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. 

Before You Go:
Disclosure 

This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation. 
 ______________________________ 
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM