Basket Stamping

[aermotor]

What is the correct way to place initials, a brand or a maker's stamp into the center of a basket stamping project? Thanks in advance for your help.

[TwinOaks]

For me, the easiest way is to lay out a very light scribe line and use a clear straight edge to mark the spacing around the area. Then work your way to the blank spot and tilt the stamp away from the area when you smack it. If you have multiples of the same stamp, you can grind one in half to make half impressions easier to manage. If you don't have multiple stamps, you can use a pad of leather to help stop the marking of the leather. Be aware that you may get some impression through the pad, so keep that in mind when you smack it.

[CLH]

What is the correct way to place initials, a brand or a maker's stamp into the center of a basket stamping project? Thanks in advance for your help.

I don't know about the correct way ,but here's a way that works for me. I place my stamp where I want and tap medium, than I basket stamp up to it. Than I take the basket stamp and lightly press it into the leather several times and than when I'm on the other side continue stamping. This is repeated until I'm above my name stamp. Than I go back and tilt my stamp away from my name stamp and I'll clean the name stamp up, Than I take my name stamp and with a large rawhide maul ( no bounce ) I'll make my stamp the deisired depth that I want. Than I bevel around the name stamp ,than I'll take a small cam or some tool simalar and go around the edge to fade the basket stamp and ,Bingo , you have a nice job. Clint Haverty

[aermotor]

I don't know about the correct way ,but here's a way that works for me. I place my stamp where I want and tap medium, than I basket stamp up to it. Than I take the basket stamp and lightly press it into the leather several times and than when I'm on the other side continue stamping. This is repeated until I'm above my name stamp. Than I go back and tilt my stamp away from my name stamp and I'll clean the name stamp up, Than I take my name stamp and with a large rawhide maul ( no bounce ) I'll make my stamp the deisired depth that I want. Than I bevel around the name stamp ,than I'll take a small cam or some tool simalar and go around the edge to fade the basket stamp and ,Bingo , you have a nice job. Clint Haverty

Thank you, Mike and Clint, for your input. I apologize for my delay in responding; I have been in the process of switching ISPs. I will definitely buy a transparent ruler, and I appreciate the tip on restamping with the maker's stamp after finishing the basket stamping.

Also, if anyone is interested, Bruce Johnson has a great article on Page 2, Article 21. It was very helpful to me as well.

Thanks, everyone.