[TheForge] Smithing Question

[Woolley]

Greetings,

I was making leaves the other day from 1/2" round stock.  Small ivy leaf shape.  When it came time to vein, I used a helper stand to hold the work across the anvil to use the hammer and veining tool without holding the piece.  Although fairly stable, I found the piece jumping around a bit under blows from a 3 lb hammer.  I've seen designs for spring type hold downs that drape over the work on the anvil.  What are some of the common methods or devices that some of you more experienced smiths are using?  Any good reference material?  Thanks.

Regards,
Bill Woolley