Heavenly Hand Tools
AH, HAND TOOLS. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...
Go ahead and laugh. But, hands down, hand tools will always hold the
number one slot on my top tool hit list. And I am not alone. Take a look
at any jeweler’s bench and marvel at the number of hand tools you see.
Saws, pliers, hammers, dividers, rulers, stamps, punches, blocks, and
shears — we all love them, use them every day and despite possessing
ones we dearly love, we will always, always look at the newest models
— even when there are already perfectly perfect ones at home. Hand
tools are a constant obsession because they are the extension of our
hands that manifests magic from metal, and it’s just heavenly to have
and to hold them.Cool Tools & Hip Tips
Tempting new products to make your bench
time more productive
By Helen Driggs, Photos by Jim LawsonMetal Stamping Must-Haves
This technique appeals to smiths of every stripe, as I
recently witnessed in my metal stamping workshops
at Bead Fest. There are several companies out there
who manufacture metal stamps, plus an entire contin-
gent of artisan stamp makers. I’m constantly tempted
with new and amazing stamp designs. But before I get
to those, here’s my #1 pro stamping tip. Thick metal
makes it so easy to get sharp and clear impressions.
When in doubt, go thick — you won’t be disappointed.
I love Beaducation Originals’ stamp collection and,
as a trained graphic designer, especially appreci-
ate their ideas for stamps and the quality of their tool
line. They really do have something for every taste,
and I just had to choose a bunch from their recent and
newest off erings. Traditional Snowfl ake (DS636) and
Wide Moroccan Arch (DS616), Fan 2 (DS710) and Fan
(DS709) are perfect for mandala and circular patterns,
and Garden Branch Border (DS625), Caesar Branch
Border (DS435 or DS626), Gerbera Daisy (DS756), Three Flowers (DS244), and
Round Leaf Set (DS803) have me already dreaming of spring. What more could
a nature lover ask for?
I know you are coveting that Design Stamp Holder (HOL020) because those
large 12mm holes will keep even your large profi le stamps organized and ready
to work, so get one!
More at https://www.beaducation.comNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 15