Embossed Metal Block

These decorative blocks can be used to hold doors, books or papers in place. Figure A Figure B Figure C

12" square sheet of metal tooling
cutting mat
metal ruler or straightedge
dried-out ballpoint pen
7-1/2" long wooden 2" x 4"
4 metal washers (two each in different sizes)
hammer
2 roofing nails

Steps:

1. Lay tooling on cutting mat and center wood block on it. Use the ruler and hammer to score a line 1/8-inch in from one end and fold over. Wrap block and create creases in tooling along all edges (figure A). These will be the fold lines when the metal is embossed.
2. Remove block and score along all fold lines using the pen and ruler. Be careful not to press too hard.
3. Score freehand patterns with pen (figure B).
4. Return block to position and wrap metal around it allowing the folded, neat edge to overlap the other.
5. Fold ends around block and wrap up like a present.
6. Center two metal washers on either end of block and hammer roofing nails through to secure metal (figure C).

Tip: Experiment with different tools like an ice cream stick to create wide lines when scoring a pattern.