Monthly Archives: May 2012

Creativity on Vacation

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Good Morning!

Friday is here, the weekend is closer and for many of you so is vacation time.

Just because you’re on vacation, doesn’t mean you can’t be creative.  You may not be able to carry all your supplies with you but, you can always pack light, especially for the kids.
Things to Bring to Be Creative:
  •  Blank Note Book: small enough to pack, big enough to sketch in. 
  • Pencil or Pen (see above) 
  • Colored Pencils – you can:
    • Draw the Hotel Sign
    • Note where you ate
    • What you saw
    • Where you went
    • What you did   
    • Decorate the pages of your notebook
  • Disposal Camera, so you can take pictures and paste them next the to journal entries, once photos have developed.   If you’re luck enough to be able to print your own photos at home, take your digital instead.
You just made a Travel Journal!
Get inspired:
  • Camping?  Make a rock drawing around your camp.  Pick ‘em up and put ‘em down in an interesting pattern.  Include sticks, leaves and other available things around camp to add interest.
  • Beach?  Sand castles and drawing in the sand are staples, go hunting for seashells and wrap them with craft-wire, or hot glue them together in interesting shapes. (Clean ‘em first!)
  •  Elsewhere in general?  Check out the local flora and fauna.  Ask with Front desk if there are things going on in town.  Grab that hotel note pad and jot down what interests you.  Then go!  
  • Remember, you can always bring a favorite hobby, too. 
    • Knitting
    • Crochet
    •  Quilting
    • Painting
If you can pack it, you can do it on vacation!

I mean that’s why you’re on vacation anyway, right?
   
A Quick List For The Kids:
  • Clipboard or sturdy flat object.
  • Crayons, you can’t go wrong with an eight pack of Crayolas.
  • Wire bound Sketch book.  The kids can draw / color on both sides of the paper and it will flip to fit a clipboard.
  • Stickers or other things so they can decorate the cover.
  • Ask them to draw what they see on the way to their destination.  Draw objects or places they saw or visited while there.  Encourage them to draw something daily.  When they get home they will have a picture book of their vacation.
  • Disposable camera (you don’t want them breaking the $200.00 Digitial!)Ask them take pictures (with your help), encourage them to take pictures in front of places they visit or things they have seen with each child in the photo.
  • NOTE:  All these things will fit in your child’s school backpack, no extra luggage or special car seat organizers required.
Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  

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

Thursday Feature: How to Wear Pearls

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Good Morning,

I thought it might be kind of fun to discuss necklace or chain lengths, what they are called and how to wear them for a particular occasion.

Today’s Fashion is a mish-mash mix and match mess! Long gone are the Fabulous Fashions of the 1940′s sophisticated, tailored, feminine. So, I could do without the hats.  My favorite attire consists of Jeans and a T-shirt, but there are occasions when I have to dress up and put on the Girl-wear and behave like a lady. Then comes the question of the right accessory to go with that little black dress.

Although these lengths are meant for Pearls, they are a good gauge for chains as well.

Pearl Collars are 12 to 13 inches long, usually made up of three or more pearl strands and lie snugly on the middle of the neck. Very Victorian and luxurious, pearl collars go best with elegant V-neck, boat neck or off the shoulder fashions. Sometimes also called a Wedding or Bride’s Collar.

This collar is a bit over done. Pearl collars should a be simple three strand piece. You may also use longer strands of pearls and wrap them to create a two strand collar with a “swag” that drapes the shoulder and collarbone area called the décolletage or décolleté.
 

Chokers are 14 to 16 inches long, and perhaps the most classic and yet versatile of all the single strand pearl lengths. A simple pearl choker can go with virtually any outfit from casual to fancy evening wear, and just about any neckline imaginable. A 16 inch pearl choker necklace is the most popular length for pearl necklaces. 


Princess / Tea Length – 17 to 19 inches long. The princess or Tea length pearl necklace is best suited for crew and high necklines. It also compliments low plunging necklines. A pendant or pearl drop may be added for extra appeal and “oopmh”. 18″ inch strands are the second most popular length for pearl necklaces.

 

Matinee is 20 to 24 inches long. Longer than the pearl princess necklace, and just a bit shorter than an opera length pearl necklace, the matinee pearl necklace is the right choice for casual or business dress.

 

Opera Length is 28 to 34 inches long. The pearl opera necklace is the queen of all lengths. When worn as a single pearl strand, it is refined and perfect for high or crew necklines. When doubled upon itself, it serves as a versatile two strand pearl choker.

Ropes are 45 inches in length (or longer). Elegance and sensuously sexy, the pearl rope was a favorite of Coco Chanel. For those looking for the complete pearl wardrobe, this length is a must. The rope can be wrapped for a shorter collar and swag look.

These are sometimes tied (knotted) and worn down the back, showing off a slinky backless or strapless dress.

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

 

 

 

 

Glass Beads and Charm Bracelets – In My Studio

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Good Morning,
Wednesday is here, half way through the work week!

This morning, I would like to show a selection of available bead colors, and styles.  I would also like to introduce a new item as well.  I suppose I could save them for Monday, but I am excited about these.

These are new, customizable, and sizable.  I have a selection of Sterling Silver Plated Charms from which I have created two Charm bracelets.   When I was a girl, everyone I knew had a charm bracelet or one of the those Charm Hanger necklaces that were so popular.  They are making a comeback this year, and I hope for years to come.  Below, one in a Rockabilly theme, that I just think is absolutely adorable, and one for myself.  More charms are always being added to the stock selection.  Drop us an e-mail and see if we have your favorites, or stop by the shop and select a pre-made beauty with room enough to add your own collection of charms later.
7-1/4″ in length is “Rockabilly Betty”, a theme bracelet with Chinese Coin, Dice (they move individually), Skull and Crossbones, Motorcycle and a Humming Bird or Sparrow charm.

Created for me, rarely do I make things for myself, but I just could not resist making a fun piece to wear when I go out.  Also to show more of the charms that are currently in stock.

Counterclockwise: Leaping Frog, Chinese Coin, Dinosaur, Seahorse, Initial K, Western Style Gecko, Initial A, Cow Skull, Airplane, Violin and a Penguin.
We also have earrings that have Dragons, Pegasus, Drum Kits, Frog Princes, Swans, and more that are also in stock and available for bracelets. 

Frog Prince, one of my favorites!
Sterling Silver Plated, highly detailed charms are available in a variety of things.

CZECH GLASS SEED BEAD SELECTION

All beads shown have been used in the creation of Chain Maille Bracelets and Necklaces that are currently in the shop. Still don’t see your favorite color?  Special orders are welcome.  Many of these are available in Birthstone colors or would make a fun alternative in, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Silver Lined Crystal, Emerald, Gold (Topaz), Pearl (White), Ruby, January or July Birthdays, Sapphire,

Clockwise:  Czech Glass in Cyrstal Blue Lined, Aqua, Crystal, Amethyst Aurora Borealis finish beads.  These prism in the light, blues, purples, greens, appear and disappear across the surface of the beads.

Clockwise: Czech Glass in Sapphire (mix), Black and Pearl Luster finish beads.  These are opaque with a lustrous sheen.

Clockwise: Silver Lined Czech Glass in Black Diamond, Emerald, Crystal, Sapphire, Amethyst, and Ruby.

Clockwise: Gold, Red, Green, Pink, Blue.  These are translucent, unlined colored class beads.  Very pretty, solid colors.

Clockwise: Czech Glass in, Orange, Red, Copper, Bronze, Silver and green in the middle.  These are opaque, solid colors.

Sterling Silver and Silver Plated items are available to build that special piece just for you.

E-mail us for a complete list of materials, including metal and semi-precious gemstone stock.  If we don’t have it, we can order it.

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

Five Great Gifts To Give May 01, 2012

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Hello Tuesday Morning,

We’re back to our regularly scheduled blog posts!  Today we have some returning shops that haven’t been listed in a while, some cool stuff for the home, or parties (the season is upon us) and other things.

Let’s start off with these natural feather Earrings.  These are all the fashion rage!


Description:Dark blue copper wire and blue iris Czech pressed glass beads complement the iridescent sheen on these mallard duck feather dangles.No ducks were harmed in the creation of these earrings! Feathers are natural molted/found items, sanitized by soaking in isopropyl alcohol, and allowed to air dry.

Silver ear wires are nickel-free. Earrings are 4.75 inches long.

Description: I just love these Mugs”, Truly adorable, written from the heart with just the right amount of true sweetness we all want to enjoy in our lives. Each individual mug will bring to mind someone special in your life. Great fun to have the girls over for hot chocolate, lattes, or Mexican coffee or a gift for someone who truly is the “peanut in your butter”. And remember, that could be any number of people in your life. 

  Description:  This set of 6 wine charms features semi precious stone chips. Aventurine, Blue Lace Agate, Carnelian, Smoky Quartz, Yellow Opal and Rhodonite, are all featured here. These charms make a wonderful hostess gift, or a fantastic add on when giving a bottle of wine.Aventurine – drawing money and prosperity, protection, stability, fertility and independence
Blue Lace Agate – the stone of peace and calmness, reduces tension and heals the effects of stress
Carnelian – Boosts all psychic and magical powers, especially intuitive gifts such as psychometry, dowsing and clairvoyance
Rhodonite – Used in emotional healing to help restore feelings of worth, confidence and self-love
Smoky Quartz – Clears the mind and banishes confusion
Yellow Opal – can be used to remove falsehood and trickery, find that which is hidden


These are a LIMITED EDITION ITEM.  Only available until MAY, 9th, 2012!  Available in four styles and a wide selection of Semi-precious  Gemstones!  Now $7.50 to $10.00 a pair.  Fifteen pair (15) pairs left.  Get them before they are gone!  Once they are gone, they are gone!
 
Description:Geared for the teen Rock Star in your household, these cute and simple earrings really swing and shine, and are appropriate for any age. Ideal for Birthday’s, as several pairs have been made with birthstone beads; Amethyst, Aquamarine, Carnelian, Garnet, Pearl and Peridot, just to name a few. The 10mm Sterling silver star tops a 6mm A grade Amethyst bead.Amethyst is February’s Birthstone

10mm Mirror Finish Sterling Silver Star flat 3 dimensional charm, Sterling Silver findings and a genuine Amethyst beads.

This last item I found while Stumbling, I do like that little green button, you never know what you will find.  This is super cute and I love tea, not to mention I want one.  What a fabulous way to steep tea, and it would make a marvelous unique and useful gift!
Description: Looks like we’re going to have to add a fourth law of robotics. #4 Over-steeped robot tea will be slightly bitter.
Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.