An exciting custom order...

We may  have mentioned...on a number of occasions...that we enjoy taking custom orders in our shops, well this recent order ranks among our favorites. Our commission was the perfect combination of creative challenge and preferred subject matter...fairies! But since the photos and words of Ryngan, our inspired customer, tell the story so completely...

  "I am delighted to recommend The Clay Shoppe. I found them online through Etsy. I loved their unique range of products and contacted them regarding a customised order. I was very impressed by their willingness to accommodate my requests. 

I'd seen that they produced handmade moulds for creating fairy wings; however I was after a very particular mould shape and colour to use a part of a miniature set (depicting 'The Iron Fairies'). The mould is centre stage with a series of miniature miners engaged in smelting and casting fairy parts to assemble the magical 'Iron Fairies'. 

Having identified Carrie and Kathy's artistic flair, I commissioned The Clay Shoppe to produce the mould. I left it to their experience with the colour mixes and use of metallic pigments to produce four variations of an 'antique weathered cast iron look'. I asked for four to give them the artistic freedom to try out different ideas. 

When the moulds arrived in the UK (very quickly I might add) I was hard pressed to chose between them - they had really out done themselves! 

The mould fits seamlessly into the set and really brings the scene to life. I would recommend any collectors of 'Iron Fairies' to get in contact with Carrie and Kathy at the Clay Shoppe."   

Best regards,
Ryngan

For more information on Iron Fairies, check out their enchanting website at ironfairies.com

 You can also check out  Iron Fairies on these Facebook pages

Facebook Fan Page 1 or Facebook Fan Page 2   

Purple Passion

Our hand carved "Tree of Life" mold has been included in another stunning Etsy treasury!
Yeah purple!!
Thanks roseworksjewelry

Warm and wonderful Polymer Clay Artist Guild of Etsy...

Aren't these pieces just amazing? There are some incredibly talented artist in the PCAGOE and we are so honored to be associated with them!

Bottom right is our very popular Large Maple Leaf mold for polymer clay & PMC.

Thanks RozPetalStudio for including us in this beautiful Etsy treasury!

Look what FaeryDustPixy made with one of our molds...

HALLOWED-Glorious Gothic SKull and Medallion Necklace

Have you ever seen anything quite like this?

Doubtful, because it is one of a kind!
Indulge in the darker beauty of this long necklace. An antique silver-colored skull dangles from an elaborate handmade medallion pendant. A perfect Halloween accessory, or an every day darkly delightful accent.

Wear if you dare!
This crafty Clay Shoppe customer designed and created this stunning piece of wearable art by using "Victorian Broach" one our handmade molds available at The Clay Shoppe.

Even MOLD can be pretty...

Who knew?

Our very first hand carved mold from The Clay Shoppe , "Tree of Life", has been featured in an Etsy Treasury today!

See...even mold can be pretty!

How to use Ametista's molds for Polymer Clay and PMC

How to use an Ametista mold with Polymer Clay

Some of our customers at The Clay Shoppe have asked us for instructions on how to achieve the best impressions from our molds, so here you have it...step by step instructions.


Step 1 - Condition your clay. Clay must be worked or softened and free of air bubbles. Please note, clay that is too soft will not give you the desired effect. We recommend clay that is the same consistency as Fimo Classic.
Step 2 - Roll your conditioned clay about 1/4" thick or thicker if desired on to a baking tile. We use 4x4" standard bathroom tiles. You can buy them by the box load at any hardware store.
Step 3 - Using a fine mist spray bottle, lightly mist rolled clay with water and impression side of mold.
Step 4 - Set misted mold on to clay. Using a second tile to sandwich the mold and clay.
Step 5 - With two hands firmly but evenly apply pressure. DO NOT lift or move the tile during this process, as this may cause the mold to move and you will not receive a sharp impression. Step 6 - Remove top tile and then carefully lift mold from clay. It should lift easily.
Step 7 - Now cut, shape, fix, add pigment, inks, paints...let you imagination take over!
Step 8 - Bake your finished project according to the clay manufacture's instructions.

How to use an Ametista mold with Precious Metal Clay (PMC).

Step 1 - Cut required gram size piece of pmc from newly opened package.
Step 2 - Lightly coat with olive or mineral oil. Roughly shape clay piece to fully fit into mold impression. There should not be any over hang, all of the pmc clay should be firmly packed using your thumb making sure to all clay makes contact with the impression.
Step 3 - To release pmc from mold, turn mold upside down on to drying tile. We use 4x4" standard bathroom tiles. Clay should release from mold with relative ease.
Step 4 - Now follow the manufacture's instructions for drying and firing.

Keeping your molds clean

Keeping your molds clean will insure better impressions. The best way to clean your molds is simply by using mild dish soap and warm water and a soft toothbrush. If possible let them air dry or use a lint free cloth (old t-shirts are good for this).