Sweet Impressions Newsletter
"Helping YOU ~ and SMART COOKIES everywhere ~ make a GOOD IMPRESSION!"
HOBI Cookie Molds ~ Winter 2010
WWW.COOKIEMOLD.COM
35
YEARS IN
BUSINESS
1974-2009
Our Long-term OBJECTIVES:
[1] To continue the DEDICATION to carving mold originals – initialed and dated by Gene Wilson,
[2] To offer, unique, & enchanting DESIGN molds that are collectibles – yet functional in shaping cookies,
[3] To produce molds with a carving DEPTH, as in old molds, for high relief embossed picture cookies,
[4] To strive for carved DETAIL (rare in molds) that distinguishes them as original works of art,
[5] To maintain a web site and an inventory of mold designs so we can guarantee faster DELIVERY,
[6] To test recipes, old and new to find those that produce DELICIOUS edible-art that DELIGHTS the eye and palate. Healthier recipes being sought.
[7] To train apprentices and mold carvers - so as to realize our DESIRE to see th wooden cookie mold tradition continue!
Gene to Carve "Custom Design" Cookie Molds & Stamps Part of Year
In 2005, Gene did 26 custom cookie mold carvings for Disney. The two-dimensional designs were created by Disney artists and transformed by Gene into 3-D intaglio carvings of American cherry wood. The carvings ranged from 4 to 16 inches in diameter and have been installed as part of the wooden cabinetry (casework) embellishments of the popular Disney Confectionery in Tokyo. The "molds" will not be used for shaping dough, but simply to enhance the charm and theme of this shop that sells sweets, nuts, and fruits. Gene found the Disney character carvings (Minnie and Goofy) to be
a challenge but
is happy to have
his carvings on
prominent display.
Later in 2005, Smithsonian executive chef Richard Hetzler submitted designs [used at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC] to Gene, asking him to carve these designs as cookie molds for shaping large shortbread cookies. The Indian design molds carved by Gene (shown below) are now used by Maribeth's Bakery of VA for shaping Smithsonian cookies sold at the museum.
Got Grandkids? New Children's Book:
THE GIFT OF THE CHRISTMAS COOKIE
by Dandi Mackall
You can see it at amazon.com or the author's website: www.dandibooks.com
Wood Carving Illustrated;, WCI, recently published a four-page, full-color article "EDIBLE ART." WCI also chose Gene's Six-Pix Christmas Springerle for one of their Christmas card designs-these are now offered on OUR website www.cookiemold.com
Gene and June Wilson ~ HOBI Cookie Molds ~ P. O. Box 25 ~ Belleville IL 62222
HOBI Cookie Mold Carvings:
COOKIE STAMPS: Our cookie stamps are one of our best sellers. The small 2.2 to 2.4" diameter stamps work well with all of our recipes. Gene has long considered some designs [e.g., nativity, double thistle, birdhouse] too detailed for the small size. He is now carving some designs in a 2.75" diameter size - just enough larger to allow inclusion of the detail that some of the more complex designs merit. New small designs include a shamrock, maple leaf, cross, and snowflake. Using router bits not previously used, several designs [e.g., sunflower] are now "double cut" for a "wow" effect when used to imprint cookies.
SPRINGERLE PRESSES: New designs include the stag, horse, simple santa, nutcracker, acorns, and an Irish two pix springerle. The set of 12 individual presses for the "Twelve Days of Christmas" will be carved and made available as time allows!
DEEP CAVITY MOLDS: In response to customer requests, we now have two smaller nutcracker design molds. A Scottie dog and new Angel mold will be available soon. Our new speculaas molds include a ship and smaller windmill.
BUTTER MOLDS: Customer response has been good to our offering of a complete 3 piece butter mold with an intricate cow design.
PERSONALIZED BIRTH AND WEDDING DESIGNS: By popular demand, our Alpine Boy design will soon be brought back. Our personalized lovebirds stamp for wedding cookies has been so popular that we will, in the spring, offer a simple heart design for printing personalized wedding cookies.
Basic Facts about HOBI Cookie Molds:
+ In business since 1974 by owner Gene Wilson
+ Small business, no employees. All designing, carving, web design, marketing and shipping by the owner
+ No wholesale of molds
+ Sales limited to www.cookiemold.com and to the Belleville Woodcarvers Show the first weekend in November
+ Molds of premium quality cherry and beech hardwoods, typically with hanger holes and a food-safe finish
+ Kitchen-tested recipes & instructions included with your order
Upcoming Articles and Events:
* Watch for an upcoming article on Springe Cookies les in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Mon., Oct. 26, 2009 in the "Golden Age" column.
* Belleville Woodcarvers Show, Nov 7 & 8, 2009
Every couple of years Gene’s carvings are “re-discovered” by the media. Gene’s molds have, more than once, been chosen as “one of the top 200 traditional American crafts” by an Early American Life jury.
BELLEVILLE WOOD CARVING SHOW, OLDEST ART SHOW IN BELLEVILLE, HOPING TO ATTRACT FIRST-TIME VISITORS FROM MIDWEST AREA
Most Belleville residents are aware that the Midwestern Wood Carvers Show is, and has been, an annual event for 38 years! Unlike Art on the Square - Belleville's national top-rated fine art show, Belleville's Wood Carving Show seems to be one of her best kept secrets for many in the greater St. Louis area. Even many locals do not fully realize that this is a SHOW OF CARVERS that offers something for everyone, not just a show for carvers. Like Belleville's, ART ON THE SQUARE, it connects the visitor directly with the artisian and his/her process of achieving their creations.
If you are the kind of person who enjoys talking to artisians about their unique wood art - and their passion for it, this is a show for you. Plan now to reserve a bit of November 7 & 8 '09 for experiencing the Belleville Wood Carving Show at Belle-Clair Expo Hall. The show is a great place to find quality gifts of unique wood art. First-time visitors to the show will likely amazed by the diversity, uniqueness, and quality of the carvings! The Belleville club sponsoring the show hopes to attract many new first-time visitors.
The Belleville Wood Carvers
Show is Gene Wilson's
ONLY show again this year.
He, and his wife June, have
exhibited in this show
for over 35 years.
Their huge 32 ft. display
of cookie mold carvings will
allow customers to select
from 100 of his original
hand-carved designs .
Gene's grand nephew, Chris Buchheit, continues his studies at Southern Illinois U-Edwardsville. He is still finding time, now and again, to advance his learning and practicing the art of cookie mold carving.
Sweet Impressions Newsletter ~ Summer 2009 ~ Page 2
For the past couple of years, Gene has not been carving custom design cookie molds. Now, at the end of 2009, he has now decided that he can find some time to do custom carving during the months between January and August. Designs may be submitted for a free quote during the months of Feb thru July.
This book features Gene's large angel cookie mold.
