The Art of Stamping

One way I judge a book on technique is by how much it makes me want to get to the studio !right!now! This passes that test with flying colors.As you might expect, it covers the technique of metal stamping in detail, with plenty of photos of masterworks and blurbs about the masters who crafted them. More than that, it offers a number of examples and fine points in making the steel stamps yourself, from selecting tool steel (often castoff files, chisels, cut nails, or leaf springs), through shaping and refining, to hardening and tempering.But this takes the notion of "stamping" far beyond what I imagined. It demonstrates stamping in deep relief (where others might have used etching), to work with matching stamps and dies (where others might have used chasing and repousse), to "swages" (where others might have soldered a wire to a surface, instead of forming a wire-like shape in the metal). This also taught me about "shot plates", a technique wholly new to me.I noted only two omissions in the discussion, probably intentional. Although the author seems familiar with chasing, the section on "malleable dies" omits mention of the chaser's pitch bowl. And, although the author mentions counter-punches (though not by that name), he does not discuss how they figure in the classic art of making movable type for letterpress printing. That arguably represents the most delicate and precise version of punch-cutting yet documented. Typographic punch-cutters also used gravers in shaping their stamps, but those may be better suited to fine work like Bodoni's, than to the decorative stamps addressed here.This became an instant favorite, and one of very few in my set of foundational books on metalwork.-- wiredweird

This resource is an amazing guide on creating and using metal stamps in metalsmithing and jewelry making. It offers comprehensive instructions that are easy to follow, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced artisans. Additionally, the resource features insightful interviews with skilled makers, providing valuable tips and personal experiences. Whether you're looking to enhance your technique or gain inspiration from industry experts, this guide is an invaluable asset for anyone interested in the art of metal stamping.

I love this book for many reasons:- beautiful, detailed photography- historical references- inclusion of other artists- very well laid out for a work plan/tutorial to learn techniques of stamp makingI am looking forward to working through the information in this book to build a stamp collection I can use to personalize the jewelry in my shop. Thank you so much for your time and dedication to learning this ancient art from different cultures and presenting it so well. I decided to purchase the Legacy book as well and am blown away.

I bought this after taking the author's virtual classes from MetalWerx. The book is so detailed that I could follow its instructions without the class and still be successful. With the class, it's amazing. High-quality images, instructions, and paper. Highly recommended!

I have a couple other books on stamp making that I found too technical and without enough pictures. This has profiles of artists and stamp makers, step- by- step pictures of stamps in progress, and ways to select and modify old tools into new stamps. Pretty much great.

You cannot read this book without coming away with a burning desire to make a few stamps and then try the techniques. You will succeed! I was enveloped with the history and art as well as the detailed execution instructions. Truly a book that will be (or should be) in every jeweler’s library.

Beautiful book, great photos and very well made. Fantastic book.

AS a metal smith artist, somewhat new to the art of making jewelry, I watched Andrew Barry of At the Bench in London on You Tube, and he said you must get this book, it is the finest written on Metal Stamping. He was more than right!. The photos of the artists and their work are beautiful, and the layout of the book is very concise. I recommend this book to anyone who loves the beauty of hand made hand stamped jewelry!

Plenty of reference photos but the resolution is not great so expanding the frame for very close inspection is hard, for me that's important. Also some of the texts for the reference photographs are a page behind and flipping back to understand the explanation can be a bit annoying.Overall I find myself referring to this book a lot, it is generous with great designs for stamps one could follow easily and change a little to make some outstanding stamped work that would be your own original product for sale. Having to spend time really studying to understand his narration will pay off for anyone serious about this craft.

So interesting and helpful. Very well written, thank you so much for this beautiful book.

Excelente libro lástima que nunca llegó

This is probably the best book dealing with stamping, well researched and with lots of good practical information, highly recommended

So much inspiration gathered in one place, in this remarkable and beautifully written and well documented with interesting photos, providing the reader with a broad base of knowledge that can be applied. The source of history, knowledge and community is of very high value and deeply respected by the author which all adds to the insight and value of this book. I am one lucky lassie to own this book. Thank you with my respect and honour. Allison Gould