Cutter Use & Care

Welcome to the world of It’s Made of Clay! We know you’re here to create magic, and we’re here to help you make the most out of your cutters. Let’s dive into some tips and tricks to ensure every cut is perfection and your tools stay in pristine condition.

Using Your It’s Made of Clay Cutters

Ever felt like your cutters were out to get you, pulling the clay up with them? We’ve been there! Here are a few simple (and fun!) methods to achieve flawless cuts every time. Here’s what we recommend:

The Cornflour Method
Corn starch to the rescue!

  • Place a small amount of cornflour in a bowl.
  • Lightly dip your cutter into the cornflour to coat the edges before cutting. This creates a barrier that prevents clay from sticking to the cutter.
  • After baking and allowing your piece to cool, gently wash with soap and water to remove any remaining cornflour.

The Cling Wrap Method
This method works for certain designs, especially if you’re going for a domed-edge effect.

  • Lay cling wrap (Saran wrap or similar) over your rolled-out clay.
  • Stamp the cutter through the cling wrap and clay.
  • Carefully remove the wrap and surrounding clay to reveal your piece.

Pro Tip: If your design is particularly detailed, the cling wrap method might not be ideal as it can obscure the fine details. Stick to the cornflour method for those intricate creations!

    What Clay Should I Use?

    For the best results with It’s Made of Clay cutters, stick with firmer clays like Sculpey Premo or Fimo Professional. Why? Firmer clays give cleaner cuts and stay strong after baking.

    Softer clays like Sculpey III or off-brand options tend to stick or warp during cutting. And trust us, you don’t want your hard work snapping after all that effort!

    Pro Tip:
    For intricate designs, pop your conditioned clay into the fridge for about 10 minutes. It firms up just enough to make cutting a breeze!

    Caring for Your Cutters

    We get it—reading care instructions might not be the most exciting part of crafting, but trust us, these tips will keep your It’s Made of Clay cutters in perfect shape:

    1. No Dishwashers Allowed! Cutters can warp at temperatures above 60°C (140°F), so always keep them out of the dishwasher.
    2. No Hot Water. Wash your cutters gently with lukewarm water only. Hot water can cause warping and compromise their precision.
    3. Avoid Acetone and Alcohol. These chemicals might seem like quick cleaning solutions, but they can cause serious damage to your cutters. Acetone and alcohol can break down the plastic, leaving it brittle, cloudy, or warped. Trust us, you don’t want that!
    4. Air Dry Naturally. After washing, let your cutters air dry for best results.
    5. Brush Lightly. After use, use the provided mascara wand to gently clean your clay cutter.
    6. Keep Away from Heat. Don’t store your cutters near heat sources, as exposure can cause them to warp or lose their shape.

    While our cutters are designed to handle the force needed for your projects, they’re not invincible. So, leave those Hulk muscles at the door and enjoy crafting with care!

    Happy creating, and thank you for letting It’s Made of Clay be part of your artistic journey! 💕