A device for producing patterns includes a thermal conductivity mask that has at least one cavity, a thin film positioned adjacent to the mask, and a heater which may be any convenient heat source. In a preferred embodiment, the thermal conductivity mask includes a pattern of cavities, holes or openings, and the thin film in held in tension over the mask. The cavities, holes or openings in the mask selectively control the flow of heat because they contain material having lower thermal conductivity than the material of the mask. The device may be used to transfer a pattern or image to a pancake, among other things.