Happy New Year Everyone!
Here’s my first project of 2010
(East Coast Time!) -a unique twist on clear acrylic stamps- designed and painted to create the illusion of custom engraved jewelry!

To make my pieces, I first ordered the sampler set of bezel settings from Etsy seller
dasb56.

When they arrived, I carefully measured the inside area of each bezel. I designed my images in Adobe Illustrator to size with the engraved area white and the raised area black. (There was a little space left to add my address for a traditional stamp which I flopped/mirror-imaged myself on the PDF.)

Before committing to the sizes, I first printed the images out onto cardstock to place in the settings to make sure I had a good fit.

I then emailed a PDF file of the images to a local B&M
North Coast Stamps (they also do web orders if you don’t have a local shop near you!)

I requested the stamps un-cut. My order was ready the same day. Set up this way, the individual image/stamps averaged just over $3 a piece.When placing an order like this, be certain to explain what you are making and that you
do not want the image mirrored as with traditional rubber stamps, since you won’t be stamping with them.

I cut out each individual stamp image, double checked their fit into their settings and trimmed as necessary.

I used enamel paint to coat each piece,
Krylon Fusion spray paint for plastic for the black and red and
Testors paint for model painting for the blue and silver.

Once dry, I used acrylic paint to enhance the engraved areas of some by filling the area well and wiping the surface clean.


I gave each piece a final finishing coat of clear matte enamel spray and glued each stamp into its setting with Super Glue.
And here are the final pieces!
My stylized monogram pendant-

An ornate vintage-postage-inspired family pendant-

A simple reminder pendant (Psalm 46:10)-

A cameo-style-silhouette girl pendant-

My 3-initial monogram made from the
Vine Monograms font-

Of course, my ornate monogram-

A silver floral HOPE design-

And, I made two novelty blogging rings to share with my fellow bloggers! If
you would like one, leave a comment to let me know and I’ll draw the two winners on Monday, January 4. (Deadline for entry is end of Sunday, 1/3/10. Be sure there’s a way for me to contact you!) Then, next time you blog, you can wear your official blogging ring to let others know you’re off in your special world.
UPDATE/WINNERS: Thank you for all the fantastic comments everyone! I wish I could send you each your own ring. But since there are only two, here are the winners:Bianca of Goodnight Little Spoon and Ann of House of Fowler / Catholic Runner
178 comments:
These are so cool! I've been wanting to make some Acrylic stamps at home using "Imagepac" pouches, so I might give this idea a try if I can master that first. Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration.
Oh my gosh! I've not seen this method. Too cool! I'd love to make my own, but I'd really rather win your cool one! Thanks!
Your Incredible~ Way to Go....
Happy New Year ~ 2010
Cheryl
I would definitely want one of the rings! I've never seen jewellery made this way before. Thanks for the tutorial and the cool giveaway. - me@salihan.com
OMIGOSH - I am trying this out right away! These are too cool Cathe! They turned out unbelievable! You are amazing. Definitely the best first project of the new DECADE - congrats girl!
I would love to win me that excuse me while I blog - the hubs would get a kick out of it while I'm camped at the computer, 'working'. wink, wink
Keep up the awesome work and your OCG!
Happy 2010 to you,
catherine s.
imaginethatdesign (at) yahoo (dot) com
And the first project of the year is an wonderful one!! Thanks so much for for having such a giving heart.
Have a joy-filled new year!
Superb... i love these rings. Dont know what to write right now, absolutely stunning stuff.
Ok, this is the coolest thing I've ever seen in jewelry! And oooohhh, how lucky I would be to win one of those rings?!
Happy New Year!!
I dunno, Cathe! This is a pretty AMAZING way to kick off the New Year!!! Holy smokes, girl! I don't know if I'm more blown away by the craft or your clever designs! Clearly, I'd need one sheet to make faux jewels, and ONE MORE to actually stamp with! These are HOT! Great job, sweetie pie!
Happy New Year to you and your lovely family!
I don't know how you come up with all these beautiful things! Thanks for sharing.
Brilliant! I reckon you could power a small country with power generated by your synapses... how do you come up with them!
What a wonderful idea. I'm going to seek out a stamp making store in my area. Love the rings!
Wow, I was just wondering today if anyone company made acrylic stamps to order - there are some designs I've not seen that I'd love to have!
The jewelry looks great! I'd love to wear either of the rings, but especially the red one :)
Very cool idea! Happy new Year - keep on being creative. :-)
Happy New Year!! I feel like I just received a gift for Christmas
... your Blog! This is by far the greatest idea blog I have been to hands down!! You get the girlfriend "Fabulousity" award. That award is sacred between my friend and I!!:)Keep doing FAB things ... you rock!! And thanks for sharing with us all!!
Hollygolightly :)
How on earth do you ever come up with such things? I don't know that I will ever make anything like these, but they are amazing and you are lovely for sharing the method!
Happy 2010!
Wow , love them & thank you for sharing ! You have such an inspiring blog, God bless you much this upcoming year 2010 ( will take awhile to get use to that !)
Ltthings@wil.midco.net , I would love to win !
Eunice
The Little Things
this is stunning. I love making pendants. Your idea of using stamps is sooo clever.
Thank you so much for sharing and have a wonderful new year
This is so genius, Cathe. They turned out beautifully.
You have such creativity in that head of yours! Its amazing all that you come up with. Every time I come here, its like,,how did she think of that?
Thank you!
Those are really amazing looking. I wasn't even aware that you could order rubber stamps custom made, so I am going to have to try that. Thank you for the source.
This is really neat! What a creative beautiful idea.
I am glad to have found your blog.
Warm wishes, Tonya
I would lover either ring. I wish I had 1/10th of your creativity and talent!
I stumbled across your blog just the other day and spent hours going through old posts. It's official, you are my favorite crafter! I would love to win one of your rings to show off to all my friends. Thanks for all the wonderful tutorials.
marci@stringham.name
These are incredible, Cathe!
I am so happy to be a Cathe Holden Junkie.. really you should put together a book of creative fun! Fabulous idea, as alway!
:) Abbie
Happy New Year!
What a fantastic idea and such a cool method!!!
I love this wonderful idea!! Your creativity is really shining and the New Year has just begun!!
Hurrah for the first project of 2010! It's clever and stylish! That is exactly how I'd look if I won one of the rings.
Thanks for sharing your expertise.
Cindy
You create so much exciting and has a very inspiring blog. I would like to participate in a drawing for such a great ring.
Too too beautiful..You are blessed with the creative gene:) Thank you for sharing.
My jaw dropped when I saw these, they look like carved leather. They are amazing, you come up with the best ideas ever!!!!
Just amazing!!
These are fabulous! A wonderful first project for the new year.
Jane
Fantastic project!!! And what cute blogging jewelry!!!! :D :D :D I would LOVE a chance to win one! Happy 2010!
jana.eubank{at}gmail{dot}com
Wow these are amazing! How did you think of it? I love it:)
This is such an awesome idea! And thank you for letting me know I could even get rubber stamps made!!!! Now I just need one of those computer programs, lol! Thank you for the inspiration you share!
These are beautiful! What a fabulous idea! I especially like the one "Hope"...very inspiring :-)
Found you via Mrs. Jones...so glad I did. Happy New Year!
Quite fabulous. FAvourite has got to be the monogram one.
Another fabulous project! You never cease to amaze!!!
Happy new year to you.
xo
jeanne
You always have the most amazing projects to share with us, positively inspires and awes me at the same time. Thank you for all you share.
A blessed 2010 to you!
You are AMAZING!!!!!! Every project you do is better than the next-----INCREDIBLE....thanks for sharing a links to a great stamp resource....WOW!!!!!
totally awesome! I love the projects you come up with!
I just stumbled onto your site from....who knows where. What a great job on your jewelry! Love it.
Happy New Year, Cathe. A great way to start 2010...with a new inspiration from you! Thank you for all the great ideas you shared in 2009. I'll be back to see what you come up with this year.
Blessings to you and yours!
xoxo
Donna
Awesome project! I would love to win one of the rings, but more than that, I want to try this project! Karin
I just wanted to say that I love your blog. You are so creative!!! Thanks for sharing so much!
Wonderful project! Thank you for sharing and Happy New Year!
Wow, something totally new. And super cute.
Holy cow!! You are so creative. It would have taken me forever, well, may never to figure that out. Must give it a try. It will definitely be on my list of things to do in this new year. Have a happy one!
gENIUS! Pure genius!!! I love your special initials. I never would've thought of this. I love and would be honored to win one of your special creative pieces!
sweetjeanette.blogspot.com
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! You are just too awesome. Can't wait to try these. Happy 2010!
So very wonderful! What a great way to start off the new year, Cathe.
Brilliant! If this is any indication of the level of projects you'll be sharing in 2010, I am crazy kinds of excited! Happy New Year, Cathe, and thanks for all your great ideas and inspirations. :)
XOX
Rach
averagejanecrafter at gmail dot com
I am more than impressed!!!!
Who knew? I think I could do this!
Maybe, I will try it. It would make great gifts.
Rhonda
Wow! What a terrific idea!
Smiles-
Melissa
Those turned out beautiful! You can't tell they are from acrylic.
Thanks so much for the chance to win one of your rings. Guess if I won, I would have to start a blog (LOL)! I just love following yours!
cwarm56 at yahoo dot com
Another great project...do you sleep? Loving the silhouette gal - great designs. Would wear a blogging ring with PRIDE (and my birthday is coming up...would make a great gift to myself) happy 2010...can't wait for another year of your blog and projects.
OH MY GOODNESS! I think this is the most unusual creative thing I have EVER SEEN! WOW how ever did you think of it, I am amazed, and they look splendid! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful creation and the process.
Happy New Year
Cassandra
Your head must be spinning with all those great ideas!
I would love to have one of those rings.....
Greetings from Germany and a happy new year
Yvonne
Wow, these are amazing!! I don't know how you come up with these ideas ... or how you find the time to follow through with them, but everything you do is incredible! Thanks for sharing!
Very cool! I've never see anything like this before.
That is such a neat idea, thanks for sharing your work with your bloggers. I would love to have one.
Denise
Denton, TX
Your work is inspiring! I would love to have one of your rings!
i'm IN (I mean this Ring contest) :D they are so lovely! Thanks for the tutorial
giedre.akelyte@gmail.com
Amazing the things you come up with!
Cathe!! wow wow wow!!! You have totally wowed me!! Can't wait to try this, my daughter's gonna love it too! Thanks for all your great sharing:)
paula
These are amazing!! I hope I win. I love them!!
Wow! This is amazing!
What amazing pendants!!! These are just too cool- I will have to share your tutorial with my stamping friends!
You are amazing and extremely creative. I love what you have done here. You have a wonderful talent and thank you so very much for sharing with all of blog world. Well done. <:)
Those are amazing! I love that idea!
Wow Cathe -
How do you come up with these ideas? These projects were outstanding! I'd be proud and tickled pink to win one of those fabulous rings.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Elaine Allen
Happy New Year
I only came across you, via 'Divine Twine', yesterday, but I am in awe. What I don't understand is - how do you get anything else done? Do you get a longer day than I do in the UK? How is it possible for one woman not only to have all this talent, but to actually do more than most of us dream of and then share it all with us? You are an inspiration! Thanks
Okay, not only do you have fantastic ideas but you take the time to do them and then share with all of us. Totally cool.
rsredman@umich.edu
I just recently came across your blog and I love what you're doing here!
These rings are awesome!
Every post on this blog just leaves me dumb founded. You are so awesome. You might even be my hero. Happy 2010 to you!
Cathe - you come up with THE MOST amazing projects. What's more, you implement them so beautifully. Thanks for sharing your considerable talents with all of us!
What a great idea. I really like this one. And thanks for the reminder in the post about the "mirror" image. It certainly would be disappointing to get it in reverse...lol
As for the rings...darling.
Love that square one!
Cathe.....this is so SERIOUSLY COOL!! I am so happy a reind shared your blog with me!! What fun!! Thansk so much!!
WOW! What a cool project- I love both rings. I never thought about getting stamps made before- why hadn't I?? Please pick me!
Holy cow! I love the way your mind works--in a way totally unlike mine! I'm in awe of these and I've loved reading all your blogs this year. Happy New Year!
(And I don't really wear rings so please don't consider me for your lovely offer.)
Fabulous. Such an original idea. I love it.
Maureen
What a creative idea - wonderful way to make the stamps work.
Oh wow, I just love how these turned out!!! Thanks so much for sharing, such a generous thing for you to do. I love them all!!! I have always wanted to solder but am too afraid I'll burn the house down or myself...so I always chicken out. This is a great alternative! Is Adobe illustrator part of Adobe Photoshop? I don't have that, so don't know. Thanks again and Happy New Year!!
Excuse me while I kiss the sky.
DANG, Cathe. You're brilliant beyond. Whew! How cool these are!
You are brilliant! I just found your blog a few days ago. I'm astounded at the variety of your projects. I would LOVE to have a blogging ring. Very cool.
GET OUT!!! You are truly an artist!! TFS all your wonderful ideas!!
That is the coolest thing I have seen in a long time. Have you ever thought of writing a book? You should - you have terrific ideas.
WOW - these are simply OUTSTANDING pieces! Thank you so much for sharing how you did them... so brilliant!
Wow! It´s not everyday you see the process of creation for something so cool and professional looking!!
Would love to have one, so unique!
Thanks and happy new year!
These are amazing! You are so talented!
Krista
kjw_walker@yahoo.com
These are so awesome! I'm going to try this, too -- but I'd love to win a blogger ring!!
These rings are incredible...and so very creative! Well done! tami.henry@gmail.com
Wow, I can't imagine how you ever came up with this! It's brilliant! I'm totally bookmarking this so I can give it some thought.... Thanks for sharing, and Happy New Year!
Hi Cathe,
Very cute idea. You're full of them! Was just talking with someone about how to make acrylic stamps. Oh boy Hope your New Year's day was splendid. See you soon.
In case you didn't hear the news, Red Umbrella is moving to 120A Kentucky St. One more week where we are and the truck gets packed for the 1/2 mile trek across town. Can't wait.
Wow! I didn't realize that you could order stamps like that - they are now on my list of things that I need :0) Thank you for all of the lovely ideas that you regularly post.
If I had that ring! Wow would I be happy! And may I say that seeing all the steps you went thru I would gladly pay for the perfection you create!
These are amazing!!! What a great idea. I came via a tweet by Erin Bassett and I won't be leaving anytime soon. Awesome stuff!
you are seriously amazing.
thanks for this tutorial. what a lovely way to begin the year off with a fun and creative project!
i would love a ring too ;) ohhellofriend@gmail.com.
thank you cathe!
such a HUGE fan of your blog.
xo. danni
These are supremely cool! Excellent idea and execution! Wowee.
Cathe, I left you a comment in the earlier post of yours about not being able to download your pdf. files (black & white images)b/c "it" states the bandwidth has been exceeded...? Would you/ can you please address this? I'd love to download these images and have a project all ready in my mind where I need them...please let me know, and many thanks,
Happy New Year!
Thank you Sandra, I left a comment for you in that post: )
I'll take a ring off your hands. No, really, if I saw ya in public, I might just try to pry it off your-has-more-creativity-in-your-pinky phalange.
skitzoleezrastudio (at) google (dot) com
Oh my gosh I LOVE this project. SOOOO cute.....so you are actually painting the actual stamp and putting that in the bezel? I got a little confused there.....
Would love to win one of the darling rings......
mthimjon@aol.com
You are sooo super creative. Thank you for all you share with us. Happy New Year!
Nerissa
Wow!! These are amazing!! I never would have thought to paint an acrylic stamp... this is just too cool!!!
Cathe, love the faux engraved jewlery! So creative. Is the acrylic material rubbery and did you cut it with an Xacto?
What a great idea! These are so cool! I love the round red ring with the star in the middle. thanks for the fun :)
Very cool! Happy New Year!
(when i started typing this - the last comment was from another Janet - will we end up with two in a row?)
Debbie, Yes, the material is sort of rubbery. So it is important that it is set into a bezel to keep it from bending once painted or surely the stretchin of the paint would create cracking. Also, I used scissors vs. an Xacto knife which I found easier to do. Having the raised edge (black in digital image) area to follow made it easy to know exactly where to cut. Any imperfections in cutting of the thickness of the acrylic (it's a bit weird to cut) are hidden once placed into the setting.
How cool! Sign me up!
librarianjle(at)gmail(dot)com
what fun!a thanks for the tutorial :)
please enter me in the drawing, as i can no longer blog with official-blogging-ringless fingers.
WOW! These are all so amazing! I can't believe you made them from rubber stamps! Mind boggling! Thanks for sharing!
Those blogging rings are Hilarious! And cool. Oh so cool, and I would LOOOOOVE to win one. :)
Very cool project! I've bookmarked your site because it's great inspiration. Happy New Year!
i'm so glad that Cassie pointed out your blog. Where have you been all my life? lol. This technique is over the top, so cool. Thanks for sharing
Love these rings and pendants!!! Will follow for sure...not to mention make them. Ohh I hope I win!
What a wonderfully creative idea! I've used the bezels for resin creations but never thought of doing something like this! Thanks for the tutorial, your blog is a great read!
Tara's TieUps Blog
Tara's TieUps Store
Those are really cool, I will be making some soon I think.
Thanks for the giveaway.
ebodin(at)circletranchdesigns(dot)com
Oh yes, please enter me, Cathe. Love this project! Thanks and Happy New year~
I love your blog--you've been inspiring in gift making this year, although some of them were downright failures on my part! Those are wonderful pieces of jewelry!
Wow, these are so awesome! I can't wait to try something like this!
Oh, what a great blog! I found you through Dragonridermom! I would love to have one of your blogging rings! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Maria
knackfulknitter(at)q.com
I am speechless! Your creations are breathtaking! I love them! Pam
so cool and classy! Once again, a brilliant idea!
Betz
Oh Cathe you out did yourself with this project, just brilliant!!! Really just amazing! Thank you for sharing your creativity with the world!
xo,
Miss B.
I just happened across your blog today and wow-wee!!! I am so inspired. I would absolutely love to win one of your creations!
:-)
Wow...aren't you just so smart...NEVER would have thought to use rubber this way...lol I've done epoxy and Utee...embossing liquids before for this...and you have to do everything just so or you get bubbles, etc. It's always a surprise when all is said and done...but the way you did yours puts the control back in your hands and not the products. Thanks so much for sharing...I'd love to win one of the rings:}
Cathe, you never cease to amaze me! If this is the first project of the year, I can't even begin to imagine what you have in store for us. Happy New Year!
wonderful projects. I'm amaized at what you come up with.
This is an amazing idea. One worth persuing. Please enter me to win!
Michele
gaylerwife@aol.com
oh my goodness, i just found your blog and am absolutely smitten with your jewelry. Brilliant!
Happy New Year to you!
julia
i've been reading your blog for a couple of months now, and i'm always blown away by your creativity, but this is just AMAZING! i love what you have created here. you are so inspiring!
Those are wonderful!!! Thank you for sharing your source for custom stamp creation, and for that great tutorial. This will make my birthday gifting so much easier this year! I love your blogging rings and would love to wear one!
sinclair@sharingourgifts.org
Happy 2010 - I will enter the draw as those are beauties...
I just happened upon your blog through a comment on Christine Middlecamp's blog. I love it. I can't wait to catch up.
This project is wonderful!
These pieces are stunning! Thanks for sharing your process (and for the giveaway)!!
Oh my!! Thank you so much for sharing with us not only your fabulous new technique but your sources as well!!
You always do so many amazing things!
Hope I made it in time for this giveaway!! So cool.
you totally rock!
Those are amazing - you're so creative!!! I'd love to win one of those rings. What fun :)
Thanks!
These are incredible! They all look amazing. Thanks so much for the chance to win one!
That is just Crafty Goodness of the highest order. Bravo indeed! I am so looking forward to seeing what your excellent creative mind brings forth in 2010.
those are just amazing! WOW - off to find out if that company will ship to Canada. wow! wow! thanks for sharing the information and the technique!
Love your blog, Love the jewelry.
Kalleen
kalleenk@hotmail.com
These are so creative! And very cool looking. Your work is a great combination of creative, new and very professional. No slouch, you!
ALOHA, dropped by your blog and love your talent and creativity merged with the Vintage is so very kool!!
looking forward to seeing more
Wishes
Brandi
I'm so happy I stumbbled upon your blog a few weeks ago. My reader has been so happy. :)
These rings are fantastic. They would certainly help me make my resolution (to blog more) come true.
So creative! I love the end results too.
too. much. fun.
fantastic! your creativity and ability to use unusual materials constantly amazes me!
d _ rogal at hotmail dot com
what a great tutorial, thanks for sharing. these are simply amazing!
This is a-maz-ING.
You just keep getting better and better all the time!
Your projects never cease to amaze me! You are one creative lady!
I have to say that these are one of the coolest things I've ever seen. Your creativity continuously amazes me. Thank you so much for sharing all of your amazing projects.
This is such a cool idea! Thanks for sharing and the giveaway!
Cathy, I would love one! Um, can I just say what an AWESOME tutorial this is? First of all, I have wanted to design my own acrylic stamps for ages. You mean I can actually DO that? Secondly, you made them into jewelry - be still my beating heart! I love it. Thanks for the tutorial!
You come up with the most amazing creations! And I like your detailed tutorials and how-tos. Count me in. kimbaldwin74@yahoo.com
WOW! That's so cool. Amazing idea
~Kaitlin
Those are seriously cool! Thank you for sharing your creations! <3
http://latenightdesigners.blogspot.com/
My jaw just dropped with how ultra cool this project is. I really want all of them! I am just amazed. I am going to have to put this on my list of projects. Love it, love it, love it!
Wow, these are amazing! Your creative mind is genius
What a fun project with marvelous results. Thanks! And to win one of your rings would be wonderful, as my New Year's resolution is to blog more. Happy 2010!
This is a fantastic idea. And your results-- beautiful!
Thanks for sharing with your readers.
Juli
WOW this is truly impressive
These are A-MAZING!!! I'm sure someone else has already mentioned this, but have you thought about putting these in your Etsy shop? I would totally buy one!! PS I love your blog!
These are really great! I might offer you another alternative so that you can have more pieces from the same stamps. Have the stamps made regularly (reverse) and stamp onto black (or whatever color) polymer clay, cut to size, bake and paint. You'll get more bang for your buck this way!
Oh these are really nice they turned out really good. There is a lot you could do with these.
THank you for sharing.
How do I go about purchasing one of your pieces...LOVE the little vintage girl silhouette piece of jewelry. It's adorable! D.
i'm sorry i missed this post, i LOVE what you created, these are stunning!
Wow, incredible!
I just started following you on twitter based on Sister Diane's recommendation, and I'm so glad I did. I'll be linking to this today on Dabbled.org :)
thanks for sharing!
dot
Thank you so much for another amazing idea!!! I wish I had your talent!Have a blessed 2010!Takecare-kristianne25
I am always amazed at your ingenuity,and always wait for your next blog entry with anticipation. Best wishes for a Happier New Year for you and your family, Betty from England
Love the idea you shared here, fabulous technique!
♥Sharon
I know I'm too late for the giveaway, but I just wanted to tell you that I looove the idea! How cool!
sweetestpetunia.blogspot.com
Greetings..you are one clever chicki. Your blog is inspiring and I love your neat "ideas".
Wow these are AMAZING!
Very interesting and beautiful. Thanks to the author of the insightful article.
Hi Cathe,
I love your blog!
I've linked to this project on my blog - it's such a wonderful idea!
Thanks for the inspiration,
Rachel
http://rosy-cheek.blogspot.com/2010/07/cathe-holden-just-something-i-made.html
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