Category Archives: alchemists

Thursday’s Featured Artist – The Alchemist

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Good Morning,
 
Thursday has arrived and I am out of Featured Artists, again.  I was the last person in the Blog Ring to be listed for a post.  I can’t very well post about myself, well I could, but the blog features The Alchemist (that would be me) every day.  So what’s a girl to do?
 
Instead of talking about myself, because that could lead to questions about the state of my mental health, I think we’ll talk about what every artist uses as a tool, the hands.
Hands are amazing things, they are the first tools we learn to use.  Dexterity does not come naturally, your hands must be taught to move and cooperate in concert with each other, whether they are holding a pencil or strumming a guitar, they must be trained to do what you are asking of them.
 
Hand and wrist health (especially for Maillers) is very important, if I hurt or injure my hands I can not work, it is just that simple.  I require both the left and right to do things, pick up beads, hold pliers and other materials, to string, solder, bend pieces, etc… all steps in making a piece of jewelry require that I use my hands.
 
Before I begin any piece or long sit at the workbench, I exercise my hands, I stretch them, spread and flex my fingers wide; roll, twist, bend my wrist gently to loosen up those muscles.  Small repetitive movements can cause injury to the muscles and worse Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  Here is a link to some exercises for your hands
Carpal Tunnel Exercises.  I highly recommend these for anyone that has to type, use tools or for jewelry makers.
 

Remember to work in a relaxed position.  Stop every half hour or so and check yourself.  Are you tense, are your shoulders up around your ears?  Are your hands hurting or achy.  Stop!  Stretch.  Relax.  Deep breath. 

You do not need to hold a Death Grip on any of the tools you use,  that tool is only going to do what your hands tell it to, a loose grasp will hold the tool, your hand movements do the rest.  
 
Treat your hands with kindness and they will serve you for a long long time.
 
Thank you for stopping in and having a read.
 

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

 

Studio News from The Workshop

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Happy Wednesday!

Yes, the elf (because there is only one) is working on getting new things into the shop, and not only that, but The Alchemists Vessel has been asked to create Bridesmaids Jewelry for a wedding.  Excited about that!  Beautiful things for a wonderful and happy occasion.  I really do enjoy creating things for special and pleasant events. 

Thinking about your Wedding attire?  Let us help you create that unique piece for the Bride or fabulous matching sets for the Bridal Party!  Glass and Genuine Pearls available, and special orders for colored pearls to match your wedding pallet can be made.

Also pleased and happy to announce that we now have two new ways to purchase from us.  Don’t like Pay Pal?  You can use the Direct Check Out feature on Etsy.  Credit or Debit Card is all that is needed and like magic you are on your way to receiving that something special just for you!

Now accepting SQUARE!  At the show?  No need to run to the ATM!  Swipe your card and sign, and off you go with your goodies in hand!  How convenient!
Speaking of shows the next Treasure Valley Market will be July 14 and 15th!  More information about that in July, after the 4th of course.

Teaching another class on Saturday, June 16th, and there are other projects in the works!  Classes at Jo-Ann’s




Thank you for dropping by and having a look.

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

Studio Time – Class Projects from Jo-Ann Fabrics

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Hello and Happy Wednesday!

As many of you know I occasionally have the pleasure of teaching / instructing a class at Jo-Ann’s Fabrics, and also involved in the process of getting my own classes started up as well.

Today I thought we would take a brief look at a Jo-Ann’s Class Project.  All the materials for these were purchased at Jo-Ann Fabrics, 1085 Milwaukee, Boise, ID.
Dare To Dangle Earrings

Class Session: 1
2 Hours 
Skill Level: 2
Jo-Ann’s List of Materials:
Stone Chips bead tube – Quartz Mix
24 Gauge Wire
Ear Wires (Hooks)
Jump Rings
I used 
Stone Chips bead tube – Quartz Mix
22 Gauge Wire (Sterling Silver Plated Copper)
Ear Wires (Hooks)
Jump Rings
 FRONT

Stone Chips are threaded on to a length of wire (Sterling Silver Plated Copper in 22 Gauge).  The wire is twisted back on itself to form a loop, adding one Stone Chip at a time, the bead and wire wrap around the base stones to form a cluster.  Simple, pretty and may be done in any color or selection of Stone Chip Beads.  These are genuine Semi-Precious stones and include, Fluorite, Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Aquamarine, and other varieties of quartz.

BACK
This is a super simple and easy project that makes a cute pair of earrings.  I like this project because it is totally “organic” and very primitive in nature.  The Craft-person decides on stones and designs the earrings as they go along, the wire wraps naturally (where it wants to) around the beads dictated by the bead shape, creating and additional element to the design. Class Space for this project and others are still available.   This Saturday, June 9th,  1:00pm – 3:00pm, Jo-Ann Fabrics will be having an “Open House” classes are 50% Off for in-store registration, and completed projects will be on display!

There will also be other projects on display as well as other instructors and Jo-Ann team members are always there to help!
Other Projects Available – August
“Crystal Life Bracelet” – using Swarovski elements
“Pearls of Time Watch” – using Glass Pearls and a Watch Face
“Pearl” Earrings -using wire and a Glass Pearls to match the Watch.
There is one more pair of earrings that classes will be given for as well.  Come on down and check it out.

Thank you for stopping by.  

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

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Good Morning,

Once again. I would like to think that I am saying this as gently as possible.  Just so you all know, when you look at my blog, and then do searches for things like “How Many Jump Rings Are Required For A Dragon’s Back Bracelet”, I can see that!  My blog tells on you!  If you have questions, comments or other ideas, please feel free to contact me via any of the links, e-mails or site addresses.  In most cases I am happy to share.

I am absolutely thrilled that my jewelry is appealing enough for some one to wish to copy it. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, in this case however; no, it is not.

These are my designs, that come out of my head and made with my hands. Although  Chain Maille and it’s patterns / weaves may be “public domain”, my designs are not, they are mine, they belong to me, and are copyrighted the minute I post them. I am a real, licensed, tax-paying, permit holding business entity! If you would like to make a bracelet, I am more than willing to offer instructions and assistance, pdf.s or what have you.

Please, don’t steal my or an other artist’s designs, not only is it tacky, it is unprofessional, unethical, and you will be caught!

Thank you,

Alix Browning

The Alchemist

The Alchemists Vessel

Owner / Designer / Sole Proprietor

An Announcement

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I know, Tuesday’s are usually reserved for Five Great Gifts To Give, but it is good to change things up every now and again.  Need to keep you all on your toes.  We will have a gift idea post this week, I promise.

The Alchemists Vessel is pleased to announce that the owner and principle designer, Alixandra, will be returning classes next month.  Always interested in updating her skills, learning about new materials and machines currently out on the gemstone and lapidary jewelry suppliers market, as well as obtaining certification for precious metals, repair, gemstone / metal testing equipment, and general jewelry-smith training.  Also on the list of continued education is lamp-work or glass bead crafting.

Continuing education is an important part of keeping up with today’s market.  If one expects to succeed, one must continually polish and up grade their skills and general knowledge of available materials; new, old, and in some cases the new composites currently out on the market.  Current trends and fashion styles may dictate color and components used, they are strong contributors to the creation process, as are new tools, treatments and techniques.  All play a part in creating beautiful, unique, durable and sustainable hand crafted jewelry. 
Costume or Fine, Folk Art or Artisan, adornment / jewelry or other accessories, have been a staple of trade, social interaction and celebrations in many cultures across our world.  The fascination continues today, and there is a certain satisfaction in making something beautiful with your own hands.  Self taught or classroom trained, each hand and eye bring their own flair and sense of balance to a piece.  Sculpture, paintings, landscape, home decor, all have a rhythm and flow that make them work and the same applies to jewelry.  Sparks of light and flashes of color draws the eye, intrigues the observer, and delights the wearer. It appeals to a variety of tastes from bold and bright, to delicate, feminine and understated.  Great jewelry design is always in style and can be worn with a multitude of things and never loses its emphasis or over powers the wearer or outfit.  Jewelry as an accent, can also be the main attraction.Thank you for stopping by and having a look.



Friday Promotions and Links

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Happy Friday to all!

Let me begin with the Jewelry Contest.  Although it was a complete and utter flop, (perhaps it was the piece offered), there is a winner, and Second place is a tie.  With Facebook changing the Fan / Business pages, I am having trouble finding all the posts.  I will get to the announcement next week!

It’s that time again!  The Treasure Valley Flea Market is next weekend, March 24 and 25th, Saturday and Sunday.  There is only one more in April.  Come on down and meet the artists, have a look at some of the jewelry pieces shown on the site, see what there is to see, and find your something.  5610 Glenwood, In Garden City, Idho Expo at the Fair Grounds.  See the Google Map at the bottom of the blog for location and directions, admission is $2.00 at the door.
Due to some customers feeling uncomfortable purchasing from the The Alchemists Vessel website, I have been asked, and have complied, to list the Ravens Nook items on Etsy.  I have done so.  They are under the Shop Section Ravens Nook, and all the items from the website may be found there as well. If the darker things do well, I may go ahead and open up a second shop for just the darker things, although Etsy frowns on such a  thing.
We also have a new third party app (widget) here on the blog.  Now you can shop The Alchemists Vessel and all it’s listings on the side bar menu.  No need to leave the page, and all transactions are secure!

For the Pinterest Users out there.  Pinterest has a dashboard, Pinerly, that I have gotten a sneak peak at (Thank you Cindy Honig-Fong, for clicking!)  It looks very useful and I would like one.  The link below will take you to the invitation page, where you can get your own unique code, copy and paste it for your friends to click and get an invitation too.  Pinterest Dash Board or


Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

It is Friday!  We would like to wish you all a happy and joyous weekend.