To shape large diameter plastic straws into custom polymer clay cutters, first cut the straw into lengths. The plastic will not hold it's shape well if it is too for from a firm support. The best cutters made from straws are made from sections of straw that are 1/2 inch to 1/4 inch long. Cut the straw cleanly square with the end each time you cut so that you can use all the sections for clay cutters if you wish.
With the straw cut to length, take it in your fingers and pinch it gently into shape, or use the tweezers to bend it gently where it needs an angled bend. Straws work best for very simple cutters like these egg or kitty head shapes. Smaller rounded straws or sections of stiff, thin plastic tubing can be used to cut small buttons, with smaller diameter sections being used to mark an edge band on the button.
When you have the straws bent to the shape you want, set them aside to have handles added. The handle will help give the straw support and keep your cutter from losing its shape.
