Author Archives: The Alchemist
Featured Artist ~ The Kitchen’s Wares
Good Morning,
Today it is my pleasure to once again showcase the dynamic duo, Andrew and Kimberley Kitchen. This wonderful couple not only own and operate handmadeartists.com, they are also shop owners; and on top of that, they also run the site It’s Better Handmade. You may click through from the Badge to the left or follow the links at the end of this post.
The theme for today’s feature is Spring, and not just the season, we have things that are wound like springs, look like springs, things that evoke Spring and the feelings of cool breezes, fresh cut grass and blooming flowers.
Let’s begin with some of the wares from their shop ~
Makin the Best of It
They carry gorgeous wire wrapped sea glass pendants and some wonderful and inspired original artwork, including Painted Glassware and Re-purposed books from the hands of Kimberley Kitchen.
In keeping with the theme of Spring, we have this pretty wire wrapped pendant, the coil or spring, wraps around the stone ending in a lovely bale for attaching to your own chain.
Cobalt Blue Sea Coils Sea Glass Pendant BL007
Product Details:
This little treasure began life as a blue, glass bottle that was tossed into the ocean many years ago. Broken up by waves and sanded smooth by years of rolling water and sand, it eventually landed on the beach in New Jersey to begin its new life as wearable art!
This piece measures 2 inches (5 cm) from the top of the bail to the bottom of the sterling silver coil and approximately 1/2 inch across the width. The coiled cage holds the glass securly and has been hand wrapped in sterling silver wire.
This piece comes ready to wear on an 18 inch, sterling silver chain held secure with a sterling silver spring clasp. If you would like a longer or shorter chain, just let me know upon checkout and I will happily adjust it for you.
I am always on the search for new Sea Glass (Beach Glass) pieces to create wearable art with, so keep checking back for new pieces to add to your collection. Because of the nature of sea glass, each piece will always be one of a kind.
This piece measures 2 inches (5 cm) from the top of the bail to the bottom of the sterling silver coil and approximately 1/2 inch across the width. The coiled cage holds the glass securly and has been hand wrapped in sterling silver wire.
This piece comes ready to wear on an 18 inch, sterling silver chain held secure with a sterling silver spring clasp. If you would like a longer or shorter chain, just let me know upon checkout and I will happily adjust it for you.
I am always on the search for new Sea Glass (Beach Glass) pieces to create wearable art with, so keep checking back for new pieces to add to your collection. Because of the nature of sea glass, each piece will always be one of a kind.
Spring brings newlife, and what says new life better than new leaves on plants and trees. This beautiful Sterling Silver leafy branch is decorated with fresh green sea glass and a contrasting white piece, perhaps meant to resemble an apple blossom.
Sterling Leaves Sea Glass necklace
Product Details:
This darling necklace features a hand soldered branch and leaves of sterling silver and shades of green and white sea glass on a sterling silver chain.
While this piece looks like a short lariat, the glass will not pull through the final leaf. The sterling silver chain is clasped with a sterling spring clasp.
This piece was created to wear high on the neckline at between 16-18 inches. If you would prefer a longer chain with a lower drop, just let me know and I will be more than happy to change out the chain for you. If you would like a similar design with different colors of glass, I can do that for you also.
What is sea glass? Sea glass or beach glass began life as trashed bottles and broken windows dumped into the ocean. The action of the sand and waves soften the broken edges and frost the glass before it is washed ashore to be found and given a new life. Each piece of sea glass I use was hand picked off the New Jersey shore and then carefully made into wearable art.
While this piece looks like a short lariat, the glass will not pull through the final leaf. The sterling silver chain is clasped with a sterling spring clasp.
This piece was created to wear high on the neckline at between 16-18 inches. If you would prefer a longer chain with a lower drop, just let me know and I will be more than happy to change out the chain for you. If you would like a similar design with different colors of glass, I can do that for you also.
What is sea glass? Sea glass or beach glass began life as trashed bottles and broken windows dumped into the ocean. The action of the sand and waves soften the broken edges and frost the glass before it is washed ashore to be found and given a new life. Each piece of sea glass I use was hand picked off the New Jersey shore and then carefully made into wearable art.
I have always been fascinated with the inner working of clocks and machines, spring driven mechanisms that can tell time, create movement in a puppet or simply act as an artistic centerpiece. This would make a great decoration for any Steampunk style room or decor.
Clockwork Orange Altered Book Art
Product Details:
Sometimes art speaks to one in a different way. This altered art piece is my interpretation of the novel Clockwork Orange. The book was cut and highlighted with an old clock face, spring, dial and gears before being set into a 6×8, black shadow box frame. Because of the nature of this type of art, each piece is definitely one of a kind…I mean, I can only hack up a book one time and it is gone! This piece can be used in any decor. I am working on a number of other novels so check back often and see how I see some of the classic novels.
The next shop is
Specializing in high quality chainmaille jewelry, they have some amazing pieces for sale.
Like this springy Stretch Maille Bracelet, they come in several colors, I just happen to be partial to red and black.
Stretchy Black and Red Chainmaille Bracelet
Product Details:
Drama at its finest! This chainmaille bracelet was created in a Half Persian 4in1 pattern using black neoprene rings and red aluminum to create a perfect, stretchy circle with no clasp! Easy to wear and available in a variety of colors.
This piece will fit approximately 6″ – 7 1/2″. If you need the size adjusted, please leave me a not upon checkout and I will be happy to customize it for you.
If you are interested in different color combinations, let me know and I will be happy to make one in any combination of available rings.
This piece will fit approximately 6″ – 7 1/2″. If you need the size adjusted, please leave me a not upon checkout and I will be happy to customize it for you.
If you are interested in different color combinations, let me know and I will be happy to make one in any combination of available rings.
Spring is the time of renewal, new crops, new leaves, new beginnings and new faith. The lovely Romanov pattern maille bracelet is just right for bright and colorful spring time attire, and the rites of Spring as well. This bracelet tells a story through the use of its colors.
Sterling Silver Romanov Salvation Bracelet
Product Details:
The colors tell a story in this stunning sterling silver salvation bracelet. Each Swarovski crystal is encased in a sterling silver Romanov chainmaille round. According to Christian beliefs, each color tells a part of the salvation story. Black is for the sin of all mankind, red is for the blood of Christ, white is the salvation we receive, blue is for the baptism waters, green stands for new growth in your spiritual journey, amber is for the streets of gold in heaven and purple stands for Christ’s royal robes as he rules the world.
This bracelet measures 7 1/2 inches from the sterling silver lobster clasp to the ring. If you are looking for a different size, just drop me a note and I would be happy to customize the length.
This bracelet measures 7 1/2 inches from the sterling silver lobster clasp to the ring. If you are looking for a different size, just drop me a note and I would be happy to customize the length.
Nothing says Spring like flowers, this cute pair of earrings will go with everything in your closet from Tailored Office Suit, Dressy Date Night to those favorite pair of Comfy Jeans. You can’t go wrong with these beautiful and delicate flower earrings.
Sterling Silver Daisy Earrings
Product Details:
Simple and dainty-perfect for softer fashions. Sweet little clusters that look like spring flowers done in sterling silver chainmaille style. These dainty earrings measure just over 1/2 inch across and about 1/2 inch from the bottom of the sterling silver hook.
These are just a sampling of the beautiful items they have for sale at either shop. If your interested in something customizable, don’t hesitate to contact them. Perhaps we have inspired you to do a little window shopping and see what they might have for you or your gift giving needs.
It’s Better Handmade
I can’t say it better than the owners of the site. In their own words this is what It’s Better Handmade is all about.
Welcome to It’s Better Handmade where artists can work together to show the world just how special handmade is.
It’s Better Handmade (IBH) is comprised of crafters and artists in all types of mediums who come together to support each other both personally through growing friendships as well as in business through advice, support, critiques and discussions. Each member brings different gifts to the table both artistically and business minds and by creating a centralized place for them to come together, each artist can continue to learn and grow in both art and business.
IBH is planning to offer various tools for artists to help get their work seen by those that seek out and love handmade as well as sponsoring promotions and contests that will help individual artists stretch their creative muscles. IBH plans on allowing artisans to post articles in their areas of expertise in various mediums as well as helpful information about selling handcrafted treasures online.
I would encourage members to check back often for helpful information as well as to post comments on others work as I’m sure they will do the same for you. If you have any questions about our group, our goals, or would like to contribute an article to the site and gain some personal exposure, please contact me
These are not the only sites and pages they operate or participate with. Constant promoters of other shops and artists as well, tireless efforts are put into making sure all of their clients, both on an off line, customers and forum members are happy and very well looked after. It is an honor to be part of handmadeartist.com as well as a pleasure to watch their time and passion pay off as their sites and shops grow in leaps and bounds.
Facebook
Blog
Sites:
Chainmaille by MBOI
Makin The Best Of It
Thank you for taking the time to have a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Silver Spoons and Solder
Good Morning,
The middle of the week brings me to my studio and what’s been going on at the workbench.
This week we have a couple of in process up-cycled pieces to share. They still require a little refinement and several hours in a tumbler, but we can show off a little bit of what’s new.
I am sure many of you have owned or currently own a spoon ring. This is a simple ring made from a spoon handle. Taking a twist on the battered utensils for other uses, I tried my hand at making pendants. Sawing the handles from the bowl, the bowl is put aside and the handle is then heated, hammered and harangued into submission.
I would like to mention the utensils I used were gifted to be by my Mom, and they come from her various trips to the “Junk Shops” or “Antiquing” as she likes to call it. They are well used items that is for sure.
These are very simply pendants. This handle was severely damaged, using a hammer the damage was incorporated into a hammered surface texture. The “stone” is from an other jeweler’s “junk bag”, also gifted to me. A handwritten note read “Assrtd Real Gems”. These were pre-set and meant to be used in leather or a belt buckle. Also terribly damaged and tarnished, the prongs were cut from the setting, the setting was cleaned, filed and then soldered to the spoon handle.
I really like the primitive look this has. It reminds me of something one might find at an archeological excavation or perhaps unearthed by accident. I think this stone is a deep green Tourmaline.
An other example, and this one I am not sure about. The stone is either a dyed quartz or apatite. There is a little seed or inclusion in the stone which leads to me think it is either a dyed crystal or a man-made (imitation) stone with an imperfection. It is a pretty light blue color. The camera tends to make things darker than they really are.
Here there are marks and imperfections across the surface of the spoon handle. Tumbling the piece will polish and remove the small surface scratches creating a uniform surface and shiny finish.
Up-cycled means just that, pieces and items are reused and re-purposed to create something new. It also means that surfaces do not meet exactly due to curvatures and other factors of the materials being used, giving each one a unique character and style all it’s own. These are meant to look like they have been made long ago and far away and to appear handmade, as a Blacksmith may have made them.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Five Great Gifts To Give List 17
Good Morning,
Today we are just going to jump right in there with listings.
We have some returning participants as well as new shops, let’s have a look.
From: Sue’s Arts
Beautiful, charming, elegant and one of a kind Hamsa charm necklaces to choose from.
Since Hamsas are considered a gift of love they make the perfect gift idea.
The Hamsa Hand is believed to protect and shield against the evil eye, generate positive energy, provide good fortune, health, prosperity and happiness.
Approx length about 18″ long and can be adjusted per request at no extra charge.
DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG
CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME
Combinations can be mixed and played with per request at no extra charge… feel free to contact me
Suzan ♥
From: zlala959
If you want to make jewelry yourself, this item is a very good accessory.
material: geode
size: 20mm x 50mm x 50mm
color and pattern: please see the picture.
condition: new and never been used.
If you have any questions about shipping, payment and return policy, please check my shop policies.
From: The Alchemists Vessel
Paramour Chainmaille Bracelet
Feminine, and super cute. Pretty in pink, this fun, flirtatious and colorful piece is just right for any occasion, a pop of color at the office, or for a casual weekend get away accessory. From the Captured Color Collection, this lovely piece would make an excellent alternative for a Breast Cancer Awareness lapel pin ribbon. Light weight and comfortable for extended wear.
8″ long including clasp. Silver plated wire and enameled aluminum jump rings are woven in an Inverted Round Maille pattern and finished with a strong magnetic clasp that holds well during everyday activities and movements.
Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.
*Customizable, may be made to desired length or in color of choice. Check the shop to see if one isn’t already available in your favorite color. Multicolor requests, please add $5.00
Currently available in: Dark Blue, Purple, Olive Green, Pink, Teal, Red, Black and Copper (enameled aluminum or natural)
Free Shipping on this item.
Custom orders, please allow 2 – 3 Day shipping, we need time to make your item.
From: Fable and Fury
Original-design seahorse specimen silhouette pendant is intricately cut in stainless steel with black powder coat finish, measures just over 2.25″ (59mm) tall and includes the following components: 18″ black enameled chain, black findings and sturdy black lobster clasp.
✒ 15% DISCOUNT on orders of $50 or more (excluding shipping). Enter coupon code 15OFF50 during checkout to receive your discount. ✒
Fable & Fury silhouettes depict nature-inspired designs that you’ll adore. Modern techniques enable us to design intricately-detailed pendants that are still extraordinarily durable. We are committed to creating unconventional jewelry using materials of the utmost quality and strength, providing you with necklaces that are ageless, enduring, and uniquely… Fable & Fury.
✒ If you prefer a stainless steel (silver color) chain or a length other than 18″, please include your request in the “message to seller” box during checkout.
From Dark Djinn Design
Not only is this the shop where you can find my favorite macabre monster miniature sculptures but there are some other really beautiful things in the shop as well.
Not only will you find these little guys
Biter Zombie Head
1/6 Scale solid cast resin zombie head
Sold individually
but you can also find lovely things like this pretty wooden box.
Burned, dyed, stained, aged, and flog.. I mean flocked. Box has been tortured into submission.
Stained Glass look with a tie-dye sensibility and the flaws left in for a wabi-sabi – this has been around awhile – feel. One of a kind, signed on bottom.
Box is 11 x 7 cm hexagon (approx. 4.5 x 2.75 inches)
Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.
Stained Glass look with a tie-dye sensibility and the flaws left in for a wabi-sabi – this has been around awhile – feel. One of a kind, signed on bottom.
Box is 11 x 7 cm hexagon (approx. 4.5 x 2.75 inches)
Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Monday May 13, 2013
Good Morning,
There is no blog post this morning.
The Alchemist is taking the day off.
She deserves to every now and again, and it doesn’t hurt that it is her Birthday today either.
Friday Fun and Mother’s Day – Events and Misc.
Good Morning,
Yes, I am a little late in getting started today.
There will be no blog post Monday, May 13th, 2013. I am taking the day off. We will return on Tuesday, May 14th with “Five Great Gifts To Give.”
So what’s happening around Boise, this weekend, besides those overbooked and loud restaurants on Sunday?
Saturday is Boise’s Race for the Cure
This is the 15th Annual Race for this event. 75% of the proceeds stay in Idaho and the other 25% nationally.
Race starts at the Albertson’s Headquarters.
Phone(208) 384-0013
PriceOnline – $25 for adults and $10 for youth (12 and under)
Age SuitabilityAll Ages
Also Downtown this weekend is the 8th Street and Capital City Markets. Julia Davis Park has several things going on as well, so get on out there and see the sites. It is supposed to be a beautiful weekend.
Sunday is Mothers’ Day. Call your Mom. If you can’t call your Mom, pick a woman in your life and let her know how much you appreciate her, she will appreciate it.
Still awaiting materials to finish up that Super Secret Project I am working on, I can post it after the 18th. Other than that it is Metal and Gemstone as usual.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Featured Artist – No One In Particular
Thursday is here and so is blog.
Usually we feature one artist from the Rings. The Ring powers that be have decided that it now needs to be a mishmash of stuff, so I’m going to give it a try. I would love comments from others if you like this new feature or if you prefer the one stop shop at a time feature.
I did not pick a theme, I have no idea what to choose. So instead I followed the instructions minus the “theme, instead we chose items, rings from the Ring. Here we go.
From Handmade Artists
A Bead Thing
Black Diamond Swarovski Ring
Product Details:
This ring done with black diamond swarovski crystals in 6mm and 4mm sizes with a silver-toned 11/0 seed bead surround and band will be a ring you will wear often and desire in many color variations. Rings are made to order. Be sure to note your size.
Custom orders are encouraged, so choose your crystal colors and sizes.
From: Etsy
The Alchemists Vessel
Princess Bride Pink Zircon and White Gold Ring
“As you wish.” The Farm boy said.
Pink, perky, pretty. This adorable ring is just right for the Princess in your life. Would make an excellent alternative for October Birthdays or a unique and different ring for that special question one might like to ask.
The lovely ring is fashioned from a vintage 10K White Gold ring shank with a delicate spiral along the sides that carries to the four prong setting adding a lovely twist on a traditional design. Genuine pink Zircon gemstone is hand set. Zircon is a mineral that comes in a crystalline form, it ranges in colors from yellows to reds, the most common being Hyacinth (yellow), not to be confused with Cubic Zirconia (CZ),a synthetic material also called synthetic gems.
White Gold is Gold. It is an alloy of yellow gold usually combined with a white metal like palladium to achieve the white color. 10K refers the the amount of pure gold in a piece. 10K is about 41.7% pure gold.
Arrives in a ring box, ready for gift giving.
From Boss Studio Jewelry
Wide Sterling Silver Band 14k Gold Heart Ring
Product Details:
~ Wide Sterling Silver Band, 14k Gold Heart Ring ~
Featuring an organic feel with a sweet message of love ~ with a cool style…!
The band is 8mm wide and has a brushed finish. The 14k gold heart (not plated, filled or vermeil) is given a high polish for contrast.
Please state your size on paypal’s checkout page and kindly allow a week or two (depending on any orders in front of yours) to ship.
Free shipping, insurance included.
Thanks for looking.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Wednesday Information
Good Morning,
There isn’t much to see on the blog today.
Brief updates and a news item or two.
The blog may become intermittent, it seems as if my iMac is almost obsolete, there is nothing more that can be done to upgrade or install newer OSXs or memory. The Rainbow Wheel of Doom is rampant and constant, so it looks as if I may have to replace this sooner than later.
Yesterday my Android phone decided it no longer wished to function. The screen did a Fade To Black with a little white dot and then it just kind of went ffffzzzzzttttt and that was that. Must replace that today as well. Radio shack here I come.
I am still sitting on pins and needles waiting for news of the Brick and Mortar building I have been offered for Little Shop of Artists. I am in hope that move in will begin as early as next week or the week after.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Five Great Gifts For Giving List 16
Good Morning,
Today we showcase five cool items from five neat shops on Etsy. We have two new shops as well as some returning favorites.
New to me and the Etsy Team, Road To Success, is this fun and adorable shop.
From: Nerdvana Mama
Doctor Who TARDIS Purse. Made of cotton, lined on inside with black cotton fabric. Two pockets on inside, one small, one large, to create more space. approx. 8×11 inches. Windows, doors and signs are hand painted.
Each purse is made to order. So slight variations will occur.
Ready to ship Invader Zim Gir keychain. Made of hard plastic.Approx 1 inch tall. Each keychain is hard drawn.
Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.
Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.
With Beltane comes the Babies, so why not get prepared for those new arrivals or those that are ready for a first year celebration. There other neat banners and things in the shop. Give them a look.
From: SDK Creations
Baby Onesie Banner. Just the perfect decoration, gift for the Mommy and Baby to be. What shower wouldn’t be a hit without the Banner. Nice thing is this is also a wearable banner.
PLEASE ALLOW 2-3 WEEKS CREATING TIME. IF YOU NEED IT SOONER PLEASE CONTACT ME.
**** THIS IS A CUSTOM ORDER, UPON AGREEMENT AND YOUR LISTING IS PAID FOR THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS. ****
**THIS LISTING INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING
Banner 4 Onesie’s
Choice of character
If you would like to do a name. $8 per Onesie
Choice of fabric color
Twine, Ribbon
Clothespins
4-6 Feet Long
** Additional Charge
$3.00 for each addtional onsie
$ .50 for additional fabric
$1.00 for added embelishments to clothespins
Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.
From: Zlala959
Agate quartz druzy drusy pendant link connector No10765
If you want to make jewelry yourself, this item is a very good accessory.
Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.
material: druzy
size: about 10mm x 20mm x 30mm
color and pattern: please see the picture.
conditon: new and never been used.
If you have any questions about shipping, payment and return
policy, please check my shop policies.
Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.
From Sue’s Arts
Beautiful, elegant, charming and unique one of a kind layered necklace.
Created with red ruby gems, large clear Swarovski crystals and more.
CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME
DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG
Suzan ♥
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you pleasant day.
Monday Miscellany: Classes, News and a Link or Two
Good Morning,
The work week begins, I hope all had a relaxing weekend.
New classes begin at Jo-Ann’s for May and June, don’t forget parents, this is a great way to entertain the kids and teach them a fun skill. There are classes geared for teens, as well as kids the projects are simple and require no prior knowledge or skill to attend. Check out your local Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. If you’re in Boise, classes are held at the 1085 N. Milwaukee, across the street from Home Depot.
There is always Jewelry 101, $35.00 2-1/2 session
Hone your skills, learn a new one, or come on in and talk to an expert about the piece you’re working on or would like to create.
Projects for May and June
Jewelry 102 – Leather Crystal Knotted Necklace – $30.00, 2 hours.
Learn to Knot Cord, Braid leather cords, Make and Attach dangles.
Jewelry 201 – Crimp and Ribbon Necklace – $30.00, 2 hours.
Learn to use End Crimps, Attach dangles to a chain.
Jewelry 202 - Crystal Weave Bracelet – $30.00, 2 hours
Learn to Weave a design, Follow a pattern, how to use Rondelles (A bead shape).
All Jewelry classes are lead by Alixandra Browning of The Alchemists Vessel. You may sign up by visiting or calling Jo-Ann’s. Material List will be available at time of sign up. Jo-Ann’s requires that all classes be attended by at least three people. This would be great fun for a group, team or troop.
Everything at The Alchemists Vessel or Blackbird Metalworks is handcrafted from start to finish. I would like to share with you a portion of a Super Secret Project. This is called Moss or Mossy Agate. This cabochon was hand cut, and processed by John Rasmussen of Rasmussen Gems and Jewellery, LLC. It will be mounted in a ring shank and sent back across the US for a very special present. He did an excellent job bringing out the lovely mossy inclusions on the surface of the stone, I think it looks like a tree and a bird or butterfly. Then again I have a very active imagination.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
I am excited and happy to announce that the building for Little Shop of Artists is available once again! Watch this blog for more details. The artists and myself are looking forward to moving in and setting up the wares. As soon as we are in and organized all will be invited to the Grand Opening Event.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
