Monogrammed Metal Collar Stays

This is a great Father's Day gift idea. I realize, though, that I'm a bit late to the game for Father's Day, since you probably don't own all these goodies. Stock up to make this for your dad or guy's next birthday! Or practice now, and you'll be really stellar by next Father's Day!

What the heck is a collar stay? These little guys, also known as bones, knuckles, collar sticks, and collar stiffeners, are the little things that keep the collars looking crisp at the corners on men's dress shirts. The shirts come with dinky plastic ones. You're going to blow his wardrobe out of the water by making a schnazzy metal set - custom-made just for him!

Be sure to visit me at Shrimp Salad Circus for more great tutorials, tips, and inspiration!

Step 1: What You Need

• heavy rubber mallet
• metal letter stamps in 1.5mm and 3mm (I got mine here.)
• collar stay blanks (I got mine here.)
• black permanent marker
• steel bench block (I got mine here.)
• cotton swabs
• rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover

I've linked up where I got my supplies here, in case you don't know where to get metal stamps or collar stay blanks. 

Comments

[dmjacobsen]

Just wondering... why would you want to monogram an inexpensive piece of metal that no one will ever see, ever, except for the person that owns it?

[ShrimpSaladCircus]

DM, you make an excellent point - one that I considered before I decided to go ahead and make this project. Here's why I figured it was still a good idea:

• It's a personal, thoughtful gift that the recipient has never received before, almost guaranteed.
• Even though it's an inexpensive piece of metal, it's still much higher quality than the thin, transparent plastic stays that come with dress shirts.
• Maybe nobody will see it, but it's the thought that counts. The recipient will know that you put time and sentiment into the project, and that means a lot. They'll think of you every time they use the collar stays. :D

[scoochmaroo]

Lovely!