Polymer Clay Cutting and Shape Tools
Polymer clay is used for creating crafts such as like beads, flowers and sculptured characters. Polyvinyl chloride and a plasticizers are combined to form this man-made substance. Although it is referred to as clay, it contains no clay minerals but has the same consistency as clay and requires shaping, cutting and baking. Polymer clay can be shaped and cut with a variety of tools.
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Wire Loops
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Once the form has been drawn from the block of clay detail can be shaped using a wire loop sculpting tool. This tool has different size wire loops and a straight wooden handle. The loop draw off excess clay and helps create fine lines and edges for your show piece.
Clay Gun Extruder
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A clay gun allows you to make shapes of clay by squeezing them from a gun. This works much like the tool used by pastry chefs to create different shapes for cakes and topping designs for desserts. A range of metal disks are included with clay guns to provide versatility for your design. This tool helps you produce patterns such as flowers, circles and squares.
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Craft Knife
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A craft knife with a detachable blade helps you shape and cut Polymer clay. The detachable blades work well for different angles to crate a variety of shapes. If you are working with young children, substitute a hobby knife, which comes in serrated and nonserrated blades A hobby knife doesn't cut through the clay as well as a craft knife, though.
Shape Cutters
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Craft shape cutters resemble cookie cutters. They come in a large selection of shapes such as squares, diamonds, ovals and triangles. The sharp edge of craft shape cutters will slice through the clay and leave no rough edges.
Tissue Blades
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Tissue blades are tiny blades also used in the medical setting to take tissue samples. They cut Polymer clay with extremely sharp and thin edges. It is the best tool to cut the mokume gane slabs before forming your project. Some tissue blades are stronger and will not bend while others may move if you're cutting through a big block of polymer. It's a matter of testing different brands.
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References
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