Stamped keychain Tutorial

Last month I posted this tutorial over at Kojo Designs in their "Gifts For Guys" Series. In case you missed it, here is the full tutorial. These make really quick last minute gifts for both guys and gals! Also, if you missed Kojo Designs Gift For Guys Series, you should go on over and check it out. A ton of great ideas!

Stamped jewelry is really big right now and you can buy really beautiful pieces. I don't think many people realize just how easy it is and how inexpensive it can be! Let me show you! You absolutely do not need a bunch of specific jewelry supplies or expensive gadgets.

What you will need for a keychain:

I live in the middle of nowhere so I bought all of my supplies on Etsy. If you are not making mass amounts of jewelry an inexpensive metal stamp set will work just fine (I bought mine for under $10 and have used it a lot). You can use whatever metal you like best. I chose inexpensive brass (or maybe they were copper) discs. I just think they look more manly (and I was able to buy 5 for about $3).

You will also need:
- Hammer
- Black permanent marker
- Little piece of steel wool
- Drill and a small drill bit (don't be scared)

 This is what your stamp set willl look like. There are letters or numbers at one end.

I'm showing this on a white background for visual purposes but you need to stamp your disc on a very hard surface. DO NOT use your table, you will damage it. I do this on a cement floor. You can buy special bricks to do this on but you don't need to. A cement floor works excellent.
Decide where you want your letter and hold the stamp at the bottom firmly so it doesn't jump. Hit the end hard with a hammer. I usually do this about 3 times per letter.

 I suggest using inexpensive supplies and practice before doing the real deal. See, this one isn't too pretty. I've stamped several things and still make mistakes on spacing. This happens really easily when you have 3 kids running circles around you! No matter, my 6yr old felt we should write something else.

Once you have your message stamped out color over your imprinted letters with a black Sharpie. It looks messy and bad, don't worry. Really make sure you get into the grooves.

Now, using your steel wool to wipe the front of your disc and this will remove the extra ink not in the imprints.
You'll notice I also have a hole in my disc. If you buy discs like I did without holes you need to make one!
You don't need a jewelry punch if you are careful. Grab your husband's drill and use a small drill bit and just drill a hole in the top. If doing this on the cement floor be careful to stop once you are through the disc! You could accidentally break one of your husband's drill bits and that would be bad.

Attach your jump ring, key ring, and you're done! For the record, you should use a large jump ring. The ones I have are a bit small and I'm going to change it out when I get more.

These are so fun because you can customize and personalize for any man in your life. I am going to add our children's names around the front, or maybe on the back and they will give this to dad for Christmas.

I know this is a post for the males in your life, but inexpensive washers make really cute, easy gifts for the little girls in your life. My teenage niece will be receiving this necklace this Christmas. :)

How many of you are all ready for Christmas? I was in good shape early this month but now I feel so behind! Last day of school tomorrow and I have so much to do!
Can't wait for next week when we can all stay in our jammies till noon!