Layered cutters
25 3D-printable filesFive matching cutters build the layered eye.
- Four jewellery sizes, plus a separate five-cutter 26 mm stud set.
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Build kit
3D print the tools. Make it in clay.
Pixel Eye Build Kit
3D print the cutters, then cut and stack polymer clay into Pixel Eye earrings, brooches, pendants, magnets and wall art.
Digital download: STL files to 3D print, plus a PDF guide. Requires a 3D printer or 3D printing service.
What's included
36 3D-printable STL files, an illustrated maker guide and the Maker Licence.
Relief cutters
4 3D-printable filesThe outline and eye detail in one slab.
- Four relief cutter sizes for a single-colour or painted eye.
Wall art
7 3D-printable filesA 115 mm eye for wall art or an earring display.
- Five matching cutters, a rear hanger and a tape-on wall stud.
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Guide and licence
2 PDFs- Illustrated guide covering every included method and finish.
- Maker licence: sell finished clay pieces; files and printed tools are not for resale.
Choose a size
Dimensions are the clay eye's width and height at 100% print scale, not the cutter's outside dimensions. Use a standard bar pin only when the finished brooch, including the actual pin, glue and finish, weighs 11 g or less.
20 mm at the outlines' scale. Not an actual-size template.
| Outline to scale | Size | Clay outline (W x H) | Methods | Use it for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 mm | 26 x 18 mm |
| Studs or light drop earrings (layered only; do not drill) | |
| 52 mm | 52 x 35 mm |
| Drop earrings (layered), brooch, pendant, charm or magnet | |
| 56 mm | 56 x 38 mm |
| Brooch, pendant, charm or magnet. For a relief brooch, weigh the actual pin, glue and finish with the clay: the whole piece must be 11 g or less. | |
| 60 mm | 60 x 41 mm |
| Pendant, charm or magnet in either method; brooch in the layered method only | |
| 62 mm | 62 x 42 mm |
| Pendant, charm or magnet in either method; brooch in the layered method only | |
| 115 mm115 x 78 mm |
| Wall art display, with a pair of earrings or on its own | ||
Making methods
Two ways to make the Pixel Eye
Build the eye from separate colour layers, or press the outline and detail into one slab with the relief cutter.
Layered colour eye
Five cutters cut the base, backing, white eye layer, iris and pupil from five clay colours, then you stack them into a raised eye. Suits studs, drop earrings, a brooch, pendant, charm, magnet or wall art.
Layered Eye: cut shapes and stack
See the five colour shapes after cutting and clearing the waste, then each completed layer stack. The film ends with ways to wear and display the finished Eye. Follow the PDF guide for the full making method.
One-slab relief eye
One cutter cuts the outline and presses the eye detail into a single slab of one clay colour. Paint the baked eye if you like. Suits a brooch, pendant, charm or magnet. The larger relief brooch designs have no specified brooch hardware.
Eye relief: one slab and finished uses
See the Eye outline and detail in one clay slab before and after the surrounding waste is cleared. Relief pendant and bag charm examples follow, then separate layered wall art displays. Follow the PDF guide for the full making method.
Your first piece
Pick your first piece
Print only the files for the piece you are making; the rest are there when you want another size or method.
One cutter, one colour
A relief brooch or magnet
- One file: the 52 mm relief cutter.
- Add
- One clay colour, a brooch pin or disc magnet, and glue suited to baked clay and metal.
A single press cuts the outline and presses in the eye detail. Leave it one colour or paint it after baking.
See what you needThe full layered look
A 52 mm layered brooch
- The five files in the 52 mm layered set.
- Add
- Five clay colours, a brooch pin, and glue suited to baked clay and metal.
The larger colour pieces give you more room to lift and place them, using the same stacking method as the studs.
See what you needSmall layered earrings
A pair of 26 mm layered studs
- The five files in the 26 mm layered set. Print them once and cut both earrings.
- Add
- Five clay colours, two flat-pad stud posts with backs, and glue suited to baked clay and metal.
The smallest size, with a tiny iris and pupil to lift into place.
See what you needWall art display
Show off your earrings on the wall
Cut, stack and bake the same eye at 115 x 78 mm and it becomes wall art that shows off your earrings. Make it in any colours.
- Show it
- Hang it behind your stall or on a shop wall at eye height. At home it keeps your favourite pair by the mirror, ready to wear.
- Hang it
- Print the hanger and glue it to the back at the guide position. Fit it to a suitable nail or the printed wall stud before mounting. For the stud, follow the exact tape instructions for compatible surfaces, preparation, pressure and waiting time. This projecting assembly has no established tape load rating.
- Style it
- The base cutter presses two small marks where the earring holes sit best. Drill them out for a pair of drop earrings and hang a pendant chain over the hanger's two hooks, or smooth the marks away and hang it as art on its own.
- Sell it
- You can sell the finished display with its hanger glued on.
Four colour ideas
Signature 
Peach and olive 
Orange and yellow 
Violet and peach
The layered build at a glance
The guide gives the full method, layer placement and attachment instructions.
Step 01
Cut the base and colour shapes
Cut two of each shape with one matching layered set for a pair of earrings. For larger drop earrings, follow the PDF's thinner-base and finished-weight checks.
Pictured: Base A cut into the yellow slab, with the cutter lifted away.
Step 02
Layer the eye shapes
Stack the backing, eye, iris and pupil on the base to build the coloured design.
Pictured: The base, backing and white eye stacked in order.Help with this step
Step 03
Join the layers gently
Press the stack lightly through parchment so the layers stick. Stop before the edges spread.
Pictured: All five eye layers stacked in their matching positions.Help with this step
Step 04
Bake, cool and add your attachment
Bake as your clay packet says and let the eyes cool. Then glue on the posts, or add the hole or bail for a hanging piece.
A finished drop earring with its jump ring through the hanging hole and ear-wire loop.
What you will need
Supplies for your piece
Use the tools you already own. Choose your piece to see its findings, then check the shared materials below. Some linked hardware packs contain enough for many pieces.
Links marked "Affiliate link" may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Check sizes and materials before checkout.
What are you making?
For your stud earrings
Plus glue from the core kit below.
Flat-pad stud posts with backs
Glue one post to the back of each 26 mm stud. This assortment includes the guide's pad size and others.
Our pickCraftdady stainless steel earring posts and backs, 4 to 10 mm pads (470 pcs)Also inTitanium posts for sensitive earsAffiliate linkView on AmazonAffiliate link
For your drop earrings
Plus glue from the core kit if you use bails.
Ear wires + jump rings
Ear hooks, silicone backs and open jump rings in one kit, enough for many pairs.
Our pickStainless steel French ear hooks with silicone backs and open jump rings (600 pcs)Compare other optionsAffiliate linkView on AmazonAffiliate linkJump rings
A 10 mm outside ring joins each drilled 52 mm eye to its ear wire; use 0.8 mm wire.
Our pick925 sterling silver open jump rings, 10 mm outside, 0.8 mm wire (20 pcs)View on AmazonAffiliate linkSecond jump ring (optional)
Only if the piece hangs sideways: add a 5.5 mm ring in 0.8 mm wire between the first ring and the ear wire to turn it to face forwards.
Our pick304 stainless steel jump rings, 5.5 mm outside, 0.8 mm wire (100 pcs)View on AmazonAffiliate linkSmooth-jaw pliers
Two pairs open and close jump rings without scratching them. This kit adds a starter set of findings.
View on AmazonAffiliate linkGlue-on bails
A 26 mm eye is too small to drill, so glue a flat pad bail to the back instead.
Look forPlain glue-on flat pad bailsCompare on AmazonAffiliate link
For your brooch
Use a standard bar pin only when the finished brooch, including the actual pin, glue and finish, weighs 11 g or less. The 60 and 62 mm relief brooch designs are without specified brooch hardware. Plus glue from the core kit below.
Brooch pin
A glue-on bar pin that fits fully on the flat back of your chosen size.
View on AmazonAffiliate link
For your pendant
Necklace chain
Ready-made chains with clasps, so the pendant is finished as soon as it hangs.
Our pick18 inch stainless steel cable chains with lobster clasps (30 pack)Also inGoldAffiliate linkBlackAffiliate linkView on AmazonAffiliate linkJump rings
A 12 mm outside ring in 0.8 mm wire hangs a drilled 52 mm or larger eye from the chain, clear of the lash tips.
Our pick925 sterling silver open jump rings, 12 mm outside, 0.8 mm wire (20 pcs)View on AmazonAffiliate linkSecond jump ring (optional)
Only if the piece hangs sideways: add a 5.5 mm ring in 0.8 mm wire between the first ring and the chain to turn it to face forwards.
Our pick304 stainless steel jump rings, 5.5 mm outside, 0.8 mm wire (100 pcs)View on AmazonAffiliate linkSmooth-jaw pliers
Two pairs open and close jump rings without scratching them. This kit adds a starter set of findings.
View on AmazonAffiliate linkGlue-on bails
For a 26 mm eye, glue a flat pad bail to the back instead of drilling a hole.
Look forPlain glue-on flat pad bailsCompare on AmazonAffiliate link
For your keychain charm
Keep it decorative: hold the metal ring when you pull out your keys, not the clay.
Keyring or swivel clasp
Clips the charm to keys or a bag strap.
Look forSwivel lobster clasps and key ringsCompare on AmazonAffiliate linkJump rings
A 12 mm outside ring in 0.8 mm wire goes through the drilled hole, so the next ring or chain clears the lash tips.
Our pick925 sterling silver open jump rings, 12 mm outside, 0.8 mm wire (20 pcs)View on AmazonAffiliate linkConnector ring
A 7 mm ring in 0.8 mm wire joins the first ring to a clasp loop. On a keyring chain, add it only if the charm turns sideways.
Our pick304 stainless steel jump rings, 7 mm outside, 0.8 mm wire (100 pcs)View on AmazonAffiliate linkSmooth-jaw pliers
Two pairs open and close jump rings without scratching them. This kit adds a starter set of findings.
View on AmazonAffiliate link
For your fridge magnet
Plus glue from the core kit below.
Disc magnets
Glue one to the flat back once the piece has baked and cooled. Never bake a magnet.
Our pick10 x 2 mm neodymium disc magnets (120 pack)View on AmazonAffiliate linkKeep loose and finished magnets away from young children and pets; a swallowed magnet can cause serious internal injury, so get medical help straight away. Keep magnets away from pacemakers. Selling magnets? Check the magnet safety rules where you sell.
For your wall art display
The pair you hang on it uses the drop earring supplies.
Small nail or screw
A headed nail or screw carries the display through the printed hanger's keyhole. Pick a flat head about 8 mm across; the guide gives the shank and gap that fit.
Look forA small nail or screw with a flat head about 8 mm acrossThin double-sided mounting tape
For the no-nail route: it sticks the printed stud to the wall. Thin tape keeps the display hanging flat.
Look forThin double-sided mounting tapeGel super glue
Glues the printed hanger to the back of the baked, cooled display. Keep it out of the slot and off the hooks, and let it cure fully.
View on AmazonAffiliate linkSmall drill bit and pin vise
Drills the two earring holes in the baked, cooled display. The guide gives the bit size.
Look forPin vises with micro drill bitsCompare on AmazonAffiliate link
Core tools and materialsCheck your studio setup: 12 supplies used across projects.
Check what you already have, then buy only what is missing for your piece. You will also want baking paper, foil, cling wrap and cornflour from the kitchen.
Polymer clay
Five colours for the layered eye, or one colour for the relief eye.
Look forSculpey Premo clay coloursCompare on AmazonAffiliate linkAcrylic roller
Rolls even slabs between thickness guides.
Our pickAcrylic rollerView on AmazonAffiliate linkThickness guides
Use thickness guides for the base and relief slabs, and thinner spacers for the colour layers. The PDF explains both. ClayBake rails are a separate kit, coming soon.
ClayBake toolClayBake thickness guides (coming soon)Tissue blade
Lifts thin cut layers off the tile without stretching them.
Look forSculpey tissue blades (rigid blade included)Compare on AmazonAffiliate linkGlazed ceramic work tile
Cut and stack on a smooth tile. Bake on it only if its current product instructions say it is oven-safe at your clay package temperature; otherwise use a suitable baking surface. A second tile helps you lift the colour layers cleanly.
Our pickGlossy white ceramic craft tiles (set of 12)View on AmazonAffiliate linkNeedle tool
Pops air bubbles and marks hanging holes.
Look forClay needle toolsCompare on AmazonAffiliate linkHole punches and marking guide
The punches, piercing pin and marking guide for hanging holes come from the free ClayBake hole punch set, a separate download. No set? Mark the hole centre with a ruler and drill it after baking.
Oven thermometer
Checks the real oven temperature against your clay packet.
Our pickTaylor 5932 large dial oven thermometerView on AmazonAffiliate linkWet/dry sandpaper
Smooths the edges and back of the baked piece, from 400 grit up.
Our pickLANHU wet/dry sandpaper, 400 to 1,500 grit (12 sheets)View on AmazonAffiliate linkJewellery glue
Glue posts, brooch pins, bails or magnets to baked, cooled clay. Jump rings through drilled holes do not need glue. Follow the adhesive label and let it fully cure.
Look forE6000 Jewelry & Bead adhesiveCompare on AmazonAffiliate linkDust mask
For dry sanding and drilling baked clay.
Our pick3M 8210 N95 particulate respirator (2 pack)View on AmazonAffiliate linkSafety glasses
For drilling and sanding.
Our pick3M Virtua CCS clear anti-fog safety glassesView on AmazonAffiliate link
Worth it if you make and sellTools that save time and keep pieces consistent when you make in batches.
Pasta machine
Conditions clay and rolls even slabs far faster than a hand roller. Keep it for clay only.
Our pickMarcato Atlas 150 pasta machineView on AmazonAffiliate linkRotary tool
Drills hanging holes and sands edges quickly across a batch of baked pieces.
Compare on AmazonAffiliate linkPin vise and drill bits
A small hand drill for clean hanging holes in baked, cooled clay.
Look forPin vises with micro drill bitsCompare on AmazonAffiliate linkSatin glaze
A water-based glaze made for polymer clay, for an even sheen. Test it on a baked scrap and keep the glue patch bare.
View on AmazonAffiliate linkLiquid clay or clay adhesive
A trace between raw layers gives extra hold.
Look forSculpey Oven-Bake Clay AdhesiveCompare on AmazonAffiliate linkPaint and brushes
Colour the baked relief eye with water-based acrylic paint and a fine brush.
Compare on AmazonAffiliate linkEarring display cards
Print the card and cutter files to present and sell your earrings.
ClayBake toolClayBake earring display cardsEarring display stand
Print a stand to show your pairs at markets and in product photos.
ClayBake toolClayBake earring display stand
Printing your cuttersAlready have a printer? Skip this. You can also send the files to a 3D printing service.
FDM 3D printer
Prints the cutter files. If buying, compare models for your budget and workspace, and ventilate while printing.
Look forBambu Lab 3D printersCompare on AmazonAffiliate linkPLA+ or Tough PLA filament
The guide gives the nozzle, layer and support settings. Match the filament diameter to your printer.
Look forPLA+ / Tough PLA filamentCompare on AmazonAffiliate link
Make it your own
Try another version
See how each piece is finished, then shop only what it needs. The guide covers the sizes and attachment steps; clay and hardware are not included.
Stud earrings
Glue a flat-pad post to the back of each eye for a pair that sits close to the lobe. Weigh each finished stud with its post and back; clay thickness and hardware affect the finished weight.
See what you need
Drop earrings
Hang each eye from an ear wire on a jump ring, through a glue-on bail or a drilled hole. The guide gives estimated clay weights and a lighter construction for drops. Aim for 5 g or less per finished earring, including the fittings, and weigh each one.
See what you need
Brooch
Glue a tie-tack pin or a bar pin to the flat back once the eye has baked and cooled. Dry-fit it first, then check that the pin fits the baked back, the adhesive has fully cured and the eye sits flat on your fabric.
See what you need
Pendant
Add a glue-on bail or a drilled hole, then hang the eye from a necklace chain on a jump ring.
See what you need
Bag charm
Hang the eye from a keychain clasp on a jump ring. Keep it decorative: lift your keys by the metal ring, not the clay.
See what you need
Fridge magnet
Glue a magnet to the flat back for a bright fridge decoration, then check that it holds on your fridge.
See what you need
Colourway
Try a Halloween palette
Keep the same five cutters and swap the clay colours, one for each layer of the eye.
- BaseOrange
- BackingPurple
- EyeCream
- IrisGreen
- PupilBlack
Colourway
Try a turquoise and navy palette
Keep the same five cutters and swap the clay colours, one for each layer of the eye.
- BaseTurquoise
- BackingPale blue
- EyeWhite
- IrisCobalt
- PupilNavy
Wall art display
Cut the same five layers at wall size for wall art that holds a pair of drop earrings and a pendant chain.
See the wall art displayMaker licence included
You may sell the finished polymer clay pieces you make. You may not sell, share or redistribute the digital files or 3D-printed tools. See the included Maker Licence for the full terms.
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