Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:“Has anyone tried to use the patinas on coins?…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“Where can we buy the magic finding. It is not in your product list.…” read »
- on “Quick and Easy Ornament Hangers”:
“These are so pretty. I've been looking for a "template" for ear wires/cuffs. I think these…” read »
- on “Hammering Texture on a Blank”:
“Do you sell textured hammers and blocks I can't find?…” read »
on “Using a Hand Punch”:“Can I use it to open holes in Saint medals???…” read »
on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:“A good starting point for necklaces would be 2mm(ideal for .5"-1.5" pendants). For larger pendants(1.5"+) 3,…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“To cover a sz 2 crimp tube, 4mm would be ideal. 3mm would fit, but it…” read »
- on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:
“Hi, I am new to working with leather and end caps or any other finishing findings,…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“What size of a crimp cover would you use, for a size 2 crimp tube?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Excellent tutorial and superb photos. Cute bracelet!…” read »
- on “Coloring Metal with Alcohol Inks”:
“I just started working with alcohol inks. Most people who use the medium use Krylon Kamar…” read »
on “Crystal Clay”:“Tried to be good…” read »
- on “Non-Identical Twins”:
“I have always loved this idea! It really resonates with me. Interesting to see…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“I, too, need to know how to attach a tassel to the guru bead.…” read »
- on “Wire Wrap a Bail on a Teardrop”:
“thank you. I've always wanted to try this…” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“I made one bracelet for my granddaughter and one for myself. They are easy and…” read »
on “How to make a paper bead”:“Interesting that paper beads are "in" again... Nearly 50 years ago, crafters (including my grandma) were…” read »
- on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“Because of the constant abuse they usually get, glue is not an ideal hold for jump…” read »
- on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Moogie is right, if you need an answer from Lima you'll need to use the customer…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I’ve read in other tutorials to cut the elastic cord length needed and lightly pull each…” read »
- on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Perfect illustration and instruction for a knot-challenged brain …” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“These look like fun to make bracelets, and even more fun to wear.…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“I completely fell in love with the color of these little LillyPilly sheets and ordered my…” read »
on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:“Nice tutorial. For me, I would need more visual. The camera needs to be closer…” read »
- on “How to set a Nunn Design Glass Dome”:
“Beautiful design!…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Tip:If I have miss judged my project, I have found I can use a crimp cover…” read »
on “How to Use Colorful Enamel Accents”:“Looks like great stuff! Might try it.…” read »
on “Using ‘Swellegant’ Metal Coatings & Colorants”:“Has anyone tried the clear sealant on glass beads with special finishes? I'm thinking of Czech…” read »
- on “Preparing and Using Resin”:
“How do you use resin with an open frame and transfer sheet?…” read »
- on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“i'd like to hear about securing jump rings closed too. thank you, debi…” read »
on “Wrap Loom Basics”:“If you need an answer from Lima, use the customer service link. I don’t think they…” read »
- on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Did you ever receive an answer about them not answering questions???…” read »
- on “Finishing Large Acrylic Chain”:
“Great post! Thank you!…” read »
- on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Hi size of hemp twine ??…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“Are the beads large hole beads? I'll be trying this also I just book marked the…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“DISCLAIMER—I haven’t actually put a decorative bead in the middle of a sliding closure, but I…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“Can these sheets be die cut on a Big Kick/Big Shot machine using normal dies or…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“How do you get that decorative silver bead in the middle of the square knot? Also, can…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“How do you get that decorative silver bead in the middle of the square knot?…” read »
- on “Using the Snake Knot”:
“looking forward to learning this!…” read »
About this Tip:
Stamping metal blanks is as easy as 1...2...3 with this tutorial.
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Different amounts of pressure makes different impressions on your stamps.
Components:
The products featured in this tip are listed below.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Put your blank on the block. |
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Step 2: You can tape it down with masking tape or painter’s tape if you’re worried about the blank slipping on the steel block. |
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Step 3: Hammer text or design stamps. It may take multiple taps to fully imprint the design. |
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Step 4: Pull off tape and enjoy! |
Buy Products from this Technique
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You are viewing all 4 items.
On Jun 07, 2011 at 11:57 am #
shimmer chick says:loving this new section… Thanks Lima!!! even experienced beaders can learn new tips from these.
On Jun 17, 2011 at 8:06 am #
trinkets says:Thanks for the tip about using painter’s tape to hold your blank in place…..if you want to be sure your letters are even the tape makes a good guide too!
On Aug 13, 2011 at 4:20 pm #
N Saccoccio says:is it possible to buy only the white nylon or hard black “Rubber” used under the steel round bench block?
On Jan 02, 2012 at 1:11 am #
S Moffett says:Been wanting to start making this type of jewelry for quite some time. Thanks for the help.
On Jun 26, 2012 at 10:35 pm #
Tazzie says:I’m new to stamping – well not really – just can’t get the hang of it. When I hit with enough force to get an imprint of the stamp, there are also dents in the block. If I hit with less force, no imprint or either just a piece of it. I can’t seem to get that one good lick. How?
On Jul 10, 2012 at 3:40 pm #
KatBlue60 says:I am new to this as well. I have the same problem in stamping, and can’t really afford the hammer and steel block they use here. Are their other options?
On Mar 29, 2013 at 3:54 pm #
Courtney L says:I am new to this as well, I am using a hammer from the hardware store right now and it seems to do the trick. As I get better I will invest in a better hammer but for now my 16 oz Wal-Mart hammer is working out okay.
On Apr 05, 2013 at 10:35 am #
Laurel p says:Want to start doing this.Really like this.Only site that I have found the supplies.Thanks Lima Beads!
On Jun 09, 2013 at 7:48 pm #
R Sowles says:Looking forward to learning to crochet some wire.
On Oct 23, 2013 at 3:19 pm #
Karron l says:wish you had shown us up close view of what the dif letters look like.
On Apr 01, 2015 at 9:56 am #
Judy z says:Sue Moffett is that you with the Boston?
Judy Z
On Dec 26, 2015 at 11:57 pm #
Robins nest says:Loving this site!
On Dec 31, 2015 at 2:50 pm #
Sterling says:I did a lot of research before I started stamping metal. In doing this I choose 5mm lowercase letters, just basic style-generic. The hammer is worth the cost, I got the Impress Art brand(it is small and easy to handle). Using painters tape as mentioned here is very helpful, I totally recommend doing this until you have a major amount of experience. If you want more options Google metal stamp supplies or similar, to get a broad variety. I have access to many sites because I have a Jewelry Business, but I have to keep up on everything that I want to offer my customers. I do a lot of metal work so I already had a couple of large steel bench blocks and added square rubber under one of them.
You can always check with a metal shop to see if they can cut you a certain size of steel block. That is where I go to get mine polished to keep it smooth. One other thing start stamping on scraps from a metal shop, on sale stuff, no name, but do not start on brass, copper, sterling the good metal. I hope this has helped someone out there. Good Luck and Keep Trying!