I don't know if I'm the
only one, but every time I have an idea for something, it usually
involves spending money on new supplies. So wherever possible, I like
to save my pennies and come up with alternatives to expensive
shop bought products. It's also good for some instant gratification
as quite often, by the time something has arrived, I'm off on a new
idea and the new tool sits in it's packet until I get back around to it.
Something I use a lot
of is cutters. I have lots of favourite shapes and sizes, but
sometimes, I either can't find what I need, or it just isn't
available in the size I want. So I make my own.
To start, you need a
can of fizzy drink. Drink the contents and wash out the can and leave
to dry.
Now for the safety side
of things...
*Warning... Cutting cans can leave very sharp edges, I
recommend you wear gloves if making cutters using this method!
So with your gloves on!
Take a sharp knife and carefully cut around the can, removing the top
and the bottom. You should be left with a cylinder of metal. Slice
down this with scissors so you have a sheet of metal.
Flatten it out and cut
in to strips. I make mine between ½ – 1 inch depending on the size
of the cutter. If it's going to be a small cutter, don't make it too
deep, as you need to be able to poke your clay out to remove it.
Bend the metal in to
the shape you want. To make sharp corners, use a pair of flat pliers
to bend the metal to whatever angle you need. Don't pinch corners too
tightly, as the metal is quite thin, it will split along the edge and
spoil your cutter.
Make sure the bottom
edges line up, it doesn't matter too much about the top, and use
sticky tape to secure them folding it over the top edge. It's a good idea to put tape around the
top rim of the cutter too to give your fingers a bit of protection
while you're using them.
Use them as you would
your normal cutters. They are a little more flimsy than shop bought, and you might need to smooth your clay back in to shape a little bit before drying/baking, but you should get plenty of use out of them before they need
replacing!
Happy cutting!
Caroline
Great idea!
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome money saving tip!
ReplyDeleteIngenious...These types of tool are so expensive when you need a whole range.
ReplyDeleteI've used this method to make tiny custom shapes in polymer clay, Caroline. If the cutter is one you would like to make longer lasting, just cut your strip twice as wide and fold in half lengthwise (gently... rather than crease the fold, I slowly roll over it with an acrylic roller). The folded edge become the cutting area, which works nicely if using plastic wrap over the clay to produce a gently rounded cutout. One end of the strip can be tucked inside the other. I've always glued the joins, but I love your idea of using tape, which could be applied all around the cutter for a smoother surface. Awesome tutorial!
ReplyDeleteMy post showing the bracelet focal I created using micro-cutters:
http://ahalfbakednotion.blogspot.com/2012/08/help-right-side-of-my-brain-is-keeping.html
Excellent idea. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI am going to remember this for one day when I am making things out of metal clay! Thanks Caroline!
ReplyDeleteYay - great idea. I'm gonna try this!
ReplyDeleteI've done this with some thin brass sheet but never thought about pop cans, will give it a go, thank you
ReplyDeleteI am SO going to do this!
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome!
NOTE: Great idea but DON"T use this with metal clay (PMC) Aluminum contaminates metal clay. Use copper or brass instead.
ReplyDelete