Mad About Molds

Vintage Calling Cards & Trade Cards (Download)

WE LOVE MOLDS!

Tis the season to LOVE our Molds!

Valentines is coming and we have TONS of heart molds to help it make memorable.

View them ALL here!

FREE!!!

Who doesn’t love free stuff?

We have FREE Downloads!

Yes they are FReeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Here's a bunch of fun downloads for you to get busy with! All for free on our website!

Ornamental and Alphabet Sets (Download)

Antique Map Image (Download)

Vintage Seed Packets Image (Download)

22 Vintage Floral Prints (Download)

15 Vintage Labels & Frames (Download)

Illustrated Alphabet Letter Forms (Download)

12 Scrapbooking Fonts (Download)

Monograms & Ciphers Ebook (Download)

750 Monograms (Download)

100 Craft Themed Wallpapers (Download)

THIS MONTH’S

ARTICLE

Trend Spotter: Colors for 2012

Here are five color trends for 2012 that we're already starting to see on the runway for Spring and Fall collections: vintage metallics, layered neutrals, charming pastels, tangerine tango, and black and white.

Trends & Classics

At the start of each new year we hear the same questions:

What are the new trends?

What are the new colors?

What are the hot sellers expected to be?

Fads and trends should be a big consideration, but not the primary focus when planning new lines for the upcoming year. Of course, this varies depending on what you manufacture. Perhaps your business relies heavily on the latest "hot" trends.

But many homes are decorated in a traditional fashion, utilizing sturdy fabrics and darker colors that do not reveal repeated use as much as the lighter tones.

Colder climates with a cooler light tend to favor darker colors, while warmer areas tend to go lighter. Even so, when a home is occupied by young children and pets, practicality becomes a priority .

Many homeowners don't change their colors and decor on a seasonal or yearly basis. The classics are constant, and this makes it easier when planning those new lines.

Certain flowers are perennial favorites, sunflowers for instance. They have an extended lifespan - They work well for Spring, Summer, and Fall crafting and decor. Roses remain stylish no matter what time of year.

Off-white, yellow-to-gold, burgundy or wine, the mid-to-deep blues, beige-to-browns, hunter green: These are some of the standards that can be found in many homes.

Fabrics that can safely go in the washer and dryer are another consideration.

Easter bunnies, Santa’s, snowmen, reindeer, witches, jack o'lanterns, and scarecrows - are some of the seasonal classics that will return every year.

Some shoppers may favor a certain enduring style - Country for example. Cows and roosters may come and go as trends, but for the traditional country home, they will always be "in".

Learn all you can about the latest fads and trends, become a "trend detective". But don't create your entire line around the latest animal print, or the newest shades of lime green and hot turquoise. You wouldn't want to have your inventory tied up in things that may not sell.

Test marketing: See if the latest trends will sell in your sales areas. Give it a chance ... Adjust the prices, re-arrange your displays. Add sparingly, if it sells, add more.

Think about your own home, and those of your friends and family -

Are they trend conscious?

Which items tend to change?

When new items are purchased, do they stay with the same styles and colors, or go for something trendy?

Stay alert to what shoppers are drawn to look at, and what they actually purchase. Many times what sparks an interest, and what will sell, are two very different things? Remember that old saying ..."The customer is always right"? Pay attention to your customers, they will tell you what you need to know.

When it comes to service, we break the mold!

Feel free to send this newsletter to a friend. If you received this newsletter from a friend and want to sign up for your own copy, please click here. If you would like to change your email address please request the change here. We don't want to lose touch with you! We will not sell, trade or give away your personal information or email address. If you no longer wish to receive our Newsletter, please reply to this message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line. To ensure that you keep receiving our e-mails to your inbox add shop@madaboutmolds.com to your address book or safe list.

Thank You!

The Art of Individuality! – December Issue of My Molds!

2011-12-01T11:13:00.001-06:00

My Molds Newsletter News that Inspires Imagination!

By MadAboutMolds.com

The Preferred Place for Clay Push Molds

Hello Crafter,

Are you busy? That seems like an odd question for December doesn’t it. Well, truthfully I think most people like to be busy. Not swamped, but having a few fun projects to do can easy the tension during these busy months. Creating pretty things uplifts your spirit and allows you to be generous with your gift giving as well. And why not? When it’s cold out we stay inside more and plopping yourself down in front of the TV all night takes away from our creative time!

This month we have a bunch of new castings to show you. And guess what?! It was fun! Working the clay, rolling, painting and embellishing is relaxing and I could do it all day! I’m sure you would too!

If you already have a collection of our Molds, you know they can be used as gifts, or to make gifts, or to entertain your guests as well! When your friends and family come over get your molds out and have some fun!

Continue reading to learn how to express yourself in our article “The Art of Individuality” We hope this helps you be more unique so you can create with your own style.

So sit back and enjoy this issue of My Molds!

Until next time,

Marjorie with Mad About Molds

As always, we thank you for your time, you’re wonderful comments and your generous support! We enjoy sharing what we do and we love to hear what you think!

December 2011 Issue

Fun Links

Contact Us

See Our Full Gallery Here

MOLD NEWS

Have you Noticed?

We have FREE Downloads! Fonts, Monograms & Wallpapers & More!

We have Craft Supplies! Glues, Findings, Clay & More!

We have Flexible molds! All on one page!

NEW

PIECES OF ART!!!

Are you ready for our big reveal?

We would like to Introduce to you our NEW Gallery Samples! To get details you can find them all on one page… HERE

Here's a bunch of fun samples of some of the things you can make with our molds. You can search for the item numbers on our website at www.MadAboutMolds.com

THIS MONTH’S

ARTICLE

The Art of Individuality

With everything I do in my life, I have the desire to make my mark on the world and set myself apart from everyone else. It is important to me that I am remembered by my peers for who I am-- not what I could have been, or who others think I could be. Individuality, or making one's self different from the rest of the crowd, is an important consideration for anyone who creates artwork with passion and excitement.

As artisans, we all share the common bond of putting a piece of ourselves into everything we touch. At times my handmade jewelry and clothes have received comments such as “wonky”, “kooky”, and (gasp!) “strange!” As unusual as the remarks are, I can’t help but smile since I think of them as compliments.

Our art tells the world who we are. If someone looks deep enough into our art, they can see why we do what we do. Our methods of expression may vary greatly in styles, but it is that very individuality that makes our work unique. My being called “kooky” sets me aside from artisans who create things that are “pretty.” I’ve found that creating work that is perhaps a little eccentric or unusual often gets me second glances, and inquiries about the method behind the madness. Drawing attention to yourself and setting yourself apart from others is a good thing.

There are successful individuals who craft solely to sell items. Sometimes it's sewing items that others have designed, or producing paintings that others have asked for. I have found that these kinds of crafters often find themselves burned out very quickly as they tire of making things that don't reflect their own personality. Imagine only painting things people tell you to or, only sewing the same dress over and over and over. The artist who puts love, personality, and individual style into his or her work will be more successful and satisfied than a crafter who does not.

Individual uniqueness is vital for creators. We need to stand out from others on a personal level and through our work. You can craft for passion and make a living doing so.

A few questions artisans should ask themselves are: how much of you is really in your work? When someone is holding a piece of your artistry, are they holding a piece of you? Will you be remembered for who you are, or who you could have been? Are you really truly utilizing your full potential? Could you be doing more to make that piece your own?

Embrace your inner spirit, whether it is that of weirdo or that of a sophisticate, and reflect that in your art! Your art is an extension of yourself, so you are essentially selling tiny little pieces of your creative being to the world. If your work is unique and reflective of its artist, it will find an appreciative audience—and be truly memorable to anyone who sees it.

When it comes to service, we break the mold!

Thank You!

Cyber Monday Sale! By MadAboutMolds.com

2011-11-27T18:35:00.000-06:00

My Molds By Mad About Molds

Hello Crafter,

Today’s the day! Happy Cyber Monday to you all! In appreciation of your business we would like to thank you by offering you a deal at Mad About Molds! Click here to see details about our Cyber Monday Sale!

Sincerely,

Marjorie with Mad About Molds

Mad About Molds, 624 3^rd Ave., Brewster MN 56119

Thank You!

Take the Leap and Think Big! – November Issue of My Molds!

2011-11-02T14:57:00.000-05:00

My Molds Newsletter News that Inspires Imagination!

By MadAboutMolds.com

The Preferred Place for Clay Push Molds

Hello Crafter,

Well did it again! We have listed 12 new molds and several new products listed on our crafts page. As you probably already know, we now offer 1,000 molds to choose from, and as we add molds we must discontinue a few as well. So if you have your eye on something, be sure to grab them up in case they are discontinued.

With days are getting cooler, make sure you are ready with lots of molds to keep you creating for the Holidays! Molds can be used as gifts, or to make gifts, or to entertain your guests as well! What fun!

Continue reading to learn how to Clutter free your space in our article “Take the Leap and Think Big” We hope this helps you be more productive so you can create more with less.

So sit back and enjoy this issue of My Molds!

Until next time,

Marjorie with Mad About Molds

As always, we thank you for your time, you’re wonderful comments and your generous support! We enjoy sharing what we do and we love to hear what you think!

November 2011 Issue

Fun Links

Contact Us

ENJOY YOUR VISIT WITH US!

Announcements

Did you know that you can…

…now view ALL of our molds on one page, with no repeats? Searching through our molds using the category pages sometimes results in seeing molds repeatedly, because the particular mold fits more than one category. Well if this bothers you, visit this page to see all 1,000 molds with no repeats. You’ll be glad you did.

All 1,000 Molds.

We need your links!

As a business, we are always looking for new ways to offer an enjoyable experience on our website. We would really appreciate if you would add us to your favorite social site.

If you are interested in doing this, please go to our website and find this tool at the top of the page, and use it to post to your favorite social networking site. Thank you! :)

See What’s NEW!!!

Are you ready for our big reveal?

We would like to Introduce to you our NEW molds! To get details you can find them all on one page… HERE

Show-off SKU 022, Size: 1 5/8” W x 2” H

Hearts & Diamonds SKU 034, Size: 1” W x 1 3/4” H

My One & Only SKU 036, Size: 1” W x 1” H

Make a Statement SKU 098, Size: 1 3/4” W x 7/8” H

Cherished Treasure SKU 199, Size: 2” W x 3/4” H

Flora-Bling SKU 360, Size: 1 1/8” W x 1 1/8” H

Jeweled Setting SKU 366, Size: 1 5/8” W x 1 7/8” H

Greek Goddess SKU 450, Size: 30 x 40 mm

Star of David SKU 695, Star of Nails Size: 1 1/2” W x 1 1/2” H

Lil Doggy SKU 727, Size: 3/4” W x 3/4” H

Monogram Leaf SKU 965-966, Size: 1 1/2” W x 3/4” H

Details Here

This Month’s Article

Take the Leap and Think Big

I spent several days last week with my mastermind group. This was a decision on my part to play bigger in 2011. I decided if I wanted to grow my business to the next level, I would have to take a big step and play with bigger people. And the people in my group are big players. That’s part of why a mastermind is, as Martha says, a good thing. People who want to play big often have bigger ideas. I came away from this group with one big idea that I never considered – and it was right in front of me the whole time. If you think about it in sports terms, if you are a tennis player, you want to play with someone who is better than you are, so that you improve your game. It does take courage to take that leap. If you remember, one of my words for the year is challenge, and this will do just that for me. And, my group reminded me not to get so wrapped up in my challenges that I forget the joy as I move forward.

Here are some tips to help you take the leap and think bigger.

1. Take action. Is there something big you want to do but haven’t taken the plunge? What are the big things on your goals list? This could be entering your quilt in a big quilt show, sending your patterns to a large distributor, contacting the local gallery about a show or getting your teaching proposals to a major show promoter. You won’t be able to get bigger if you don’t take action. So, put aside the “what ifs” and go for it. You can’t win if you don’t play.

2. And, speaking of action, be bold and daring. Remember our goal is to think bigger. Don’t take safe action, take action that scares you a bit. I have the following quote from Eleanor Roosevelt on a magnet on my refrigerator where I can see it every morning: Do one thing every day that scares you.

3. Act as if. I learned this many years ago. Act as if the situation is as you want it. Exude confidence and success. You’ll be surprised at how often when you “act as if,” you get “as if.”

4. Toot your own horn. Many times women are reluctant to share their successes. I know, many of us were raised that way. It’s time to put aside that attitude and pick up that horn. If you don’t blow your own horn, who will?

5. Schedule time to grow. This can be with a mastermind, such as mine, or networking with a small group of like-minded quilt, art or business professionals. It can also be setting aside time to read, learn new things to either build your business skills or work on your mindset.

Good luck with your big, bold action as you move forward. Personal and professional growth happen when we are willing to take that leap and think big.

Author – unknown

When it comes to service, we break the mold!

Feel free to send this newsletter to a friend, if know someone who might be interested. If you received this newsletter from a friend and want to sign up for your own copy, please click here. If you would like to change your email address please request the change here. We don't want to lose touch with you! We will not sell, trade or give away your personal information or email address. If you no longer wish to receive the My Molds Newsletter, please reply to this message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line. To ensure that you keep receiving our e-mails to your inbox add shop@madaboutmolds.com to your address book or safe list.

Thank You!

New molds just listed! – October Issue of My Molds!

2011-10-05T14:41:00.000-05:00

My Molds Newsletter

News that Inspires Imagination!

By MAD ABOUT MOLDS.com - When it comes to service, we break the mold!

The Preferred Place for Clay Push Molds

October 2011 Issue of My Mold Newsletter

Hello Crafter,

Well finally did it! We have listed 9 new molds and several new products listed on our crafts page. Now you might that’s not very many, but we do have plans to list many more molds soon. As you probably already know, we now offer 1,000 molds to choose from, and as we add molds we must discontinue a few as well. So if you have your eye on something, be sure to grab them up in case they are discontinued.

Filling orders is our first priority and we appreciate your business. We are always happy to answer any questions or hear about your experiences with our molds. We recently had a customer share some photos of her gorgeous jewelry that she made using our molds, and we are thrilled to show them off on our Gallery Page for all of you to see.

Continue reading to learn how to Clutter free your space in our article “Is Clutter Hampering your Creativity?” We hope this helps you be more productive so you can create more with less.

So sit back and enjoy this issue of My Molds!

Until next time,

Marjorie with Mad About Molds

As always, we thank you for your time, you’re wonderful comments and your generous support!

We enjoy sharing what we do and we love to hear what you think!

Announcements

We need your links!

As a business, we are always looking for new ways to offer an enjoyable experience on our website. We would really appreciate if you would add us to your favorite social site.

If you are interested in doing this, please go to our website and find this tool at the top of the page, and use it to post to your favorite social networking site. Thank you! :)

Announcements

Have you seen…

…our NEW easy instructions for using our molds? If you have not quite gotten the hang of using our molds this is the place where you will want to go.

Our great technique will help you to make a perfectly flat backed mold casting, without distorting your casting when removing if from the mold.

HERE

Tip – you can enlarge each picture without leaving the page.

See What’s NEW!!!

Are you ready for our big reveal?

We would like to Introduce to you our NEW molds! To get details on pricing and sizes you can find them all on one page… HERE

SKU 054 Ying Yang

SKU 194 Planet Earth

SKU 211 Alien Creature

SKU 325 Old Man Winter

SKU 353 Lobster

SKU 385 Prettiest Concho

SKU 654 The Irish Claddagh

SKU 666 Dog Paw

SKU 669 Little Elf

Fun Links

Contact Us

This Month’s Article:

Is Clutter Hampering your Creativity?

Over the weekend we had a family gathering to celebrate the end of summer, the return to school, and my husband’s birthday. One of my nieces shared that her favorite day of the summer is the day she gets new school supplies. Can you still remember the smell of the new crayons when you opened the box?

I’ll admit I love to browse through the office supply store, looking for some new treasure that’s sure to solve my organizational problems and instantly improve my time management issues. Of course, that’s not likely to happen, as it takes more than pretty colored plastic boxes and a new calendar. Before you make the trip to the office supply store, try the following:

1. Clear the clutter. Do you really need that copy of Quilters Newsletter Magazine from 1998? You know, the one with the fabulous quilt you liked back in 1998, the quilt that doesn’t hold the same place in your heart today. A couple of years ago, I went through all the old magazines I was holding onto. I put a note advertising them, and I had a taker rather quickly. I don’t know why I held onto all the magazines for so long. Well, maybe I do. I would feel badly (i.e., guilty) getting rid of them. I held some warped concept of their value. They had really stopped being of value to me long ago and were only collecting dust. They went to a new home where they were valued, and I had several shelves open in my studio.

I could look at my fabric collection the same way. I know we need a “palette” as quilt artists. Do we need that large of a palette? And doesn’t our palette need refreshing every now and then? If you’re like me, you’ll never live long enough to use all the fabric you own. You’ve seen the saying, “The one who dies with the most fabric wins!” I’ve decided I don’t need to be in the competition. I regularly donate fabric for charity quilts and recently made a donation of fabric for my guild’s annual show. I think some month, I’ll just show up with a fat quarter or two for everyone who comes to the monthly meeting.

I know it’s hard to get rid of “stuff,” and it can be overwhelming to do it all at once. If you can’t set aside a full day, block several hours in consecutive days just to clear out what you don’t want. Sort it into two piles – items to donate and items to trash. I know many people say add a third pile for stuff that needs to be fixed. I used to go by that theory, until I realized I didn’t want to fix the stuff.

2. Keep clearing the clutter. You made great progress getting rid of stuff, and your studio is now clutter free. However, the magazines will again stack up and the fabric will again overflow. Part of the solution here is to decide what you allow to come into your space. The other is to maintain a system to keep up with the clutter. The easiest way to do that is to set aside a certain amount of time each week or month to de-clutter.

One of the theories behind clearing the clutter is that clutter is energy draining. I can see that. When my space is clean, my mind is clearer, and I work better. You’ve heard the saying, “less is more.” Well, this is a good example. Once you operate in a cleaner, clutter-free environment, watch what new opportunities arrive or how your creativity expands.

3. Look at how you use your space. Do you need something to hold your papers or tools? Maybe you uncovered something during your de-cluttering phase. And if not, head off to the office supply shop and enjoy picking out the supplies you need, knowing they will be put to good use and not just add to the clutter.

And, as you think about adding to your space, remember this wonderful quote from designer and craftsman William Morris, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”

Written by – Unknown

When it comes to service, we break the mold!

You received this newsletter because you subscribed to this newsletter. Do you know someone who might be interested in receiving this monthly newsletter? Forward this email to them. If you received this newsletter from a friend and want to sign up for your own copy, please click here. If you would like to change your email address please request the change here. We don't want to lose touch with you! We will not sell, trade or give away your personal information or email address. If you no longer wish to receive the My Molds Newsletter, please reply to this message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line. We apologize for any inconvenience. To ensure that you keep receiving our e-mails to your inbox add shop@madaboutmolds.com to your address book or safe list.

Thank You!

Five Tips for Creating Powerful Intentions – September Issue of My Molds!

2011-09-13T11:02:00.001-05:00

My Molds Newsletter

News that Inspires Imagination!

By MAD ABOUT MOLDS.com - When it comes to service, we break the mold!

The Preferred Place for Clay Push Molds

September 2011 Newsletter

Hello Crafter,

When was the last time you took time to do something you enjoy? It’s important for your well-being to recharge and do things that are fun. And it’s even more fun to do them with a friend. Studies show that being both creative and social, helps you have a happier life. So smile and create with a friend!

Continue reading to learn how to make your day full of “Intentions” in our article “Five Tips for Creating Powerful Intentions” Achieve big results with your goal setting! Continue reading to learn more!

So sit back and enjoy this issue of My Molds!

Until next time,

Marjorie with Mad About Molds

As always, we thank you for your time, you’re wonderful comments and your generous support!

We enjoy sharing what we do and we love to hear what you think!

Announcements

We need your links!

As a business, we are always looking for new ways to offer an enjoyable experience on our website. We love to introduce our customers to other sites that are of value and of interest, so we are asking for link exchanges with other craft related websites. I feel that we could only enhance their interest in arts and crafts benefiting both of us. If you are interested in doing this, please let us know by sending us a message. Thank you.

Clearance!

Looking for a good deal? Our Mad About Molds Clearance offers incredible prices on a variety of molds or other products.

Why Buy from our Outlet?

· To sample molds at a discount.

· So the kids can have fun with you!

· To experiment with your favorite castings.

While Supplies Last Only.

See our clearance page here.

New Craft Supplies!

Just listed… Take a look at what’s new!

FREE Downloads!

Did you say FREE?

Yes, I did! Sure, we offered some free items before, but these offers are so much better! And they can all be downloaded from this page.

Free Decorative Fonts
Free Monograms & Ciphers Ebook
Free Monograms Images
Free Craft Themed Wallpapers
Free Business Card and Brochure Downloads

Just a Reminder!

In case you didn’t see it in our last newsletter…

…we have updated out shopping cart system to work easier and better for you. With this new shopping cart, we can offer you allot more to make your shopping experience allot more fun with us!

· We have added shopping cart system that makes our site easier than ever to use! Our mold pictures are bigger and better then before and you will love it! :)

· All of our product pictures have been retaken, and are clearer and bigger than ever. You will think we have a whole new line of molds!

· Now you can drag and drop molds to the shopping cart without leaving the page!

· The items you have added to your shopping cart now show a link and a picture back to the items details so you are never confused about what you ordered.

· Eliminate mistakenly ordering two of an item by combining products in the shopping cart.

· You can see your shipping rate as you put items in your cart. No surprises on the checkout page.

· Product pages load faster than ever before, so you can see more in less time.

· We now have a new category to view all 1,000 molds all from ONE page. No doubles to sort through!

· You can now register on our site to view order status after you have placed an order.

· We can now send you email notifications for order status.

· Our products can now be viewed on mobile site at http://madaboutmolds.ecwid.com

· You can now share your favorite products on Facebook with "like" or "share" buttons on each product!

· You now have the ability to download electronic products - such as our “Pretty Paper Patterns” that we usually send out on a CD.

· Our store is now translated into 36 languages!

· All orders offer a coupon code for a discount off your next order! How great is that?!

So we hope that you can enjoy our site even more than ever now. If you have any stories or tips with using our molds that we could share on our website or our newsletter we are always eager to hear them. So tell us about your craft, hobby or business. If you have any comments or suggestions feel free to reply to this message. We would love to hear from you!

Fun Links

Contact Us

This Month’s Article:

Five Tips for Creating Powerful Intentions

I’ve been thinking a lot on the power of intention this past year. For years in my classes the instructor has had us set an intention for class, and, yes, occasionally mine is to make it through the class. About a year ago, I taped a note to the bathroom mirror that says, “What is your intention/choice for today?” I find it gets me started on a conscious path each morning.

What exactly is intention? Webster defines it as a “determination to act in a certain way or resolve.” Gary Zukav in The Mind of the Soul says it’s “the use of your will….a commitment to accomplishing an objective, to creating something that was not there or to continue creating something that is.”

Here are some tips for creating powerful intentions in your life:

1. Get clear about what kind of person you want to be. Then get clear about what you want to do and what you want to have. Clarity is very powerful. I think figuring out the kind of person you want to be is most important; the “do” and “have” will follow.

2. State your intention. Say it out loud. Say it more than once. Write it down. I’ve been known to write my intentions on a paper and put it in my pocket. I take it out during the day and read it. This is especially helpful if I think self-sabotaging behaviors (like grabbing an extra one of those cinnamon scones that I picked up at the bakery last week and put in the freezer) are around the corner or I need an extra boost of motivation to stay focused and on track.

3. Share your intention with someone who cares about your success. It’s helpful if you share your intention with someone who will hold you accountable. Offer to do the same for her.

4. Now take action to demonstrate commitment to the intention. It doesn’t have to be some big action; many little actions will compound. And, while you can have a whopping big intention, your intention for today might be to find some peace in your hectic life, no small feat.

5. Celebrate or somehow acknowledge this achievement, and then take the next step or action. Then rinse and repeat.

Before you know it, setting an intention each day will become a habit. Setting an intention clearly puts you in charge, and you’ll be energized by how much you are in control. You’ll be thrilled with the person you are “being” and with your ongoing accomplishments.

I hope you’ll take the time to set an intention for yourself and/or your business each morning. Let me know how it makes a difference in your life.

Here are two quotes on intention that I like:
“A good intention clothes itself with power.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Our intention creates our reality.” Wayne Dyer

When it comes to service, we break the mold!

Thank You!

You have got to see this! – Update Issue of My Molds!

2011-08-08T21:35:00.000-05:00

My Molds Update!

News that Inspires Imagination!

By MAD ABOUT MOLDS.com - When it comes to service, we break the mold!

The Preferred Place for Clay Push Molds

Update 2011 Newsletter

Hello Crafter,

As promised, we have delivered! In our last newsletter we hinted at some big change coming soon! Well now is the time to tell you all about it! We have been hard at work making these changes and we think you will be very pleased to see what we have done.

Continue reading to learn more! You won’t want to miss this!

Until next time,

Marjorie with Mad About Molds

As always, we thank you for your time, you’re wonderful comments and your generous support!

We enjoy sharing what we do and we love to hear what you think!

Our BIG Announcement!

This is just the first part!

We have added a shopping cart system that makes our site easier than ever to use! Our mold pictures are bigger and better then ever before and you will love it! :)

Continue reading to find out more…. but first… check this out! We now have a mobile site for those of you who use small screens.

Just go to… http://madaboutmolds.ecwid.com

Remember if you want to see our full site go to www.MadAboutMolds.com The mobile site will only show you our store products and not all our information packed pages to teach you how to use our molds.

One more thing. We have listed 3 more molds to our site. Go to our NEW MOLDS page to find them. MANY more coming soon!!!!

Keep reading…

Fun Links

Contact Us

And there’s MORE to tell you!

With this new shopping cart, we can offer you allot more to make your shopping experience allot more fun with us!

All of our product pictures have been retaken, and are clearer and bigger than ever. You will think we have a whole new line of molds!
Now you can drag and drop molds to the shopping cart without leaving the page!
The items you have added to your shopping cart now show a link and a picture back to the items details so you are never confused about what you ordered.
Eliminate mistakenly ordering two of an item by combining products in the shopping cart.
You can see your shipping rate as you put items in your cart. No surprises on the checkout page.
Product pages load faster than ever before, so you can see more in less time.
We now have a new category to view all 1,000 molds all from ONE page. No doubles to sort through!
You can now register on our site to view order status after you have placed an order.
We now send you email notifications of your order status.
Our products can now be viewed on a mobile site at http://madaboutmolds.ecwid.com
You can now share your favorite products on Facebook with "like" or "share" buttons on each product!
You now have the ability to download electronic products - such as our “Pretty Paper Patterns” that we usually send out on a CD.
Our store is now translated into 36 languages!
All orders offer a coupon code for a discount off your next order! How great is that?!

When it comes to service, we break the mold!

Thank You!

Tips to Achieving Your Goals – July/August Issue of My Molds!

2011-07-30T15:45:00.000-05:00

My Molds Newsletter

News that Inspires Imagination!

By MAD ABOUT MOLDS.com - When it comes to service, we break the mold!

The Preferred Place for Clay Push Molds

July/August 2011 Newsletter

Hello Crafter,

We have been very hard at work and we can’t wait to show you what we have in store for you! But first you need to get inspired! How do you feel when you have created something for the first time? It’s an amazing feeling isn’t it? What’s even more fun is sharing your feeling with friends. We encourage you to give this feeling away to make you feel even better! What about selling your creations? Making money from them is exciting and very rewording! We hope that our molds can make you the best you can be!

Continue reading to learn more about using your time wisely in our article “Tips to Achieving Your Goals” Achieve big results with your goal setting!

You won’t want to miss this! So sit back and enjoy this issue of My Molds!

Until next time,

Marjorie with Mad About Molds

As always, we thank you for your time, you’re wonderful comments and your generous support!

We enjoy sharing what we do and we love to hear what you think!

Tips & Tricks

How much Clay!

One of the biggest problems that people have when using molds is that they just plain use too much clay. The result is that the face becomes thick and the edges look ragged. If you try to trim it, you may get fingerprints or smush it. Although freezing the clay can make it easier to work with. To control the look of the edges, press the clay into the mold. Then push it towards the center of the mold until you see the outside outline of the mold all around the clay. See our free mold making movie to learn how we do ours with a perfectly flat back every time.

When using a mold for the first time, how much clay should you use? Do a trial run. What's it going to hurt? Push clay into the mold, then pull it out. Image too big? Do it again with less clay. Image to small? Do it again with more clay. Remember, it's okay to practice.

Another Tip!

Can I make beads from Molds?

Yes, you can! Beading is still as popular as ever. If you are using clay just run a needle through your casting where you want the hole to be. If it is difficult to handle without distorting the image, just partially freeze it for awhile before making the hole to keep it's shape better. Molded shapes make great focal or centerpiece beads, or dangles for earrings and charms. The possibilities are endless!

TIP: Do you know what you can all do with clay? Did you know that you can polish, sand, drill, carve, paint or glaze Sculpey clay? Think of the possibilities!

One more Tip!

Eliminating Fingerprints from Clay Creations:

You can smooth out fingerprints on clay surfaces by putting a thin dusting of cornstarch or baby powder on your finger and gently smooth out any marks in a circular motion.

Fun Links

Contact Us

Visit us today to see our new look!

This Month’s Article:

Tips to Achieving Your Goals

Did you spend time in the last few weeks setting goals both personally and for your business? Are you making progress on them?

Are your goals written? That’s a big key to achieving them. Written goals have the odds stacked in their favor. I think it’s because you spend time to get clear about what you want, and that lets you focus on your end result. Here are some more tips to achieving big results with your goal setting.

1. Make at least one goal a stretch goal. The definition of a stretch goal would be one that is big and possible, one might seem unattainable with your current skill set, one that will cause you to grow. What this does is challenge you to think outside the box. It also energizes and excites you as you figure out how you’ll achieve it.

2. Figure out why the goal is so important to you and what you’ll give up to make it happen. For example, if one of your goals is to increase your income by 10%, it might be important because you want to remodel your studio. If you know your why, it will help keep you stay focused on your goal. At the same time consider if you need to give up something to help in the effort. Again using the same example, maybe you need to give up that after-dinner TV show and read something that can help you build your business.

3. Chunk down each goal into tasks. Look at the date when you choose to have your goal complete and work backwards with a list of tasks. Breaking it down makes it seemless formidable and keeps you on track.

4. Take action and track it. It sounds simple, yet people don’t always take action. Chunking it down helps a lot here. I also like to use a tracking form to check off where I am on my goals. Using our example above, you could start to chart your income each week. That way you can see if you are on track, and, if not, consider what you can change to meet your goal.

5. Find an accountability partner. It helps if you have someone on your side, cheering and prodding. I am in a mini-mastermind group with three of the women from the high-level mastermind I was in last year. We all know each others’ businesses and can offer input and a gentle push if we’re behind.

6. Reward yourself. If you are making progress on your goals, treat yourself to something. You could even decide your reward ahead of time. Back to our example, maybe you get a massage if your financial goal is on track at the end of the month.

Good luck with achieving your goals. And, feel free to share your ideas on the here.

When it comes to service, we break the mold!

Thank You!

“Do you know where your time goes?” May/June Issue of My Molds!

2011-06-01T14:46:00.000-05:00

My Molds Newsletter

News that Inspires Imagination!

MAD ABOUT MOLDS.com - When it comes to service, we break the mold!

The Preferred Place for Clay Push Molds

May/.June 2011 Newsletter

Are you following us on Facebook? Stay up to date on our latest news, products and activities.

Fun Links: Molding Accessories - Free Stuff - Creative Ideas - Gallery

Hello Crafter,

So what are you going to do this Summer? That question seems to be asked a lot, so why not have an answer ready. I’m going to be making all kinds of goodies with my new molds from Mad About Molds! :) We have a huge selection of molds for just about anyone’s interest. As you think about the carefree days of summer, remember that crafting is only enhanced when you enjoy the simple things that nature brings into your life. It doesn’t cost a thing to open your eyes to the colors blooming all around you. Let your mind run wild and enjoy longer days and refreshing new ideas.

Continue reading to learn more about using your time wisely in our article “Do you know where your time goes?” If you’re always rushing around doing this and that, it’s a great read to calm your mind and enjoy your days.

You won’t want to miss this! So sit back and enjoy this issue of My Molds!

Until next time,

Marjorie with Mad About Molds

As always, we thank you for your time, you’re wonderful comments and your generous support! We enjoy sharing what we do and we love to hear what you think!

Announcements:

As time goes by and browsers are updated, things change. Because of this, website publishing programs need to be updated as well, so we made the changes needed to keep up with the times. An advantage of this is that many new enhancements have been added to our website for your viewing experience.

We are happy to announce that our revised website is done! You will be happy to see the same layout, but with lots of extra benefits! It’s more compatible with different browsers and the gallery pictures can be enlarged in the same window. There are many other changes that you won't be able to see, but the outcome is a better working website just for you. So enjoy! :)

As always, we thank you for your comments!

We appreciate hearing about any problems you might have with our site and we love to hear what you think!

What Are Clay Push Molds?

Have you ever been at a loss of words when someone asks you… “What are Clay Push Molds anyway?”

Well now we have made it easy for you! We made up a small definition for you to use when you are at a loss for words.

Click to enlarge.

What do our Molds look like?

If you haven’t ordered from us yet, you might wonder what are molds look like. Here’s a nice image that will help you understand. Sometimes a picture is worth a million words, so this should help you out.

Also many of you may have clients or teach classes using our molds. Feel free to use this image as a handout for those interested in using our molds. We also have business cards and brochures if you need any.

Click to enlarge.

This Month’s Article:

Do You Know Where Your Time Goes?

Since time is always short for me – it’s important to pay attention to how efficient I am with my time. I can’t remember who said that you get more done in the day before your vacation than you do in the whole week before. I definitely think there’s some truth in that statement. For me, part of the reason I shift into overdrive before I leave is that I like to return to a clean slate. It would be great to work more efficiently more of the time. Here are a few tips that might help you do that:

1. Track how you spend your time. At the end of each day and at the end of each week compare the percentage of your time used toward fulfilling your mission and achieving your goals with that spent elsewhere.

2. Set your priorities for each day. Select your three top goals for the day and work to complete those. If you are clear about what you want to accomplish, it’s easier to say no to something that comes up that doesn’t fit into you time.

3. Keep a copy of your mission and goals where you can see them. If you keep the end in mind, it’s easier to keep distractions at bay.

4. Learn to say “no” more often!

5. Use caller id and/or let your answering machine take a message. You can allot a certain amount of time at the end of the day to return the calls.

6. Limit time on social networking sites. Connecting through these sites is important for connecting, but they can be big time vampires. Set aside 30 minutes each day for Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, etc., and then stay off the sites the rest of the day.

If you like Mad About Molds you will love our other websites!

When it comes to service, we break the mold!

To ensure that you keep receiving our e-mails to your inbox add shop@madaboutmolds.com to your address book or safe list.

Thank You!

Mad About Molds.com

————————————————————————

"When it comes to service, we break the mold!"

Get More Done: Try Single-Tasking – April Issue of My Molds!

2011-04-25T09:24:00.001-05:00

My Molds Newsletter

News that Inspires Imagination!

MAD ABOUT MOLDS.com - When it comes to service, we break the mold!

The Preferred Place for Clay Push Molds

April 2011 Newsletter

Are you following us on Facebook? Stay up to date on our latest news, products and activities.

Fun Links: Molding Accessories - Free Stuff - Creative Ideas - Gallery

Questions? Contact us - Creative Ideas - Molding Tools

Hello Crafter,

Summer is fast approaching and the colors are bright fun and very creative! As you think about the carefree days of summer, remember that crafting is only enhanced when you enjoy the simple things that nature brings into your life. It doesn’t cost a thing to open your eyes to the colors blooming all around you. Let your mind run wild and enjoy longer days and refreshing new ideas.

Continue reading to learn more about using your time wisely in our article “Single-Tasking.” If you’re always rushing around doing this and that, it’s a great read to calm your mind and enjoy your days.

You won’t want to miss this! So sit back and enjoy this issue of My Molds!

Until next time,

Marjorie with Mad About Molds

As always, we thank you for your time, you’re wonderful comments and your generous support! We enjoy sharing what we do and we love to hear what you think!

Announcements:

We are planning on adding a nice selection of new molds this year, but first we are in the process of redesigning our website, so please be patient and watch for them here. You will be happy to see what we have coming. Also keep in mind that a few molds will be discontinued to make room for the new molds. So if there’s something you “have to have” you might want to consider getting it before it’s gone.

Featured Molds:

After this winter, who wouldn’t be excited about Summer! Now is the time to start thinking about accessories that extenuate “Fun in the Sun!” Think about using cool summer colors such as blues and greens to make pieces that go with the bright new colors of summer!

Here’s just a sample of some of the summer time molds we have available.

Do you need some Creative Inspiration?

Need a smile? Check out these very creative pictures! They are sure to get you laughing, wondering, inspired, motivated, amazed and completely fascinated! It's got all the eye-candy anyone could wish for.

This Month’s Article:

Get More Done: Try Single-Tasking

Are you a multitasker? Do you read your e-mail while you’re on the phone and at the same time bind your quilt? We’ve all been there, and I’m hoping to put my multitasking in the past.

According to Harvard Business Review blogger Paul Atchley, studies show that multitaskers are less efficient, perhaps by as much as 40%, than they think. He says that it takes an average of 15 minutes – and I’ve read numbers as high as 40 minutes – to reorient oneself to the main task. Wow – 15 minutes! Can you imagine how much time you waste on a daily basis trying to get back to the task at hand?

If you want to break your multitasking habit, here are four tips:

1. Focus on one task at a time. Atchley says our attention starts to wane after 18 minutes. He suggests that if that happens and you switch to a different task, make notes about the first task to make it easier when you go back. I think that if your attention wanes, it might be time for a quick stretch and then quickly re-focus on the same task.

2. Since I mentioned focusing on a task, be sure to divide your project into doable tasks. Set a timer for the task. I find it easier to focus if I have specifically set the time aside.

3. Eliminate distractions. This could be closing the door to your studio, letting the answering machine pick up the calls, stopping the audible tones of your e-mail. What’s key is paying attention – again focus – to your task.

4. Stick with it until it’s done and done right.

And, if you think multi-tasking is only a problem today, here’s a good quote from Lord Chesterton, attributed to a letter to his son in the 1740s:

“There is time enough for everything in the course of the day if you do but one thing at once; but there is not time enough in the year if you will do two things at a time.”

Good luck single-tasking.

If you like Mad About Molds you will love our other websites!

When it comes to service, we break the mold!

To ensure that you keep receiving our e-mails to your inbox add shop@madaboutmolds.com to your address book or safe list.

Thank You!

5 Ways to Unleash Your Creativity – March Issue of My Molds!

2011-03-22T13:54:00.000-05:00

My Molds Newsletter

News that Inspires Imagination!

MAD ABOUT MOLDS.com - When it comes to service, we break the mold!

The Preferred Place for Clay Push Molds

March 2011 Newsletter

Are you following us on Facebook? Stay up to date on our latest news, products and activities.

Fun Links: Molding Accessories - Free Stuff - Creative Ideas - Gallery

Questions? Contact us - Creative Ideas - Molding Tools

Hello Crafter,

Now that we are 6 years old it’s time to makes a few changes. Many of you have commented on how nice our website looks after the new layout was introduced this past year. Now we are working on some details that will make the website work better for you no matter what browser you use or settings. We are currently working on replacing all 1,000 pictures showing the molds on our shopping pages. As you may know this takes some time and effort, so please be patient as we update them. When it’s complete you will be able to easily enlarge the pictures without leaving the shopping page to save your place and save you time in navigating our website. These new pictures are so much better that you may wonder if we added a whole new line of molds, as they will be much clearer and nicer to browse through. Keep watching for our newsletters and we will announce when the work is complete.

Continue reading to learn more about tax tips in our article “5 Ways to Unleash Your Creativity.”

You won’t want to miss this! So sit back and enjoy this issue of My Molds!

Until next time,

Marjorie with Mad About Molds

As always, we thank you for your time, you’re wonderful comments and your generous support! We enjoy sharing what we do and we love to hear what you think!

Announcements:

We are planning on adding a nice selection of new molds this year, but first we have a lot of work to do, so please be patient and watch for them here. You will be happy to see what we have coming. Also keep in mind that a few molds will be discontinued to make room for the new molds. So if there’s something you “have to have” you might want to consider getting it before it’s gone.

Featured Molds:

Here’s just a sample of some of the summer time molds we have available.

Do you need some Creative Inspiration?

This Month’s Article:

5 Ways to Unleash Your Creativity

Do you ever bump up against inspiration and/or creativity blocks? I think it happens to all of us at some point. Here are some of my favorite ways to get back on track:

1. Get out of the studio and go shopping. No, I don’t mean buy more fabric, paints and threads. I mean go window shopping. And bring along a small journal. Sketch some designs that inspire you, note unusual color combinations that you like, and make notes about a new technique you see. Don’t just poke around quilt or fiber shops. Try antique shops, art shops, galleries, etc.

2. When you’re on vacation, I’ll add that new surroundings are great for inspiring new ideas. Historic homes and gardens offer ideas. Shells on the beach or landscapes you don’t see at home can lead to inspiration. Be sure to pack your cameras!

3. Take a class or get together with other artists. This could be as simple as going to a local guild and viewing show and tell. You might also find a small group to join. And, don’t limit yourself to your normal classes. Try a watercolor or other painting class, jewelry making or photography, something outside your realm.

4. Start an inspiration journal or file of photos, rooms, words and sayings, floral arrangements. Anything that inspires you – or makes you smile – goes in the folder. It’s a resource you can turn use to awake your creative juices.

5. Relax. Do something for your inner self. For example, a walk in the woods, a bike ride to the lake with a picnic, a bubble bath can all have the effect of just clearing your mind so you’re open to something new.

If you like Mad About Molds you will love our other websites!

When it comes to service, we break the mold!

To ensure that you keep receiving our e-mails to your inbox add shop@madaboutmolds.com to your address book or safe list.

Thank You!

Happy Birthday to US!!! – January/February Issue of My Molds!

2011-02-07T18:17:00.001-06:00

My Molds Newsletter

News that Inspires Imagination!

MAD ABOUT MOLDS.com - When it comes to service, we break the mold!

The Preferred Place for Clay Push Molds

January/February 2011 Newsletter

Are you following us on Facebook? Stay up to date on our latest news, products and activities.

Fun Links: Molding Accessories - Free Stuff - Creative Ideas - Gallery

Questions? Contact us - Creative Ideas - Molding Tools

Hello Crafter,

Another year has passed us by and Mad About Molds continues to grow and evolve. This month we turned a milestone that we are very proud of. We can now say we have been in business for over 6 years! And we thank each one of you for making that happen. We did it, with your help!!!

It’s that time again. Time to think about taxes. Are you running a business? We would love to hear from you. We welcome any and all stories as well that you may have experienced when working with our molds. Continue reading to learn more about tax tips in our article “Year-End Tax Tips.”

You won’t want to miss this! So sit back and enjoy this issue of My Molds! J

Until next time,

Marjorie with Mad About Molds

As always, we thank you for your time, you’re wonderful comments and your generous support! I enjoy sharing what I do with you and I love to hear what you think!

Announcements:

We are planning on adding a nice selection of new molds this year, but first we have a lot of work to do, so please be patient and watch for them here. You will be happy to see what we have coming soon. Also keep in mind that a few molds will be discontinued to make room for the new molds. So if there’s something you “have to have” you might want to consider getting it before it’s gone.

Featured Molds:

No matter how cold it is, the true fact is that “Spring is coming!” There’s plenty of time to start thinking about Easter and Mother’s Day. We have all of up-coming holiday molds listed here.

Do you need some Creative Inspiration?

Pasta Machine Settings?

Have you ever wondered about how thick a sheet of clay is by using numbered settings on your machine?

If you have a pasta machine, have you ever wondered about how thick a sheet of clay is by using numbered settings on your machine? Here's your answer...

· #1 = 1/8" or 3.2mm

· #2 = 7/64" or 2.8mm

· #3 = 3/32" or 2.4mm

· #4 = 5/64" or 2.0mm

· #5 = 1/16" or 1.6mm

· #6 = 1/32" or 0.8mm

· #7 = 1/40" or 0.6mm

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.

This Month’s Article:

5 Year-End Tax Tips

As the year is winding down, you can still make decisions that may lower your tax bill. Here are five for you to consider with input from your accountant:

1. Review your business books. You need a clear picture of your earnings and expenses before you make any decisions. Ask your accountant or bookkeeper if you should be tracking something you aren’t.

2. Defer income. Unless you expect to make considerably more income in 2011 when our tax rates will likely be higher, you might want to defer income until after the first of the year. If this is the case, send out your invoices late this month so you won’t receive payment until January.

3. Increase your expenses. Stock up on business equipment and supplies before year end. Pay some of your bills early.

4. Contribute to your retirement plan. Review requirements for payments to your plan. If you don’t already have an individual 401(k), you may want to set up one before the end of the year.

5. Give. Charitable donations are tax deductible if you have a receipt.

These strategies apply differently to each business owner based on her particular situation. Since I’m not a financial professional, take time to discuss your strategy with your personal tax adviser.