Decorative Animal and Gaming Themed Paper Clips for Stationery

Create or import small character illustrations into xTool Studio. For this project, I used:

• A cute cat face
• A gaming controller
• A puppy peeking over an edge
• A colorful backpack

Simplify each illustration into a clean outer silhouette that can be cut easily. Keep small features, such as eyes, buttons, whiskers, and pockets, large enough to paint by hand.

Add a separate vector outline around each character for cutting.

Import the files into xTool Studio and resize them according to the width of your paper clips.

The wooden decoration should be slightly wider than the top of the paper clip so the metal attachment remains hidden from the front.

Place multiple designs close together on the material to reduce waste, but leave enough space between them for clean cutting.

Place the material flat inside the working area of the xTool F2 and secure it so it cannot move.

Select the outer outlines and assign them to Cut. Use the recommended settings for your material and thickness, then perform a small test cut before processing the complete project.

The goal is to achieve:

• Smooth outer edges
• Minimal scorching
• Complete separation from the sheet
• Clearly recognizable silhouettes

Always supervise the machine while cutting because wood and other craft materials can ignite.

After cutting, remove the small shapes carefully.

Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the edges and remove any loose fibers or smoke marks. Wipe away the sanding dust before painting.

Avoid over-sanding the small details because it can change the shape of the design.

Apply acrylic paint using fine brushes.

Start with the larger areas:

• Orange, white, and brown for the cat
• Dark gray or black for the controller
• Brown and golden tones for the puppy
• Green, yellow, pink, and purple for the backpack

Use thin coats instead of one thick coat. This prevents the paint from becoming uneven and helps preserve the natural texture of the material.

Allow each coat to dry before applying another.

Once the base colors are dry, add the smaller features:

• Eyes, nose, ears, and whiskers
• Controller buttons and joysticks
• Puppy facial details and fur shading
• Backpack pockets, straps, and outlines

A fine paintbrush or acrylic paint marker works well for these details.

Add a dark outline around the shapes to make the characters stand out and give them a clean illustrated appearance.

This step is optional, but a light coat of clear matte sealer can protect the acrylic paint from scratches and everyday handling.

Apply the sealer in light coats and allow it to dry completely before attaching the paper clips.

Turn each painted piece face-down on a clean surface.

Position the rounded top of a large paper clip behind the lower section of the character. Make sure:

• The paper clip is centered
• Most of the metal attachment is hidden
• The long section remains free to slide over paper
• The character faces the correct direction when used

Apply a small amount of strong craft glue or epoxy between the cutout and the paper clip.

Hold it in position until it begins to set, then leave it flat until the adhesive has fully cured. Avoid using too much glue because it may spread around the edges.

Once the adhesive is completely dry, test each clip on a notebook page, planner, or book.

Check that:

• The character remains securely attached
• The paper clip slides onto the page smoothly
• The painted surface does not rub against the paper
• The decoration sits upright when used