More Rubber Stamped Jewelry

A few years ago I showed you here how to make jewelry using PMC (Precious Metal Clay) which is a silver powder encapsulated in a clay-like material. You can manipulate it just like clay and when you fire it, it becomes solid metal. Too cool. The downside is that you have to send away for the clay, which is expensive. I never have the patience to wait for something to be sent to me. When I want to make something, I want to make it NOW.

I just learned a new way to achieve a similar look with materials that are more readily available.

You need to obtain a piece of copper flashing. I got this 5x7" piece from my local lumber yard for about $2.00. It is used for copper roofing. Cut the flashing into different sizes and shapes and clean it by scouring it with a dry Scotchbrite scrub pad. Flatten it by pounding gently with a hammer if necessary.

Next, you need silver lead free plumbing solder from a hardware store. It's a bit pricy, ($20) but a small roll will make tons of jewels. Choose a detailed rubber stamp.

I placed the copper on a fire brick (available at a brick yard), heated it with my creme brulee torch, (Home Depot -about $15.00) then unrolled my solder and laid it on the copper while continuing to heat both the copper and solder with my torch. The solder melts in just a few seconds. 

 I pushed my stamp into the molten solder to impress the design. If you don't like the design, reheat it. The solder will melt again and can be restamped.

The pieces were painted with black acrylic, allowed to dry, then scoured with a Scotchbrite scrubby pad.

Drill holes in the top of the copper and hang it from a chain with jump rings or rivet it onto another piece of metal for a collage. Glue it onto your journal cover. The possibilities are endless. 

*several of you have asked.....You do not need flux and the rubber stamps do not melt. Enjoy!