Layered cutters
14 3D-printable filesThree matching cutters build each layered flame.
- Four sizes from 32 to 48 mm, plus a two-cutter 22 mm stud set.
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Build kit
3D print the tools. Make it in clay.
Pixel Flame Build Kit
3D print the cutters, then cut and stack polymer clay into Pixel Flame earrings, keychains, pendants, magnets, brooches 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
24 3D-printable STL files, an illustrated maker guide and the Maker Licence.
Relief cutters
5 3D-printable filesThe outline and flame steps in one slab.
- Four jewellery sizes, plus a 22 mm relief stud cutter.
Wall art
5 3D-printable filesAn 85 mm flame for wall art or an earring display.
- Three 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
Sizes name the height, from the top pixel to the base. Dimensions are the clay flame's width and height at 100% print scale, not the cutter's outside dimensions.
20 mm at the outlines' scale. Not an actual-size template.
Every layered cutter and the relief cutter comes in all four flame sizes. Relief flames make 22 mm studs, pendants, charms, magnets and brooches, never drop earrings or dangles. The 22 mm studs have their own simpler cutters: two layers, or one relief slab.
| Outline to scale | Size | Clay outline (W x H) | Methods | Use it for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 mm | 20 x 22 mm |
| Stud earrings on flat-pad posts (their own two-layer or relief cutters) | |
| 32 mm | 29 x 32 mm |
| Light drop earrings or ball-post dangles (layered), pendant, charm, magnet or brooch | |
| 36 mm | 32 x 36 mm |
| Everyday drop earrings or ball-post dangles (layered), pendant, charm, magnet or brooch | |
| 40 mm | 36 x 40 mm |
| Bold drop earrings or ball-post dangles (layered), pendant, charm, magnet or brooch | |
| 48 mm | 43 x 48 mm |
| Statement drop earrings (layered; weigh them), pendant, charm, magnet or brooch | |
| 85 mm76 x 85 mm |
| Wall art display, with a pair of 32 mm drops or on its own | ||
Making methods
Two ways to make the Pixel Flame
Make a matching pair (not mirrored), with yellow, white and magenta layers positioned by hand. The hanging hole goes through the flame's own top pixel. The separate relief cutter presses the whole flame into one slab of one colour.
Layered colour flame
Three cutters make the 32 to 48 mm flames and the 85 mm wall display: cut the base, white field and windowed core from separate clay slabs, then stack them. The 22 mm studs use two cutters, for a base and core.
Layered Flame: cut shapes and stack
See the yellow base, white field and magenta core after cutting, then the three-layer Flame. The small core window is shown with its plug retained and cleared, followed by earring, pendant, brooch, keychain, magnet and wall art finishes. Follow the PDF guide for the full making method.
One-slab relief flame
One cutter cuts the outline and presses the flame steps into a single slab of one clay colour. Paint the baked flame if you like. Suits 22 mm studs, a magnet, brooch, pendant, keychain or display piece.
Flame relief: one slab, several finishes
See the Flame detail impressed in one clay slab and the outline after the surrounding waste is cleared. Relief pendant, keyring and magnet examples follow, then a separate layered wall art display. 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 magnet or brooch
- One file: the relief cutter in your chosen size.
- Add
- One clay colour, a disc magnet or brooch pin, and glue suited to baked clay and metal.
A single press cuts the outline and presses the flame steps into one slab. Leave it one colour or paint the recesses after baking.
See what you needThe full layered look
A 40 mm layered pair on ear wires
- Three files in the 40 mm set: the base, white field and windowed core cutters. Print them once and cut two of each shape.
- Add
- Yellow, white and magenta clay, two ear wires, two jump rings and two pliers.
Both flames are cut the same way round, so the pair matches rather than mirrors. About 4.5 g per earring with its ear wire and jump ring (an estimate; weigh each finished earring).
See what you needA lighter everyday pair
A 36 mm pair on looped ball posts
- The same three files in the 36 mm set.
- Add
- The same three clay colours, two looped ball-post earrings with backs, two jump rings and two pliers.
The same stacking method in a slightly smaller flame. About 3.8 g per earring with its ball post and jump ring (an estimate).
See what you needWall art display
Show off your earrings on the wall
Cut, stack and bake the same three layers at 85 mm tall and the flame becomes wall art that holds a pair of 32 mm drop 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 a 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 32 mm drops, 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.
The layered pair at a glance
Cut and layer each flame, make its hanging hole, then bake and connect the findings. The guide gives the full method, layer placement and attachment instructions.
Step 01
Cut the three colour layers
Cut two yellow bases, two white fields and two magenta windowed cores from one printed size. Keep these stepped outlines crisp: test a very light cornflour dusting on scrap if needed, rather than rounding the edges with cling wrap.
The yellow base sets the outside shape of each flame.
Step 02
Position the layers by hand
Place the white field over the yellow base, lift the small window plug out of the magenta core, then set the core on top.
Core C with its small window plug removed.Help with this step
Step 03
Make the hanging hole, then bake
Mark the hole while the clay is raw. The 32 mm layered flame's hole is punched in raw clay; never drill it. The 36, 40 and 48 mm flames can be punched raw or drilled after baking and full cooling, with the back supported. The guide gives the hole and ring for each size.
The hanging hole goes through the top of the yellow flame base.Help with this step
Step 04
Connect the earring findings
Join each flame to an ear wire or a looped ball-post earring with a jump ring, or glue on a post, pin, bail or magnet for the other pieces. Make one complete pair, then check that it hangs straight, swings freely and feels comfortable before you wear it.
The jump ring connects the flame to the ear wire or ball-post loop.Help with this step
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 drop earrings
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
Join each flame to its ear wire with a ring in 0.8 mm wire: 9 mm outside for the 32, 36 and 40 mm flames, 12 mm for the 48 mm flame. The gold-tone link is 9 mm. The 10 mm sterling link also fits the three smaller flames, and the 12 mm sterling link is for the 48 mm flame.
Our pickGold-colour iron jump rings, 9 mm outside, 7.5 mm inside (50 pcs)Also inSterling silver, 10 mmAffiliate linkSterling silver, 12 mm (48 mm flame)Affiliate linkView 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 link
For your looped ball-post dangles
The flame hangs from the loop under a ball post, so it swings just below the lobe.
Looped ball-post earrings with backs
A ball post with a small loop below it. A jump ring joins the loop to the flame. Pick a finding material that suits your ears.
Look forBall-post studs with hanging loops and backsCompare on AmazonAffiliate linkJump rings
Join each flame to its ball-post loop with a ring in 0.8 mm wire: 9 mm outside for the 32, 36 and 40 mm flames, 12 mm for the 48 mm flame. The gold-tone link is 9 mm. The 10 mm sterling link also fits the three smaller flames, and the 12 mm sterling link is for the 48 mm flame.
Our pickGold-colour iron jump rings, 9 mm outside, 7.5 mm inside (50 pcs)Also inSterling silver, 10 mmAffiliate linkSterling silver, 12 mm (48 mm flame)Affiliate linkView 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 ball-post loop 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 link
For your stud earrings
Plus glue from the core kit below.
Flat-pad stud posts with backs
Glue one flat-pad post to the flat back of each 22 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 pendant
Plus glue from the core kit if you use a bail.
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 ring through the flame's hole joins it to the chain. The guide gives the ring for each size.
Look forJump rings in 0.8 mm wire, in the size the guide gives for your flameSmooth-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 small relief flame hangs from a bail glued to its flat back instead of a hole.
Look forPlain glue-on flat pad bailsCompare on AmazonAffiliate link
For your keychain or bag charm
Keep it decorative: hold the metal ring when you pull out your keys, not the clay.
Split key rings and snap clasps
A split key ring for keys, or a snap clasp that clips to a bag strap. This pack has both.
Our pickCoolrunner gold swivel lobster clasps and 1 inch key rings (25 of each)Compare other optionsAffiliate linkView on AmazonAffiliate linkJump rings
A ring through the flame's hole joins it to the key ring or clasp. The guide gives the rings for each size.
Look forJump rings in 0.8 mm wire, in the sizes the guide gives for your flameSmooth-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 brooch
Plus glue from the core kit below.
Brooch pin
A glue-on bar pin that sits fully on the flat back: 12 mm for 32 and 36 mm flames, 15 mm for 40 mm and 18 mm for 48 mm.
Our pickBrooch bar pin backs (assorted sizes)View on AmazonAffiliate link
For your wall art display
The pair you hang on it uses the drop earring supplies.
Flat-head nail or small screw
One nail or small screw carries the display through the printed keyhole hanger. Its flat head must be about 8 mm across: a 6 mm head slips through the 6 mm slot. Leave the head 4 mm from the wall, as the guide shows, and choose a fixing suitable for your wall.
Look forA nail or small screw with a flat head about 8 mm across and a shank that fits the keyhole slotThin 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 let it cure fully.
View on AmazonAffiliate linkSmall drill bit and pin vice
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 kit for every pieceCheck your studio setup: 12 supplies used across projects.
Most makers already own some of these; the rest is your shopping list.
Polymer clay
Three colours for the layered flame (shown: yellow, white and magenta), or one colour for the relief flame.
Look forSculpey Premo clay coloursCompare on AmazonAffiliate linkAcrylic roller
Rolls even slabs between thickness guides.
Our pickAcrylic rollerView on AmazonAffiliate linkThickness guides
Use guides for the thicker slabs. For thin colour layers, make matching card or plastic strips and check them with calipers, as shown in the making guide.
ClayBake toolClayBake thickness guidesDigital calipers
Checks each layer's thickness against the guide.
Our pickNEIKO 01407A digital calipersView on AmazonAffiliate linkTissue blade
Lifts thin cut shapes off the surface without stretching them.
Look forSculpey tissue blades (rigid blade included)Compare on AmazonAffiliate linkPiercing pins, punches and drill bits
The pins, hollow punches and marking guide come from the free ClayBake hole punch set; with no set, mark the centre with a ruler. Punch the 32 mm layered flame before baking. The 36, 40 and 48 mm flames can be punched raw or drilled after baking and full cooling, with the back supported.
Baking parchment
Supports the piece while you press the layers together and bake.
Look forBaking parchmentCompare on AmazonAffiliate linkOven 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 stud posts, brooch pins, bails or magnets to baked, cooled clay. Jump rings through 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 linkLiquid clay or clay adhesive
A dab helps a lifting raw layer stick to the base.
Look forSculpey Oven-Bake Clay AdhesiveCompare on AmazonAffiliate link
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.
The layered pair, front and back
Hang each flame from an ear wire on a jump ring through its hanging hole. The guide gives the hole, ring and estimated weight for each size.
See what you need
Stud earrings
Cut a 22 mm stud with the two stud cutters, or press one with the relief stud cutter, then glue a flat-pad post to the flat back.
See what you need
Pendant
Hang the flame from a necklace chain on a jump ring through its hole, or glue a bail to the back of a small relief flame.
See what you need
Keychain
Hang the flame from a split key ring, a lobster clasp, or a snap clasp on a bag strap. Keep it decorative: lift your keys by the metal ring, not the clay.
See what you need
Bag charm
A layered Pixel Flame charm hanging from a snap clasp.
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
Brooch
Glue a bar pin to the flat back once the flame has baked and cooled. Dry-fit it first and let the glue cure fully.
See what you need
Relief flame
Press one slab with the relief cutter for a one-colour flame. Leave it plain or paint the recesses after baking.
Earring display card
Show your pairs on clay display cards made with the display card cutter kit, or on a printed stand at a market stall or in product photos.
See the display card kit
T-bar display stand
Pixel Flame drop earrings hanging from a printed T-bar display stand.
See the single-pair T-Bar kit
Wear your layered pair
A matching pair of yellow, white and magenta flame drops on ear wires.
See what you need
A Flame colourway display
Flame studs and dangle pairs in contrasting colourways, arranged across pink backing cards.
Layered and relief studs together
Layered and relief Flame studs above matching layered dangle pairs on pink backing cards.
Colourway
Try a Bonfire palette
Keep the same three cutters and swap the clay colours, one for each layer of the flame.
- BaseBlack
- FieldOrange
- CoreYellow
Colourway
Try a Candlelight palette
A Pixel Flame in Candlelight colours: a gold base, a white field and a red core.
- BaseGold
- FieldWhite
- CoreRed
Ball-post dangles
Hang each flame from a looped ball-post earring on a jump ring, so it swings just below the lobe.
Wall art display
Cut the same three layers at 85 mm for wall art that holds a pair of drop earrings.
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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