your letters, hold it as steady as possible (this is where Craig held the second fork firmly on the surface for me), and hit the stamp with a hammer 4 or 5 times.  If the stamp or silver shifts at all, you will get multiple impressions.

Here’s a little tip:  if you choose the word “eat”, make sure you stamp the E really well, so that the bottom line is well-defined, and the word won’t be mistaken for “fat”.

My spacing wasn’t the greatest on this one, but it kind of adds to the unique charm, don’t you think?

I went over the letters with a Sharpie, and then wiped the excess off, to darken it up a bit.

A set with herb or vegetable names would be a great little gift for a gardener.  (This is not really thyme, but it’s the only plant I have.)

A monogram would be pretty, or how about a personalized baby spoon?  I recently found a few demitasse spoons that would be adorable for that.  You could even personalize a set for your school-aged child to take in her lunch.  Really, you’re limited only by your imagination.

Do you have any cute ideas for stamping silver?  Do tell!

Don’t forget—PB, RH, BD Knock-Off Party tomorrow!