Hi, I'm hoping someone out there may be able to help me.  I'm looking for letter stamps/punches to use on silver sheet to make message tags, earrings etc and the only ones I can find have very standard fonts (most probably the same font) and I am looking for something a little more unusual or even quirky.  Has anyone come across any ? I'd love to know.

 Migs

You can order a set of custom alpha / numeric stamps from Infinity stamps, Rio, Harper's Manufacturing - I'm sure they are a few other places.  You can specify the font, stamp size and upper or lower case stamps.  I ordered an alpha set from Infinity Stamps, it didn't take too long and the customer service was excellent. 

Thanks Karen, I really appreciate it, I'll have a look at those site now. Migs

Curious.  That's a question I've had for some time.  What's the relative price difference?

Also, I want to share that Indian Jewelers Supply has a terrific selection of non-letter stamps of all shapes & sizes.  Pages & pages, & pretty cheap.  Check out www.ijsinc.com

sher

 The price difference between what? 

A custom alpha stamp set and a stock alpha stamp set - the price difference is pretty big.  You can buy alpha stamps off the shelf at harbor freight for well under $10 (on sale), a custom alpha set is $300+

I believe a custom design stamp is about $100 vs design stamp off the shelf for $5 - $10 

 

I have a question.  I have seen designs where the letters are dark black.  After you stamp the letters what do you use to make them black.  And, if you tumble the piece, will the black fade?

 

I use Midas Black Max from Rio Grande for things like that.  I put it on with a small brush, and if I get a little over-spill, it can be buffed off with Zam. 

 

I recently purchase a set from Infinity Stamps. I realized after stamping with one letter and ruining two gold tags that the letter was defective.  I called the company to see what to do about it. I won't go into the horrid details of the conversation I had with the person at the company but after much arguing with him he said he would send me another replacement only if I promised to send back the defective one --and that if he didn't receive it, he would charge me for a whole set.  Just be wary--they have no return policy stated on the receipt, or on their website as I last checked but I was told they their return policy is clear.  Then I got the rude comment "How's that for customer service."  When I ordered the set, yes, they were very nice but when there came an issue with their product-- then they weren't so nice. 

 check out www.theurbanbeader.com Awsome stamps

Hi,

When choosing a font for a stamp set it is wise not to choose a font that is in fashion at the time.  Choose fonts that are timeless because once they're no longer popular you will be stuck with a set of dated stamps.  The reason I suggest this is because I am a photographer and graphic designer and I have seen fonts rise to stellar popularity (Papyrus) only to be so over used that it hurts your eyes everytime you see them.  No question about it, Papyrus is a beautiful font, but it's EVERYWHERE.  Look in your junk mail, shopping center store names, magazines.  Another that comes to mind is Mistral.  Have a look at a font called Honey Script.  What decade does that remind you of?  LOL.  It reminds me of the 50's.

 

Sandra 

There are some great letter stamps out there to purchase.  They are expensive, like $295 and up  but well worth it.  You can also have one custome made for you for an extra $100 or so.  To get that "black" patina in the lettering you have to buy a antique polish.  It's easy to use - just follow directions on the bottle.  You can get this from any place you buy your letter from.