From the day I first began metalsmithing, I wanted to brand my work with my logo. I crossed other items off my To-Do List over the years, but procrastinated on getting my logo stamp. Last year I created the artwork for it, but worried about how the stamp would work in real life. I questioned my ability to design artwork that would translate to a legible impression, or that I would be able to strike the stamp evenly enough to get a good impression. After all, my design was “big” and a bit more complex compared to most of the designs I saw other silversmiths using. And, I often struggle with the much smaller motif stamps I use on my pieces.

I would say that I needn’t have worried, as you can see from these images. I turned out fantastic! But it took me a while to trust my design and take the risk of having it made only to find it a failure.

Here’s the actual steel die. If you’re a smith and use stamps, you will notice that it’s pretty big compared to many stamps. 3/8 inch in height.

Here’s the impression I got with a single blow with my 2 pound sledge hammer. I can take some credit for being committed to the strike after lining it up, but I’m pretty sure the reason the logo looks so great is because I chose a crafter of metal stamps that is tops in the business. “Who?” you are wondering. Well, I’ll tell you!

It’s Danny Wade with Ferro Valley Tools. This is a true small business, and communication with him was exemplar. He sent me a proof image before invoicing me for the piece(which I assume had already been made, from the picture he emailed) and asked if I needed any changes. I had my stamp in my hands within two weeks, including the time it took to be shipped.

I made a single practice strike on scrap silver before telling my self “now or never” and setting out for real with the stamping you see in the picture above. Here’s the finished pendant I made with that stamp strike(the “Sterling” stamp is a separate one).

Now, the stamp IS a big one, and I’ll be asking if it can be duplicated in a smaller size, for smaller pendants, rings and earrings. But I’m thrilled with this new addition to my branding system.