Faux Fordite Rings From Paper And Epoxy

Recommended Tools & Supplies:
Two-Part Epoxy Resin (5 minute);
Construction Paper;
Goo Gone;
Craft Sticks;
Permanent Marker;
Ruler;
Tracing Paper;
Glue Stick;
Wax Carving File;
Saw Frame & Blades;
Polishing Compound For Plastic; and,
Sandpaper Assortment
​Purchases made using the Amazon links on the OJA website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com, help to financially support the OJA. On our website you'll also find links to products from Durston Tools that we have reviewed. Or, you can access Durston's website at durston.com/oja.
In this video, Professor John Ahr of the Online Jewelry Academy shows viewers how to make artistic rings and cabochons from simple materials. All you need are a pad of construction paper, epoxy resin, mixing tools, a saw, files, and plastic polishing materials.
It's best to use a paper that will easily become saturated by the epoxy resin. Small, consistently sized paper shapes should be glued one on top of the other to make a block of plastic that can be cut and shaped. As with all epoxy projects, it's best to try to keep the bubbles out of the glue.
This project will take some time. You'll need to let the plastic cure for at least three days. The cutting and shaping may take some time too. Be sure to use course files in the initial phases. Finer cut files and sandpaper can be used for the final shaping and finishing. Once you've applied a 1500 grit sanded finish to your project you can polish it with plastic polish to bring out a shiny glow.
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The OJA offers complete courses on Udemy.com.
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www.udemy.com/makingjewelry/?...
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3. Stone Setting Course "5 Ways To Enhance Jewelry Design Through Stone Setting"
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[@kathyspiers8438]

I really enjoy your channel and learn a lot from you! Some videos are above my skill level but love watching them all so THANKS all your work for us!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hey Kathy, Thank you for the nice feedback. I hope that you have more fun making jewelry in 2017. Thanks for your support! : )

[@cleverkimscurios3783]

This is cool, it reminds me of Fordite or Surfite. My husband just said that he's seen people make knife handles using this technique with fabric. I see some experimenting happening for me in 2017. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hey Kim, Thanks for posting such a great comment. I'm glad that you and your hubby enjoyed the video. Thanks for your continued support! : )

[@2degucitas]

Clever Kim's Curios Wow! Fabric! I have so many scraps of fabric around here. I always have epoxy because I make my own epoxy clay. I need to try this!

[@Katiepooh56]

Thank you for sharing yet again another fab technique. Happy new year John. 🎉

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hey Kate, Glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for your continued support! : )

[@jakegreenbergphd4613]

This is such a fun project!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for your support! : )

[@charliem1023]

Awesome !

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for your support! : )

[@lynnebash2278]

This is so cool the only Fordite I have seen is from a vendor who comes once a year to our rock and gem show and he wants an arm and a leg and a pint of blood for it. I will try this also as I love making paper jewelry., Have a great day Lovingly Lynne

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you like the project idea Lynne. Have fun making faux Fordite. Thanks for your support! : )

[@thomascorner3009]

Hi John, I am really interested in the final polishing step (I make knives and often use epoxy as clear finish on the handle). Which plastic polish did you use? I went to a jeweler supply place, and all they had was a polish used for watches. I tried it but that left the epoxy hazy and cloudy. Thanks in advance for the information. PS: are you planning to make a video on mokume gane? This is a rather advanced method, but it gives such original and beautiful results.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Thomas, I generally use a polish that I get from a local acrylic dealer. I don't know the manufacturer name for it. But it's a blue compound. I'm sure you can find a similar product with a quick search on Google. If I get a streaky or cloudy result, I will follow up with the Novus acrylic polishing products. These are applied by hand. The OJA may eventually do a video on Mokume gane. But it will not be for some time. Thanks for your support! : )

[@rationalskeptic1]

Thank you! Very informative. Question for you: have you ever made jewelry (or anything) with polyester resin? I've heard that it is able to shine up really brilliantly because it's harder than epoxy resin. Is this true? I'd love to see a video on polyester resin if you'd be interested. Thanks!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

I have avoided working with polyester resin because it stinks and it can create quite a mess. I don't think I'll be doing any videos with it. But, I'm sure that you can find plenty of videos on the topic already posted to KZbin. Thanks for your support! : )

[@beadinggem]

Love this idea, John! What sort of saw or other tools did you use to cut out the rings?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

I'm so glad you liked the video. I used a jewelers saw, wax file, metal files, sand paper and polishing equipment to finish the rings. Honestly, you just need to use whatever you have on hand to speed you through the cutting and forming process. As I said in the video, this project takes some time to complete. And, you really need to think like a sculptor. If you have experience with wax carving, this shouldn't be too difficult to accomplish. Good luck with your projects. Thanks for your support! : )

[@beadinggem]

Thanks, John! I will add your comment to my blog post to encourage people to use what they have!

[@eternal8song]

The problem with using construction paper in this kind of micarta is that the colors fade. It's about as far from lightfast as you can get.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

You're correct. It is something that should be taken into consideration before pursuing this project. Thanks for your helpful comment. Thanks for your support! : )

[@2degucitas]

eternal8song Yes. It's true construction paper fades quickly.