Polymer clay has been my primary medium for more than 30 years.
But behind the scenes, I’ve been quietly experimenting with something new, something that’s expanded my work beyond what I thought was possible.
Since 2018, I’ve been learning, testing, and integrating 3D printing into my studio practice, not just for making tools, but for prototyping parts, fabricating forms, and finishing one-of-a-kind pieces I couldn’t have achieved any other way.
Pieces like this…
Pentalumen Choker by Dan Cormier
This necklace combines an articulated, print-in-place strand with a focal point dodecahedron, twelve connected frames fabricated with wood filament, and twelve small translucent panels handmade with liquid polymer, thread, paper, and lace.
While most of this piece is 3D printed, the polymer clay windows take centre stage, showing how both materials can shine when used together in a thoughtful, intentional way.
This collaborative approach at the ‘PC + 3D’ meeting place is the focus of this unique online offering…
A 6-WEEK ONLINE PRESENTATION WITH DAN CORMIER
SPRING COHORT
MAY 1 - JUNE 14, 2026
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
UNTIL SATURDAY, April 25, 2026
$265 CAN$ 🇨🇦 ≈ $195 US$ 🇺🇸
I’m thrilled to invite you to join me for a guided tour that fast-tracks seven years of deep-dive exploration into a focused, idea-rich experience.
FutureForming is a show-and-tell journey into the powerful portal of 3D printing. It brings together insights, tools, and resources that can turn curiosity into confidence and open new directions in your polymer practice, whether you’re tech-savvy or not.
This is a survey course for polymer artists, not engineers.
It’s not about turning you into a CAD expert or a 3D printing master.
It’s about showing you what’s possible and how 3D printing can become an intuitive, creative partner in your studio.
3D PRINTING IS DIFFERENT… SO IS THIS COURSE
The full curriculum is available from the moment you begin.
There are no scheduled lesson drops, and no live presentations.
You can move through the material at your own pace across the full 6-week cohort window.
We begin with context: tools, materials, and core concepts.
From there, the lessons expand outward into a range of topics that come together as a cohesive, creative introduction to 3D printing for the polymer artist.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Let’s be clear…
This is not a hands-on, project-based course.
We will not be completing polymer pieces together.
Instead, this is about exposure, exploration, and possibility.
Each lesson introduces ideas, workflows, and creative approaches through video, images, and clear explanation.
You’ll also find optional prompts along the way. Simple invitations to experiment, sketch, or explore further, at whatever level your tools and experience allow… even if that level is simply curiosity.
FLEXIBLE. SELF-PACED. SUPPORTED.
Because everything is unlocked from the start, you can engage with the course in a way that fits your schedule and your focus.
And thought there are no live sessions, the cohort itself is a live event, a real-time window where questions are always welcome in the Comments, where I’ll be available to respond, clarify, and point you toward helpful resources.
And while this course may be a quieter room, that can be part of its strength. Space to think, absorb, and explore without pressure.
If you’re curious about what 3D printing might bring to your work, but not looking for a technical deep dive, FutureForming offers a clear and approachable way in.
““Once again Dan has amazed, inspired and made the impossible seem possible by breaking down the complexity in such a systematic and supported way. Can’t wait to dive in. Thank you as always Dan.””
HERE’S AN OVERVIEW OF THE FUTUREFORMING CURRICULUM …
MODULE 1 :: Welcome TO FUTUREFORMING!
We’ll begin by pulling back the curtain on my journey into 3D printing, why I was drawn to it, how it evolved alongside my polymer practice, and why now is the right time to explore this new realm of design and making.
You’ll get a sense of the possibilities ahead, and we’ll talk about the moment we’re in, technologically, creatively, and culturally.
This module is about context and inspiration, setting the stage for a new kind of hybrid practice.
““You presented the course material in a thorough, introductory way for beginners. As a complete novice on the subject of 3D printing, I found the breakdown of modules with supporting videos, images, and descriptions made this overview of 3D printing understandable to me. Thanks for doing all the work to make it digestible and not daunting.””
MODULE 2 :: Tools & Materials
We’ll demystify the gear: printers, filaments, and slicer software. Whether you’re buying your own machine or just want to understand the tech behind the prints, this day gives you the lay of the land.
I’ll walk you through the exact tools I use and why I chose them, for affordability, ease of use, and creative range.
““As always, your course is outstanding in its presentation and relevant information. Thank you. I am appreciative that I have a place to start at my own pace.””
MODULE 3 :: Mastering the Mechanics
This is a glimpse of my process, from sketch to finished print. I’ll share my full workflow: how I create a 3D model, what happens when I bring it into the slicing software to make it printable, and how it all comes together in the printing process.
You’ll see each step that takes a design from idea to reality, purpose-built for polymer clay.
““FutureForming was full of interesting and helpful information. Dan generously shared the results of his years of experimentation. It gave me a taste of what is possible before making investments in equipment or software and saved me hours of my own research and exploration. And, as usual, Dan’s application of 3D technology to his polymer clay work was so creative. I’ll look forward to the next steps in this process!””
MODULE 4 :: MORE THAN JUST CUTTERS
We’ll take a look at the most influential applications of 3D printing in our community: cutters, texture tools, and shape templates. These are the tools that first brought 3D printing into the polymer clay playground. It was an important shift… but it’s really just the beginning.
I’ll share some of my own tool designs and discuss how their intended use informed my design decisions.
““Absolutely brilliant! You really are opening up a whole new world for me, I’m so glad I decided to take this course. The course opens a whole new perspective, and is worth every penny. I found the progression from basic information about 3D printing to more and more advanced techniques on how to integrate the two quite different crafts, easy to follow and more and more fascinating with each new module.””
MODULE 5 :: Integrating Polymer & 3D Prints
Building on a little history and where 3D printing is now, Day 5 begins a forecast to the future, where the magic really begins.
You’ll see examples of polymer and print working together: custom presentation boxes, embedded fittings, display stands, branding elements, and beyond. We’ll explore how each material can do what it does best, and how together, they unlock new design potential.
““Great course as always. I was drawn to this course because Dan has been talking in his other courses and emails about 3D printing. I figured I’d jump on the bandwagon and see what all the fuss was about. Boy, am I glad I did. An amazing amount of information, thoughtfully presented. It was great reading about the experiences of students who are using 3D printing.”
”
MODULE 6 :: Jewelry Applications
This session is dedicated to wearables, where 3D printed parts come out of the studio and into the spotlight, bringing function and fashion together with links, connectors, bezels, internal supports, and closures, all made to measure, and made with intention.
I’ll walk you through a few of my own jewelry prototypes, showing how printed elements can enhance precision, movement, and design clarity.
““Dan, this course has opened up so many possibilities. You immediately provided me with some quick fixes for the issues I was experiencing with my own 3D printing. I appreciate your deep dive and design engineering approach to everything you do and it particularly served this course well.””
MODULE 7 :: Finishes & Post-Processes
This Module starts with all kinds of finishes, a broad spectrum look at what’s possible straight off the printer: intentional surfaces, smooth or textured, that already look like they belong in a completed piece. Then I’ll take you through what happens next: the tools and techniques I use to sand, smooth, seal, and otherwise elevate a printed part.
From untouched PLA to the surface of a polished piece, this is how I make my prints feel integrated as a natural extension of my work, not something stuck on.
““It was a wonderful introduction and provided many “golden nuggets” of information. I feel I have gained a broader perspective as to the integration of 3D design with polymer. The format of the class was perfect and broke down concepts into easily digestible chunks. “”
BUT WAIT… THERE’S MORE
This 7 module survey of FutureForming tools, techniques, and tips will give you a complete picture of what’s possible.
But it didn’t feel right to plan this presentation without including a look at some of the most practical designs I’ve made over the past few years, and one of the reasons I got into 3D printing in the first place.
MODULE 8 :: The Cutting Edge in 3D
If you’re a student in some of my MasterClasses, or you follow me on Instagram, chances are you’ve already had a peek at some of the ways I’ve used 3D printing to add new tools and custom gadgets to my polymer clay studio toolbox.
And you may already know and use some of the classic tools I’ve been designing and sharing with the polymer clay community since 2005 under The Cutting Edge banner: classic and WIDE Peelers, Die Sets, and ShARKs…
In this in-house Cutting Edge Pop-Up, I’ll show you the next evolution: a new series of 3D printed tools that carry forward that same spirit of innovation, now with even more possibility. You’ll get a look at what’s possible when artists reimagine the tools of the trade, and get first dibs on adding something fresh to your own studio.
Please note… this ‘Cutting Edge in 3D’ Pop-Up is a private preview. This collection is not available to the public. Items will be custom-made for print-to-order purchase, and quantities may be limited.
““This was a marvelous overall view of how it all fits together and the possibilities of uniting tech and art. Thanks for bringing it to all of us!””
IS 3D PRINTING IN YOUR FUTURE?
THE RIGHT TIME FOR FUTUREFORMING IS RIGHT NOW…
Let’s be honest, 3D printing can sound intimidating.
Maybe it feels too technical. Too expensive. Too ‘engineer-y.’
But here’s the thing…
We’ve hit a sweet spot.
Here are just some of the reasons why right now might be the best time to give this a try…
The tech has caught up.
Today’s consumer-grade printers are more reliable, user-friendly, and feature-rich than ever before.
It’s affordable.
You can get started with a solid machine for under $500 US$, filament is affordable, and there are many free resources available.
It’s accessible.
Even if you don’t own a printer, chances are someone you know does. And libraries, makerspaces, and print-on-demand services are popping up everywhere.
TOOLS ARE MORE INTUITIVE.
With intuitive design programs, slicing software that handles the heavy lifting, and 3D printers that are more user friendly than ever before, you don’t need a tech background to succeed.
The learning curve is short.
I can make it even shorter.
One of the hallmarks of our online school is offering MasterClasses that are accessible, even to students who are new to polymer clay. In developing this presentational curriculum, I wanted the same to be true for you and FutureForming.
There are all kinds of online resources out there… trust me, I’ve foraged my way through most of them. But just like I’ve done with more than three decades as a polymer clay artist and innovator, I’m here to show you the very best of what I’ve learned through my own explorations and experiments.
If stepping into the world of 3D printing has been on your future To Do list, let me get you there faster. It’s been a wild ride, from curiosity to clarity, and I can’t wait to welcome you and guide you through this new and exciting territory with a polymer clay artist’s perspective in mind.
Creative interest is growing.
Artists, designers, and craftspeople are finding exciting new ways to bring their vision to life through this medium.
What used to be a techie’s domain is now a real opportunity for hands-on makers to expand their toolkits.
That’s exactly what this course is designed to do: bridge the gap between what’s possible and what’s practical in a ‘PC + 3D’ studio.
Whether you’re brand new to 3D printing or already experimenting, I’ll show you how to explore and utilize 3D printing in ways that feel intuitive, creative, and grounded in craft.
The future is here. The tech is ready.
All that’s left is your curiosity and a willingness to come along for the adventure…
““I’ve completed a number of your courses and found this format very useful. Thanks once again for sharing your infinite wisdom and continuing to inspire us to push the boundaries and take on new ways of thinking and doing””
REGISTER HERE
FOR THE SPRING 2026 SESSION
FUTUREFORMING
A 6-WEEK ONLINE PRESENTATION
WITH DAN CORMIER
MAY 1 — JUNE 14, 2026
7 LEARNING MODULES
an exclusive ‘CUTTING EDGE IN 3D’ TOOL POP-UP
$265 🇨🇦$ ≈ $195 🇺🇸$
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR ALL-ACCESS PASS
REGISTRATION CLOSES
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026
AT 6 PM (PACIFIC)
““As I have come to learn in other courses from Dan, expect the unexpected... I wasn’t sure how this would all unfold, but knew it would be a great experience no matter what. It was a good blast of creative juices from everyone.””
ANY QUESTIONS?
If the realm of 3D printing is new to you, some of this info may have you feeling a little “Whaaa…?”
I get that. Rewind seven years, it was all new to me too.
But that’s why I’m so excited for this chance to fast-forward.
If anything here has you wondering, whether it’s about 3D printing, or about the content and format of this event in general, let’s chat!
You can contact me via email with your questions.