Mad About Molds

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.

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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.

………………………………………………………………………………..

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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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.

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"When it comes to service, we break the mold

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January 27, 2010

More than just Molds – January Issue of My Molds!

My Molds Newsletter

News that Inspires Imagination! – By MadAboutMolds.com

January Issue 2010

The Preferred Place for Clay Push Molds

Over 925 Clay Push Molds to Choose From Today!

When it comes to service, we break the mold!

See what our molds look like.

Home Gallery Instructions Subscribe Newsletter Archives Contact Us

In this issue:

l This Month’s Article: Need to be in fashion? Polymer Clay is the answer.

l More than just molds!

l Announcements

Hello Crafter,

It’s sure cold outside! So have fun inside! Did you know that Motivation is what gets you started, and Habit is what keeps you going? Crafting can be a good habit 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.

Until next time,

Marjorie with Mad About Molds

Announcements:

l Did you know that we have an Ebay Store? Some people feel more comfortable shopping on eBay then other places online, and although we only have about 180 listings on Ebay it’s a good place to start. And you can feel safe with our 100% feedback rating. If you want the widest selection available, it’s best to shop our website with over 925 molds to choose from today.

l Have you ever wished you could watch someone using our molds? Well, you’re in luck! We now have our videos on YouTube for you to enjoy. Step by Step instructions are included, and more details about making molds can be found on our website. See us on YouTube!

l 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.

l We offer discounted molds with every order, and we have changed the molds offered on our deals page. These molds are no longer offered anywhere else on our site. So be sure to check out your new offers the next time you order.

More than just molds:

Did you know we have more than just molds at Mad About Molds? We also have many crafting supplies that aide in using your molds. Here’s a small sample of what we offer, and as you can see the prices are very reasonable!

Acrylic Square Tile

3 1/2” x 3 1/2” inches. Helpful for making mold castings with perfectly flat backs, as mentioned in the step-by-step instructions. Once you use it, you will never mold without it. (These are also good to use as acrylic mounts for rubber stamping.) Color: Clear $1.50 each tile.

Clear Square Sheets

3 1/2” x 3 1/2” inches. Perfect for lifting your mold casting from your molds, as mentioned in the step-by-step instructions.

Once you discover how to use these, you will wonder what you ever did without them. $1.50 for a pack of six sheets.

Starter Tool Kit

This kit Includes the basic tools for molding with clay for one low price. Please see individual descriptions for more details on each item.

· 2 oz. Original White Sculpey Clay

· Acrylic Tile 3 1/2 x 3 1/2”

· Clear Square Sheets 3 1/2 x 3 1/2”

· Mold Release Powder with Free Brush

$5.00

Starter Tool Kit

This kit Includes the basic tools for molding with clay for one low price. Please see individual descriptions for more details on each item.

· 2 oz. Original White Sculpey Clay

· Acrylic Tile 3 1/2 x 3 1/2”

· Clear Square Sheets 3 1/2 x 3 1/2”

· Mold Release Powder with Free Brush

$5.00

Original White Sculpey

America's original oven bake clay!

Sculpey clay is one of the most popular castings to use with our molds, although many other castings are just as suitable.

Sculpey is soft and pliable, works and feels like ceramic clay, but will not dry out when exposed to air. Shape it into your desired form and bake according to package instructions. Once cool, it can be sanded, drilled, carved, and painted with water-based acrylics or glaze. No special packaging. White clay can be painted with acrylic paints in any color you wish.

Baking instructions included. 2 oz. Original White Sculpey Clay Sample Pack $1.49

Protective Case*

Protect your acrylic tiles from scratches. Also great for holding clear square sheets. Made of sturdy plastic.

Roomy enough to hold several tiles & lots of clear sheets. (tiles & sheets shown above) $1.49 each

Digital Baking Timer

Having a timer that you can take with you, is essential for not burning your clay creations. The clip back is perfect for on the run, with our busy life styles. Assorted Colors include: red, blue, green and black. 2 1/2” x 1 3/4” inches.

Protective Case*

Protect your acrylic tiles from scratches. Also great for holding clear square sheets. Made of sturdy plastic.

Mini straws for making holes

Coat the end of the straw with cornstarch or release powder (optional) and pierce a hole into clay. Great for buttons, pendants & charms. Package includes 8 double-sided straws. Assorted colors. Hole Size: 1/8” (3mm) Straw length: 2 3/4” .25₵ for a pack of 8

Excel Hobby Knife

Excel Hobby Knives have a 4-point chuck to prevent slipping, and they come with a safety cap. Each knife includes one blade. They are individually packaged in a plastic tube. Aluminum handle, 6-1/4" long, with #11 blade, takes #11 and #16 blades. $2.50 each

Blunt Plastic Needle

This plastic needle is great to use as a miniature sculpting tool! The blunt end is perfect for all kinds of small scale sculpting, modeling, punching holes, shaping, refining and smoothing clay. Use the eye to crimp mini pies, add decorative edgings and sculpt

dolls house dolls' fingernails. It is also great for children's crafts. Size: Almost 3 inches long. .35₵ each

Precision Screwdriver Set

This tool set is handy to have for so many reasons. Full size tools just cannot do what these can. This 6-piece precision screwdriver set includes two Phillips head drivers in sizes #0 and #1 as well as flat heads in sizes of 1.4mm/2.0mm/2.4mm /3.0mm. All six pieces come in a fitted plastic case with snap closure. $2.99 pkg of one-set of 6.

French Hair Clips / Barrettes

Ready to be embellished anyway you like with clay, ribbon, roses, bows, etc. They have a removable tension bar on the back to remove, if you need to wrap wire around these great clips. Size: 80mm .80₵ for two

Blank Button Covers

These plain flat button covers easily slip over a button to add a new look to your blouse or are ready to be embellished any way you like. The back opens easily to slip over the button and clicks close onto any button up to 1/2". Gold Color Metal Button Covers. 5/8 inch. $1.00 for a pack of 4

Eyelets

These are perfect to finish off holes in beads or pendants. Just push into raw clay and clean out the opening with one of our mini straws or a thick needle. Size: 3/16” round. Assorted random colors. .80₵ for a package of 24.

Button Backs

Bond on. These button backs can turn any flat item into a button. Size: 10mm .99₵ for a package of 10.

And a whole lot more!

This Month’s Article:

Need To Be In Fashion? Polymer Clay Jewelry Is The Answer

There’s a new fad that has been circulating in town like wild fire, it’s called the Polymer Clay Jewelry.

Polymer clay is trendy clay where you can do almost anything. One of the things that can be done using Polymer clays is jewelry. Polymer clay can be used to make a lovely piece of jewelry. Polymer clays are so easy to use that you can even craft it on your own. It can also be used for all types of art pieced items such as wooden boxes, picture frames, mirrors, beads, pendants, pins, earrings, bracelets, neck pieces, necklaces, desk accessories, small sculptures and even buttons. It basically has a never ending usage that is why many people are so fascinated to it. It is a non-toxic modeling material, manmade and can work like a ceramic clay. It’s great for kids and adults use.

But what you may wonder what Polymer clay is? Polymer Clays are not water-based or even a mud-type clay that potters normally use; it is composed of an oil based solid and liquid polymer. It doesn’t dry or melt even if exposed to a pro long heat like fire and that’s what makes it so popular. It is very much different from the molding clays (clays that usually used by children and animators) and clays that are used from sculpting. Those clays are air dried which are water-based and can easily dry.

You can purchase polymer clays from art or craft stores. Most common brand names of polymers are Primo, Fimo (Classic and Soft), and Sculpey. They come in various types and colors such as metallic’s and pearls which has reflective properties that can be used for special effects; translucent clays which is often used for stones, woods and ivory; flesh colors that can be used for dolls and figurines; and flexible clays that can be used for molding.

Polymer Clays can be used for almost anything. You can use it for sculpting figures, faces, flowers, and any other things that can be molded. You can also use it to cover various items with sheets of patterned and decorative clays and can even be used in making canes. It can also be used in impressing it into rubber stamps or texture sheets and other items around your house. Some artists used it as accessories to their jewelries. They even have their own websites with a very comprehensive lessons and tips on how to do the works. The reason why they like to use Polymer Clays is that it is shaped from PVC (a polymer of vinyl acetate) plastics and a certain type plasticizer substance, which keeps the clay moldable.

This kind of clay is also what is usually recommended to be used especially for those people who create their jewelry at home. Various kinds of gears are used to carve and make jewels with polymer clay. Most crafters use pasta roller mechanism to roll out the clay and to even it out to their preferred thickness. Afterwards, the clay is created into what the jeweler intends it to use. It can now be placed to their chosen designs with a variety of jewelry. At the present time, all kinds of jewelry can be used with polymer clay. Jewelry designers are so fascinated with it that they even tend to use it on almost anything even on earrings. Indeed polymer clays are simple to use and can even be placed to just about anything and everything.

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