Mark C. Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 Well Bill started this company back in the early 80s and it all started with lotion pump tops made in China. for him He called his company Aftosa. Back then he had a snappy catalog and business started hopping. For us fiunctional potters he had a few items that helped us sell pots. He has great customer service.That business was sold over the decades about 4 times and every time the service went down and the prices went up.At one time I could call in an order and have it next day for very low cost.The prices slowly went up and many items where discontinued. I sourced items from other sources for less as did others. Quainity discounts where dropped. The once thriving Business was absorbed into what was once called Richmond Ceramics as they expanded they bought out Leslie ceramics in Berkley as well recently and a few other long standing ceramic businesses like Brant street ceramics in SF. The renamed (rebranded) them all to Leslie ceramics less than two years ago. Yesterday I got a email that they (the owners) are retiring and closing the doors (I assume they got an offer on the property that was to good to turn down(specualtion on my part )As California property in some areas is many millions and this area is one of them. I have many newly minted friends who are millionaire friends who parents property sold for millions when they passed away in Bay Area and sold out. So if you want anytrhing from Leslies you better hurry as its all 25% off and going as fast as they can ship it out the door. I placed my last order with them on some specialty products (600$) and thought about the 40 years of doing business with a place that will be gone this month.I'm a little sad about it Well I'm downsizing myself to a degree so I can also relate- last call for Aftosa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benzine Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 Thanks for the heads up Mark! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtRoads Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 Yes I bought a lot of their metal stands and accessories. Would buy 144 or more at a time. I hope someone picks up this source and offers the same reason price. Let me know if you see these somewhere else. Someone on the phone told me they were "bidding" out this source. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldlady Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 only bought a few corks from aftosa many years ago. HOWEVER, i recently picked up 4 Sapir studios acrylic stands, the three sided ones that hold a bowl so you can see the interior. unfortunately, someone had put cellophane tape on them and i am not sure what to use to get it off without ruining the acrylic finish. thrift shops have all kinds of things, i an very happy with these stands but they need a cleaning up. any ideas? Sapir is now a plastic wrapping company and the phone number does not answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeU Posted November 29, 2019 Report Share Posted November 29, 2019 I use simple lighter fluid -works great. I use a generous amount and let it soak a bit-don't wipe it off too fast. I use a soft cloth like a microfiber cloth or the kind for cleaning eyeglasses or a soft flannel to wipe it off, and another one to polish the plastic when dry. The lighter fluid also works right through stuck on labels-it just may take applying and letting it soak in twice if the label/adhesive is tough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liambesaw Posted November 29, 2019 Report Share Posted November 29, 2019 Olive oil and a plastic spatula Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldlady Posted November 29, 2019 Report Share Posted November 29, 2019 thanks, both of you. will have to go shopping on BLACK FRIDAY !!! UUGGGH! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callie Beller Diesel Posted November 29, 2019 Report Share Posted November 29, 2019 Anything orange oil based, like goo gone will work too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrim8 Posted November 30, 2019 Report Share Posted November 30, 2019 I will miss them-it's Leslie's too right? I used to pick up things at Leslie's in Berkeley, then they moved to Richmond and joined up with Aftosa - I used to buy a lot of odd sized kiln posts and put them in my carry on luggage (and stains that were on sale) for customs to inspect coming back home to Canada . Gave them something interesting to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted December 1, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2019 wd 40 also removes tape slime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrim8 Posted December 15, 2019 Report Share Posted December 15, 2019 Hey! Leslies products are still available at some place called Clay Planet Where's Santa Clara ? - another edit - just looked it up - I never visit the South Bay - usually don't have time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hulk Posted December 15, 2019 Report Share Posted December 15, 2019 Picked up some their clay to try, and some glaze supplies, whilst in the area for Thanksgiving holiday - nice store, big warehouse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted December 15, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 15, 2019 Clay planet is a clay manufacture as well as a large Laguna distributor. They are taking over some of Leslies galze line for sure and hopefully some of Aftosa's stuff? (update)The sale is now at 30% Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeU Posted December 21, 2019 Report Share Posted December 21, 2019 On 12/15/2019 at 4:31 PM, Mark C. said: hopefully some of Aftosa's stuff I got a Clay Planet email just yesterday saying they are including wholesale and retail distribution of Aftosa from Leslies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted December 21, 2019 Report Share Posted December 21, 2019 I just stocked up on brushes and soap pumps from Aftosa. Excellent sale prices! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori Thoraldson Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 I have enjoyed purchasing the wooden trays and boxes for tile art. It looks like, Amazon, Walmart, and Blick sell the Aftosa trays but state that they have limited supplies. Does anyone know of a different company that makes trays, furniture, frames, and boxes specifically for tile art? I'd love to find another supplier. I'm not finding anyone who sells these types of items. Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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