In the land of a million text messages…..
…the hand-written note is king.
The other day I got a simple thank you note in the mail and I stared at it and wondered.…could this actually be an antique one day?
Would future generations find it….
…..and marvel that anyone ever took a pen and wrote on paper?
E-mails and texts and Facebook messages get the job done.
They communicate.
They transmit.
They convey.
But a hand-written note?
*sigh*
It does all that and so much more….
….with incredible character and style. 🙂
And that style deserves its own special place.
So I found a box and made a stamped spoon box handle and I’m creating a time capsule of notes….casually scrawled with well-wishes and congratulations and even a simple hello…..to keep inside.
And I’m saving it for future generations to discover.
To discover a time….
…when communication was so much more than words on a screen. 🙂
How to Stamp Silver & Make a Stamped Spoon Box Handle
Supplies:
silver plate spoons
silver stamps
silver stamping block
regular hammer
rubber hammer
glue
Step 1: Â Select spoon
You can easily find silver plate at thrift stores and estate sales.
Silver plate is very easy to work with and bends smoothly and is strong enough to hold up to normal wear and tear.
Step 2: Â Flatten head of spoonÂ
Using a rubber mallet (so you won’t damage the silver)  flatten the head of the spoon.
The spoon will still have a few ridges and bumps even though it is almost flat.
Those are my favorite.
They’re called character.
Step 3: Â Bend handle
This was the easiest step that I thought was going to be the hardest step.
I just bent the handle with my hands.
I used the natural bend in the spoon and applied pressure until it fit the size of the box.
If you want your handles smaller or larger….just adjust the pressure.
Step 4: Â Choose the size of stamps you want to use
Here are the three sizes of stamps I have.
1/4 (largest)…..all caps.
5/64 (2mm) (medium)…..all caps.
3/32 (smallest) …..lower case.
I used the 1/4 for the spoon handle to stamp the word NOTES.
Step 5: Â Stamp spoon
Place spoon on the stamping block.
Hold the silver stamp where you want the letter to go and hit hard with a hammer several times.
Sometimes you have to flip the stamped spoon over and flatten it again when the edges curl up slightly.
Step 6:  Glue to the top of the box
Let dry overnight.
Now….collect your notes and add them to the box.
Then hand-write a note to someone special and send it to them.
You better hurry though….
….before all the pens become antiques, too. 🙂
PS Â For more projects with stamped silver….click here.
PPS Â And now….in the fun announcement category! Â I’m hosting an Easter Pinterest party this Sunday with a group of talented blogger friends!
Hosted by…
- Amy from The Idea Room // Follow Amy on Pinterest
- Amy from Positively Splendid // Follow me on Pinterest
- Cheryl from TidyMom // Follow Cheryl on Pinterest
- Cindy from Skip to My Lou // Follow Cindy on Pinterest
- Desiree from The 36th Avenue // Follow Desiree on Pinterest
- Heather from Whipperberry // Follow Heather on Pinterest
- Jen from Tatertots and Jello // Follow Jen on Pinterest
- Kari Ann from Thistlewood Farms // Follow Kari Ann on Pinterest
- Kellie from Nest of Posies // Follow Kellie on Pinterest
- Kristi and Kelli from Lolly Jane // Follow Lolly Jane on Pinterest
- Melissa from No. 2 Pencil // Follow Melissa on Pinterest
- Mique from 30 Handmade Days // Follow Mique on Pinterest
- Tauni from SNAP! // Follow Tauni on Pinterest
The monthly Year of Celebrations Pinterest Party is the place to find THE most comprehensive, inspiring Pinterest board on the block. Each and every month, we’ll be focusing on a different holiday or celebration, and this month is all about Easter!
Here are all of the details for how YOU can participate:
-
What: A Pinterest Party to celebrate all things Easter!
-
When: THIS Sunday, March 30 at 9 p.m. EST/ 8 p.m. Central/ 7 p.m. MST/ 6 p.m. PST
How you can participate:
- Round up YOUR favorite Easter projects and recipes. Anything goes: crafts, decor, sweet treats, and more!
-
Follow the Year of Celebrations Pinterest board.Â
- When the party kicks off, tweet YOUR favorite Valentine’s Day project and/or link using the hashtag #yearofcelebrations. Helpful hint: We highly recommend putting the hashtag at the beginning of your tweet to ensure it doesn’t get cut off.
- On Sunday, March 30, tune in at the appointed time and watch as we build a board full of amazing ideas – including yours!Â
- Be sure to follow along during the party to repin and comment on the board’s posts using the hashtag #yearofcelebrations.
We are so excited to PIN and SHARE all of your amazing projects!
See you Sunday rock star. 🙂
I love this! I am so crazy about old notes, I buy other peoples at yard sales, thrift shops, etc... the romantic handwriting, faded colors, and worn edges. It makes my heart sing! I love the idea of keeping my own for future memories and what a darling handle! This is a MUST DO project! :) Thanks so much for sharing!
What a lovely idea...collecting Hand-written notes...and such a wonderful way too! Does signing Christmas cards count if I also add a message? It is a lost art. And I understand they don't teach cursive anymore...so how would one even write a personal note? We've got to keep that going...technology is nice, but shouldn't replace the human element! ;)
I need to dig out my stampers. No idea where they are so that should be fun :-) And I'm so excited about the Pinterest Party!! So fun! Cheryl https://snaps-of-ginger.blogspot.com/
Thank you for a lovely idea. I too am sentimental about notes. I have kept many over the years and have them in a special box. I also gave my daughter-in-laws a special box, so they would have somewhere to put special notes and not be tempted to discard them. Rare as the handwritten note is these days, they are to be treasured!
Love, love, love this idea !!! I've wanted to make this project for a while now, but didn't know how. Thank you for the great step by step. Goin to Michaels ;-)
Very cool. There are days when I think stamping silver could be very therapeutic! ;) Love the project, though - and you're right, email is going to be the death of the thank-you/thinking-of-you/get-well note. Kinda sad. Glad you're making sure these things don't fall between the cracks!
My kids are expected to hand-write thank-you notes. There is still room for classy behavior. Our school teaches cursive and there is a connection that appears in the brain when they write down information versus using a screen and keyboard for everything. Yes, we have to keep up with the times, but perhaps by not honoring certain teaching traditions, we miss something in the process. There, I'll get off my soapbox now and tell you that the letter box is charming! I tried to find a metal stamping kit in Michael's without success. :(
So true. A handwritten note at this point is almost a relic as soon as it's produced. Just love your special box-so going to have to treat myself to a stamp set.
Great idea!! I still have my Honey's letters from 48 years ago...they need a special box with a silver latch.
I love this. My Mom has been gone 10 years but I have recipes in her handwriting that make me smile when I see them. And by the way - I have ridges and bumps and like to think they are character too. :)
Dang it! That's why I can't find any pens...they're antiques now! I was at the store the other day and I was looking for a pen over by the registers, but I only found rubberbands. There used to be pens over there, but I had to use my phone instead of a pen. Spoons, stamps = LOVE.
Love this idea. I enjoy writing notes and letters, also like to receive them. It's become a lost art. I know a few friends of mine enjoy receiving cards and notes,yes even letters. Many people don't want a computer, because they still like to send and receive the handwritten notes. Your Box is a wonderful idea. What a treasure to look back on.
My old notes and cards are tied up with old fashion grosgrain ribbons and put in one of those fancy cardboard boxes. I like you box better. Look forward to the Easter party. Linda
Love your stamped spoon/handle. You are so correct about hand written notes. They are an item to be treasured and hopefully not lost to modern technology. Thanks for the inspiration, Suzanne Pieced Pastimes
Great idea, but I also want to know about your box. Did you decorate it also?
A keepsake box to treasure the handwritten note - a lovely notion. Thank you :)
Such a sweet idea, I still send cards(handmade), as well as letters,even though I do use the computer, I don't ever want to lose my writing skills. I have a few of my Grandmother's silver, so I may just use one of those for my handle. Thanks so much for the lovely idea.
Love, love, love this!!! May I ask where you bought your stamps?
I had no idea that's how you "Stamped" things like that. I've seen a lot of necklaces and sort of assumed you used a chemical as well. I love it think I will have to try something like this!!