DIY: Postage Stamp Jewellery

Being obsessed with post, I've managed to collect quite a lot of amazing stamps over the years. Some I've picked up locally, some from markets in Paris, and most recently, a lovely little collection were sent to me from far far away. But it's so sad to keep them hidden away in a little box, so today I decided to create a little diy that turns them into jewellery. The perfect accessories for my trip to the post office!

As I'm using sent stamps (used ones), I'm going to need to get them off the paper. To do this, fill a bow with some lukewarm water and submerge the stamp. After about 5-10 mins you'll find it's peeled off, clean and easy! Some of the more modern stamps that come ready to stick can take a little longer. Try gently coaxing the stamp off the paper, but if it's resisting give it another few minutes. It'll come, you just have to be patient.

Once it's clean off, use some kitchen roll to gently blot off excess water then leave it for 20-30 mins to dry out completely.

I'm going to turn my stamps into brooches, but this method is perfect for creating earrings, a necklace or even a charm for your bracelet. 

To give the stamp a sturdy backing, I've used some oven bake clay (Sculpey, but Fimo is also great). Alternatively you could use a Scrabble piece or thick acetate, but I find this is the best way to create a backing that's the right size and a good thickness. 

Simply roll it out evenly till it's a few millimetres thick, place the stamp down and cut around it using a sharp knife....

Perfect!

If you're planning to turn your stamp into a necklace, remember to add a hole into the two parts now.

Next, pop it in the oven and bake it for the recommended period of time (I think mine was 20 mins at 130 degrees celsius) Remember to give it 10 minutes to cool before you continue or risk burnt fingers!

Looking cute and ready to go!

Attach your stamp to the backing using a thin layer of white glue (I used Mod Podge) and make sure to press it down so there's no bubbles mis-shaping it.

Once it's dried, add a couple of layers of glue over the top of the stamp to protect it from the elements. Remember to do all the sides too! Sealing it is important to make sure it doesn't get damaged when you're wearing it.

Once the white glue has all dried and gone clear, super glue on a brooch backing and leave it to harden.... this is the hardest part because you'll be too excited to wait!

*Ta*Da*

Aren't these the cutest accessories you've ever seen? And no two will ever be the same - that's the beauty of used stamps, they all have their own marking from being franked. I wonder if I covered my whole coat in these and jumped in the back of a post van they'd take me on holiday?... A girl can dream!!

I hope you have fun up-cycling your stamps; another great reason to look forward to receiving more mail :) Remember to ask for stamps when you're posting packages to your favourite people - I'd hate to see the whole world turn into a barcode :O

Happy Making!
xox