Mold Rental Program
Eric Taylor’s baskets utilize high-end materials. And as the Ash trees continue to get decimated by the Emerald Ash Borer, the materials from this tree are becoming more and more expensive. To help offset the cost of his larger-sized kits with molds, he is offering his handmade molds to be rented instead of having to pay the full purchase price.
Purchase 'Kit & Mold'
You will select the "Kit and Mold" option on the product page and add it to your cart. You will initially pay full price for the mold when you checkout. You then have 30 or 60 days to return it:
Return the mold within 30 days
If you return the mold back to us within 30 days, you will be refunded the difference, minus $20.
For example: if the mold costs an additional $60 (when you purchase your kit) and is returned to us within 30 days, you will be refunded $40.
Return the mold within 60 days
If you return the mold back to us within 60 days, there's an additional $10 rental fee. Therefore, utilizing the same sample $60-price as listed above, you would be refunded $30. After 60 days, you own a one-of-a-kind Eric Taylor mold.
Why do we charge full price first?
You may be wondering why we do this. In the past, we have sent out molds to be rented for $20 and never got them back. And it's hard to track some of them down when time has passed or someone has moved.
Eric asks, What's Your Skill Level?
I have broken down the skill levels in making my baskets as a helpful guide. When I started out selling my kits I had a strict rule that you needed to take a workshop of mine before I sold you a kit. The reason for this is that I wanted to make sure you had success! After a few years, many of my students were ready to successfully make my baskets at home. Today, with the online How-to Videos it has become easier to understand the process.
Level One
Starting out baskets. These are baskets that teach you the basics before moving onto larger and more complicated projects. Once making a few of these baskets the next level kits will look much better. An example of a beginner basket would be the Pencil, Business Card or Original Carrier Basket.
Level Two
This level assumes that you know the basics and are ready to make a more involved project. This level may include some minor tapering of uprights and/or a pattern. An example would be the Kitchen Caddy.
Level Three
Unusual shapes and/or with patterns. These baskets will involve tapering of uprights, more complicated shaping and and deal with advanced handle elements. I do not recommend that you start at Level 3 without at least making a few baskets from level one and two. Sample would be Mountain Tub Series.
Level Four
Level four is reserved for baskets to be made at my shop. These require too much individual attention and shop tools to be made at home. An example of a level 4 basket would be the McMinnville series or the Sewing Basket.
