by Michelle Barneck of "A Little Tipsy" / ga12162009

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Michelle writes, "We always have a special Christmas lesson for our Young Women at one of our homes the Sunday before Christmas and wanted something special to give our Beehive class. My wonderful adviser and crafty girl extraordinaire, Amanda (from Every Crafty Endeavor), came up with the idea and the supplies to do stamped washer necklaces that say Courage to go along with next year's mutual theme. I am so nice and took pics of the process so that you can do it too. I know, I know...too kind.

(Stay tuned for how we tie them in to the Christmas nativity lesson)

Supplies Needed:

- Heavy Hammer (you can use a regular one, you will just have to hit harder)
- Washers (ours were about an inch)
- Steel Alphabet stamp set
- Black permanent marker
- Baby wipe
- Leather, ribbon, or a chain to put the charm on



1. Take your supplies to a concrete area so you don't damage whatever is under your stamping. (We froze our little tushes on the porch in 30 degree weather, but the end result was well worth it and it really did not take that long.) Pull out the letters you will be using and put them in order. Place the first letter stamp equidistant from the hole in the middle and the edge. Now, with the other hand, whack the stamp with the hammer 3 or 4 times (depending on how hard you hit and the weight of your hammer).  See cute Amanda demonstrating her great skill.

2. Keep it going with the other letters. Place the next letter by aligning the edge of the stamp with the first letter and turning a hair so it follows the curve of the washer. This may take some getting used to. We had to redo some. Continue with each letter.




I am so excited for this lesson! It is so personal to have it in Amanda's home with the fire crackling and everything so cozy. Last year, the Christmas lesson was AMAZING and I can only imagine this year will be the same!"


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