Professional Cutters

Description

Professional cutters designed for polymer clay jewelry are essential tools for creating precise and consistent shapes in your jewelry pieces. Here’s how to use them effectively:

### How to Use Professional Polymer Clay Cutters

1. **Preparation**
– **Condition the Clay**: Before using the cutters, condition your polymer clay by kneading it until it’s soft and pliable. This helps to eliminate air bubbles and makes the clay easier to work with.
– **Roll Out the Clay**: Roll out the clay to an even thickness using a rolling pin or pasta machine. The thickness will depend on the design and style of your jewelry piece.

2. **Using the Cutters**
– **Select the Cutter**: Choose the appropriate cutter size and shape from your 17 variations. Ensure the cutter is clean and dry.
– **Cut the Clay**: Place the cutter on the rolled-out clay and press down firmly. For intricate shapes, use a gentle rocking motion to ensure a clean cut.
– **Remove Excess Clay**: Carefully lift the cutter to reveal the cut shape. Remove any excess clay around the shape and set it aside for future use.

3. **Creating Textures and Patterns**
– **Stamping and Impressions**: Before cutting, you can add texture to the clay using texture sheets, stamps, or other tools. Gently press the texture tool onto the rolled-out clay to create patterns.
– **Layering**: Cut different shapes and layer them to create dimensional designs. Use smaller cutters to create cutouts within larger shapes.

4. **Handling and Baking**
– **Transferring**: Use a thin blade or craft knife to carefully lift the cut clay shapes from your work surface. Transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
– **Baking**: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for baking the polymer clay. Typically, polymer clay is baked at a low temperature (around 275°F or 130°C) for 15-30 minutes per 1/4 inch thickness.

5. **Finishing Touches**
– **Sanding and Polishing**: Once baked and cooled, you may want to sand the edges of your pieces to smooth any rough areas. Use fine-grit sandpaper for a polished finish.
– **Sealing and Glazing**: Depending on your design, you can seal your pieces with a polymer clay varnish or glaze to add shine and protection.

### Tips for Using Polymer Clay Cutters

1. **Maintain Clean Edges**: Wipe the cutters with a damp cloth between uses to remove clay residue and ensure clean cuts.
2. **Uniform Thickness**: Use guide rings on your rolling pin to achieve a consistent clay thickness, which is crucial for uniform pieces.
3. **Avoid Sticking**: Lightly dust the cutters with cornstarch or apply a thin layer of water to prevent the clay from sticking to the cutters.
4. **Experiment with Shapes**: Combine different cutter shapes and sizes to create unique designs. Use smaller cutters to add details or create negative space within larger pieces.

### Project Ideas

1. **Earrings**: Use small and medium cutters to create earring shapes. Add texture or layer different shapes for more intricate designs.
2. **Pendants**: Larger cutters are perfect for creating pendants. Add holes for jump rings before baking.
3. **Charms and Beads**: Use small cutters to make charms or beads. Pierce with a needle tool before baking to create holes for stringing.
4. **Bracelets**: Create links or focal pieces for bracelets by cutting and baking shapes that can be connected with jump rings or wire.

Professional polymer clay cutters are indispensable for achieving precise and consistent results in your jewelry making. With careful handling and creative use, you can create a wide variety of stunning jewelry pieces.