A Bit of Information About Using Plastics in Jewelry Making
I am more and more attracted to jewelry that incorporates plexiglass/acrylic. So here is a bit of information about using plastics in jewelry making. When you’re done reading, see some fun examples on my Pinterest™ Mixed-Media Jewelry Gallery board.
What are plexiglass and acrylic plastics?
While I love the jewelry made from these plastics, the plastics themselves are petroleum-based. However, according to plexi-craft.com, “… when used as directed and in ambient temperatures, acrylic does not pose hazardous nor toxicological effects to health. This material has been classified as non-hazardous under OSHA regulations.”
That said, let’s start with acrylic — acrylic plastic looks like glass but is much stronger and more flexible. It is a thermoplastic which comes from natural gas.
Is plexiglass different from acrylic?
Although part of the acrylic plastic family, plexiglass is harder, making it easier to saw and drill and is just one of the names acrylic goes by (the breadth of uses for acrylic is wide, from use in buildings to our craft purposes here, thus the multiple names).
Plexiglass with regard to jewelry making
You can find plexiglass in many colors and thicknesses. Some manufacturers will sell you scraps versus having to purchase full sheets. You can also purchase uncolored plexiglass sheets at your local hardware store and dye the plexiglass yourself using fabric dye, dish soap and a bit of water.
Plexiglass is great for jewelry making as it can be easily cut, drilled and filed. A post on the blog Love My Art Jewelry gives detailed information on how to work with plexiglass including the need for proper ventilation, gloves and mask. The post also gives advice on how to work with thicker plexiglass which involves low heat from a heat gun. Note that the melting point for plexiglass is quite low, 320 °F (160 °C).
Resources for making jewelry with plexiglass
Buying plexiglass online
- United States Plastic Corp.
- ePlastics (they sell opaque and translucent colors)
Plexiglass jewelry making tutorials
- “Making Acrylic Jewelry” — The Art League School (YouTube)
- Acrylic Jewelry — Instructibles
Plexiglass Jewelry Examples
- Plexiglass jewelry on Pinterest™
- Acrylics by Jennifer Merchant — Wearable Arts blog
- Acrylic Jewelry by Sue Gregory — Wearable Arts blog
- Carlo Verda on Pinterest™
