Essential Tools: A Deep Dive into My Steel Stamps Hammers and Alphabet Sets

Crafting with metal offers a unique blend of creativity and a whole lot of patience. The right tools can transform a simple piece of metal into a personalized work of art. Among these tools, steel stamps, alphabet sets, pliers and hammers stand out as my essentials. In this post, I’ll share my love of tools and why they matter.

Steel stamps ready for hand stamping

Why Steel Stamps Are a Must-Have for Metal Crafting

Steel stamps are small, durable tools designed to imprint letters, numbers, or symbols onto metal surfaces. They are made from hardened steel to withstand repeated hammering without deforming. When I say repeated, I mean that! I've been using the same tiny (1.2mm) font set for over 25 years and they are essential to my signature bar necklaces.

Proof that a whole lotta letters can mean a whole lotta love. Each Signature Bar Necklace is hand stamped by me using heavy-duty steel stamps for a bold, lasting impression.

Let's talk about A, B and C

Just me, my hammer and 26 tiny decisions. Every design begins at my workbench with choices:

• Font Style: Bold uppercase for something strong and steady, soft lower case for a subtle touch or my script set for a more personal handwritten touch.

• Size: Stamps range from 1.2mm and on up in size. Smaller sizes work well for delicate jewelry, while larger stamps suit bigger items.

• Style: The metal makes the rules — I just follow them. Font size and character count all depend on the space I’m stamping on.

Striking a balance: From sketchbook to steel stamp

Sometimes it’s all letters…sometimes not. Mountains, trees, and waves often steal the show, standing on their own to make a statement. Fun fact, some of these designs started as my own hand drawing before becoming a custom steel stamp!

Hammer Time & Finishing Touches

Stamps + hammer = magic. I usually go with an 8–16 oz hammer, heavy enough for a bold strike, light enough to keep things under control. My heavier hammers hit harder (obviously) and lighter hammers allow me to be more precise. Either way, it’s a little dance of strikes until every letter, mountain, tree, or wave is happy.

Once the stamping is done, I shape and assemble each piece with pliers, a drill, or solder and then finish it with a medium matte finish, giving your jewelry a soft, rustic glow and crisp, readable letters.

Made by hand, struck with love, finished to shine. Thanks for stopping by my little workshop!