Monthly Archives: May 2012

Post 100 Links and Promotions

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Good morning,
Friday is here!  I hope all had a good work week and are ready for some fun in the sun for the next couple of days.

Here we are at the 100th Post of the blog.  Amazing.

Thank you all for coming along, reading, commenting and in general helping to make the blog interesting and different.

With the schedule being very full, I had intended to have another jewelry tutorial this month, but my camera is not cooperating, so we’ll have to wait until I return from California to get that going.
We will be making a pair of earrings!  Pliers, beads, a couple of head pins and some ear wires are all you will need to follow along!  You may also wish to have some jump rings on hand for this as well.

Today, I share a link for The Muddfip Photographer, my friend Shelly Moody will be a featured artist in the near future.  Shelly takes some incredible photos, the link will take you to the facebook page.  I’m not saying too much right now as I want to save the good stuff for her feature!

The Alchemists Vessel has a new look on Facebook and Etsy.

Thanks to Harrison Richards of HRthinkstorm on Etsy, for the new Cover Photo and Banner for the shop.  Harrison has some great products at affordable prices to help you get your on-line or brick and mortar store up, running and noticed.
On an interesting and news worthy note.  Facebook’s Stock goes public today, about 11:00 a.m. EST.  $38.00 a share, those that hold shares now stand to make a nice little profit for themselves.

Don’t forget Jo-Ann Fabrics is still taking students and my classes are wide open, June will be copper chain and stone chip earrings and a very pretty Swarovski Crystal “Life Bracelet” from the in-store Brochure, pick one up and register for class today.  Bring a friend, learn a new skill, meet some new folks, and harass the teacher!  What a fun way to spend a couple of hours.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful day and a most pleasant and relaxing weekend.

NOTE:  There will be no blog posts next week, I will be out of town and my friend, Terry, (she did the blog last time I was out) is unavailable this time.

Featured Artist Dee 38753 Southern Country Creations

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Hello,

This weeks featured artist is Dee38753 from handmadeartsits.com


What Dee says about herself:
I am a 50 something teacher that has been “crafty” from a young age and decided recently that I should sell some of my art.
Dee had an item on a Tuesday blog for Five Great Gifts to give.  Here are a couple more items from her shop.
Product Details: This handmade item is a little different from most I have. It is a very versatile piece in that it can be worn as a necklace, anklet, or a bracelet.
It is crocheted using Irish linen in a chain stitch with antique copper colored seed beads added for interest. The piece is 21 inches in length and has a red stone flower button closure…for that little POP of color.
Product Details: This set of coasters are in the shape of a flower and in the brightest, boldest colors of summer. The colors are Bright Blue. Bright Lime, and Bright Orange.

The coasters measure 5 1/2 inches in diameter and are made of super absorbent 100% cotton. Because they are 100% cotton these coasters can be machine washed and dried.

 
Product Details: This little bracelet is created using green bead cord and pink crackle glass beads. The closure is an antique silver Celtic Knot button.
The bracelet is approximately 6 3/4 inches in length.


As you can see Dee crochets, and uses that technique to create jewelry and other wonderful items.  The items above are but a small sampling of what can be found in her shop.  Won’t you stop by and give this artist a look?

Thank you for stopping by.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful day.

Wednesday In the Studio – Movies

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Wednesday is here!

My departure draws near, and I am getting excited!  That’s right, I said departure.  Next week I will be unavailable.  I am going to take some time for me before I burn out.  Recharging the batteries, spending some time away from the workbench is good for everybody.  There will be working, this is for sure, but for one week the blog will be sporadic at best.

Why movies today? A lot of inspiration for fashion comes from film or television.  Harry Potter’s knitting craze, or Hermione’s “Time Turner” for instance, jewelry from the Lord Of The Rings like Arwen‘s Butterfly Pendant can be purchased on line or through specialty catalogs .  See a piece you like on your favorite show?  Try Soap Opera Jewelry, from Soap Operas to programs like Bones, they carry replica jewelry of the pieces worn by the actors.

Below are movies that are out now, or just winding down their theater runs that I would like see, not only for inspiration on style, but because I am interested in the story as well.  They all have a Gothic appeal from your classic ghost story, to Edgar Allan Poe and a re-telling of Snow White.

First is The Woman in Black with Daniel Ratcliff.
Next is The Raven with John Cusack.  My friend, Lucritia, and I must go see this together!
A dark comedy Dark Shadows with Johnny Depp.  This promises to be fun.
Not yet out in theaters Snow White and The Huntsman.  This looks like an interesting retelling of a favorite Fairy Tale.
Thank you for stopping and having a look.  Perhaps you will find inspiration and entertainment at the movies this Summer.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful day.

Five Great Gifts To Give – A Summer’s Day

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Greetings on this fine and lovely Tuesday morning.

We have a mix of things today.  Handmade Artists and Etsy Shop offerings.  Gift ideas perfect for a Summer’s day.

Hand Crocheted Pink Super Skinny Scarf cs004

Product Details:  This hand crocheted 100% cotton pink skinny scarf is a versatile fashion accessory, drape it or warp it several times around your neck, loop it around your waist as a sash with skirts or jeans.
Versatile, fashionable, and a bit flirty too.  This unique scarf is 1.5″ wide x 90″ long with 4.5″ fringe on the side.  Fringe is hand knotted with it’s neighbor creating a simple lacy effect.

Can be machine washed & dried.  However, I recommend hand washing & wrapping it up in a towel to soak up excess water & laid flat to dry.  You can squeeze, but please don’t wring.

 
Product Details: Don’t you think there’s something about polka dots that just says fun? This cheerful bracelet is filled with bright colors, sparkle and yes, polka dots! Lampwork beads in pink, red, amber,lime, teal, blue and purple all have a sprinkling of those delightful white dots! Silver plated discs and beads add sparkle as does the 4mm clear beads. It is all strung on flexible beading wire, and finished with wire guards and crimp covers. A smooth toggle clasp keeps it secure on your wrist. When laying flat is it 8″ long and will fit a 6.75″ to 7″ wrist.
From: The Alchemists Vessel

Orange Creamcicle (Carnelian and Sterling Silver Genuine Gemstone Earrings)
Description: These are a fabulous choice for Summer. Oval shaped genuine Carnelian beads hang in a pretty orange curtain reminding on of refreshing Sorbet, Orange Slices or a Creamcicle on a hot Summer day. Would make a great July or August Birthday Present.

Sterling Silver Six Drop Hoop Earrings with Natural Grade A Semi-precious Gemstones – available in a variety of stones.

Life Aquatic
Description: 7-1/4″ in length. Cute, fun, different! Aquatic life, stunning statement bracelet. Charms measure about 3/4″ across at widest or longest points,Leaping Dolphin, Turtle, Seahorse, Swan, and a Penguin in sterling silver plated charms adorn this adorable bracelet. There is plenty of room to add your collection of charms, too!

Elegant Chainmaille Choker Silver Plated with Black Czech Glass Beads
 
Description:  15-1/2″ long. Truly elegant, slender, slinky, silky silver and black go with everything! Very feminine. Makes a pretty accent to any outfit. May be worn to the office, on an evening out, and with that little black dress. Would make a great birthday present in any of our birthstone glass bead colors. 
Thank you for having a look.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

 

What’s New In The Shop – Metal Monday

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Good Morning,

I hope all had a wonderful weekend, I certainly did, it was also my birthday!

Although there are no new items in the shop at the moment, there is something new that I am working on.  It’s a secret, but a little progress shot or two never hurt.


Designed using two different patterns.  Below you see simple, short lengths of chain woven from Nickel jump rings in a European 4 -in -1 and a variation.  These weave are also available for jewelry.






Next, a little progress,  Two lengths of chain are being joined or “married” together.  Several more individual lengths will be created and added to this.

Top Down View


Side View: This pattern lies flat and creates a nice pattern that has lot of movement and light play, although the jump rings may turn, the lengths of chain are supple with little rigidity to allow for “give”, and wear and tear when the piece is used.





Any one want to hazard a guess as to what it might be?  No?  How about if I said there are 310 (give or take) 3mm I.D.  jump rings in these short lengths?  No?  How about a hint?  Something may be put it in.

Thank you for stopping by.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful week.

Promotions and Links and Mom

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Good Morning,

Happy Friday, another work week successfully completed. 

Mother’s Day is Sunday, and The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you and yours a wonderful day.  Do something nice for your Mom, she’ll appreciate it!

A couple of weeks or more so now, I received an invitation to Artsy Dealy.  So far it is just an e-mail register / sign up page. It is a new traffic generator, geared to bring traffic to your Etsy shop.  Not quite sure how it works as I think it’s still in it’s fledgling state, the Link below will take you to their page.

Here is an interesting site Craft Gawker.  Rather like pinterest, with a twist, clicking through takes you to blogs and tutorials from the posting.  You can find everything from Braiding (Plaiting) your hair to how to make Glow in the Dark jars.
There is a new craft seller website Craftstack.com.  Although it is just an e-mail sign-up for information right now.  If you are interested in another site, venue, market for your wares, you might try there.  Plans are $8.95 a month, or 5% of your sales.

Remember every Tuesday is Five Great Gifts to Give.  Would you like to have your item promoted on the blog?  Drop me an e-mail with a link to your item and a bit about yourself, and your item will be posted along with four others on a given Tuesday.  Contacts links are to the right or Like us on Facebook.
Now, a little shameless self-promotion never hurt anybody.  Although I think it is official and I have lost my mind.  I am currently working on a project that will take no less than 5,694 jump rings (I counted!) to complete.  I designed the pattern, measured, coiled, and cut close to 7,000 jump rings over the past several days and I think the linking process is about to begin.  As soon as I have a more cohesive or comprehensive idea on how to present the project in stages we’ll give you sneak peaks into the process and project.  Want to see what 1M (1,000) jump rings look like?

That’s a whole lot of tiny little things! Multiply that by 6, and I have a lot of fun ahead of me!



Thank you for stopping by, The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you and yours a pleasant weekend, and a Happy Mother’s Day.

Thursday’s Featured Artist Jennelle

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Thursday has arrived, bright and sunny.  The weather promises to be a bit cooler today, I think a day outside may be in order, inspiration, textures, and a reconnection with nature after a long Winter indoors.
It seems as if handmadeartists.com has gotten a lot attention this week, and as such this weeks Featured Artist is,
On the site she was known as Janelle5.
This came as quite a shock to me, I had no idea that this remarkable artists has passed.  Handmade Artists and Janelle’s friends have continued to run her shop.  There are five items left and it would be a pity to see them unsold.  I have never exchanged messages with her nor did I come across her amazing wood jewelry until researching for this blog post.

This wonderful tribute to a forum member is on her Bio page.  I place it here, so those reading may get a sense of who she was and what she meant to those she befriended on Handmade Artists and in her everyday life.

Janelle was a passionate lover of handmade and a tireless promoter.  She was also an active member of our community. On her passing, we have experienced a great loss.  Janelle left a hole in our group and our hearts.  Janelle was unique in many ways, but what she did with a piece of wood was remarkable!  Though she may be gone, her talent, passion and art remain in the pieces she so lovingly created.  All of the proceeds from this shop will be contributed to her estate.  We know you will be as taken with Janelle’s pieces are we are!  All of her friends here at the Handmade Artists Shop thank you for taking the time to look at, appreciate, and purchase her work.
Thank you for stopping in, The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day. 

Tools In My Studio

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Happy Wednesday!  

Here we are in the middle of the week!  Where does the time go?

I thought it might be fun to take a look at some of the tools and other materials I use to make jewelry.

This is my Micro Torch, I use it for soldering, firing PMC (Precious Metal Clay) annealing, and any number of other things that require me to heat things.
This is my Jeweler’s Saw.  I use it to cut wire (for jump rings), sheet metal and sizing stock.  Yes, it is exactly like a hacksaw, except the blades are much finer and thinner, and the saw itself is much smaller and lighter weight than a Construction Tool.

These are the tools I use in the creation of Chainmaille, two pairs of pliers, and three mandrels. Of course I have more, these are all that would fit on the background area.  Mandrels are used to wrap the wire to create a coil, from which jump rings are cut.  Pliers are used to open and close the jump rings during the linking process.

Hammers and Anvil.  Yes, it is very cathartic when designing to bring that hammer down on the little piece of wire.  Striking area is very tiny, so precision is a must, and a great deal of attention paid to the piece you are working on.  One wrong blow with the head, and the piece can break, bend, or be ruined.
Stainless Steel Anvil
4 oz. Brass Claw Hammer (there are screwdrivers in the handle!)

Here is a selection of wire that I use.  Brand new stock that has not been opened as of yet.  From Left to Right: 20 gauge Copper, Nickle, and Jeweler’s Bronze (aka “Merlin’s Gold”), and the last roll is 18 gauge copper wire.
Here is a coil of Sterling Silver Plated Copper Jewelry wire, I have used up the last of the Silver Plated wire, making the last choker I created.  The wire is straightened, wrapped around a mandrel, the coil is removed from the mandrel and cut using the Jeweler’s Saw for a flush cut or it is “Pinch Cut” using wire cutters.
I offer both Hand-forged and Manufactured or machine made clasps, but that is the only thing you will find besides beads and gemstones (I don’t have the equipment to do that at home) that are not hand-crafted by my self.  That includes head pins, jump rings and chain.

I suppose it would have been easier to just take a photo of the Bench, but that is covered with materials and stuff that needs to be cleaned up and gone through, I currently use the dining table or head out the garage for creation these days.  Evetually I’ll get back to the actual Bench and then I can take a photo.

You can always check out Youtube or Dailymotion.  Currently there are three very short tutorial videos, on opening and closing, measuring the Interior Diameter and winding / cutting your own jump rings.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day!

Three Great Gifts To Give Presenting Handmade Artists Site

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Good Morning.

Today I would like to feature some truly unique, clever and beautiful, handmade from start finish gift ideas.  All of today’s featured gifts are from shops on handmadeartists.com.  A great site to find things handcrafted by some amazing artists and craft-people.  There is no question here about re-sellers, these items are handmade by the shop owner.
Although I invited any and all shop owners to participate, I only received three entries for this weeks blog, so I turn the post over the them.  Hoping to pique your curiosity enough to click the link and have a look see at some of their other offerings as well.  Looking is always free!

Without further ado:

Product Details: This bracelet was handcrafted using brown leather and round green tree agate beads. It sports a shell button for closure and a Peace charm.
It measures approximately 7 1/4 inches
 Product Details: It may be fall but I’m holding on to warmer weather with this gorgeous 6″ x 9″ book covered in a fabric of red tulips. The colors are shades of scarlet and greens popping on a black background. The red was difficult for me to photograph perfectly, the 4th photo is the actual cover scanned on my scanner and represents the colors a little better.

Inside I have bound 160 pages (front & back) of premium 80# acid free white drawing paper excellent for pencil, colored pencil and charcoal also good for pen and ink, marker and oil pastels. I have them sewn with a hand waxed red cotton thread and ribbon bound them with a 7/8″ scarlet grosgrain ribbon. As with all my ribbon bound books, refills can be ordered once the book has been filled, please contact me if you are interested in one – it’s simple to replace, I’ll be happy to walk you through it.

 Product Details:   Glamorous shabby chic cottage Mosaic Tray. This was a vintage silver plate tray, Silver plate all gone, I sanded it down, primed it, it got a coat of cottage white paint. A lil bit of distress to give it that worn well loved look. I then proceeded to cut up my already damaged fine bone china plate rims and stained glass and filled the inside with this lovely mosaic. Roses and blooms are climbing on this tray like a briar bush in the wild, so romantic.
I then filled the rim with lil pearls and tulle roses all the way around to give it that finished look. A lil arrangement of handmade clay roses in the left corner and this Mosaic tray is brimming with beauty.
The mosaic is grouted in an antique white grout and sealed. I showed it photographed in different light and it can be hung up on the wall too.

It is a footed tray and I tied a pale cream organza ribbon to two of the the feet, tied it in a nice bow and it can hang on your wall..
The colors are the truest on the close ups of the pictures.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.   The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant week.

New Items In The Shop? Yes, Indeed!

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Hello Monday Morning!

The week begins with a bright and shiny day in store for us at The Alchemists Vessel.

Today we have a new chain to show you in two sizes, it comes in four styles and may be special ordered to desired length, metal of choice with added Gemstones or Czech Glass beads.

This is a very pretty weave, here its laid out horizontally to show size difference.  
Top: Small version Silver Plated wire hand-spun in to jump rings.
Bottom: Large version Gunmetal Jewelry wire, hand-spun in to jump rings.
Somewhat like the lacier-look European 4-in-1 weave, this is more of a closed weave, but still light weight and feminine.  Small is 15-1/2″ long and the Large is 17-3/4″ in length, they rest flat against the throat, and shine in the light.  Each chain is finished with a matching toggle clasp.

This weave tends to resemble a “Fish bone”  or Herringbone pattern.  Serpentine in appearance, the chain is supple, strong and sensational alone or when accented with semi-precious gemstones or Czech Glass beads.  Shown here in the smallest version, Silver plated wire and unadorned.

Here is the same pattern in the larger scale, accented with drops of jump rings.  Beads may be added to these, or left as it is for more monochromatic look.  The rings may be removed and replaced with Semi-precious Gemstone drops.

Here is the small version, accented with Amethyst Czech Glass Silver Lined Beads.  We have a variety of colors to choose from, if we don’t have your favorite, we can make it!  Would make a great Birthday gift in a Genuine Semi-precious Gemstone bead, or Czech Glass color to match.

This may also be woven to bracelet length, usually about 7″ to 7-1/2″ long for women.  Also available in Antiqued and Bright Copper,  Antiqued Bronze and “Merlin’s Gold” (aka Jeweler‘s Bronze), Nickle, and Plated Copper Jewelry Wire, also available in Precious Metal choices.  Please contact us to discuss your custom order.

These pieces are of course available at The Alchemists Vessel on Etsy,  handmadeartists.com, Facebook Fan Page (you can shop directly from that page as well.  Click on “Etsy Theme Shop” or “The Alchemists Vessel” buttons, under the cover photo!  They’ll take you to pages that have special deals, and you don’t even have to log out of face book.  That’s super convenient! You can find these links on the right hand Menu as well.

A gentle reminder:  ROCK STARS in the shop are going, going, GONE on Wednesday, May, 9th.  A Limited Edition now only $7.50 to $10.00 a pair.  This special offer will soon be gone forever!  Hurry and get your favorite!

Sterling Silver and Genuine Peridot Earrings.  Sterling Silver Star Charms have a Brushed finish.

Available in a variety of Birthstone and other Semi-precious Gemstone selections.

A note about the website http://alchemistsvessel.net.  We are in the process of revamping the site, just a little and it will be up and running again soon.  Thank you for your patience.

Thank you for stopping by.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.