The people, companies, and organizations I’ve made molds for speak for my experience, quality, and integrity:

AC Lighting Design, Aztec Tile Co., Alberta’s Molds, Ann Timmermann, Ashton-Drake Galleries, Bella Bambina Dolls, Bell Ceramics, Boots Tyner, Broadway Bank, Childhood Fantasies, City of San Antonio, Danbury Mint, Dunis Tile Studios, Folk Art Designs, Franklin Mint, Georgetown Collection, Hamilton Collection, Hippensteel Dolls, Jane Zidjunas Dolls, Jennifer Esteban (Australia), Jubilee Molds, Klowns by Kay, Lawton Doll Co., Lee Middleton Doll Co., L.L. Knickerbocker, Luminarious Lighting, Madame Alexander, Original Creations by Little Reb, Otto-Lindemann GMBH (Germany), Pamela Phillips Originals, Pacific International Corporation, PCF Studios, Si-Og Collection (Ireland), Sinapau Studios, Secrist Toys, Sony Corporation, Southwest Research Institute, The State of Texas, Suzanne Marks, Toys in the Attic (Canada), Two Sisters Studio (Canada), Susan Wakeen Doll Co., U.S. Government, etc.

Rick Van Hellen dba Van Hellen’s Custom Molds, Inc.

Molds are made using high grade plaster of Paris. There are two options when making the very first mold made from a suitable model - either what I call a Waste Mold or a Block Mold. (A Waste Mold is a custom made, “one-off” mold cast around the model. It is a good mold that produces a good casting, but time is not spent making the mold look nice). (More time is spent building a Block Mold, because this type of mold will be used to make a Master Mold. A Master Mold is usually made using a polyurethane rubber – and is simply put, a mold of a mold. This allows “mold production” - so that multiple copies of a mold can be produced. These are either drop shipped to your customers or used by yourself to cast multiple copies of a model each time you pour).

I used to own and operate out of a large building in San Antonio, Texas with several employees. I now operate on a part time basis out of a small private studio. It’s best to contact me by email or by leaving a message on my studio telephone. Either way, I will get back with you as soon as possible.