Plexiglass Jewelry Instructions
Plexiglass features a clear, cool surface much like glass but offers more stability. Plexiglass is more flexible than regular glass, cutting and breaking more like plastic. For these reasons, plexiglass makes a good base for jewelry. Its durability makes it perfect for pendants and charms that might bang off of hard surfaces or get dropped. Its transparent nature makes it perfect for personalizing.
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Things You'll Need
- Plexiglass
- Grease pencil
- Utility knife
- Rubber mallet
- Soft cloth
- Fine sandpaper
- Pictures
- White school glue
- Lacquer
- Hand drill
- 1/16 inch drill bit
- Jump rings
Instructions
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1
Draw the shape for your pendant or charm on your plexiglass with a grease pencil. Make the shape near the edge of the glass and choose a larger, geometric shape for your first try. Circles, ovals, squares and hexagons work well.
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2
Score your lines on both sides of the plexiglass with a utility knife. If your shape does not pop out of the glass from scoring, tap it sharply with a rubber mallet. The shape should pop free.
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3
Clean the grease pencil marks from your shape with a soft cloth. Sand the edges smooth with fine sandpaper. The edges should be free of sharp edges and splinters.
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4
Place your plexiglass piece on top of the picture you want to use in your jewelry. Trace around the plexiglass onto the picture with a pencil. Cut the picture out, smear white school glue on the front of the picture and paste it to the back of the plexiglass.
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5
Allow the glue to dry overnight. Apply a thin, clear layer of lacquer to the back of your piece, allowing it to dry for several hours. Apply one to two more coats to seal the piece.
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6
Drill through the top of your plexiglass piece with a 1/16 drill bit. Pry open a jump ring with your fingers and slip it through the hole. Squeeze it shut. Jump rings are simple metal rings that connect pieces of jewelry to other pieces.
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