How to Make Cookie Cutters

When you can't find a cookie cutter in the shape you want, don't settle for a common design. Make your own cookie cutter by bending sheet metal. The only tools necessary are an old pair of scissors and needlenose pliers.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn
• Sheet metal
• Scissors or metal snips
• Needlenose pliers
• Non-toxic epoxy or other adhesive

Instructions

1. Pick a picture or draw a shape for your cookie cutter.

2. Measure the outside edge of the picture by putting a piece of yarn around the image. Cut the yarn to fit 1/4 inch inside the picture.

3. Measure a piece of sheet metal with the yarn. Before cutting the sheet metal to the size of the cutter, cut 1-inch thick strips.

4. Lay the yarn on the strip and cut the sheet metal with an old scissors or tin snips. Cut the strip about 2 inches longer than the yarn.

5. Bend the sheet metal with your hands. Use the picture as a reference to create the final shape. Use needlenose pliers to bend small corners.

6. Cut any excess metal from the cutter, leaving just enough to overlap on the inside of the cutter.

7. Glue the ends together by putting a small amount of non-toxic epoxy on the edges that overlap. Use a clothespin to hold the edges together until the epoxy dries.

Tips & Warnings

• A heavier gauge sheet metal is difficult to bend, but it will keep its shape longer.

• Drill a screw through the ends of your cookie cutter and secure tightly together with a bolt if you don't want to use epoxy.

• In a pinch, use an aluminum pan instead of sheet metal. Your cookie cutter won't last too long, but it should do the trick for the day.

• Make sure the adhesive you use is non-toxic and safe for food.