Heat Bending Acrylic To Create Unique Jewelry

Recommended Tools & Supplies:
Safety Glasses;
Heat Gun With Base;
Fluorescent Red Acrylic Sheet;
Plexiglass Edge Scraper;
Assorted Polishing Compounds;
Leather Gloves; and,
Sandpaper Assortment

In this video, Professor John Ahr of the Online Jewelry Academy demonstrates how to work with heat and plexiglass to form acrylic wearables. Prof. Ahr also explains the tools and techniques required to safely apply a finish to your projects.

Working with plexiglass is a fun way to add a unique quality to your jewelry projects. Besides all of the different colors and patterns that are available to you as a designer, this material is easily manipulated to produce visual effects or interesting shapes.

The tools and products introduced in this video will allow you to work safely and independently on acrylic jewelry items. Remember, before you go for broke on a large scale piece, it's probably a good idea to practice your technique. With practice you'll know the right path to success.

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1. Beginners course "Colorful Silver Jewelry"
2. Intermediate course "Making Beautiful Articulated Hinged Jewelry"
3. Stone Setting Course "5 Ways To Enhance Jewelry Design Through Stone Setting"

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[roynka]

John, you teach so well, it's a pleasure to watch.
A few questions:
1- Is there a reason why you don't use a larger dowel and bend the plexi into the right shape at one time? 
2- Can you paint the plexi before you shape it, using paints, of course paints that can with stand heat. Did you paint the piece you used or did you find plexiglass in that color? That brings me to # 3.
3-Where can I but colorful plexiglass?

Thanks,
Peggy Carlan

[mjremy]

Nice demo, thanks! I wonder why you did not use a stepped oval wood bracelet mandrel instead of a rod? Unless you want a flat middle? Its easier with a bracelet mandrel. You can always take it off and flatten the back against the countertop. The advantage of the mandrel is that you get different wrist sizes to shape for.

[MichellesHandmadeCreations]

Looks like fun. Now I just need to get a high powered heat gun. But, I'm wondering if my crafting heat gun will work, you know, the kind stampers use for heating plastic embossing powder. Suppose it will be hot enough?

[roynka]

John, will you do a video showing how you cut the plexi and make the impressed decorations on it?

Writing from a hospital bed,
Peggy Carlan

[kymnut]

Great video thanks for sharing! I have a couple of questions though. 
1. The polish: what is it called? and what type of distributor would I most likely be able to get it from? jewelry supply? plastics? or machining supply?
2.  Does it just take away the scratches? Ive worked with plexiglass with displays and they get scuffed really easily. But normally I just use the cleaning spray and it works well. 

Thanks so much!

[nobackhands]

I have concaved some copper disc.  How would I apply an acrylics skin to fit?

[BuzinWithBee]

What is the best acrylic to use for this ?

[FazendoNasCoxas]

Can i use a hair dryer instead of a heat gun?