I see more and more polymer clay artists using electronic die cutters to cut intricate patterns in the clay. These digital cutting machines allow you to cut precisely any pattern (within the machine's capabilities) you wish.
One lovely inspirational tutorial to get you started is the scrolled pendant tutorial by Gloria Uhler of Domestic Diva-Online. I love how she used strips of clay to form the bail for the all polymer clay pendant.
Gloria used her Silhouette Curio cutting machine. She provides the template as a PDF which you can print out if all you've got is a craft knife to cut out the pattern.
You can also use the PDF for an alternative brand of cutting machine like the Cricut (which I have). Note : you cannot upload a PDF directly to the Cricut Design Space. You must first convert it into an image - a format file like the jPEG. There are various free online converters to do this.
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
I have been thinking about getting a cutting machine but, like you, have been leaning towards the Cricut. Is there any reason that made you choose that one?
ReplyDelete(Also adding this to the list of things to try once I get it...)
I picked the Cricut because the Design Space seems more user friendly. I am fine with the mat sizes offered by Cricut. If you plan to cut larger then consider the Silhouette. Silhouette has cheaper models (which limits you on what kind of file format you use unless you pay to upgrade the software). Cricut doesn't do that. It can handle the prevailing SVG format. Other than that I cannot really compare as I do not have a Silhouette. Check out the reviews online. I did and felt the Cricut better suited me and what I could get out of it.
DeleteI've only played a bit with my new Cricut Maker Sneaky Burrito but so far I'm hooked. It cuts beautifully and I've discovered the fun of finding images that appeal to me and transferring them to my Cricut Maker and watching it cut it. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteOnce I get back into my studio I've plans to cut polymer clay and leather. How exciting!
This tutorial makes me eager to get my maintenance work done so I can get back to what makes me happiest....creating!
wow! now i have another excuse, er, reason to buy a Cricut!
ReplyDeleteI hope I don't get blamed for encouraging crafting addictions!
Delete"lead me not into temptation, I can find it on my own"! :)
DeleteThanks for the post, Pearl! I've been trying to email you for a couple of days but each attempt gets bounced. This project was actually my very first that was cut on my Silhouette Curio. I remember how excited I was to discover I could cut clay on the machine. I’ve done so many more projects since then. I'm not familiar with the Cricut at all but I thought I'd throw out one reason I chose my Curio machine. Mainly it allows you to cut very thick materials because the operation is done by putting your material on a platform. Since you can add or subtract platforms, you are able to cut a variety of thicknesses. There's an article on my website that explains the two Silhouette machines called, "Curio and Cameo What To Expect". Maybe Cricut offers the same option for thicker material? Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip on your machine. I think crafters need to evaluate their personal needs to make the right choice for them.
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