I look through pages of free 3D files on cults3d.com looking for polymer clay cutters and added them to my cutters collection. I liked the selection on this site, so that is where I host my creations as well.
I printed some and it was a 6-hour print. I am really curious about if the angled cutters make a difference vs ones with a single or double edge fine blade. I would think they would be less likely to have things get stuck in them, and be generally easier to clean.
Two of the prints had some lines through the center of them, but I should be able to remove them with a file. The smooth slope feels really sturdy and clean on the big loopy L3D10 clay cutter by Denislav.
My results are below. I am pretty happy with this method, it even transferred the silver paper. Some of the edges aren't perfect, but I think I could have rubbed them in more to get better results. I love the cute little owls! It is such a great way to play around with different patterns. I went around to nearly every thrift store in the area looking for wrapping paper, so it adds a bit of treasure hunting to the fun. They are brightest when wet, or covered in a sealant and fade slightly as they dry.
Supplies:
(Amazon links below are affiliate links)
Wrapping Paper
Not shinny
Paper texture
Thrift stores are the cheapest, even dollar stores can be expensive nowadays
Look for tiny prints that would fit inside something the size of a loonie
Polymer Clay - Any brand, bake with normal directions
Fine Blade Cartridge
Baby Wipes - For wiping surfaces and hands to remove dust
Sand Paper & 100% Acetone
Optional: A sealant or UV resin & UV lamp
Optional: Drill for hole
Steps:
Clean your hands & surfaces before handling the clay with baby wipes to keep as much dust out as possible.
Cut out a shape on the tile, leaving space around each cut or you can try to transfer it after with the fine blade. Cut out a hole for earrings in this step or after cooking with a drill.
Cut out the paper you want to transfer and firmly smooth it into the clay
Apply a generous amount of hand sanitizer with the cotton pad rubbing vigorously on all edges for a few minutes.
Let dry for 1 hour
Bake as per clay direction
Let cool for 1 hour
Dip in water, peel and rub off the image - It doesn't rub off easy
Sand the bottom using wet-dry sandpaper and 100% acetone & drill a hole if desired
Seal with the desired sealant, or leave it as is.
Questions:
Q: Do I need to use a tile or can I just use parchment paper?
A: If you use a 3D-printed cutter - yes, metal - no. Ceramic tiles allow the material to stick to the tile rather than the 3D-printed cutter.
Q: Why should I leave space around my cuts? A: If you try to cut out a very specific shape like a circle and try to transfer it then it can stretch. If you leave space you don't need to do so. Leave enough space for the paper overhang and for your fingers to run around the edges.
Q: How do I keep the UV resin from sticking to materials underneath it?
A: Use materials that won't stick to resin such as wax, polyethylene plastic (sandwich bags), and silicone mats. I use Let's Resin UV Resin with the gel nail kit I purchased ages ago, but it is also sold as a kit that includes a mat.
Q: What tools are best for sanding?
A: For edges, use a nail drill (dremel) that can be sold with most gel nail kits. The important part is the tips, use wool felt tips for gentle edge sanding, and go slow! For the flat parts, rotary sanders can be used, but the grits need to be fairly fine grit since they usually can't be reduced too much in speed. Regular wet-dry sandpaper also works for hand sanding which allows the most control, you can use it with acetone. Rotary disks grits that work best for:
