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When I started to make polymer clay earrings, I remember printing an image I liked and then tracing it onto the clay before cutting it out. Sounds easy right? Well, it was not as easy as I thought because my hand would sometimes slip and ruin the perfect shape of my earrings.
I knew there had to be a better way to create consistent and elegant shapes for my earrings. That’s when I discovered polymer clay cutters. These small but mighty tools have revolutionized the way I make earrings and have helped me elevate my crafting game.
Don’t get me wrong, I do sometimes still use the paper templates but is only for a very detailed and specific design. In this blog, I will share with you how polymer clay cutters have made my crafting process more efficient and fun.
Benefits of using Polymer Clay Cutters
Consistency in Shape and Size
One of the biggest struggles I faced when making polymer clay earrings was achieving consistent shape and size. As mentioned earlier, my hand would sometimes slip while cutting out the clay, resulting in uneven or misshapen pieces.
However, with the use of polymer clay cutters, this problem is completely eliminated.
Precision and Ease
Aside from achieving consistency, polymer clay cutters also offer incredible precision. They allow you to create intricate designs with clean, precise edges that would be difficult and time-consuming to obtain with manual cutting. Plus, they are incredibly easy to use. Simply position your cutter over the clay and press down. Within seconds, you have a perfectly shaped piece ready for baking. No more worry about hand fatigue or accidental slips, polymer clay cutters make the whole crafting process much more enjoyable.
Versatility
Polymer clay cutters come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, making them incredibly versatile tools for any crafter. From simple circles to intricate flowers and geometric shapes, there’s a cutter for every design you can imagine. You can also mix and match different cutters to create unique designs and patterns.
Tips for Using Polymer Clay Cutters
Use a Roller
To ensure clean cuts, it’s best to use a roller to flatten your clay before using the cutters. Or use a pasta machine to speed up the process. This will help prevent any air bubbles or uneven thickness that could affect the shape of your pieces.
Dust with Cornstarch or baby powder
If you find that your clay is sticking to the cutter, dusting it with cornstarch or baby powder can help prevent this issue. Simply sprinkle a small amount onto your clay and gently tap off any excess before cutting.
Experiment with Layering
Another fun way to use polymer clay cutters is by layering different colors of clay. By stacking layers of different colored clay and then using a cutter, you can create unique designs and patterns within your pieces.
Clean After Each Use
To ensure your cutters stay in good condition and continue to create clean cuts, it’s important to clean them after each use. Simply wipe them down with a damp cloth or rinse with water and dry thoroughly before storing.
Store Properly
Speaking of storage, it’s important to keep your polymer clay cutters in a safe place where they won’t get damaged or bent. You can store them in a dedicated container, such as a small plastic box, or even hang them on a pegboard for easy access.
Get Creative with Shapes
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and use your cutters in unconventional ways. For example, you can create unique textures by pressing the flat side of the cutter into your clay, or use the negative space of a shape to create interesting cutouts.
Use Non-Stick Surfaces
To prevent your clay from sticking to your work surface and ruining your cuts, it’s best to work on a non-stick mat or surface. You can also use parchment paper or wax paper as an alternative.
Practice Makes Perfect
As with any craft, practice makes perfect when it comes to using polymer clay cutters. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t turn out exactly as you hoped. Keep experimenting and honing your skills, and soon you’ll be creating stunning pieces with ease.
Have Fun!
Last but not least, the most important tip for using polymer clay cutters is to have fun! The possibilities are endless with these versatile tools, so let your creativity run wild and enjoy the process of creating unique and beautiful pieces. Happy crafting!
