My own stamp!!
I have been practising leather craft for about 1.5 years. It started as a nice project for the summer holiday with just a few tools to start with. But before I knew I ordered my own logo! They say it takes practice and practice and practice to become better. Well, I think that’s true. The projects I am making right now were a dream once I started. That doesn’t mean I finished learning because you will learn each day a little bit (some days a little bit more than others).
A little bit proud
Though every once in a while I am a little bit proud of myself. I know you don’t say those things about yourself but it’s true… It’s not that often because I am also the biggest critic of myself. Though when I am, I also would like the rest of the world (or just village) to see that I have made this bag, or portfolio (later more on this (A)!!) etc.. So why not order a stamp with my name on it.
Acrylic, brass or magnesium logo
My first stop; the internet. In the Netherlands, there are a few possibilities to get your own stamp. Though since on the internet you can reach the whole world, why not? There were a few possibilities to make a stamp. I could have printed it with a 3D printer or cut out of a certain material. But it all depends on how you want to use it. Because you can hammer it in wet leather, though this doesn’t work that great on finished leathers. Or you can hot stamp it, but therefore it has to be made of a material that transfers the heat and doesn’t melt.
From the other side of the world
I chose the latter, a brass stamp with my own mirrored logo. Since these are only my first few years in leathercraft, I didn’t want to spend a fortune on a logo I might not use forever (and because I am still a student). Therefore I found a great manufacturer with a lot of positive feedback in China. All I had to do was sent him an email with my logo in .ai format and a few weeks later I received it on my doormat. Isn’t it great how the world works together!
Doing some hot stamping
Alright, I have got my stamp but now what? I have never used a hot stamp… Luckily a friend would help me. He is quite handy, not afraid of heat and knows the properties of the material! After a few attempts, we found the perfect temperature of the stamp in combination with the condition of the leather. For example when you wet the leather or not gives a totally different outcome!
Maybe even in gold?
But I had one more wish. I love those luxury brands with those beautiful golden logos. Could I also have that? So my second search on the internet was about heat transfer gold foil. Gosh, why can’t you just buy those things in your local shop….? But, I found it and I didn’t have to go trough the rain to get it because also this came in the mail!
Though I forgot one thing… how to I get my stamp at a constant 125 degrees? Yeah… too bad it didn’t work out with just a normal gas heater or soldering iron…(yes I have tried it all). So right now I am looking into the stamping machines. I see Kingsley or Kwikprint a lot on Instagram. Although they are a little over my budget or is there someone who doesn’t use it anymore ??? I can always try, don’t I?
Left (DRY) – Right (WET)
Love to hear what you think about this stamp and wich type (wet or dry) you prefer!! Stay tuned for more and more and more projects, DIY and research into leather craft!
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