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Stamp-bossing: Embossing with Stamps!
In this demo-focused virtual workshop participants will learn to make the required tools needed for the technique of stamp embossing. Four styles of embossing tools will be covered by transforming recycled ‘tool’ steel into
Participants will witness numerous different backing elements to work on during the process of embossing. Pattern layout will be covered in addition to accurate embossing application on the metal surface using the tools made during the class. Emphasis will also be placed on demonstrating various heat treatments for steel and how to properly temper steel to make a lifelong lasting tool.
Come learn how to add dimensional pattern relief to your metal work!
Meet the instructor
Matthieu moved from Paris to New-Mexico when he was 19, where for seven years he studied Navajo, Hopi and Zuni jewelry techniques. He was immediately drawn to stamping, making concho belts and bracelets. He then moved to Mali, West-Africa and worked for a few years with the Fulani, Tuareg and Bambara jewelers.
In 1999, Matthieu settled in Montreal Canada and continued his studies by going to a jewelry school and learning a more classical part of the trade. Over the years, Matthieu has returned to Africa regularly.
In 2014, Tim McCreight and Mattheiu Cheminee created the Toolbox Initiative, a non-profit organization that helps jewelers in West Africa through the gifts of donated tools.
“I have been stamping and making stamps since the beginning and have developed a form of stamping design by creating patterns that fill the entire piece of metal. This is called “tessellation”.
Matthieu has written two books, “Legacy, jewelry techniques of West Africa“ and “The Art of Stamping”, both published at Brynmorgen Press.
Visit Matthieu's website or instagram page for more info on his work.
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name to be redirected to a page where you can find the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is welcomed but not required - observers are welcome.
Metal/raw items (note instructor recommends pewter ingot over lead for health purposes):
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1lb x pewter casting ingot or lead ingot (Roto)
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1"x6" x sterling silver or copper sheet - 26g (Rio Grande)
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thin sheet of steel or brass that can be cut with shears
Hand Tools:
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1 x chain nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x jewelers saw (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack saw blades - 2/0 (Rio Grande)
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1 x flat file - #0 cut (Rio Grande)
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1 x parallel file (Contenti)
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1 x bench pin (Rio Grande)
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1 x set of needle files - #2 cut (Rio Grande)
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1 x scribe (Rio Grande)
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1 x rawhide / plastic mallet (Rio Grande)
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1 x steel block / steel surface (Rio Grande)
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1 x small steel ruler (Rio Grande)
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1 x sheet of sand paper - 220 to 600 grits (Amazon)
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1 x calipers (Amazon)
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1 x dividers (Rio Grande)
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1 x ball peen hammer (Rio Grande)
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4 x 3" pieces of tool steel - such as nail punch (Home Depot)
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1 x precision square (Rio Grande)
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1 x 6" metal ruler
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1 x shears to cut thin steel sheet or brass
Torch setup:
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1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot)
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1 x torch - Silversmith or similar (Rio Grande)
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1 x striker or lighter - Silversmith system has one (Rio Grande)
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1 x tempered glass container or sink - for quenching and rinsing
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1 x crucible or empty can (from canned goods)
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1 x small brush - for flux
Other/miscellaneous:
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small amount of vermiculite (Home Depot)
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small amount of plasticine (Home Depot)
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safety glass
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ventilation or fan and open window