December 21, 2009

Happy Holidays & Thank You From Mad About Molds

Mad About Molds wishes you a magical holiday season and a very happy New Year.
We want to thank you for your business in 2009.
We truly value our loyal customers and appreciate your patronage!
Looking ahead to 2010, we are excited to offer ideas, new molds and amazing tips.
Our new molds will be announced very soon!
Happy Holidays and a Joyous New Year.
"When it comes to service we break the Mold"
Mad About Molds

December 10, 2009

Why molds are a great value! – December Issue of My Molds!

My Molds Newsletter

News that Inspires Imagination! – By MadAboutMolds.com

December Issue 2009

The Preferred Place for Clay Push Molds

Over 925 Clay Push Molds to Choose From Today!

When it comes to service, we break the mold!

See what our molds look like.

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In this issue:

Why molds are a great value!

This Month’s Featured Molds: Have you seen our new molds?

This Month’s Article: Jewelry Making Using Precious Metal Clay.

Hello Crafter,

Bring the lush festive hues of the holidays into your life is EASY with our incredible molds! If you're looking for something to make a special memory this season, you've come to the right place. Be sure to check out our seasonal molds on our website. With cooler days ahead, now is the time to plan a special evening with friends sharing all kinds of creations together.

So sit back, and enjoy this newsletter to get you motivated and inspired to get started.

Happy Holidays!

Until next time,

Marjorie with Mad About Molds

Why molds are a great value!

In a tough economy, people look for ways to save money. Molds can be a great value to you, by allowing you to create a multitude of castings with just one mold. Also consider the many ways to use molds on our “Creative Ideas Page” to get the most out of your molds.

Here’s just a few reasons why molds are a great value.

· Save by making your own embellishments, instead of purchasing them new.

· Save by making an endless supply of castings for your favorite projects.

· Save by staying home, instead of going out for your entertainment and relaxation.

· Save by selling your creations, as an extra income for your family.

· Save by using many everyday items found around your house as molding tools.

· Save by creating personal gifts, instead of purchasing store bought.

Featured Molds:

Have you seen our NEW Molds!

We have so many of them,

it’s best to see them all here!
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This Month’s Article:

Jewelry Making Using Precious Metal Clay (PMC)

In the 1990’s scientists in Japan developed a combination of binders and fine metal particles to create a material with the malleable properties of modeling clay, known as Precious Metal Clay (PMC). This product is now available to the jewelry making industry and to hobbyists as well.

PMC is also commonly known as ‘Silver Clay’ which, when heated, turns into pure silver. The binder in the material holds the silver particles together. When fired like normal modeling clay, the binder burns away, allowing the silver particles to bond and form a solid piece of pure silver. The beauty of Silver Clay is that it can be easily used at home with just a few specialist pieces of equipment, and can bring a whole new dimension to your jewelry making techniques.

Since its initial development, Silver Clay has undergone a transformation, making it easier than ever to use. Early examples of the clay needed to be fired at very high temperatures, requiring a kiln to complete the process. Modern metal clays are now capable of being fired in a common kitchen oven or even with a gas blowtorch. Although a kiln is not strictly necessary with modern materials, it is still a useful jewelry workshop item to have, as it enables the user to control the temperature of the firing accurately. Too high and the silver will melt into a blob. Two low and the binder will not burn off completely, leaving the final piece weak.

The early PMC suffered from one major drawback – shrinkage. Modern metal clays are now much more resistant to shrinking during the firing process, making them easier to manipulate into far more delicate and complex patterns. Acceptable levels of shrinkage for modern materials are between 10-15%, depending on the brand.

Metal clay can be thinned with water to make a paste that can be used to join elements, repair cracks and use as a surface texture. Because the clay is very dense, just stirring in additional water will not thin the mixture. The medium has to be mixed, rather like adding thinner to oil paint, with a palette knife. Once the required consistency has been reached, allow the mixture to ‘rest’ in an airtight container for a few hours before use.

Metal clay is perfect for developing texture in a piece, and this can be achieved by simply pressing the pattern into the surface of the clay. Patterned rollers, even leaves or lace can be used to achieve a delicate finish on the surface of the silver piece.

Firing temperatures for the clay are around 1500 degrees F, which is applicable for most types of metal clays. Firing time is around ten minutes, making the use of a small kiln the optimum choice for firing processes.

Once fired, the metal can be soldered, filed, sanded and polished like any other metal, but it is advisable to burnish the surface first to compact the surface structure. Once finished, the piece can be worn like any other piece of silver jewelry.

Silver clay is widely available from jewelry and craft suppliers, the two main brands being Precious Metal Clay (PMC) and Art Clay Silver. Gold clay is available, but its price is prohibitively expensive for novice users. The silver clay is a good starting point when exploring this versatile medium.

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"When it comes to service, we break the mold

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