Make Your Own Hand Stamped Jewelry with Beaducation {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, ctsk!}

When it comes to what is popular in accessories and jewelry, various fads seem to come and go. One day large, shiny bling is what's in, the next day it is simple, understated pieces.

But one type that is universally loved and, as far as I can tell, never going to go out of style is hand stamped jewelry. There is something so much more meaningful and unique and beautiful about those little discs that are personalized just for you. Every time I've visited a new shop that offers them, I see a new design and think of what saying or image I'd like next.

However, instead of spending more money every time you find new hand stamped jewelry only to have to wait and hope that the completed piece will be everything that you hoped for, you can now take creative matters into your own hands and make it yourself thanks to Beaducation.

If you've ever wanted to make your own hand stamped jewelry but thought that you either don't possess the talent or just wouldn't even know where to begin, Beaducation is the answer. Founded by Lisa Niven Kelly (a pioneer in the hand stamped jewelry industry), this online jewelry-making haven offers all of the tools and supplies that you need... as well as the video classes to teach you all that you need to know.

Whether you are a beginner or a jewelry pro, Beaducation's step-by-step video classes are taught by some of the nation’s best instructors and offer the perfect opportunity for learning the latest techniques. Getting started really couldn't be easier! After watching the Stamping on Metal class and the Stamped Jewelry Design Ideas class (both FREE!) it seemed that all I needed was the equipment to get started.

Fortunately, Beaducation makes that simple as well with their Stamping on Metal Starter Kit.

This kit contains nearly everything you need to get started creating your own personalized jewelry. From the 3/32" Economy Letter and Number set to the stamping blanks to ball chains, the only pieces missing are a mallet and a Steel Bench Block, which Beaducation sent along for me.

After checking out all of the items I have to admit that I felt slightly overwhelmed at first - would I really be able to do this?

However, Beaducation has a great online resource in their Create Stamped Metal Jewelry page, which gives all sorts of information about tools and tips as well as links to many of their online videos so that you can really get a sense of the process.

Not only that, the Starter Kit comes with an eight page instruction booklet filled with an explanation of each piece, how to have the proper workspace, using the right tools, finishing your pieces, and step-by-step instructions for spacing, contrast and more that are easy to follow. The whole process really couldn't be easier - simply choose your design and stamp away!

Using the copper practice sheet, I played around a little bit while trying to inspire my creativity and trying out tips that Beaducation offered. When it's time time to do the "real thing," it's great to know things such as using painters tape to keep your letters in a straight line (as well as hold the disc in place) and a ruler to find the center of your disc so that the wording is evenly spaced.

In pretty much no time at all, my pile of parts turned into my own unique creations that I love! I started simple and made one double-disc design similar to this...

Except, you know, with my own kids' names

...and then moved on to a layered item because I always love the look of the copper and silver together.

I just need to figure out what stamp to put on the smallest disc! I had such a great time creating my pieces and immediately could see how addictive it could get to be able to make such amazing things right at my own table. How many times have I struggled to come up with a gift for a birthday, Mother's Day, the holidays, a baby shower, etc? With Beaducation's help, now I know that I will always have the option of giving a handmade gift that will be just right!

From stamping tools to letter sets to design stamps, Beaducation has the supplies that you need and the online classes that you'll enjoy. This site has it all for your path to becoming a jewelry artist! And, thanks to their generosity, one person will have to be careful to not get completely hooked as well, because...

One lucky person will win a Stamping on Metal Starter Kit
from Beaducation! ARV $69!

To enter to win: Visit Beaducation and tell me something that you learned there or why you would like to try this Starter Kit.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Beaducation on Twitter, Like them on Facebook and/or become a subscriber to their blog.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

#WIN a Stamping on Metal Starter Kit (ARV $69) from @Beaducation to create custom jewelry! http://bit.ly/r2qXDV @thxmailcarrier #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on August 18th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to Beaducation for providing a Starter Kit and Steel Bench Block for me to review as well as a Starter Kit for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.