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.

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.

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 

Chainnmaille by MBOI

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.

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.

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.

Paramour Bracelet Pink Chainmaille Bangle on Handmade Artists’ Shop

 

Paramour Bracelet Pink Chainmaille Bangle on Handmade Artists’ Shop.

New Weave Item – Checkered Past

Good Morning,

I hope everyone had a restful and rejuvenating weekend.

This morning’s blog is short and to the point.  New Bracelet now available at handmadeartists.com.

This pretty weave follows the Japanese 4-in-1 pattern.  Accented with pretty Aquamarine Czech Glass beads that alternate along the length of chain.  The finished chain resembles a ladder or checkerboard pattern of little square links.

Detail of links

The chain is very supple, and flows across the the wrist as you move.

Customizable in your favorite bead color or may be made to desired length.

Take a look or contact the shop and inquire about your customized piece.

Thank you for stopping in.

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

Friday Photos

Hello there,
 
I am at a loss for something to write today, I have racked my wee brain and I got nothing!  Instead I thought I would share a photo or two.

My friend Lucritia Wolfblack sent me this wonderful web card on my facebook wall, and I completely agree.

 

My very dear friend and sometimes mentor, Ralph Cordero of Studio RGC is one talented and amazing sculptor.  His items can be found here: studiorgc or you can find his goodies on Etsy.

Here are a couple of his items that I just adore.  They are so detailed and just amazing to look at.  I always see something I missed before when viewing his work.

“Squash” The Bog Monster

 

These are so cool, I don’t know if they have holes in the botton, but they would make awesome pencil or pen toppers!  I think the green one is glow-in-the-dark.  Gruesome, but I like them.
Biter Zombie Head

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

A Little Information and a Random Item

Yes it is Tuesday and that usually means I have five gift ideas to share.

Today instead of gifts, because I think the elves are all very busy at their respective workbenches making new things, I thought I would share a little information.

As many of you may or may not know Google Reader is being retired July 31, 2013.  That means that your favorite blogs, and whatever else you use reader for will no longer be available.

There is an alternative, Blog Lovin’, and yes you have to sign up for it, but it does keep your blog reading in one spot.

For those of you that have a blog, they do have a button that will allow others to follow your blog on their own page.   In fact I have one on the side bar, click the link and whisked off to either the site’s homepage or my blog list, not sure where it takes you yet, but you will get there.  I think you can also sign up with your facebook account, there‘s a plus.

On to random items

Ah Nuts Bracelet

Product Details:

This cute 7-1/2″ bracelet is made from tiny hexagonal nuts, in two sizes.  The shape of the nuts catches the light nicely, and they shine like a matte gemstone might.  Interesting, unique and a great WOW! factor when your friends realize you’re wearing hardware.  Confortable and light weight.  Would make a great accessosry for Steampunk Fashions, Industrial Chic, Rocker or Biker Babes.  A fun conversational piece: “You’ll never guess what I”m wearing”, office or date night jewelry.
Hexagonal nuts are hand sanded to remove any and all sharp edges, the nuts are polished and linked together with hand spun and cut silver plated jump rings.  Completed with a magnetic clasp that really holds tight.  The hardware components come from the package and have never been used in any machinery, tool, equipment or construction application.
Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.
*This item can not be customized or re-sized.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Thursday Tutorial – European Speed Maille Weave

Good Morning,

As usual I am a day late and a dollar short, only backwards.  Unprepared for the post today, because I thought it was Friday, a tutorial will just have to suffice.

European Speed Maille Weave is a shortened version of the European 4-in-1pattern for which individual units are created and then linked together with a single jump ring.  There is no difference in the appearance of the chain, just in the way it is woven.

European Speed Maille

Materials – Enough for a nice practice piece or it makes a neat Key Chain or Purse Charm.
2 Pairs of Pliers (Flat Nosed)
39 *10mm Aluminum Jump Rings in Teal by Darice (6mm ID)
AR 3.7

*These rings are purchased from a local Craft Store and manufactured by Darice, in packages of 135 rings.  One package is plenty to create this short tutorial.  We do not recommend these rings for finished projects, but they are great for practice and color design.

Begin:
Open 13 jump rings
Close 26 jump rings.
Set one open ring aside.

Place four (4) closed rings on one open ring and close the ring.  Set the unit aside for the moment.

Set up the rest of the rings, pair two closed rings with one open ring.  There will be 11 sets of rings.

Or you may place the closed rings on the open ones.  Either is fine.

Take the unit you created earlier and arrange the four loose rings so the unit looks like this.

  

There are now Top and Bottom Rings.

1.  Slide one open jump ring DOWN into the bottom ring and UP through the top ring.

The unit looks like this.

2.  Add two (2) closed jump rings to the open ring and close the ring.  *If you placed your closed rings on the open jump ring before sliding it through the unit just close the ring.

3.  Fold or flip the rings you just added in the same position as the previous pair.  The unit will look like this.

 

Repeat Step 1.

Slide one open ring DOWN into the bottom ring and UP through the top ring.

Repeat Step 2.

Add two more rings, and close the open ring.

 
Fold or flip the rings just added to the correct position and close the ring.  *The rings will kind of go there on their own once the chain begins to grow in length.

Pattern Notes:  The Open jump ring when added, will sit beneath the previous ring in the row.

Each of the closed rings added will fold to either side of the center ring and lay on top of the previous pair in the chain.

When you have added all of the sets, slide the last open ring (the one you set aside) down through the bottom and up through the top ring and close the ring.  This completes and locks the chain pattern into place.  Done!

I turned the tutorial into a Key Chain.

If you would like to try this pattern in other sizes or materials you can use the chart at zlosk to check out the required AR sizes.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

In The Studio – Round Maille Photo Tutorial

Good Morning,

The week is winding down and it’s time to do something fun.

Many that follow the blog may be aware that I was “invited” to submit the Chainmaille portions of my blog to an e-publisher for on line or on demanding publishing of a book.  Very much like a vanity press, but the content is taken directly from your blog instead of creating a new manuscript.

Instead of attempting to contain this blog to a book’s content, a separate one is kept, “In Chains – Contemporary Chainmaille Designs” that will be the final submission for the publishers.  In hope of completing the weave instructions followed by eighteen (18) projects to make by the end of year as requested.

Today’s Tutorial:  Learn to weave Round Maille

Some may recognize similarities to the Box or Queen’s Chain Pattern (aka Inca Puno), however, this weave does not produce a box or square chain, it is round.

Weave Notes:  
This weave is done in multiples of three (3). 
* Silver, Green, Rose colored rings are used to indicate steps.
(We do not recommend Darice rings for a finished project, but for practice they are inexpensive, come in a variety of colors and Outer Diameter Sizes)
AR – This weave isn’t terribly AR sensitive, however, it is possible to weave it too tightly or too loosely.  I would recommend an AR of 4.1.
You may weave this pattern in single or multiple colors.

There are two ways to weave Round Maille, one is the Fold and Fill Method, as in this tutorial, and the other is like zipping up a pre-made length of chain.  This weave belongs to the European Family of weaves / patterns.

Material
21 *10mm 14 gauge Aluminum Jump Rings (5mm ID) by Darice.
Pliers – 2 pairs (Flat nose)
Paperclips, or Markers of some  type (twist ties, scrap wire…)

On your marks.  Get set.  Go.

Pre-Close 6 jump rings
Open 15 jump rings 

1. Create a 5 link unit of 2 x 1 Chain (2-1-2-1-2)
     

2. Open 1 ring and slide it through the last pair of rings.

and the first pair of rings,  
close the ring.  

This creates a triangle.

3.  Flip the piece over so it looks like this.  The Single rings are now on the out side and double rings lie towards the center.  You may also pull the single rings outwards and arrange them to reveal the inner triangle as well.






 
4.  Attach paper clips or 
markers to the bottom set of rings.  The ones that lie directly on the work surface.  This marks the beginning of the chain and gives you something to hold while working the first few sets of rings.

5. Gently push the top rings 
into the center forming a 
tent.  These are rings
1, 2 and 3, in any order 
you choose.

6.  Open 1 ring and  slide
it through jump rings 
1 and 2.  Close the ring.

7.  Open 1 ring and slide 
it through jump rings
2 and 3.  Close the ring.

 
8.  Open 1 Ring and slide
it through jump rings 
3 and 1.  Close the ring.

These new rings are now rings
1, 2 and 3 
 





9.  Open 1 ring, slide it through
rings 1 and 2.  Close the ring.

 
10. Open 1 ring, slide it through
rings 2 and 3.  Close the ring.
 







11.  Open 1 ring, slide it through rings 3 and 1. Close the ring. 
You now have a piece of chain that looks like this.

12.  Fold the rings just added back against the chain, or allow the rings to fall or flop to the sides of the chain. Separate the rings to reveal the inner triangle.  

These are now rings 1, 2 and 3.

13. Fill the center of the chain. “Tent” the exposed inside rings.
 Open 1 ring, slide it through 
rings 1 and 2.  Close the ring. 

 Rings 1 and 2 in the correct position.

 Rings 1 and 2, side view.  Add jump ring through the “eye” of both rings.

 New ring is added to rings 1 and 2.

 New ring added to rings 1 and 2, side view.

 

14. Open 1 ring, slide it through rings 2 and 3.  Close the ring.

 

15.  Open 1 ring, slide it through rings 3 and 1.  
Close the ring.

 

16.  Repeat steps 9 through 15 until the chain reaches the desired length.

As you continue with the length of chain you will see a pattern start emerge.

Side View

Top View

Top Down View

If it looks like a weird little fish, you‘re doing it right.

3/4 Profile, Left

3/4 Profile, Right

 To finish you length of chain.

1.  Slide one open ring through jump rings 1 and 2. 
2.  Slide one open ring through jump rings 2 and 3 or 3 and 1.
3.  Slide one open ring through the last 2 jump rings just added and attach either part of your clasp.
4. Remove the markers and repeat on the other end.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  We love feed back, please feel free to leave your question or comment.

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

Peek-a-Boo Redux – New Items

Good Morning,

I hope all are not too hung over from yesterday, and ready to take on the work week.  This morning, I am busy tidying up the wares after my meeting with Amy of RAW.

What is RAW?  RAW is a nation wide group of artists from all walks of life and skill sets from painting to make-up with chapters in 54 cities across the US that hold monthly Art Shows that always showcase new people, you’ll never see the same show twice.

On to new items.

These bracelets are really cool and currently come in three colors and two styles.

Red Riding Bracelet Beaded Chainmaille

Red, the color of fire, passion and romance. Capture your own Wolf out in the forest with this lovely and eye-catching Chainmaille bracelet. Great for an evening of Painting the Town Red, or a secluded rendezvous in the moonlight.

Silver plated wire is hand spun, cut, and linked in a version of the Round Maille pattern and accented with pretty, translucent Red glass beads that float inside the chain. Finished with a Toggle Clasp that may be changed to Lobster Claw or Spring Clasp at no additional charge.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Currently available in Black, Red and Green glass beads.

Customizable, may be made to desired length or in your favorite color. Please convo the shop with questions or your custom requests.

Erin Chainmaille Bracelet

Emerald green is the must have fashion color of the year. Vibrant, fresh and lush, this pretty bracelet evokes a feeling of rolling hills and green grassy fields. Erin is the romantic name for Ireland, and this beautiful bracelet is reminiscent of the Emerald Isles.

Silver plated wire is hand spun, cut and linked into a version of the Round Maille pattern and accented with pretty Emerald Green bi-cone shaped beads. 8″ long.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Currently available in Black, Red and Green glass beads.

Customizable, may be made to desired length or in your favorite color. Please convo the shop with questions or your custom requests.

Eve Chainmaille Peek A Boo Bracelet

Silver and black, tailored, fashionable and always in style. Slinky yet substantial, this 7-1/2″ bracelet is just right for the office, date night or that casual outfit that needs some dressing up. This bracelet holds a mystery, the beads are inside the chain,and float in place, peering through the lacy weave of the chain,

Hand spun, cut and linked silver plated jump rings are woven into a version of the Round Maille pattern and accented with pretty Black bi-cone shaped beads.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Currently available in Black, Red and Green glass beads.

Customizable, may be made to desired length or in your favorite color. Please convo the shop with questions or your custom requests.
These bracelets are available in other colors as well.  Not a fan of shopping on etsy?  They may also be found at our shop:
The Alchemists Vessel on handmadeartists.com

Thank you for stopping by and having a look. 

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

Chainmaille Peek A Boo Red Glass Bead Bracelet on Handmade Artists’ Shop

Chainmaille Peek A Boo Red Glass Bead Bracelet on Handmade Artists’ Shop.