Monthly Archives: July 2012

Five Great Gifts To Give – The Dark Side

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Happy Tuesday!
 
If I am honest with you dear reader, I would tell you that Tuesday’s posts are difficult.  Today we have chosen a darker theme.  
 
Toys, clothing, home decor.  This morning we’re off on a dark little shopping excursion.
The Salem candle by Modern Alchemy
 
Cat Eyes Throw Pillow
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
 

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

 

New Items In The Shop

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Monday is here, and we’re all ready to take on this week’s challenges, yes?
I had a very  pleasant if not eventful weekend.  After accidentally locking my poor wee beast, Nora, the cat, in the Office / Studio closet for a couple of hours, I opened the door to find my supplies, boxes of beads, ribbons, wire, leather cording, et al, strewn across the carpeted floor of the tiny hole I call a supply closet.  Five hours later I think I have managed to find and retrieve the majority of the bits and pieces.  I apologize to my animal-friend for such unintentional harsh treatment, but you could have just meowed to be let out!
 
Sunday afternoon was spent trading / swapping beads and other goodies with a friend, so I now have new supplies to play with as well, be on the look out for those!
 
New items in the shop include watches and necklaces this week.
Description:  7-1/2″ total length, this watch wears like a bracelet or bangle.  The face is stainless steel, the strap is Nickel wire, hand spun, cut into jump rings, and linked in the Full Persian Chainmaille weave, accented with beautiful Sapphire blue Czech glass silver-lined beads.  The watch comes with a battery, the plastic safety tab is in place and intact.  Currently available in three styles, Square, Oval, and Round Watch Faces in the bead color of your choice.  The “Clever Clasp” is magnetic, two ends connect and are locked into place with a screw down barrell for a secure fit.
 
Custom Order:
 
It is an absolute pleasure when someone asks me to create something special for them.  The necklace below was created as a gift upon request.  The rings are Silver Plated, and woven in the Half-Persian 4-in-1 Chainmaille pattern.  Smaller in scale than the bracelets this is sleek and sinuous, but substantial enough to make feminine statement.  At 18″ long this is a bit weighty, but not so heavy as to be uncomfortable.  Available in Silver Plated, Nickle, Jeweler‘s Bronze (aka Merlin’s Gold),  Antiqued Copper or Bronze, and Gold Tone rings.
Silver Lining

 
Description:  18″ total length. This sinuous and supple necklace is slinky, sensual, sleek and positively serpentine and it slides smoothy across the skin. Would look smashing with that little black dress or you can dress up that casual outfit with this simple but stunning chain.

Silver Plated metal wire is hand spun, cut and the linked jump rings are scaled down in size to create this feminine length of 4-in-1 Half Persian chainmaille weave pattern for a necklace. Finished with a Lobster Claw Clasp.

Available in a variety of metal choices, including Nickel, Sterling Silver Plate, Antiqued Bronze or Copper, and Gold Tone jewelry wires, upon request. Sizable and customizable!

 

NOTE:  Gunmetal Wire will no longer be offered.  Although it is pretty cool, and shiny, it has come to my attention that it is not a proper material for jewelry.  It does not stand up to wear, the color / coating will wear off and the wire apparently loses its shape.  Not good!  If you have purchased a Gunmetal Wire piece please contact me for details on replacement.
 
Thank you for stopping by and having a read.
 

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

 

Links, Promotions and Other Things

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Good Morning,
 
After last Friday’s Fun-filled fifteen links to look at, today’s post will be brief.
 
Here is a very brief tutorial on how to tie Slip or Sliding knots for those Boho Macrame fashions you’ve been wearing.
 
The instructions are presented in pictures, the link will take you to another blog page for instructions.
As many of you know I have a passion for all things Monster and Macabre, my very talented friend creates some of my favorites.
Many of you may remember those fun little macabre monsters from last year, “Twisted Little Things”, and there are more to be had (finally!).  Four new Heads of State for your collection, available through Etsy. 
 
Find them at: Twisted Little Things
Aren’t they, um, cute?
 
Myoats is an online drawing program that allows you create beautiful designs with your mouse.
This is not mine, I nabbed it from the gallery as an example.  Change the color, background, lines and shapes to create your own unique piece of artwork.
 
Thank you for stopping by and having a read.
 
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant weekend!

 

Featured Artist: Thunder Rose Leather

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Thursday is here and that means another featured artist.  If you have not checked out Handmade Artists, I encourage you to do so, just for fun.
 
Purses, Gris-Gris / Medicine Bags and Baby Moccasins are what she has to offer,  fringed, with beaded embellishments, or natural all are very pretty and well made.
 
 Announcement to buyers:
>>>> We are having a 20% OFF sale today! Use coupon code 
THUNDERROSE20 at checkout <<<< Welcome to 
Thunder Rose Leather. EVERYTHING in our shop here at 
HandmadeArtists is made to order. When you purchase a made to 
order item from us it will not be the one in the pictures, we will 
make one similar for you. Please allow 3 to 4 weeks for us to ship 
your order. If you would like a custom designed leather handbag 
send us a message, we are happy to help you. Debbie and John.
 
 
 
 
Product Details: This black fringed tote measures 14″ x 14″ x 4″ and 
has a pocket divider inside and a comfortable flat strap for wearing
crossbody. The strap measures 38″. This is a made to order handbag 
so if you would like the strap longer or shorter just email us and we 
would be happy to help you. The leather is deer tanned cowhide. The 
beaded sunflower is beaded by me with glass seed beads and I 
decorated with glass crow beads.
 
 
 
 
Product Details: A fringed leather neckbag. This fringed buckskin 
medicine bag measures 3″ tall, 2″ wide and the fringe is around 
5″ long. It is a nice little neck pouch for your medicines, crystals 
or anything small that you want to keep close.
Product Details:  These beaded baby moccasins are made of soft 
elkskin leather and measure 4″ heel to toe. They are for a baby that 
is newborn to 6 months. What a nice gift for a new mom and baby 
and a big hit at any baby shower. These moccasins are custom made 
to order. Props not included.
 
What Thunder Rose Leather says about the shop:
 
Hi. We are Debbie and John, buckskin and beadwork artists living 
outside Sedona, Arizona in a little community called Cornville.
We have been working with leather and beads for more than twenty 
years now. We truly enjoy making beautiful pieces of functional art 
for our customers and always hope you enjoy your new creation as 
much as we enjoy making it for you. If you see something that 
appeals to you and would like it in a different color or style please 
feel free to contact us, we will be happy to work with your ideas.
Enjoy looking around our shop, we look forward to hearing 
from you. Please feel to contact us.

email > thunderrose@ymail.com

website > http://www.thunderroseleather.com

phone > 928-634-6277

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

 

In My Studio – Earring Tutorial

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Happy Wednesday!Here we are in my studio, that must mean it’s time for a project.  Wonder what I do at the workbench?   Wonder no more, below is  Earrings 101 a tutorial video. 

 
As promised, I have finally managed to create and upload a video on crafting a pair of very simple dangle earrings.  You can definitely try this at home!  The video covers, materials and how to’s for finishing and attaching the parts and pieces to make and  complete a pair of earrings.
 
If you would like to participate along with the video or perhaps make a pair afterwards you will need the supplies listed.  Expensive tools and supplies are not required, you can find the wire cutters and other things at your local Walmart for about $5.00 each, I bet most you have pliers at home, those will work just fine.  Beads can be any material and color you like, you can also find the Headpins and things at a local craft store for around $2.00.
 
Tools:
1 pair of Flat or Chain Nose Pliers
1 pair of Round Nose Pliers
1 pair of Wire Cutters
 
Supplies:
2 Head Pins
2 Fish Hook Style Ear Wires
2 4mm Jump Rings (optional)
Beads of your choice (any color, size, shape to your liking).
If you are experiencing problems watching the video on the blog you can also try clicking the links to your right or following them from the links below,
 

*NOTE:  This link will take you to The Alchemists Vessel Fan / Business Page on Facebook.

There is no pdf or written instruction, if I have requests for this I will write one out for downloading later.

I hope you enjoyed this brief tutorial on creating a simple pair of earrings.

Thank you for stopping by and watching.

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

 

Five Great Gifts to Give 7-24-12

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Happy Tuesday!
 
This morning instead of showing you five great gifts I thought I would share five great gift sites.  You can click and shop around to your heart’s content.
 
The Pyramid Collection:  This fun and funky little site has all kinds of goodies and bill themselves as Myth, Magic, Fantasy and Romance, they have a new age section and gifts for all occasions.  Shoes, Jewelry, Novelties, Accessories, Home Decor!
Incredible Things – Unique Gifts:  This truly is an incredible site.  Objects and gifts range from under $20.00 to $700.00 and upwards.  Fun to peruse!
 
Uncommon Goods:  Unique gifts and unusual gift ideas.  This looks interesting, art, sculpture and more.  Prices range from $35.00 and up.
 
Red Envelope: Stuck for what to buy the boyfriend for birthday, graduation, Christmas?  This site has a ton of cool and different gifts with him in mind.  There is plenty of stuff for her, too! 
Find Gift:  This is an, um, interesting site.  Whacky and odd gift ideas abound.  For the gift-giver with a sense of humor.
 
That’s all folks.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful day.

 

Shop New Items

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Monday is here once again.
 
Today we have a short look at a couple of new items in the shop, and a new chainmaille weave.  The Japanese 6-in-1 Pattern.  Triangles, flowers, and lengths for bracelets or collars may be made from this pattern.
This pattern uses six jump rings per unit (6-in-1), two (2) larger rings are layered or stacked one on top of another and linked together with four (4) additional jump rings of a smaller diameter.   This make a very pretty and versatile geometric pattern, from triangles and diamonds, to flower shapes.
 
Available in Gold Tone, Silver Plated, Nickel, Antiqued Copper and Bronze or Bright Copper and Jewelers Bronze (Merlin’s Gold) metals.  *Special requests include, Aluminum, Stainless Steel or Precious Metals Sterling Silver, Rolled Gold or Vermeil (18 to 24 kt Gold plated over Sterling Silver).
 
Description: Light weight, large enough to be seen easily and the glass beads sparkle and shine in the light. Rocker, Goth, Medieval or Steampunk, these are appropriate for all genres of costumes or just for fun at the office or date night.

Woven in the Japanese 6-in-1 pattern, the rings form a triangle and maintain their shape when worn.

Nickle wire is hand woven and cut, the jump rings are then linked, and head pins and ear wires are added, along with accent glass bi-cone beads in a lovely antiqued silver finish.

Description: A little larger than a quarter, these fresh and cute chainmaille earrings are fun and feminine. Just right for dressing up a casual out fit of jeans and a t-shirt, or for a pop of color at the office. Black bi-cone glass beads drop from the rings in a chandelier accent. Light weight, can be worn all day.

Silver plated wire is hand spun, cut and linked into the Japanese
6-in-1 pattern forming a flower like shape and accented with a variety of glass bead shapes and colors or gemstones in stock. The earrings maintain the shape when worn.

 Lavender Glass Beads                             Green Jasper (Australian)
A completely new item!  Stainless Steel Watch face and Full Persian Weave Wrist Watch for the ladies!


Night Time

Night Time Chainmaille and Black Czech Glass Bead Watch

Description: This is a fun, fetching and fabulous One of A Kind Time-piece. Accented with Black Glass Silver lined Czech Glass. Tailored enough for the office, cool enough for Friday Night at the club.


7″ in length, this fits snugly! The Stainless Steel watch face was purchased from a Craft Store, the Nickle wire has been hand spun, cut and linked in to the Full Persian Chainmaille weave pattern for the strap Black Czech Glass beads compliment the watch face and walk across the surface of the strap (chain). Durable and light weight enough to wear all day! Finished with a Lobster Claw Clasp (may be changed to Toggle or Spring Clasp upon request).




NEWS:  A brief note on about the wesite Delicious.  They are changing their format, along with everything else.  Users will no longer be able to create “Stacks” and all existing stacks will be converted into the new site’s format of tags.  Since this new change has not occured yet, I do not know what this means for my own account, other than the current stacks will be tags.  We will wait and see what happens when the new look is launched in August 
(no date was given).

MORE INFORMATION
Introducing the Delicious-Facebook Connector
We know finding links you’ve shared on Facebook can be a pain, which is why we’re thrilled to announce the introduction of our new FacebookConnector for Delicious! Much like the TwitterConnector we rolled out in March, our new connector imports every link you’ve ever shared on your wall, and can even maintain the original privacy settings given to your links on Facebook!  The Facebook Connector can be found on the sourcespage of your account settings. We can’t wait for you guys to try it out.
Consolidating Tags and Stacks
We introduced stacks last year as a visually rich way to think about your links and we’ve been blown away by the amazing content you’ve created. But given the upcoming launch of new products from Delicious’ parent company, AVOS, and our focus on simplifying the Delicious site, we realized the value of stacks is limited for our users moving forward.
For this reason, we’ve decided to simplify how users organize links on Delicious by consolidating stacks into tags. Users will no longer be able to create stacks on Delicious starting in early August, 2012.
So what does this mean for existing stacks?
●      You will not lose your links.
●      All stacks will be converted automatically into tags. Stack titles will transition into new tag names, and will be applied to all links currently in a stack.
●      Stack-specific descriptions, categories, comments, link order, and stack followers will not be included as part of the migration.
●      Your existing links, tags, and notes outside of stacks will not be affected.
●      More details on the conversion process are available onourblog.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.


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


Watch this blog on Wednesday for a tutorial video!

 

Friday Fifteen Fun Links For Jewelers and Crafters

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Happy Friday to all of you!
 
The weekend is here, and just in time for lazing on a Sunday afternoon is a list of fifteen (15) fun and informative links for jewelers and crafters.  Some link to easy projects, others to supply stores and there is a surprise or two in store for those that complete the list.
 
SUPPLIES: (Looking at these sites could get a girl into trouble!)
 
Jewelry Findings, Gemstones, Metals and Tools, I drool just thinking about it.
I like this supplier and order many of my beads from them.  Wide selection, nice variety, great customer service, and “Everything is Assortable” for discount prices on all orders!  Catalog is also available.  Express Ordering, Tips, Contests.  Check them out!
Just wow.  Lapidary Equipment, Jewelers tools and more.  A bit pricy on things, but really nice equipment.
Again a bit pricy, but well worth the peruse for the selection of item alone.  With an A to Z list and pdf / interactive flip through catalogs, there is a lot to look at and desire.
Beautiful Gemstones at affordable pries.  Wonderful selection and variety to choose from.
SELL OR BUY SITES
 
Many of you are aware of these, some of you may not be, below are a couple of links to some neat sites, where you can sell your items, or buy those wonderful handmade goodies!
 
This site is for sellers of handmade and vintage items.  You can find, Fine Art, Photopraphy, Arts and Crafts, and of course jewelery.  If you haven’t check it out give a look see.  Accounts are free.  Just be sure to set up the appropriate account for you, either as a Buyer or a Seller.
This site is strictly for handmade items.  Jewelry is the bulk of the site, but look around and you can find cool knits, great toys for the kids, handmade books and a lot of other neat stuff.
Or you can check out:
Recently purchased by the good folks of Handmade Artsist (above) this neat site featuring more handmade items to look at and choose from.
DIY PROJECTS
 
Looking for a diversion on a sunny day?  Maybe you’d like to try your hand at one of these.
 
Cute, and super simple.  You can make one in an afternoon.
So simple a Caveman could do it!
They ain’t kidding! Now it really is OK to play with your food!
Super simple fun project for any age.  More knot tying.  These instructions will teach you to make this pattern.
Want to try your hand at weaving Chainmaille?  This site lists free downloadable pdf instructions.
Surprise Link.  Oh go on, click it!  You know you want to…
This link will take you to a blog that gives clear and concise instructions on making these very pretty decorations.
Thank you for stopping and having a look and hurray, you made it to the end of the blog!  Hope that you found something to inspire or interest you!
 

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

Featured Artist: Crochet Hooked’s, Cari Baker

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Good Morning.
 
Today, as usual on Thursday’s is a featured artist, from Handmadeartists.com Cari Baker of Crochet Hooked.
 
Cari’s shop – Crochet Hooked
What’s a Braidlet?
Cari says:
I design a wire crochet braided bracelet known as ‘Braidlets®.’ 
Using the finest Swarovski crystals and pearls. Anything in my 
shop can be custom made, within 24 hours, at no extra charge. 
Because ‘A Little Bling Goes Along way!‘ 
 
Let’s take a look.
 
This stylish bracelet features three strands of Swarovski crystals, which are braided together forming a durable, lightweight, and comfortable handmade bracelet. A terrific gift for Bridesmaids, as they will cherish the bracelet for years to comes and it is a reminder of the fun had by all at your wedding.
  • Size:  7” long x 3/8” wide
  • Swarovski Crystals: 4mm Bicone Crystal Moonlight, Jonquil, and Silk
  • Clasp: Silver filled magnetic
There are also these simple and pretty earring, in a rainbow of colors.
These simple earrings are made using 3, 4mm bicone Swarovski Crystals and antique brass wire. The total length is about 1⅜inch, the dangle is about ¾ inch. Please choose from the following:
Yellow: Sun Swarovski
Green: Emerald Swarovski
Red: Light Siam Swarovski
Blue: Sapphire Swarovski
Purple: Amethyst Swarovski
Orange: Sunflower Swarovski

Please choose 2 colors from the 6 colors I have listed above. When you are purchasing the earrings, don’t forget to specify color choices.  If you forget, no problem, I will send you an email requesting your colors. Custom orders are always welcome.

Want to learn how to make those fabulous and fun Braidlets?  Cari has been kind enough to provide a downloadable pdf tutorial. 

A tutorial to learn how to make my Multi colored, Cuff style and Swarovski Crystal Wire Crochet Bracelets, with this easy to follow PDF Pattern.

**Beginning crochet, braiding, and beginning jewelry knowledge is helpful for this pattern.**

Materials needed:
Artistic Wire
A toggle clasp
6/0 Seed beads

Tools needed:
Needle Nosed pliers
Flat-nosed pliers
Wire cutters
0 (3.25 mm) US steel Hook

Required:
A cup of coffee or water
And a smile… ;o)

I wrote this pattern with you in mind… (I used to teach a beginning crochet class) with clear colored photos, showing you how to crochet with wire and beads. Along with easy to follow step-by-step instructions, as if I were sitting right beside you. ;o).

From the pattern above you can make three (3) different styles of braidlet! 
 
What Cari says about herself:
 
My name is Cari and I design a Beaded Wire Crochet Braided Bracelet, I have branded Braidlets®. I taught myself to crochet about 11 years ago. And over the years, I have made baby items, hats, lapel pins, scarfs, and jewelry.
In 2005, while working as a Custom Picture Framer for a local arts and crafts store, I started teaching a beginning crochet class. I enjoyed sharing my enthusiasm about the art of crochet, with my students.
It was during this time, I discovered crocheting with wire and beads. I was (and still am) awestruck by the simplicity of creating jewelry, by crocheting beads to wire.
~ ~ * ~ ~ * ~ ~ * ~ ~ * ~ ~ * ~ ~ *
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I appreciate your visit and until next time, have a wonderful day. Cari

Braidlets® / Copyright © 2008-12 All rights reserved.

 
 
Thank you for stopping in and taking a moment to read about Cari and her wonderful and clever jewelry.
 
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant rest of the week.
 

 

The State of the Studio Undressed

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Hello Middle of the Week,
Wednesday is here and the topic is usually what is new and going on in the Studio / Shop.

As many of you know my computer was misbehaving for the last couple of weeks.  After much time staring and loading screens and clicking the Restart button at the appropriate time, the new OS X is successfully installed and the computer up to date and everything else is ready to roll!  Pleased about that.

Last weekend was Mid-Summer Treasure Valley Flea Market, although not the venue for me, a good time was had by all.  Due to the event the studio is in disarray and in need of a good sorting out and through things.

However, we are also preparing a couple of fun tutorials.  A video, more than likely presented in segments on how to make a simple pair of earrings.  Once you have the basics down, you’ll be making your own pretties in no time.  We will begin with materials, followed by simple and easy to master techniques that are used in all facets of jewelry making, like making a loop at one end of a headpin and how to use jump rings or other attachment methods to complete the earrings.

I thought it might be fun as well to show the new skills I am learning in class, like Cuttle Bone casting.  This is done with inexpensive materials that you can purchase from your local pet and hardware stores.  Neat, huh?
Since I am feeling like the blog is rather stale and we can’t be all business all the time, let us take another departure from work and wander into my backyard once more.
A couple of weeks ago I was pleasantly surprised to find a Tiding of Magpies in my back yard including a fledgling.  The black and white of their feathers has inspired a necklace that I am working on, but I thought it might be fun to share one or more of the photos.  

As not to disturb their refreshments I stood at the back door with the camera lens almost pressed against the glass and set once again at the 13x Zoom.

There were a total of six of them, and although I was unable to catch them all at the same time, each one was individual an unique in their markings.  Here is a most handsome fellow, although they were aware of me, they seemed not to care I was there.
Oops, busted!  This adult caught me taking pictures and chastised me before flying off into the tree further down the backyard.  
The fledgling was the last to take off, and the last one to use the birdbath as well.  It is not uncommon for birds to appear in the yard with the feeder set up, but it is a rarity when these magnificent and beautiful creatures arrive and visit for a while.

This little guy still has some of his “baby” feathers.

Thank you for stopping and having a look, and possibly finding a smile cross your face.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Wednesday!