Mad About Molds

October 1, 2010

Fwd: 1,000 MOLDS!!! – October Issue of My Molds!

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

October 2010 Newsletter

In this issue:

· Announcements

· New Molds!

· This Month’s Article

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

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

See our past Newsletters!

"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.

624 3^rd Ave., Brewster MN 56119

Hello Crafter,

Another season has passed us by and Mad About Molds continues to grow and evolve. This Fall we have a new look on our website to introduce twenty new molds to complete our 1,000 mold goal this year. We did it!!! And to celebrate we are having a Sale! That’s right we are happy to pass the fun onto you. Continue reading to find out more.

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!

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Announcements:

You will love the New Look of our website! It’s easier on the eye with a less busy layout and an easier menu to navigate our many pages of information for using molds. Speaking of MOLDS! We just added TWENTY new molds which brings us to a whopping 1,000 to choose from!!!! We are so excited that we are offering a Sale! Yes I said a SALE!!! See details below…

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New Molds:

Introducing 20 new molds! We like to save the best for last, however we will be adding new molds in the future when we discontinue less popular molds, so be sure to read our newsletters for upcoming announcements.

Remember you can view all our molds

quickly and easily just by going to our mold album here.

Page 1 and Page 2

You can find all our new molds here!

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This Month’s Article:

Creative Slumps

We've all been there... The crafting doldrums, slumps, ruts, burn-out, whatever you choose to call it - It all means the same thing: Lack of inspiration, no spark... No get-up-and-go ! If you are crafting as a business, this means no money coming in . Which can make you feel depressed, which sinks you even deeper into the slump.

Anti-Slump Remedies

1. One solution is to just ride it out - First and foremost Crafters love crafting and eventually will again get the urge to create.

But what if you can't afford to wait for inspiration to strike?

2. Go to a craft show. There's nothing like the fun of visiting a show and being surrounded by all of that creativity to get you back in the mood to create.

3. Go to a craft supply store, take your time and walk the aisles. Soak up the crafty atmosphere!

4. Search through the clearance bins at the craft store and stock up on some bargains. It won't break the bank and those odds and ends may be just the thing to get you started.

5. Buy some new supplies that you won't be able to resist using.

6. Stop by your favorite craft shop and search through the pattern packets and books. Surf around online, tons of patterns and techniques are available for free. Keep searching until you find something that gets you excited about crafting.

7. Learn a new craft.

8. Think about what it is about crafting that makes you happy, and focus on that until you recapture the "spark".

9. Look through craft sale literature and supplier catalogs.

10. If all else fails, wait until the next major holiday is closing in and let the "holiday panic" propel you into action. There is nothing like a deadline to get you moving.

Whatever methods you try, don't let negative thoughts and emotions get you down. Slumps are an inevitable part of crafting, either as a hobby or as a business. Eventually the slump will pass, the spark will re-ignite, and you will re-discover the fun!

{

Thank You!

Fwd: 1,000 MOLDS!!! – October Issue of My Molds!

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

October 2010 Newsletter

In this issue:

· Announcements

· New Molds!

· This Month’s Article

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

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

See our past Newsletters!

"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.

624 3^rd Ave., Brewster MN 56119

Hello Crafter,

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:

{

New Molds:

Remember you can view all our molds

quickly and easily just by going to our mold album here.

Page 1 and Page 2

You can find all our new molds here!

{

This Month’s Article:

Creative Slumps

Anti-Slump Remedies

1. One solution is to just ride it out - First and foremost Crafters love crafting and eventually will again get the urge to create.

But what if you can't afford to wait for inspiration to strike?

2. Go to a craft show. There's nothing like the fun of visiting a show and being surrounded by all of that creativity to get you back in the mood to create.

3. Go to a craft supply store, take your time and walk the aisles. Soak up the crafty atmosphere!

4. Search through the clearance bins at the craft store and stock up on some bargains. It won't break the bank and those odds and ends may be just the thing to get you started.

5. Buy some new supplies that you won't be able to resist using.

7. Learn a new craft.

8. Think about what it is about crafting that makes you happy, and focus on that until you recapture the "spark".

9. Look through craft sale literature and supplier catalogs.

10. If all else fails, wait until the next major holiday is closing in and let the "holiday panic" propel you into action. There is nothing like a deadline to get you moving.

{

Thank You!

September 9, 2010

Marketing Your Crafts Business On A Budget ! – August/September I

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

August / September 2010 Newsletter

In this issue:

l Announcements

l Learn more about using our molds

l This Month’s Article

Are you following us?

…on Facebook that is! 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

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

See our past Newsletters!

"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.

624 3^rd Ave., Brewster MN 56119

Hello Crafter,

Happy Fall! I love this season of transition. Summers over and school’s back in session: the calm before the bustle of the holidays. It’s a great time to take a deep breath of fresh autumn air and prepare for things to come! Now that summer has come to an end, it is time to start switching gears and think about how we are going to plan for the rest of the year.

Fall in Love with crisp cool days of Fall by spending a little time doing what you love most. Crafting. Recharge your mind by letting it go wild with ideas, with a little help from us here at Mad About Molds. We can make crafting fun again by creating new designs just for Fall. Have you seen our selection for Fall leafs? Just click on our Flowers & Plants link. There’s also a few more you want to look at on our Seasons page.

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, 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!

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Announcements:

1. Have you seen our Movie Clips? Well now we have a new improved version of Steps 1-7 and how they can be completed in about 20 seconds per mold. This just shows how easy and fast our molds really are to use. See our Movie Clips Here!

2. We also have NEW molding instructions with illustrations to show you how Step-by-Step! 10 Steps for using our molds with clay. This great technique will help you to make a perfectly flat backed mold, without distorting your casting when your remove it from the mold. These new instructions are so easy to understand and follow. See them Here!

3. If you are an international customer we have made things a lot easier for you! As you may know it wasn’t possible for your shipping rate to be included in your order, well now that has all changed! So now when you place an order, your shipping rate will be included. We no longer will need to request the remaining amount from you after your order is processed. We hope you will be able to enjoy this and take advantage of this time-saving change.

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Learn more about using our Molds:

Learning more… Do more!

Art Clay

Calendar of Inspiration

Castings

Casting Recipes

Creative Ideas

Drawer Pulls & Buttons

Gallery

Using Multiple Molds

{

This Month’s Article

Ten Tips For Marketing Your Crafts Business On A Shoestring Budget

If you're like most people just starting to sell their crafts, you don't have a lot of money to spend on marketing. Well, you'll probably be surprised to learn that there are many low-cost and even free ways to market your handmade items. Here are ten tips to get you started.

1. Be A Human Billboard

If your handmade items are meant to be worn, wear a piece of your work whenever you go out. You'd be surprised how many people will notice it, and compliment you on it. Don't miss the opportunity to graciously whip out your business card and give it to your admirer.

2. What, You Don't Have Business Cards?

Business cards are a must for anyone who's serious about marketing. You should also have letterhead stationery and fliers, all with your eye-catching logo. It won't take long for people to start to thinking of you whenever they see your logo.

Don't be satisfied with plan-old, boring, white business cards. VistaPrint.com is a great place get bold, attention-getting business cards, stickers, and other promotional items for your business at affordable prices.

3. Leave A Trail Of Flyers Behind You Wherever You Go

Post your flyer or business card on every public bulletin board you find. Look for them at grocery stores, libraries, schools, Laundromats, colleges, and a host of other places. Leave them at welcome areas along the interstate to draw in tourist traffic.

4. The Press Release Is Your Friend

Get free publicity by sending press releases to local newspapers. Think out of the box. The free newspapers in your area may feature local artisans with a nice write-up inside. These go to thousands of homes every month. Is there something similar in your area?

5. Join Your Local Chamber Of Commerce

You should also join local and national craft organizations. Take plenty of business cards along when you attend meetings as these are great opportunities to network with other business owners and crafts artists in your area. The Chamber of Commerce may also publish a list of its members, which will be handy for contacting local organizations.

6. Overcome Your Fear Of Public Speaking

Once you have the handy list of local groups, you can contact them and offer your services as a speaker. Non-profit organizations, the Rotary Club, the YMCA, and local civic groups usually need speakers to jazz up their meetings.

7. Teach Your Craft

If you're a bead worker, organize an after-school class at the local library for teenagers (and their moms) who want to learn to make earrings. You'll be popular and well-loved. Not only can you charge for lessons, but you can sell books and supplies, too. Once you get them hooked on making these things, they'll be back to buy more supplies from you.

8. Make A Donation

A great way to get lots of publicity locally is to donate a piece of your work to a charity auction or fundraiser. The organizers usually promote their sponsors in their ads and brochures, which can give your business a nice boost.

9. Set Up A Special Showing With Another Crafter

Look for someone who produces handmade items that complement yours. If your specialty is hand carved picture frames, perhaps you can team up with a watercolor artist to do a special show during the holidays. You may want to include other crafters, too, to keep your costs lower, and to draw in a bigger crowd.

10. Write Articles About Your Craft

Your local newspapers are always on the lookout for story ideas. Avoid blatant self-promotion in your article, but mention your business at the end.

Look for online ezines that are related to your craft, and offer to do an article. You'll get a link back to your online store in return. There are many article directories online, too. Write interesting, informative articles, and you'll probably develop a following. Be sure to include your store link.

There you are - Ten ways you can market your crafts business for free, or at very low cost. What are you waiting for? Get busy!

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Thank You!

July 19, 2010

Crafty Insights! – June/July Issue of My Molds!

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

June/July 2010 Newsletter

In this issue:

l Announcements

l Learn About Molding

l This Month’s Article

Are you following us?

…on Facebook that is! 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

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

See our past Newsletters!

"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.

624 3^rd Ave., Brewster MN 56119

Hello Crafter,

Yikes, this summer is going by fast! It won’t be long before the kids will be in school and you will be thinking about Fall. Get ready to start your projects so you can be ready for some fun. Have you thought about selling your work? Molds are a great way to make some extra money. With little investment you can grow a business into something that you can be proud of. Think about selling online. Both eBay and Etsy are a great place to start. Think about making clay castings to make jewelry to both wear and sell. It’s both fun and economical.

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

{

Announcements:

Have you checked out our Newsletter Archives?

You won’t want to miss out on some of our best issues. Our monthly newsletters contain the latest news, project tips, special offers, and more! You won’t want to miss out on our molds, tips and techniques, special features and articles! See them here!

_____________________

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.

Our Business Sites

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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Learn more about using our Molds:

Learn more… Do more!

Art Clay

Calendar of Inspiration
Castings
Casting Recipes
Creative Ideas
Drawer Pulls & Buttons
Gallery
Using Multiple Molds

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This Month’s Article

Sales and marketing information and advice. Innovative techniques and thought provoking strategies for your craft business.

21 CRAFTY INSIGHTS

21. Purchase the best quality tools you can afford, they will save you money in the long run.

20. Home decor time-savers: Staple gun and glue gun.

19. Never throw away a good piece of wood.

18. Pinecones are "multi-taskers" !

17. If the craft supply is on clearance sale, purchase it - If you do you'll use it eventually. If you don't you'll regret it later.

16. Your work will be copied.

15. New craft supplies are exciting.

14. Good quality brushes are essential.

13. Comfortable clothes.

12. Taking time out to enjoy each holiday makes all the difference.

11. A one person business is just as viable as a larger business.

10. You are capable of more than you think .

9. When you realize your ideas are good - so will others.

8. You don't have to purchase every 2 oz. bottle of paint on the market, mix your own colors.

7. For a fresh perspective, look at your project in a mirror.

6. If you allow someone to organize your work area for you, you will never find anything again .

5. If you don't point out the mistakes in your work, chances are no one will notice.

4. Your mistakes are never as bad as you think. Walk away, and look at your project again in the morning ... See?

3. If you build it, they will not come - It takes work.

2. Trust your instincts.

And the number one crafty insight ...

1. Decide if you want a business or a hobby - adjust accordingly.

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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!