Melamine kitchenware trends
There's not much that beats gathering around the table with your nearest and dearest to celebrate and make memories that last a lifetime. The dinnertime sit-down is a daily ritual that is an integral part of everyday life. Whether you're entertaining guests or simply catching up with your family at the end of a long day, your kitchenware should reflect your personality, style and taste. Staying on top of the latest trends can be difficult when it comes to your kitchenware. What better way is there to express your style than with your very own personalised melamine kitchenware from Melamaster? If you're tired of eating off the same old tired and dated crockery, these kitchenware trends will help inspire you to create your very own bespoke melamine kitchenware that will revitalise meal times.
What is melamine kitchenware?
Before we get stuck into the latest trends in dinnerware designs, it's time to learn a little bit more about melamine kitchenware. Melamine is an organic-based compound designed to be a hardwearing alternative to ceramic or porcelain products. Melamine kitchenware is highly shatter-resistant, making it perfect for those busy, hustle and bustle dinnertimes that often come hand in hand with family life.
Despite its long-lasting properties, melamine kitchenware is extremely lightweight, making it easier to carry when you're hosting dinner guests or if you have a big family meal to cater for. Melamine kitchenware is also dishwasher safe and extremely easy to care for, making it much easier to clean up after a big dinner – because let's face it, nobody likes washing up. It's that simple, just take a look at our handy guide to see how easy it is to care for your melamine kitchenware.
You may think that the porcelain-alternative product with such a focus on durability would have to compromise in other areas, such as its appearance and design, this is not the case. Melamine kitchenware is virtually indistinguishable from its porcelain equivalent. You can enhance the appearance of your tableware, even more, when you create bespoke melamine kitchenware with Melamaster.
Marble effect kitchenware
The marble trend has been everywhere this year. From kitchen worktops to furniture and phone cases, marble accessories are in. Marble designs will give your dinnerware a luxurious, modern look. Marble dinnerware can be a pretty expensive investment, not to mention heavy and easily scratched or chipped. Faux marble patterns are a great way to add a touch of glamour to your dinnerware without the hefty price tag.
At Melamaster, our melamine kitchenware is completely customisable. Simply find the marble design that's perfect for you and we'll do the rest. We're committed to providing the highest quality print melamine kitchenware for all of our customers and will communicate with you throughout the whole process. We can even provide studio design support if you need help with your design. Your marble melamine kitchenware will have your dinner table looking Instagram-ready in no time, perfect for anyone striving to be the host with the most at dinner parties.
Perfect patterns
Patterned kitchenware can set the mood for any dinner occasion and patterns are a great way to add a talking point and brighten up your interior style. If you're bored of the same old whitewash dinnerware then why not revitalise your dinner table with some patterned plates and accessories? This is ideal if you want your style and dinnerware to stand out from the crowd as a real showcase of your personality. Whether you choose delicate florals, retro polka dots or smooth stripes, your bespoke melamine kitchenware is sure to make a statement.
Reflecting your interior style is easy when you choose to create bespoke melamine kitchenware with Melamaster. Our wide range of products on offer means you can transform your home, creating a seamless theme between your melamine kitchenware and accessories. You might want to add even more drama to your dinner table with matching placemats or disperse the design around your home with melamine printed coasters.
Add colour with melamine kitchenware
Gone are the days of plain white crockery when it comes to dinnerware trends. Homeware stores everywhere are stocking up on colourful crockery to catch the eye of trend-setting shoppers. Pastel hues are a great way to subtly add colour into your home. You might opt for a millennial pink to match the soft furnishings in your home or even a striking black to make a statement. Black dinnerware is on the rise. It can make dishes stand out and will look great with copper or gold finish cutlery.
When you create bespoke melamine kitchenware with Melamaster, you're investing in quality British-made products that are available to be shipped internationally. So, you can have bespoke colourful crockery, wherever you are. We can send out a sample of your chosen design, meaning you can approve and amend your colour choice once you have seen it in person. 95% of our customers approve their design sample the first time, we're committed to providing high-quality products that meet customer needs.
If you're inspired to break away from your traditional white ceramic crockery and want to try something new, then contact us today to find out about our range of melamine kitchenware on offer.
Melamine tableware: the perfect personalised gift
Christmas is getting closer and one thing that many gift-givers all around the world will be wrapping up for their loved ones is personalised gifts. Personalised gifts are the perfect present to show someone you care, especially when generic bath sets and socks are so overdone at Christmas. Simply by adding someone's name, a special date or an image to gifts shows your loved ones you've gone the extra mile. At Melamaster, we specialise in personalised melamine tableware, so this Christmas why not gift someone a unique and personalised tray, plate or mug that will remind them of you for years to come.
What makes personalised gifts so special?
Personalised gifts have become a huge part of today's retail world, flourishing especially in the e-commerce market. Shoppers everywhere have access to personalised gifts at the touch of a button. With Melamaster, you can make bespoke melamine kitchenware enquiries through our website or by telephone.
So, what makes personalised gifts so special? Personalised gifts create a connection between those giving the gift as well as the person receiving it. These gifts give people a memento of their relationship. Personalised gifts also let people know that you're thinking of them, showing that you have gone the extra mile to create something that is personal to them. Bespoke melamine kitchenware is the perfect gift for the passionate cook, baker or home-maker in your life. Perfect for any occasion, you can never run out of ideas when it comes to personalised gifts. From birthdays and Christmas, to weddings and anniversaries, personalised gifts can help you commemorate any occasion.
Useful melamine tableware gifts
Everyone wants to buy the people closest to them in life gifts that they will actually use. All too often we find ourselves opening presents for them to be given to charity, or left at the bottom of a drawer somewhere, gathering dust until they are eventually completely forgotten about. When you're buying gifts for someone close to you, buying something they will enjoy using and will mean something to them is essential. At Melamaster, we specialise in a wide range of melamine tableware that can be used every day. From bespoke table mats to coasters, mugs, trays and chopping boards, there really is something for everyone. You can even get a bespoke teabag tidy with a matching mug and coaster for the avid tea drinker in your life.
Memories and gifts that last
So many gifts can become outdated or simply run out over time. Personalised gifts give a sense of longevity, not only in their appearance but in the memories that they represent. Commemorating a time, place or special moment in the form of a personalised gift makes sure the recipient has something to remind them of it forever. Gifts that represent these memories also have increased value not in price, but in what they mean to them. With Melamaster, you can create personalised melamine tableware that will last just as long as the memories it represents. Melamine is made from an organic-based compound and is designed to be durable and shatter-resistant. So, there's no need to worry about your personalised melamine gifts getting broken easily. Melamine tableware is also highly resistant to acids, alkali and many food stains.
Personalised melamine tableware gifting ideas
If you're still struggling to think of personalised gifts for those closest to you, these bespoke melamine kitchenware ideas will help you show your friends, family and loved ones how much you care:
Photo finish coasters: Coasters are the perfect useful gift for a loved one, dotted around most homes protecting surfaces from hot drinks. Coasters are the perfect size and shape to personalise with a photo. With Melamaster, you can personalise anything from our range of melamine tableware with photos. Photos of your favourite memories such as holiday destinations, people or even your pet will create the perfect memento.
Printed mugs: You can never have too many mugs, especially if they're personalised. Why not treat someone to a mug with their name on, the perfect gift for a tea or coffee drinker who's protective over their mugs. At Melamaster, we're committed to producing personalised melamine tableware that is printed to a high standard, meaning your gift will look great no matter what design, font size or style you go for.
Personalised chopping boards: If you know someone who loves cooking, why not get them a personalised chopping board that will remind them of you every time they do what they love. Chopping boards are a great, multi-purpose gift that can be used for food preparation, displaying or serving. Why not mark a special occasion on the gift by incorporating a special date into the design? This could be an ideal gift for a couple for their wedding anniversary, displaying the date of their special day.
With Melamaster, personalised gifts can be made simple. Our wide range of melamine tableware is bespoke, allowing you to give unique and special gifts to those closest to you. Contact us today to find out more about bespoke melamine.
Caring for your Melamine Homeware
Melamine is the perfect solution for all of your homeware needs. It looks great, is durable, can save you money AND is easy to care for. Melamine is an organic-based compound, designed to be shatter-resistant and durable, ideal if you're looking for products that look great in your home but are also practical. Melamine kitchenware is resistant to acids, alkalis and most food stains. However, it's not invincible, so how can you keep your melamine homeware looking its best for as long as possible? These simple dos and don'ts will help you care for your melamine kitchenware, meaning you can keep it looking pristine for longer, enjoying it for years to come.
How to care for your melamine kitchenware
Caring for your melamine homeware will keep it looking brand new for longer. Melamine is different from other kitchenware, so there are some dos and don't when it comes to caring for it. Melamine is extremely easy to care for and these simple tips will help you keep it looking perfect:
Handle your melamine homeware with care, like any other quality dinnerware. Melamine kitchenware looks and feels like porcelain and ceramics, all products are polished with a high-gloss finish. Melamine products may chip or become damaged when handled roughly, but unlike typical chine or porcelain, it will not shatter if dropped. Melamine's durability means it has a much lower replacement rate than china, saving you money in the long term. For example, melamine has an annual replacement rate of around 10% to 20%, whereas china has a replacement rate between 50% and 150%.
Use plastic pads or sponges with plastic bristles to remove dry food. This will keep your melamine kitchenware clean, without causing any damage.
Wash your melamine in warm soapy water to remove any food or stains. For tough, stuck-on stains, pre-soak your kitchenware.
Wash your melamine in a dishwasher. That's right – unlike glazed dishes, melamine tableware is 100% dishwasher safe! Thanks to its high heat retaining properties, melamine homeware will dry faster than standard dishes. Caring for and cleaning your personalised melamine homeware really is that simple. Tip: make sure you adjust the setting on your dishwasher to make sure the temperature does not exceed 100 degrees centigrade to avoid any heat damage when washing your melamine.
Inspect your dishes. Keep an eye out for any scratched, cracked, warped or melted plates. Contact your local recycling centre to find out how you can safely dispose of your melamine kitchenware in an environmentally friendly way.
What to avoid when caring for melamine homeware
Although Melamine products are extremely durable and easy to care for, they aren't invincible. The last thing you want is to ruin your melamine design by making the mistake of using any products that will damage your kitchenware permanently. These simple tips will help you know what to avoid when it comes to caring for your melamine homeware:
Don't use your melamine homeware in an oven or microwave. They are not designed to withstand the high temperatures and could melt when overheated.
Don't use abrasive cleaners such as steel wool or metal scourers. If you use such materials to clean your melamine kitchenware as this could damage the gloss finish of the products.
Do not use chlorine or bleach cleaners on your melamine homeware. This could permanently damage your personalised design.
Don't submerge your melamine kitchenware in boiling water. Your melamine could absorb the heat and soften if it gets too warm.
Don't use serrated knives or other sharp utensils as they could scratch or damage the surface of your melamine kitchenware.
Melamine homeware is lightweight and more durable than porcelain, that's why it's a firm favourite kitchenware choice. Now that you know how easy it is to care for melamine homeware, why not design your own bespoke products with Melamaster? Contact us today to find out more.
Successful Fundraising Projects with Melamaster
If you're looking for personalised products that will grab people's attention and help you raise a pretty penny, then Melamaster is the place for you. Melamaster specialises in school fundraising projects. Once you have decided to start a fundraising project with Melamaster, you and your school pupils will receive a paper template to get creative with. Then it's up to us to bring the design to life in a melamine plate, giving you custom prints to keep for life. Personalised, useful products are great for fundraising projects, but besides stocking up on great products, what else does it take to organise a successful fundraising project?
Build a clear, shared goal
The most important part of any school fundraising project is the cause. You need a cause that will encourage people to purchase your melamine products. You can communicate this in your melamine design, making the cause clear from creation. You may also want to set goals for the size of your fundraising project, you'll need to know how many designs and final products you need. This will tell you how many templates you need (e.g. one per pupil) and will help you set a goal for how much money you want to raise for your school.
Don't just tell people about your fundraising projects, show them!
Show everyone exactly where their money is going and why your school's fundraising project is important. Use statistics to educate people about your school's cause and show them what a difference their money could make with images and videos. This reminder could also be incorporated into the design of your Melamaster products, templates can be personalised with School logos, mottos, project titles (the list goes on), making the plates even more special for capturing a memorable moment in time.
Talk - It's not a bad thing
Communication is vital in order to make the most of your fundraising project. You can use a range of communication options to keep fundraising participants, such as parents updated on your fundraising journey. This could be by phone, email or social media. It is also important to give the people the choice to opt-out of communications. You could update them on how many Melamaster products you have sold and how much this helped you raise. You can use this communication to inform people on how they can gent involved in your Melamaster school fundraiser, or even organise their own.
Say Thank You
This is a simple gesture that goes a long way. Many fundraising projects are not as successful because they fail to thank their donors. This could be as simple as an email or flyer, detailing how grateful you are for their help in your school fundraiser and what their money will be put towards. You could do this in a letter sent out by the school, thanking them for their involvement and showing images of what the pupils created.
Keep your participants updated
Keeping your fundraising project participants updated on any achievements from the fundraiser or any future events lets them know they are still part of the cause. The pupils' parent may want to hear about any future Melamaster fundraising projects and even get involved themselves.
Melamaster is here to provide you with the perfect personalised products for your school fundraiser, give us a call today.
Putting yourself out there with Melamaster
Let's set the scene. You're working closely with Melamaster to get your gorgeous and bespoke printing completed. You're an aspiring artist and now you have your items in front of you and you're lost as to where to start with selling them.
First thing is first – Don't worry. We're on hand to help and steer you in the right direction. If you're a new and aspiring artist, then we don't want to set you up for a fall. We're not going to guide you and push you through the office doors of big corporations, however, small and steady steps are the way forward.
Your local coffee shop
The smell of a coffee brewing and the sounds of the milk being steamed and frothed are iconic to most coffee shops and more importantly to us. We know from pop culture and television programmes that local coffee shops can be some of the coolest places to be and hang out. However, if you take a moment to look around, you may also realise that coffee shops are amazing places for young, local and aspiring artists.
At Melamaster, we work with aspiring artists all the time and we can appreciate that 'getting yourself out there' can definitely be a tricky hurdle to overcome. However, a local coffee shop could, in fact, end up becoming your best friend. Many coffee shops are looking for a group of artists or photographers to rotate their art and products on show and for sale as a way to attract new people and create an artistic and creative environment.
It also allows them the opportunity to engage with the local community while showcasing artists creations on Melamaster products. This allows guests something unique to purchase as well as bringing new and innovative creations to their coffee shop floors.
Showcasing your artwork
For artists, showing your artwork on Melamaster products and then into local coffee shops can have huge benefits. Coffee shops and cafe owners are often happy to negotiate and if they agree to adorn, you will receive a much bigger exposure with a wider audience. Though art galleries have a good offering too, they can have peculiar hours and only cater to a certain crowd and community … not forgetting that most demand a fee to enter the building. Meanwhile, coffee shops appeal to lots of different … for free.
Furthermore, there may be an opportunity to draw attention in other ways. Sometimes, local media can give exposure to both the coffee shop and your Melamaster products. We can't also dismiss the power of Social Media. If a bypasser and customer share something online about your products, the coffee shop or their surrounding, you could also gain exposure that way.
What happens next?
So, if you think you are ready for local coffee shops to display your own Melamaster custom printed products, getting your foot in the door may be much easier than you first may think. Like many things in life, art is in the asking.
Firstly, seek out a locally owned coffee shop. Even though we encourage all of our Melamaster clients to aim high, avoiding big chains like Costa, Starbucks and Cafe Nero is probably the best option for now. These big giants are less likely to accept your art.
Instead, look for the popular hole-in-the-wall type coffee joints. Make a list of the coffee shops in your area and check them out in person to make sure you like the vibe of the place and it would make a good venue for your artwork to stand out and contribute to that vibe.
Next, talk to the manager of the shop. Remember, they're not just investing in your artistic products, but they are investing in you as well. This is also best to do in person. A general tip is to not bother the manager when the coffee shop has a long line to the barista or is very busy or crowded. Find them when business is a little slower. Also, some businesses are more welcoming than others, so if you get rejected, don’t take it personally.
Saying YES with Melamaster
After you get the big yes you're waiting for from a coffee shop, there are a few things you need to prepare.
You will probably need a good artist statement about you and your work. This will help people get to know you and your art to help people connect with your work.
Coffee shops are probably not the best place to display your larger works. Often, smaller pieces work better and you can stock them nicely on a shelf. And you can always mention your website or gallery page in your artist statement to let people know about larger pieces or photos.
And once these things are done, enjoy all the benefits of the exposure you’ll gain from supporting a local business and having a wide audience see your art.
If you need a hand with what Melamaster products to choose, let us know. We’d love to hear your story, so be sure to call us.
Questions to ask Melamaster
When you work with Melamaster on your custom prints we want to have a transparent and honest relationship with you. We appreciate that there are now over 10,500 print management companies in the UK alone varying from melamine dinnerware to leaflets and offline marketing material. Finding the perfect one to work with can be a challenge in itself.
As with anything, before signing any dotted line, take the opportunity to talk to a potential print company to get an idea of what a working relationship with them will be like.
We've put together six vital questions to ask us to make sure you know exactly what you're getting with Melamaster.
Ask Away
What Services Do You Offer?
Is Everything Done In-House?
What Are Their Turnaround Times Like?
Are There Similar Print Projects You Can Take a Look At?
What Makes Them Different?
Will They Carry Out Bespoke Requests?
What services does Melamaster offer?
You're hardly going to commit to a working relationship without knowing exactly what they can do for you, but it's still vital to find out the full range of services that they can provide.
At Melamaster, we pride ourselves on strong design, working with both established and upcoming creative artists and product developers, innovating new products from its British manufacturing base.
Melamaster has grown as a leading UK homewares brand whilst growing bespoke manufacturing for many other high street names. Melamaster prides itself on the superiority of our products, friendliness of the staff and professional level of service when it comes to our Melamine products.
Is everything completed in-house?
There could be some instances where you may take a tour of the print company and be impressed and they’ve given a fantastic first impression and you can’t wait to get started.
But, further down the line, you realise the quality of the work isn’t quite up to the standard you thought it would be. This could be because they’ve outsourced your project to a smaller company to cope with their workload.
At Melamaster, we look after your from A to Z. Our technical skills are utilised in building UK based production servicing numerous bespoke customers worldwide.
What are your turnaround times like?
Print projects usually have tight deadlines and this is something we work very hard to meet each time.
We appreciate that it is up to the printers to turn your plans into the finished product. You need to work with a reliable print company who’s able to meet your deadlines and provide quick turnaround times so that your project isn’t delayed. We offer quick turnaround times and low minimum orders to ensure that our 40+ experience isn't wasted.
Can I look at similar projects?
We're lucky enough to be able to showcase our beautiful designs and projects online at Melamaster. However, with other print companies, you may not be so lucky. Ask to see case studies or testimonials so you have an idea of the work they’ve carried out in the past.
What makes Melamaster different?
You’re looking for a creative and professional company to work with, so you should ask them what makes them special. Why are they the right choice and printing company to work with?
Melamaster is built on experience and that can be seen in our high-end quality bespoke products. Prior to the late '70s, Melamaster produced a range of technical products for a number of industries, domestic appliance and automotive being just two. In the late 70’s the opportunity arose to become involved in developing and marketing ranges of decorative giftware and tableware.
Will you carry out bespoke requests?
One of the most important questions to ask printing companies is how they’ll deal with any bespoke jobs you have for them. We are orientated around bespoke printing and that is something we live and breathe. If you're looking for some new promotional products, fundraising or need something new for a work event, we have everything you need to print whatever you want. We can help, the possibilities are endless.
Meet the Melamaster Team and Ask Away
We’re on hand to answer these questions and any others you might have. To get to know us a little better, give us a call and speak with one of the team to get the ball rolling.
Why bespoke printing with Melamaster is important
A lot needs to be taken into account when it comes to your bespoke printing, especially if it's displaying your work or branding. At Melamaster, we've decided to take it upon ourselves to dive a little deeper into why and how your bespoke printed products need to be shown off on in the highest quality possible so that it can separate you from the competition and make you stand out from other products you can find in the store.
Numerous aspects need to be considered but one of the most important to focus on is the bespoke printing aspect, which can determine whether the end result sees your product come off as high quality or not. Here’s why bespoke printing with Melamaster is important for selling your bespoke items.
The quality of printing
The success of your company or individual sales of your bespoke printed items comes down to whether the marketing is effective or not. This doesn't have to involve some intricate strategies, yet a consideration for the basics. Brilliant designs and branding can only carry you so far. You could have the best and most beautiful designs and logos, but if they're printed on poor-quality stock, you may as well not bother. Bespoke printing on our melamine products can covert your designs into sales, especially if you're an aspiring artist. You need something truly special and unique to set you apart from your competitors and truly reflect your unique offering … and regular and outdated printed simply just won't do.
What is bespoke printing
To truly show off your products, designs, branding and logos, giving the materials a premium feel that can't be replicated is something you should do. By offering a fully bespoke printing service, you can benefit from techniques that fit you and your needs. The best way to understand what bespoke printing truly is by working with a company like Melamaster. You don't have to compromise on your ideas because of a printers limitations. Instead, you can work with us closely and pass on ideas and work together to come up with the most effective solution for your designs and ideas.
It’s tailored to you, everything you want and need to showcase your high-end products, bespoke printing will deliver the results.
Why does bespoke printing with Melamaster work?
With technology continuing to advance, the common assumption is that bespoke printing isn’t important as the internet is taking over. That’s not necessarily true, as print is all around us and high-end companies can massively benefit from print, compared to online advertisements on social media, for example.
The fact is, the digitally driven world may be rapidly advancing with newer technologies and ways to advertise, but this technique offers a lot more when it comes to promoting your products with fewer limitations, making it a more effective method of advertising your products. One thing consumers always fail to appreciate is a tangible product. Mirror that with a bespoke and unique design, you have a product that isn't broad-brushed to millions of people at the same time.
Reach the right people
We'd be silly if we were to say that the internet doesn't reach wider audiences, but not all of them can be potential customers. However, with bespoke printing with Melamaster, you can ensure that you are only targeting audiences that want to get a hold of what you have to offer. We previously discussed how you should sell your bespoke products and now we're telling you why. Taking the bespoke route means you can show off your premium designs and branding whilst offering a tangible product to really make an impression. These are all features and aspects that can't be replicated by a social media campaign that has gone viral.
No limitations
When it comes to bespoke printing, there are fewer limitations with these techniques. Digital adverts can have certain design limitations and are most likely readily available for you and your competitors. At Melamaster, your input and creativity can be conveyed to the bespoke printing method. This is because it’s all customised and tailored to your needs which the competition won’t be able to copy as customers will instantly know that the design or colours you included, for example, are associated with your design or company.
Getting hands-on with plenty of options
The best thing about a bespoke printed melamine product at Melamaster is that you get to be hands-on in the process. You don't have to sit back and hope for the best when printing materials are involved. You also have plenty of options to choose from. We have dinnerware, melamine placemats and coasters to choose from, plus much more. This is the most effective way of promoting your products, as it’s tailored to you and can’t be replicated. You’ll be saving time and money because of the fast turnaround times when using Melamaster and your materials are consistently printed perfectly, as opposed to printing in batches where blemishes can appear, giving it a more professional finish to further enhance your products and not feeling the effects of what’s on offer in the digital world.
How to sell your custom printed melamine
If you're an aspiring artist and are keen on selling your custom printed melamine products, we've got the perfect guide on how to do just that. Selling in a retail environment is an exciting prospect for anything regardless of where it is. It could be anywhere from small independent boutiques to high street retail stores, but this can happen through various outlets.
It is the perfect way for many artists to sell your work, especially if you're uncomfortable or too shy to sell it yourself. The best thing about it? You get your creativity seen a wider audience and a bigger footfall.
It is an ingenious way to have your custom printed melamine artwork promoted and sold for you, so you can busy yourself with your favourite activity - designing stuff!
This process is very simple; it basically involves you parting with your wares on a Sale or Return Basis, or buying your stock upfront. At the end of the day, people are not going to sell your work for free, so this comes at a cost! You need to be making a profit from your work so sometimes this doesn’t work for all artists. Materials, time spent making the items and other costs like studio expenses, printing, insurance and packaging all need to be taken into account. Below we have outlined some of the expectations, common situations and questions artists have when first selling their custom printed melamine artwork.
Initial contact
Never send out spam emails. Think about how many emails you ignore – you don't want one of yours to be them. Tailor each email to fit the stockist and explain why your custom printed melamine artwork would be a good fit. If you have had good sales, tell them. If you think your work fits their brand, tell them. Give them an outline of yourself and what you make, with a link to your website or some examples of your work.
How To Find Galleries And Shops Who Will Sell Your Work
A shop or gallery may contact you in person, which is great, especially if your designs are different and unique, but how do you find a place to stock your work if no one has contacted you? One of the best ways is to visit and explore local outlets and speak to the owners. Never, ever approach them if they are busy with a customer though! They will want to invest their time in you as much as your work, so plan your approach and be realistic.
Bring examples to show them or photographs if your work is large. Sometimes they may take your work there and then if you are speaking to the right person. Others may have criteria for applying with a jury.
Another way is through the good old trusted internet. I mean, you wouldn't be reading this without it so it must be doing something right. Search out artists who fit your brand (not similar work to yours, as they won’t want duplicate stock), see where they stock their work and email those outlets.
Think about where your work would be suited. If your custom printed melamine isn't going to bode well in a pet shop, avoid them. If it is more urban art, seek out specialist outlets, if your work is inspired by the coast, seek out seaside-based establishments.
Selling Your Work At Exhibitions or retailers
This is slightly harder when it comes to selling your custom printed melamine products.
An exhibition is a short term selling space that can be equally lucrative with the right promotion but as we said, it's short term so you have to make the most of it when you can. You can either put your own show on or get someone else to do the hard work! If you're lucky enough to have retailers contact you then half of your job is done. However, many are pretty elusive people to get a hold of.
Usually, artists are headhunted by the buyers who are looking for something that fits their trends that season - pretty elusive people to get hold of! You may need to email a company to find out who you should contact if you cannot find their details.
Always remember
Be professional and don't be scared of rejection. As much as we love custom printed melamine, others may not and you should know when to walk away. However, don't give up straight away. Like yourself, they may be very busy so always be sure to stay in touch and be on their radar. You never know, you may have your art up on their shelves quicker than you know. Let us know if you're interested in getting something printed today.
3 valuable skills of fundraising projects with melamine plate printing
We've got a saying at Melamaster and that is 'If we can print it, we can plate it'. It's no secret that our Picture Plates are a great success when it comes to fundraising projects with melamine plate printing but it's so much more than just receiving a painted plate.
Today, we're going to look into the world of fundraising projects with melamine plate printing and how valuable they can be, especially when it comes to schools and how to get children to interact and fully integrate themselves into the projects they are tasked with.
How our fundraising projects work
Before we dive into that, we'll take a step back and tell you how our fundraising projects with melamine plate printing work. Here at Melamaster, we love when we see designs and concepts come to life. Whether you're in a school, holding a charity event or want to raise some money for a special cause, our products are the perfect choice for you.
Each child is given their own paper template so they can get creative in whichever way they want. They can design their own plates and can customise them with almost everything. Personalisation can come in the form of school logos, mottos and names, project titles and the list goes on – the options are endless. This is especially good if you're counting down to a special time of year or a themed project such as the end of term or Christmas.
Once their designs have been agreed upon (We can appreciate it's a big deal for aspiring artists), you can make the most of our melamine plate printing and get their custom designs printed to keep for life. It's no secret we're big fans of Melamine, so much so, we've gone as far as answering all of your melamine questions in detail so you don't have to worry about what products you're receiving.
How valuable is fundraising
It's easy to solely pay attention to how fundraising projects will be conducted and around the type of products on offer, but another important factor that is often overlooked is the positive effect it has on the children who take part,
1) Communication skills – When you fundraise, especially with melamine plate printing, children will naturally be inquisitive and this will open up the opportunity for communication. Kids are going to be excited by their designs and they're definitely going to want to see what others around them are designing, so encouraging the conversations and creations is very beneficial for them.
2) Goal Setting – When you give them a fundraising project, children are given deadlines and a set period of time to complete their design in. Having specific timeframes to work against is part of every adult's life so engaging children in fundraising activities gives them the opportunity to learn the importance of reaching goals and experience what it means to meet deadlines.
3) Team building - When children participate in fundraising projects, the opportunity to get involved with melamine plate printing allows them to become part of a team. They learn to pull for one another as they work side by side and get the opportunity to see what everyone else is doing around them.
Fundraising projects can bring children together in a way that not many other activities can. They meet and work with children they may not have gotten to know otherwise and there’s nothing like the sense of togetherness that comes from working toward a common goal.
Sounds pretty cool right? Contact us for more information on how to get started today.
We're Emotionally Attached to Our Melamine Mugs
Why do personalised or bespoke mugs mean so much?
We were in the office and the dreaded moment of opening the cupboard and not being able to find your favourite mug happened. Now, you probably don't need a survey to tell you that many of us become quite emotionally attached to our favourite mugs. After a little digging, we came across this survey that Heinz conducted a couple of years ago – the theory still applies now. Nearly 60% of people said they had an emotional attachment to a favourite mug and around 40% said their mug was irreplaceable. So that begged the question, what is it about our melamine mugs that makes us so attached to them?
Having a special mug on the shelf comes from sharing an association with it and we've decided to dig a little further into the background and psychological appeal of our melamine mugs.
'Hey, that's mine'
A sense of ownership of your melamine mugs is one of the biggest aspects when forming an attachment. Studies show that if you own a mug, you're more likely to ascribe greater value to it. If you've ever accidentally grabbed someone else's favourite – you'll be guaranteed to warrant a reaction along the lines of 'Hey, that's my mug'. If you've not done it before – try it out and let us know, if you're brave enough.
It Reminds Me of the Time…
If you're gifted melamine mugs, or you print a custom design or sentimental picture, we're more likely to become obsessed because we often associate them with a special person, place, or time. The emotions the mug evokes can be potent, even if you aren’t aware of the source. It is known that shades of colour can evoke feelings associated with seasons and/or occasions.
Your Mug Really Understands You
If you have a mug that is embellished with slogans, quotes or logos, then automatically, they can end up meaning more to you as they convey a personal or meaningful message. If you're going down the root of pictures of loved ones, then you're bound to fall into the 40% of people who claim their mugs to be irreplaceable – and that's before we've even touched the topic of pets. Bespoke Melamine for the win.
Warm Melamine Mugs, Warm Heart
Believe it or not, but when we fill our melamine mugs up with hot drinks, research shows that wrapping your hands around a warm mug can evoke warm feelings, especially towards others. This, alongside the enticing flavours of your drink, you're onto a winner. Caffeinated coffee and tea (and sometimes even decaf, through the power of expectation) can boost alertness. This means your consciously more aware of what is happening when you drink warm drinks – but if we're honest, we're loving it too much to care.
It's routine
Sipping a hot beverage from a trusty mug is often part of a cosy, comforting routine almost as if our melamine mugs become these helpful, quiet, loyal sidekicks. That first sip of your hot beverage in the morning is enough to set the tone for the rest of your day. With our melamine mugs, you get to experience all of the above with one custom print or design. Interested in becoming attached to your mugs as we are? Call us for a chat.
The need to knows about Melamine Dinnerware UK
Melamine Dinnerware UK wouldn't be as popular as it is if it wasn't for its core, Melamine! Now, as obvious as it seems, we know the clue is in the title, but at the core of everything we are and do is Melamine.
We've dived into answering a few of the most commonly asked questions of Melamine Dinnerware UK and we thought we'd dive a little deeper into the world of Melamine. If you're mesmerized by the versatility of this material as much as we are, you may be even more shocked when you're made aware of how popular it really is.
Where is Melamine Dinnerware UK used?
Due to its durability, lightweight construction and adaptability, melamine is a popular option for a variety of settings, especially commercially and socially. When it comes to catering, melamine is one of the go-to choices. However, catering isn't always an industry thing. Dining halls, assisted living communities and kitchens and homes are often found stocked up with elegant and stylish melamine dinnerware UK.
The reason why this material is so popular is that you can have the option for an upscale feel that looks like handcrafted ceramic with a more sophisticated and refined look. This material is more than a fashionable necessity. The low risk of breakage or chips makes melamine an ideal choice for restaurants and kitchens, especially for its ability to be used outdoors or in high-volume settings.
Is Melamine expensive?
This is one of those 'how long is a piece of string' question. You will always find a different pricing range for a number of products in the Melamine Dinnerware UK range. However, Melamine as a whole is very affordable and can, in fact, save you money over time and in the short-run. You won't have to spend money replacing or replenishing your stock or dinnerware levels as you would with chinaware and other ceramic dishes. The reason for this is because whilst chinaware and other similar products are prone to shattering, Melamine is not; it stands up better to use, ware and abuse over time.
Can Melamine be recycled?
With more and more consumers becoming more conscious about global issues, we felt it was best to discuss the recyclability of melamine. Melamine dinnerware UK can not be melted for recycling like other plastics that fall into the classes #1-6 of Plastic Resin Codes.
However, we do have some good news. Melamine can be ground down and uses as a filler for other materials such as plastics or wood composites. So when and if you need to dispose of your melamine, you can speak to your local recycling centre for more details on how to do so, safely and environmentally friendly.
How to best clean Melamine?
We're going to give you a rough guideline of how to best care for your Melamine Dinnerware UK products. By no means is the following information an extensive and detailed guide, but by trying the following simple guidelines, you can most definitely extend the life of your melamine products.
When you are washing your melamine products and keeping them clean, be sure to soak them in a high-quality presoak detergent if you need to soak your products before putting them in the dishwasher. You want to choose the best cleaning agents for your dishes and we would advise against using harsh abrasive cleaners like steel wool or metal scouring pages. Anything that can scratch your dishes should be avoided and be cautious when using knives too as serrated knives could scratch easily.
Melamine dinnerware UK products shouldn't be placed in conventional or microwave ovens and do not use chlorine bleach at any time. If you want an alternative solution for tougher stains, warm water and dishwashing soap is always handy, but the use of white wine vinegar mixed in with a cup of warm water can help do the trick.
If you need more questions answering, we're always on hand so feel free to give us a call.
Your Melamine dinnerware UK questions answered
Even if you've never heard Melamine, you've most likely eaten of some melamine dinnerware UK. Before we dive too deep into the facts of Melamine, you can read all about its history here. Due to the unique material being lighter and more durable than China, many eateries favour melamine to avoid constantly having to replace broken and chipped dinnerware. Similarly, melamine dinnerware UK is especially popular within the kitchen as it can make carrying large trays with food and plates less hassle. However, don't be tricked into believing that melamine dinnerware is just limited to plates and trays. You can find a whole range of melamine dinnerware from bowls, coasters, trays and saucers. It's easy to believe that mass production may compromise on colour and design, but it also comes in a wide range of designs making it an extremely versatile addition to any home, shop or restaurant.
Like most shopping, purchasing melamine dinnerware UK isn't likely to be done on impulse so we've collated the most asked questioned below and answered them.
What is Melamine?
Melamine is a durable and shatter-resistant alternative to porcelain in the form of hard plastic. More specifically, it's an organic compound created by combining melamine resign with strengthening materials which is the basis of why this material is so popular.
Is Melamine safe?
To simply answer this question, yes. Like many things, there are questions that have surfaced surrounding the health hazards of melamine dinnerware Uk. However, the FDA's Safety and Risk assessment of Melamine states that this material is safe for consumer and industrial user.
Whilst some melamine products may contain safe amounts of BPA, there are many varieties available that offer certified BPA-free melamine products if that is a concern.
Is Melamine dishwasher safe?
In contrast to glazed dinnerware, melamine dinnerware UK is 100% dishwasher safe. We'll even let you into a little secret. There are even some forms of melamine products that can handle the heat that surpasses that recommended dishwasher water temperatures. The benefits do not stop there though. As we mentioned earlier, melamine is a very versatile material. Due to the properties of this material, it holds high heat retaining elements which makes it dry faster than standard dinnerware. Just be mindful that melamine should not be heated whilst in contact with food so we would advise against microwaving, but by all means, place your food into your dinnerware after it's cooked and heated.
Can you break it?
Melamine is extremely tough and very difficult to break, but in extreme cases of being handled roughly, you may experience some chipping around the edges. But let us answer your all-important question. Melamine will not shatter, let us repeat that, will not shatter if dropped. That's hard to believe considering how fragile and delicate typical china and porcelain is. The best thing about it? You won't have to continuously replace or replenish your melamine stock levels. Due to its durability, melamine dinnerware UK has a very low replacement rate. Sound's great right?
Not too hot, not too cold
Without going to scientific, unless that's your type of thing, Melamine is an insulator, not a conductor. This basically means, its very good at maintaining a certain temperature but it takes longer for the temperature of the material to change. So, what does this mean for you? Melamine stays cool to touch when serving hot food for example as the heated food isn't hot enough for a long enough period of time to change the temperature of the dinnerware. Great if you want to stock melamine in your restaurants or catering services. This is also good if you're at home and need to handle hot soups or boiling water.
It's also great for cold food uses and buffets as it's a great insulator. If you place cold food onto the plate, the melamine dinnerware UK won't change temperature quickly, meaning your cold food stays cooler for longer.
We'll continue to answer more questions about melamine in our next blog, but in the meantime, if you need some urgent questions answered because you simply can't wait to get your hands onto some custom melamine products, feel free to get in touch with us!