Monthly Archives: June 2012

Promotions and Links Friday

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Friday has arrived, and what a lovely day this morning promises.

Next week is not only my friend, Kelly’s, Birthday, but it is also Independence Day, more commonly known as the 4th of July.  I have not decided if there will be a post or not, I am still debating the issue with myself.

With the holiday and people preparing for their family festivities, there isn’t much going on around these here parts, but I do have a promotion and a link for a local business.

Promotion:


July 13th – 15th at Expo Idaho (formerly the Western Idaho Fairgrounds) 5610 Chinden Blvd.

Admission is $7.00

Idaho’s largest car show/event and 3rd largest throughout the Pacific Northwest! Well over 1,000 hot rods, muscle cars, classics and antiques parked on the grass. This automotive event is more like a state or county fair. Northwest Motorfest is family-friendly and alcohol-free. Complete details on website.
In conjunction with the Motorfest in the Expo Building will be the

I believe entrance is free if you attend the Motorfest and show your ticket stub at the door.  The Alchemists Vessel will be in attendance with lots of new items for your shopping pleasure.

Located in beautiful Boise, ID, this group of fine young men have opened a new parlor for Tattoo and Piercings, not only that, but the shop has become an art gallery of sorts, each artist has paintings and drawing for sale, original and unique art work lines the walls.  You can play an XBox game while you wait for your adornment or accessory.  Professional and experienced, you can’t go wrong at Skin Deceptions.  Not only have they done my own artwork, but they are personal friends as well.

Check out their Facebook page and give them a like, they would appreciate it.
Thank you for stopping by and having a read.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a most pleasant and relaxing weekend.

Five Great Gifts to Give 6/28/12

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Good Morning.

Thursday is here and once again I rearranged the blog a little bit.  Tuesday we had a featured artist, so today the gifts to give are up!
Only four great gifts to give today, I am shy a player, and short an item from my own shop as well.

First up is a new shop and participant for these posts.  She has a lot of wonderful and lovely things in the shop from Pillows to Paintings and Rag Dolls.

 
Description: Custom Orders
This adorable, huggable original doll or teddy bear is made by Home Time Art. She/or He is accompanied with a certificate of adoption, which is customized with the child’s or adopters name and their choice of name for the new family member soon to join them on their life’s journey.
The Rag Doll is 22 inches (55.9 Cm) tall from head to toe and is wearing a removable dress that will compliment her hair colour and eyes.
While the Teddy Bears are12 inches (30.5 Cm) tall from head to toe and are wearing a collard vest and a brimmed hat.
As well as being designed to play this one of a kind beauty would make a wonderful addition to any collector’s treasury.
My dolls and teddy bears are all hand painted made from 100% cotton stuffed with a non allergenic foam chips in a smoke free pet free environment. All my items are Hand-Made in Canada.
Please see below for your options on custom orders.
Description:A beautiful country night landscape scene, with the glow of a bright star shinning down and bring light into the shadows.This original mix media painting was painted by artist Stefania Grieco in winter of 2012.
It was created using high quality oil paints, high quality acrylic paints a double primed 18x24inch (45.7x61cm) canvas and inspired by imagination.

The painting is painted on all 4 sides so there is no need to frame however it is easily framed if you prefer and would look great on any wall.

 Next is one my favorite shops and participants.

  
Description:SOLD SEPARATELY – SHALOM or CHAIBeautiful heart charm necklace with a custom made and one of a kind print.

One necklace has the word “Shalom” in Hebrew for “Peace” and the other has the work “Chai” in Hebrew for “Life”.

About 18″ long. Size can be adjusted per request at no extra charge.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

Description: Created with vintage antique bronze frame charm pendant and chain.

This is a vintage image of a beautiful girl custom printed and designed

Necklace is about 18″ long but can be adjusted per request with no extra charge.

ALL MY ITEMS ARE HANDMADE AND ONE OF A KIND

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG
 That is it for today.  Thank you for stopping by.  Remember all the links are clickable and will take you through to the shop or the item of your choice.  Have a look.

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

In My Studio Tunes

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The middle of the week is here.  It’s Wednesday!

The birds are singing, the Japanese Lily is in bloom, a magnificent vibrant orange, perhaps I’ll post a picture in a later blog.  

Posts about the studio have included tools, materials, new and old finds, and the occasional piece I am working on.  What really goes on in the studio?  In truth a lot of this…
Yes, it truly is pandemonium around here sometimes.  Racing to class, trying to get orders out the door in a timely fashion, thinking of entertaining, interesting and informative things for the blog, the list does go on.

However, besides creating something beautiful, the one pleasure I do get is music.  Music is not only a wonderful motivator, it can also serve to set the mood in the studio (energetic) and sometimes even plays a part in the design process.  Inspiration comes from my surroundings, and to keep my self in tune with what I am doing, the rhythm of the music helps.

What does a Metalsmith listen to?  Metal, of course.  I won’t subject the reader to that, although some that read the blog will be appalled at that statement, so instead we’ll go with something friendly and appropriate for everybody.

Currently on the CD Player is:
Then we change things up with
From B to Y, we have a unique and eclectic mix of music that changes on the player at random.

Other music that shuffles throughout the day:

Testament
Clutch
James Murphy
Destruction
Just to name a few.  Of course those bands aren’t for everybody, but I do appreciate a good driving force tune while I am working.  Sitting at the workbench for most of the day requires something to keep the mind occupied as well as the hands.  Some tasks are repetitious and a beat in the background can help make those mundane repeats go much faster.

Thank you for stopping by and perhaps having a listen or check out some of the other music listed.

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

Featured Artist: Rasmussen Gems

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Tuesday is upon us and as a member of the Handmade Artists Blog Ring it is always a pleasure to feature one the shop owners.

This week is Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry, LLC, Lapidary and Metalsmith, Dr. John Rasmussen.
John Atwell Rasmussen is the lapidary, gemologist and artisan jeweler / metalsmith. All cabochons are hand cut in our lapidary.
Dr. Rasmussen truly creates some interesting and unique pieces in his shop.

Rings?  John’s got ‘em!  From beautiful Cabochons left in a natural state to marvelous Fine Jewelry pieces as the rings below. 

Sterling Silver: Size  8

Sterling Silver: Size 8
Other jewelry is also available.


What Dr. Rasmussen says about the shop and  himself: 

John Atwell Rasmussen was educated in Geology at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. He then taught geology and after ten years switched professional course to prehospital medicine. He retired from emergency medical services and is pursuing his love of rocks, minerals and gems as the lapidary and jeweler at Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry LLC. He has been educated in Gemology and Jewelry Design and Repair at: International Gem Society, Gemological Institute of America and Penn Foster Career School.
Thank you for stopping in and having a read.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant work week.

New Inventory In The Etsy Shop

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Here we are, Monday, again.  How does it keep doing that?

Now that you all have your coffee, let us see what can be found in the shop.  There are more items on the way and custom work is always welcome!

Just in time for summer is this very cute and feminine Necklace set, that is the perfect compliment to the Summer dress that you have been dying to wear.  Silver Metal Daisies (Sunflowers) adorn the Silver plated jump rings linked in the Dragon Chain chainmaille pattern lengths, interrupted by lovely Peridot green faceted glass beads.  Matching earrings are included.

Matching Earrings

Next up is more summertime green with this “Tibetan Silver” Dia de los Muertos inspired motif of Skulls and Flowers.  Green glass beads in a pretty emerald to a soft pastel make up most of the chain, finished with a silver metal Rollo chain for durability.  Although the earrings do not match exactly they continue the flower motif with cute daisies perched atop their heads. 

*NOTE:  Tibetan Silver, has no silver content what so ever and is an alloy consisting mainly of Tin or Zinc.  If there is any silver in the metal at all, it is 1% to 2% at most.  This metal us usually Nickel and Lead free due to allergies to these metals.
 
Also available in Black.  See: One Dark Night
Understated Steampunk Theme Bracelet crafted from Antiqued Bronze jump rings, star and gear charms.  This is a fun and light weight bracelet.  The gears were sold as jewelry components and have never been used in any machinery or device to my knowledge.  The chain is linked in the “Daisy Chain” or Rosette chainmaille pattern to add an extra bit of dimension and interest to the otherwise simple charm bracelet design.  The rings appear to be twisted or knotted together.

And last but not least in a three (3) piece jewelry set in antiqued Bronze.  Necklace is 25″ long, adorned by a lovely old world style locket with an octopus motif.  Antiqued Bronze chain is interrupted by genuine Pyrite and antiqued Bronze beads.  The earrings match the beads links and the bracelet is 8″ and a simple affair of antiqued Bronze chain and six genuine Pyrite beads suspended at equal intervals along the chain.  Both necklace and bracelet are finished with a Lobster Claw clasp, earrings are completed with French Wire (Fish Hook) style ear wires.

We do have new things in store for the shop.  New beads and other materials are being carefully collected and considered for all current projects and ideas that are in the works!


Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant work week.

Brick and Mortar Businesses in Boise Links and Promotions

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Happy Friday,

This morning I have a couple local business to look at and yes, they carry handmade or local artisans works as well.

This must be Boise‘s best kept secret, Indie Made located in lovely downtown Boise Idaho, all eight blocks of it, located at 108 6th Street (at Main) in the Pioneer Tent Building.  Their site is more like a blog, but they do carry handmade items from local artists.  They also have a Facebook fan page.  Follow either of the links to find them.

The Purple Rose Boutique at 1415 N Milwaukee, in Boise (off Fairview).  Several friends have just raved about this shop, although I have not had the opportunity to visit in person, the facebook page has nice photos of what the shop has to offer, from jewelry to clothing.

Mixed Bag Bazaar is located at 106 Latah in Boise.  They also have a website dedicated to Mixed Bag Enterprises.  I was asked at one time to put items in the shop for consignment, what happened after that is a mystery.  However they seem to have resolved whatever issues they were having and have managed to rally and move forward.  Their shop (more like consignment) runs a Saturday Sidewalk Mall (Bazaar) in front and to the side of their store, check the page for dates and details.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.  Feel free to click through or actually visit any of the shops listed here today.  They would appreciate it.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a very happy Friday and a wonderful weekend!

In My Studio – Sterling Silver Ring

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Happy Thursday,

It’s Studio time again, but when isn’t it around here.

Today I thought I would show a project that I completed as part of the classes I am taking to upgrade and refresh my skills.  It has been a long time since I soldered anything.  For the past couple if days I have been annealing metal and playing with fire.

I had not intended on sharing this particular project, as it was meant as a practice piece, so I did not take progress pictures.  I should probably do that.  Any way, I thought to it would be good to show what is good, and what is not so good about the ring.  It will not be put up for sale, as I do not feel good about listing this anywhere, but it will work as example for now.

Twisted Celtic Knot Style Sterling Silver Ring
Original Design by The Alchemists Vessel
This ring is made of Sterling Silver sizing stock, I think it was meant as a bezel strip, but I liked it and it felt like it would be easy to work with, I believe it was 18 gauge stock.
Rings are made using sheets or strips of metal.  The metal is cut, shaped, hammered, heated, and repeat around the mandrel until you have a circle.  The joint or seam where the ends meet is then soldered.  The metal is cleaned and polished.  Viola!  You have a ring.

Due to heating, and pickling during the process of forming the ring, sometimes not all the fire scale or other agents that are hard to get off the ring will be removed entirely.  In the case of the twisted-braid like design, some areas are difficult to reach, as seen here.  More polishing and / or a Q-Tip is required.
Soldering a ring is not easy, I do not know what I was thinking when I soldered the inside of the ring, over flow spills into the twist pattern of the stock, in an effort to make it smooth, I over polished and wore some the unaffected stock flat.  Oops!  This needs another cleaning as well.  I see spots!

The last photo shows the back of the ring where it has been joined, this is the toughest part about soldering, guessing the correct amount of solder needed to seal the seam.  I used a paste type solder instead of wire type solder.  That was a mistake, as working with the unfamiliar paste type lead to “bad” jewelry finishing.  The problems I encountered with the stock were due to my choice of design.  The rounded edge does not meet flush, and therefore does not create a good joint for the solder to fill.  The stock itself is twisted around itself, making two pieces into one, this also does not work well, as some of the solder has pitted and / or pooled in the spaces of the stock.  Pitting, the holes that you see, can come from over heating the metal, not using enough flux, or simply too much solder, as was the case here I think.  It is possible in my attempt to smooth out the join while polishing that I over polished the spot causing a hole to form in the solder itself.

The only way to correct this is to saw the ring apart, removing the soldered area and sizing the ring smaller, re-soldering the joint (seam) and trying not to make another mess in the process.  This is why they call it practice, and it most definitely makes perfect, in this situation anyway.
Thank you for stopping by and having a read.  In hope this was informative or at least interesting.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Thursday.

Butterflies In The Backyard

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Happy Wednesday,

The middle of the week is here and the count down to Friday begins, not only that, but today is the official first day of Summer! Happy Solstice everyone!

I think the blog has become a little stale of late, the same subjects all the time week after week.  Thursday’s Featured Artist is fun and looking at all the shops and things on Etsy is a blast too, however, I am running short of contributors. Bringing on a decision to every once in a while step away from the work and jewelry aspect of the blog and talk about something random.  On occasion this has occurred, but it needs to become more of a regular thing.
In today’s hustle and bustle, instant gratification world of hurry, hurry, now, now, we sometimes forgot to look up from the phone screen, stop texting, step away from the computer or whatever holds our concentration and attention, and take a look around the real world, the one we live in, not the one we cultivate via electronics, gagdets and social networks.

Having said that, I would like to share a neat experience.  Yesterday, as I sat at the workbench (table), I glanced out the window and was surprised by this wonderful, huge, beautiful butterfly crawling across the potted marigolds on the deck in the backyard.  Opening the sliding glass door requires some effort, instead of wasting time fighting with the track, and snatching the camera off the table instead, I slowly crossed the carpet to sit quietly at the backdoor and take these pictures through the plate glass window.
The camera is set on 13x zoom, and the photos are a little fuzzy, but the detail is pretty amazing for my little Canon A480.  I took them in order as it walked across the petals and then flew off.  Missing the final “in flight” shot, the wings are still awe inspiring.  Such a delicate creature, I think this is called a Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly.
There are seven photos in total.  It must have walked the flowers for two or three minutes allowing me to finally get a really good shot of its wings.  Although taken through plate glass window, I don’t think I could have captured this creature’s beauty if it was three inches from the camera instead.
 I thought it was ready to take flight in this picture, until…
Oops, apparently not, either that or it figured out it was being photographed and allowed me to take a picture of its wings fully extended.

It did finally take off, and as mentioned above I did miss the initial shot I had intended to take, the camera has a strange almost three second delay, however the wings are a sight to behold.


Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  In hope that today’s blog has brought a smile to your face and a moment of calm while you read.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful rest of the week.

Featured Artist on a Tuesday – lisianblue

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Hello and Happy Tuesday!

Switching things up a little bit this morning, just to keep everybody on their toes!

This morning’s featured artist is another clever and creative person from Handmade Artists, lisianblue.

Lisianblue creates hand-knitted and crocheted items for babies to babes, and she has a lot of terrific things.  I admire her skills, although I knit, and am pretty adept at it, Lisainablue can crochet, a skill / talent that eludes me.

Here are some fun and wonderful items from her shop and a couple of them would make fabulous gifts for Summer, or the new Mommy in your circle of friends.
Like these fingerless gloves.  These would be fabulous for a Summer Date Night, don’t need a jacket, but bring something to keep the chill away.  These are great and lovely!

Product Description:  Sparkly ivory and lace elbow length fingerless gloves are a fun yet elegant accessory.
Made with sport weight acrylic yarn in ivory with bits of sparkle throughout, these three quarter length fingerless gloves are 13″ long and 8″ around.  With an all around lacy pattern they can be worn on either hand.  Comfortable thumb opening, but they do not cover part of the thumb.  They will comfortably fit up to a 9 1/2″ arm. 
These unique hand crocheted fingerless gloves have a lacy hand edge and I’ve added a row of picot stitching at the elbow end to extend the lacy effect.
Want these lovely fingerless gloves in a different size, please feel free to send me a message and I will make a pair just for you.  Want a different color?  That’s a possibility too.
Product Details:  Cool summer white cotton  thread crocheted in an open stitch with an elongated picot edging makes this sweet flowered hat flirty and romantic. 
Simply elegant to wear for a beach wedding, and your honeymoon too!  Dress up a summer outfit for a night out dancing, or out and about around town.
A stretcy 20″ will fit most adult women up to 23″ with an 8″ cap long enough to cover the ears.  If you need this shorter or smaller, let me know and I can adjust it before mailing it out.
This juliet style cap is lovingly hand crocheted  with white cotton crochet thread.

Product Details:  Pretty ruffled baby bib with a sweet flower made with 100% cotton in purple, lavender, yellow, and white to keep your sweet baby clothes clean.
Thick cotton tie bib measures 9.75″ wide x 13.5″ long. Machine washable and dryable.
Mary Jane style matching baby booties coming soon.
Custom orders gladly accepted.
I know, we’re just entering the summer months, but this is one of my favorites of her items.  This would be great for that Office Christmas Party, or just to add a little Holiday spirit to that bulky winter outfit. 
Product Details: Fun Santa hat to keep you warm while out and about, skiing, sledding, hanging out.
Made with acrylic yarn with eye lash or “fun fur” yarn along with the white for the brim and pompom.  This one is 20″ around and 20″ long.   Fits 21″ – 24″  heads
If you need a smaller one let me know and I can adjust this one, or make a whole new one if the original one is sold.  Please let me know head circumference if you want a smaller or larger one.
**Note: after clicking on Add to Cart, you need to click on Shopping cart in the upper right hand corner. Please wait for PayPay to return you to the shop to complete the transaction.
To contact me for any questions or size adjustments, click on “contact” on the right hand side – by the shop avatar, while on the product page.  It’s on the left side on the main shop page.
What lisianblue has to say about herself:
Bio:
I enjoy doing so many things, painting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, drawing, photography. I have many years of experience in all these areas. My grandmother taught me how to knit and crochet when I was about 8. I am the mother of 2 and a grandmother to 3 beautiful children from 9mo’s to 12 yrs old.

HATS & SCARVES
All hats and scarves are hand crocheted or hand knit in a smoke free, cat friendly home. I try to use a smaller hook or needle so you get a hat with a tighter weave to help keep the cold air out. Each hat and scarf is washed with a mild detergent without the use of fabric softener, and put away to limit any further contact with my furry friends. If your hat does not fit, I will gladly make another one for you as soon as I receive the original back in the same great shape it was mailed, or adjust the original. Custom orders: I will be happy to work with you on colors and yarn choices – except for wool. I love wool, but unfortunately, I am highly allergic to it. I can get away with working with a mohair blend, but otherwise I pretty much have to stick with acrylic, cotton or bamboo.
All orders are mailed through USPS, as soon as possible after your payment is cleared through PayPal.
If you have any questions, comments, please feel free to contact me

I hope to be adding some clothes for children in the near future. Spring – Summer 2012

Thank you for coming by and have a great day.

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Thank you for stoping by and having a read.  I hope that some of hte above items may inspire you to have a look at her shop.
The Alchemsits Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Tuesday.
 

Monday Means New Shop Items

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Happy Monday Morning,

Now that the custom orders are completed and on their way to their new owners, I took a moment to take some pictures of a couple of new items in the shop.  Not only are the items new, but so are the materials.

White Metal Chains, Glass Beads and “Tibetan Silver“, just to name a few.  It should be noted here that like “German” or “Indian” Silver, “Tibetan Silver” usually contains little or no silver whatsoever.  It resembles an antiqued silver piece and is highly popular in jewelry creation for today’s current fashion trends.  It is mostly Tin and Zinc, and is usually nickel and lead free, due to allergies to these metals.
One of my favorite items and already listed on Etsy is:
7-1/2″, this lovely beauty is one of a kind.  This sparkly three strand bracelet is a combination of  three different styles of chain link chains, and glass beads in a bi-cone shape, in purple hues ranging from deep purple to a soft pink.
Deep purple, pink, wine, and lavender glass beads.

Next is a cute and very Gothic “Día de los Muertos” themed jewelry set.  Tibetan Silver Pendant and Charms compliment the very pretty Black, Smoky Purple and Silver Glass Bi-cone beads that form the rosary style chain.  Finished with a white metal link chain for durability.

Detail Photo
Although the earrings do not match exactly, they carry the flower motif with a cute daisy perched atop their heads, also crafted with black and smoky purple glass bi-cone beads.

Detail Photo

These items, listed as a set, may be sold individually upon request.

I don’t have pictures the new beads, but we have new Australian Green, Fancy, and Leopard Jasper, Fluorite and Lava beads for stretch bracelets and coming soon new Charm bracelets!

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