Mad About Molds

April 22, 2010

New Store Opening – April Issue of My Molds!

My Molds Newsletter

News that Inspires Imagination!

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

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April 2010 Newsletter

In this issue:

l Announcements

l Craft Trends 2010

l Jewelry Trends 2010

l Featured Molds

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624 3^rd Ave., Brewster MN 56119

Hello Crafter,

Falling rain, blowing breezes, shining sun, blue skies… springtime offers us a little bit of everything, doesn’t it? No matter what nature has in store, there’s always something to inspire you. We have been inspired as well; with a new look for this newsletter and some new ideas for our website as well. You won’t want to miss this!

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Announcements:

Many of you love molds, but allot of you love to experiment with other crafts as well. This is why we have launched a few more lines of products, and to keep it all organized here’s a list of our new websites that you will want to check out.

Mad About Monograms

www.MadAboutMonograms.com

Mad About Monograms creates customized monograms for "do it yourself brides" or anyone else looking for a personal touch to a special occasion, business idea or arts and crafters. Mad About Monograms creates monograms that can be used in any way imaginable. Your monogram is the ultimate way to define your style and can be used any way you wish.

Whether your monogram is professionally printed or you are a do-it yourselfer, we provide your monogram in an easy-to-use format that can be transferred to printing companies or printed on a home computer since your Monogram can be sized to go perfectly for many applications. Monogramming is also a great way to decorate clothing for parties or reunions.

Brilliant Brilliance Bracelets

www.tinyurl.com/BrilliantBrillianceBracelets

These Brilliant Bracelet kits are so pretty you will want one of each color! They are made of Swarovski Crystals and Silver components. You can also pick your size and choice of magnetic or lobster claw clasp. They make perfect gifts!

Our Business Site

www.tinyurl.com/ourstores

Our business site lists all of our online stores and more. It includes our contact information, blog link, Facebook Link, and scrolling samples of or creative ideas. We also have our business calendar posted showing when we will be on vacation, inspiring quotes and many craft tips.

And of course you can always find us at

www.MadAboutMolds.com

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Featured Molds:

Summer is coming!

Craft Trends 2010

Tie Dye: The tie dyed look has re-emerged in fashion. Single color combined with white for Adults. Multi-color combinations for Juniors/Children.

Leather bags are sporting the look.

Pet bandanas are following the tie dyed trend.

Fringe: Bags, shoes and sandals - updated with fringe.

Ruffles: Ruffles on skirts, shoes, jackets, blouses, sweaters, and more.

Embellishments: Exposed zippers, Safety pins, Studs.

European Country: The aged, old country look of vintage grain sacks is trending up. Used for tabletop, pillows, cushions, upholstery, totes, even pet furniture, Tick cloth, Cracked leather, Distressed wood flooring.

Florals: Floral is the go-to motif for fashion and jewelry.

Chintz: Yes, Chintz - used with restraint, has blossomed again on the trend radar. As European Country travels into our homes and florals bloom in fashion, look for chintz in home decor.

Logos: Vintage logos like those found on French mercantile sacks.

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Jewelry Trends 2010

Mixing It Up: Maybe the trend is due to the sagging economy, maybe gold accents on silver, scarves/ribbons combined with watches, bracelets, and necklaces were the first hints of things to come, but old rules no longer apply when it comes to *mixing up* jewelry. Wood, leather, ceramics, stainless steel, brass, enamel, woven fabrics, and more are adding an unexpected and decidedly cool edge when combined with precious metals and jewels.

Layering: Stacking, layering, mixing and matching - The look isn't studied or stuffy, a boho vibe that goes casual chic or all-out glam.

Earrings: They're big, they're bold, and they're back...Chandelier Earrings.

Bracelets: The cuff continues, Stacked bangles, Layers.

Necklaces: Layered, Multiples, Bold chains.

Rings: Big and bold.

Trends: Ultra-light, airy designs focusing on light and transparency counterbalanced by minute details and rendered in milky pastel colors such as pale olive green, sugar-almond tones, salmon pink and deep powder blue.

A theatrical stylization of nature with extravagantly sculptural, playful forms in shocking and acidic colors juxtaposed with cold, concrete neutrals.

Draped materials, layers and random imperfections in stones and metals. A mix of multicolor and monotones.

Mismatched materials and hot oranges, reds and corals complemented by opaque shades of anthracite and brown. Pieces within the category are meant to unveil personal identity and express fantasy and escapism. --courtesy of Gem Visions/Swarovski

Trend Elements: Chocolate Diamonds, Crystals, Pearls, Clear Lucite, Neutrals, Brights, Metallics, Sparkle, Nature Inspired, Unusual Pairings, Mixed Media, Big and Bold, Layered. Florals, dragonflies, butterflies, birds, snakes, tusks, teeth.

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

I enjoy sharing what I do with you and I love to hear what you think!

Until next time, enjoy the spring!

Marjorie with Mad About Molds

Thank You!

March 13, 2010

New Molds Just Listed – March Issue of My Molds!

My Molds Newsletter

News that Inspires Imagination! – By MadAboutMolds.com

March Issue 2010

The Preferred Place for Clay Push Molds

Over 980 Clay Push Molds to Choose From Today!

When it comes to service, we break the mold!

See what our molds look like.

Home Gallery Instructions Subscribe Newsletter Archives Contact Us

In this issue:

l Tips & Tricks

l New Molds Just Listed

l This Month’s Article

Hello Crafter,

Yes, it's that time again! We are so excited to show you our new molds that you have been waiting for! Now there’s more for you to choose from! Think of all the possibilities! You do not want to miss out. Crafting can be a good thing that will relax you and make you happy. It can also be profitable and good for the mind. Think about “your time” as time to give to yourself so you can be more for others during the rest of your day.

So get your molds out, play and have fun and see what you can do. Also check out our new molds to see if there’s any more you would like to add to your collection. Create and enjoy. Live and create.

Until next time,

Marjorie with Mad About Molds

New Molds Just Listed:

You can purchase our new molds here!

Tips & Tricks:

7 Ways to Use Mineral Oil with Polymer Clay

1. Cleaning your hands. Mineral oil works so much better than alcohol for wiping highly-pigmented colors of clay off your hands. I just rub a little dab of mineral oil into my hands, then wipe it off with a paper towel (repeating if necessary). And it's not just polymer clay that it's good for either -- mineral oil is also very helpful for getting alcohol inks off your hands... which isn't an easy task otherwise!

2. Cleaning your supplies. It works great to clean your cutting blade. You can also use it in combination with dish soap or rubbing alcohol to clean your pasta machine.

3. Conditioning old clay. You can mix a few drops of mineral oil into polymer clay. Add only a small amount; it's easy to overestimate how much you need.

4. Thinning polymer clay & liquid polymer clay:

Mineral oil + Polymer clay = A nice mosaic grout

Mineral oil + Liquid polymer clay = A good consistency for a glaze or for adding frosting to miniature food. Be sure to compare mineral oil to Sculpey diluents for liquid clay mixtures. The diluents mixture seems to be clearer and stronger, making it a better choice for certain projects.

5. Using as a release agent. Apply mineral oil first to glass, metals, or Styrofoam to act as a release agent.

6. Smoothing clay before baking. Brushing down clay with mineral oil before baking to help reduce fingerprints.

7. Lubricate clay cutters with a bit of mineral oil to make a nice clean cut.

Mineral oil is a surprisingly versatile craft supply and at a great value.

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7 Ways to Use Alcohol with Polymer Clay

1. Use rubbing alcohol to clean your work surface and clay tools -- including pasta machines, clay molds, and paint brushes (after using liquid clay).

2. Spread rubbing alcohol over the back of your paper for a better image transfer.

3. Smooth alcohol lightly over clay before baking to help get rid of fingerprints.

4. Use baby wipes soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean clay residue (especially that pesky red!) off hands.

5. Clean any greasy residue off baked clay before applying a glaze finish.

6. It's good to cultivate a habit of cleaning your molds with isopropyl alcohol after each use. This will make them last longer, and it will also make the next use easier-- no sticky residue to contend with.

7. Remove pasta machine streaks from clay.

Sounds like rubbing alcohol has earned its spot on the craft room shelf.

We now have Mineral Oil and Alcohol available on our website on our tools page.

This Month’s Article:

Style Yourself With Polymer Clay Jewelry

In the creative and striking world of jewelry design, there are many different materials available for artisans to make into jewelry. However, the most common choice include typical materials such as metals, gemstones, and possibly glass, but if you look at other available options you will find that there are many other things that can be made into excellent jewelry.

And one such material to make jewelry and perhaps the most popular new sensation in jewelry is polymer clay. Polymer clay is a definite type of clay that is quite different from modeling or pottery clay.

It is fashioned from PVC plastic and a type of plasticizer chemical that keeps the clay moldable and soft until it baked into a final shape. Once you use this material, you will find that there are certainly many opportunities while working with it.

Many people will wonder how the polymer clay jewelry gets all the colors and sparkle that most of them exhibit and catch the eye. This can be added to it through the use of micas, which are colored pigments, and metallic sparkles and kaolin clay which makes the polymer opaque, make it a very diverse and easily workable medium for creation.

This type of the clay is also definitely a good choice for people who are interested in making jewelry at home. Another great part of polymer clay is that it does not need high temperatures to be baked; in fact for the proper results a home oven can do the job.

With the wide popularity, artisans can also find a couple of brands that are well known. These brands include FIMO and Sculpey.

Finding these brands is not a difficult task as most of the major craft stores and suppliers carry these brands of clay in many different colors, ranging from fluorescent and day glow hues to metallic shades like silver and gold.

In this material, the metallic colors can easily be shaped and used as a replacement for working in the metals themselves, which makes jewelry creation more accessible to designers.

Another amazing benefit this material offers is the lesser number of tools that are needed in order to fashion and create jewelry. Most designers conveniently use a pasta roller machine in order to flatten their clay to desired thickness, and also to acclimatize the clay for use. With this the clay can be easily rolled and shaped into whatever designs the designer wants to use it for.

If you want a piece of jewelry that is colorful, less costly and unique then definitely try something made out of this material. Whether you choose to buy it readymade or create your own pieces, this clay jewelry can be a great way to express yourself.

Once you have the basics down, experiment with different varieties and brands, each of which has a different level of pliability. You can also get this clay in a variety of effects, such as translucent, iridescent, and glow-in-the-dark, to create beads and jewelry that are truly unmatched.

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"When it comes to service, we break the mold

You received this newsletter because you opted in to receive this newsletter, inquired about our products or ordered from Mad About Molds. We will not sell, trade or give away your personal information or email address. If you enjoy this newsletter, please send it 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! 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 l shop@madaboutmolds.com to your address book or safe list. Thank you!

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February 11, 2010

New Molds Just Listed – February Issue of My Molds!

My Molds Newsletter

News that Inspires Imagination! – By MadAboutMolds.com

February Issue 2010

The Preferred Place for Clay Push Molds

Over 955 Clay Push Molds to Choose From Today!

When it comes to service, we break the mold!

See what our molds look like.

Home Gallery Instructions Subscribe Newsletter Archives Contact Us

In this issue:

l Announcements

l New Molds Just Listed

l Tips & Tricks

l This Month’s Article: How to Use Precious Metal Clay in Jewelry Making.

Hello Crafter,

Well it’s been awhile, but they are now here! 30 New Molds for you to choose from, and they are worth taking a look at, so be sure to check them out below. February is a very creative month, so hurry up and get your molds out, there’s still time to show your love! Think about making cup-cake picks that your kids will love to give to their friends. Or make some 3D Valentine’s cards that will be treasured all year. Or let your kids make goodies for their friends. There’s lot of ideas in our Gallery on our website. It’s a great place to get some inspiration to get started.

We have a lot to tell you about this month. From new molds to new information, there’s lots to read about, so sit back and enjoy this issue of My Molds!

Until next time,

Marjorie with Mad About Molds

Announcements:

We have listed many new molds in our Mold Outlet.

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.

See our Mold Outlet here.

New Molds Just Listed

You can purchase our new molds here!

Tips & Tricks:

Release Agents

Sometimes, as when using a mold, polymer clay tends to stick where it shouldn't. Remembering to use a release agent makes life much easier.

The following list includes just some of the release agents polymer clay artists and hobbyists have used:

Water-- This is the cheapest alternative and a favorite, because it won't build up in crevices like other agents do. Water works especially well for detailed molds. Water is a good release for Premo and Sculpey, but isn't generally recommended for Fimo and Cernit, which absorb moisture.

Cornstarch is a popular choice. It usually washes right off with cool water, though you may want to let the piece cool before rinsing it.

Baby powder is another alternative. However, some people think that this leaves a residue, even after washing. Residue, if there is any, can be sanded or buffed away.

Baking soda may help control odors during curing.

Mica powders, embossing powders, and powdered chalk can be used, too, though they generally cost more than the other alternatives.

Potato starch, rice flour, and arrowroot powder and other powdered food products may serve as release agents, as well.

Glycerin-- This can be useful for casting detailed items. Another benefit of using glycerin is that it doesn't affect surface treatments on the clay (like paint or Pearl-Ex).

Armor-all-- This product is silicone-based. Nothing will stick to it. While this makes it a good mold release, it can complicate things if you want to add surface treatments (including Future or Varathane) to the clay, afterwards.

Petroleum-based release agents-- Vaseline or mineral oil are sometimes used. Don't use these products with latex molds, however, because they will react with the mold and destroy it.

Don't let Clay burn (obviously)

As long as clay is baked at the correct temperature, there are no unusual "fumes" to worry about. You may notice a slight smell, but this is normal. If it bothers you, or if you do a lot of curing, you may want to cure out of doors or use a vented oven. If nothing else, you can open windows while you bake.

It is when clay is cured at excessive temperatures that it burns and releases those "toxic fumes" you've probably heard of. These fumes are hydrochloride gas (or "hydrochloric acid gas"), and while that sounds scary-and they're certainly not something you want to produce when curing clay-the fact is that it has no chronic effect. The gas can irritate mucus membranes, causing stinging eyes, nose, and throat, but once you've turned off the oven and left the area (until the gases have dissipated), you should begin to feel better and have no lasting ill-effects.

And if you are careful, you should never have to worry about "toxic fumes" at all.

1. To avoid burning clay, it is crucial that you get an oven thermometer. The thermostats of most home ovens and toaster ovens are "off"-some by fifty degrees (Fahrenheit) or more. As anyone who bakes can tell you, no two ovens are exactly the same, so it is important that you know how your own oven(s) work. Carefully gauge the temperature to avoid burnt clay.

2. If your oven has an exposed heating element, try to keep your clay away from it. When the heating element comes on, the temperature inside the oven can spike-especially right next to the element.

3. Be sure to notice if any cured clay has been left in the oven or fallen to the bottom of the oven. If it has, remove it immediately, before you forget that it's there. This is especially important if you use your oven for other things and will be baking at higher temperatures, later on.

Don't put uncured clay on any unprotected surface-furniture, tables, countertops, rugs, or floors-because the clay can ruin them. Always work on a clay-dedicated surface. (A ceramic tile is the general favorite.) Once clay is cured, you may put it wherever you like.

The rule of thumb with polymer clay is that once anything (knife, cheese grater, pasta machine, cutting board, food processor, container, etc.) has come into contact with the RAW clay, it should be "clay-dedicated". This means that you shouldn't use it again with food.

Using Clay Around Babies

Follow those safety guidelines. Be sure to wash clay off your hands before handling the baby. You may also want to look at ways to make the baking process safer. Using a toaster oven in your craft room is fine, but you may want to move it to a separate part of the house if you are pregnant.

Clay Storage

Never store cured clay with uncured clay. The plasticizers will leach back into the cured clay and cause it to weaken and possibly break.

As long as clay is completely wrapped, it is safe to store in any type of container.

Unwrapped clay won't dry out, but wrapping keeps airborne particles from sticking to the clay, which seems to act as a dust magnet. If you like, you can leave uncured clay on your work surface with just a sheet of plastic wrap draped over it to keep it clean.

Wrapping clay makes it easier to store in a compact place without the different colors of clays touching. (This can lead to color transfer between blocks of clay.)

Some people find that certain tackle boxes, in particular, don't react to clay, which makes it possible to store unwrapped clay or canes very easily.

Glass or metal containers are fine for storing raw polymer clay.

This Month’s Article:

How to Use Precious Metal Clay in Jewelry Making

Precious metal clay (brand names are PMC and Art Clay) is modern-day alchemy. PMC is a clay base with tiny pieces of silver suspended within it that, when heated, burns off the clay leaving a solid silver residue. The clay base acts as a binder for the metal particles. Once this has been removed, the remaining silver particles bind together, giving you the finished product.

The real beauty of precious metal clay is that it can be manipulated like any ordinary modeling clay, making it perfect for jewelry making. The modern precious metal clay can be using a jeweler’s torch, as the firing temperature is much lower than the early versions of this clay.

Precious Metal Clay once had a very bad reputation for shrinkage, making it unsuitable for fine work or detail. Modern precious metal clays have a much lower shrinkage rate (around 10-15%), but you still need to factor this into the final piece to ensure that really fine detail is not lost in the firing process.

Once fired, the silver piece will seem very lackluster and dull, so it will need finishing. The dull matt surface hides the real beauty underneath, so finishing and polishing will reveal the shining silver below. When soldering finished precious metal clay pieces it is essential to remember that the surface will be more porous than standard sterling silver, so it is best to burnish the piece prior to soldering. But because it is almost pure silver there is little risk of fire stain on the surface and the final results are almost indistinguishable from sterling silver.

Because precious metal clay is a clay, it takes impressions very well. A design can be pressed onto the surface of the clay and be revealed in the final silver piece. Patterned rollers, lace or even leaves can be used to create unique effects that are difficult to reproduce in ordinary silver unless it has been cast. Precious metal clay is a popular way of making silver beads. The clay can be formed into beads, decorated with a surface pattern and then fired quickly and easily, producing high quality silver beads.

Precious metal clay is an ideal medium to work in if you want to create pieces of silver jewelry that are unique to you. The only thing that limits you is your imagination. Precious metal silver clay is widely available from good craft suppliers. There are two main brands. Precious Metal Clay and Art Clay Silver. The clay is also available in other metals including gold, but the cost is significantly higher than the silver clay.

Questions? Contact us - Creative Ideas - Molding Tools

"When it comes to service, we break the mold

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