Custom + Easy + Cheap = Magnificent Jewellery!
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Custom + Easy + Cheap = Magnificent Jewellery!
For this Instructable, you will need:
What!? And what about the laser cutter, the design files & the necessary software?
In fact, you don't need them if you have all of the above list.
Here are the steps:
- an idea,
- a computer,
- an Internet connection,
- a sheet of medium density filberboard (MDF), that's what I used in the case, but you also could take acrylic (PMMA, plexiglas) or plywood,
- earring & necklace chain & clasps (easy & cheap bought on eBay),
- spray paint if you prefer a painted version,
- a camera to immortalize your work & loved ones!
What!? And what about the laser cutter, the design files & the necessary software?
In fact, you don't need them if you have all of the above list.
Here are the steps:
- Look for a shape that matches your idea on (free) stock vector websites (I used this for the earrings: http://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-patterns),
- Download it locally on your computer,
- Note: you can skip the previous steps if you download the files that are included in this Instructables,
- If you don't already have a vector graphics application, you can download and install Inkscape: http://inkscape.org/,
- Open your shape in your vector drawing application,
- Adjust the size so that it fits your needs (beware of measurement units!),
- Create 2 concentric circles: one with respective diameters of 1mm and 3.5mm,
- Copy them so that you have 2 pairs,
- Position one pair so that it overlaps with the (right/left) border of the shape,
- Weld the outer circle,
- Select the inner circle and the resulting shape and combine the 2 shapes so that you get only one shape,
- Repeat steps 9 to 11 with the other pair of circles,
- Adjust the line width and/or color accordingly to the specifications of your favorite laser cutting service provider,
- Save your work, you're done! Congratulations, the most difficult part is done with success,
- Upload your design on your laser cutting service provider's website or on a USB key to have it fabbed (i.e.: cut) at your favorite Fablab/TechShop/Hackerspace. Don't forget the masking paper tape (the white roll near the can & MDF sheet) so that you don't get ugly fume marks!
- Once it's done (or arrived in your mail box), you just have to adapt the chains & claps with easy-to-find tools.
- Enjoy your self-designed jewelry!