TRusk4U – Featured Artists

Good Morning,

Today‘s blog features Teresa Rusk of TRusk4U.  You have met Teresa before, she is a member of Handmade Artists Foum as well as the owner of the shop trusk4u.

Not only does Teresa own an on line store, she also has a physical location to show off all her lovely wares.  If you are in the North Carolina area stop by and check her out, not only will you find Teresa’s own designs and goodies, but other finds from local area artists as well.  

Hollyhocks, LLC
102 W. Clay St. #C, Downstairs
Mebane, NC 27302
919-563-2522

Teresa is a jewelry designer, she loves to work with recycled items and creates items from the simple string of beads to more intricate work.  Her artisan creations are not only lovely but they are affordable as well, and will suit most any style of attire.  Many of her pieces are customizable for length and color choice of the item.

Teresa also blogs, and I do like her blog, there are fun things to do on the side menu bars, like the Daily Ohm, as well as read what she has been doing in the Shop and B & M Store.  Links to her sites, pages, shops, and blogs, may be found below.

Done in this year’s must-have fashion color (Green), is this lovely bracelet and earring set.

Rosa’s Garden
  

Product Details:

Crisp, bright green glass beads are paired with silver plated, antique look, round and fan style beads to give Rosa’s Garden a very unique look. A large, dark green acrylic bead is the focal  with flat , weblike bead caps at either end. This bracelet has been carefully strung on flexible beading wire with wire guards, and crimp covers. A smooth toggle clasp adds the finishing touch. This bracelet is on the small side at 7.75″(18.5cm) long from end to end (including the clasp) and will fit a 6.5″(16cm) wrist.
 The matching earrings also have the same bright green glass beads and are topped with the fan beads. Small ribbed saucer spacers are at either end of the bead and a neatly wrapped loop attaches the dangle to the fishhook ear wire. They are 1.75″ (4.44cm) long including the ear wire.

This next item is one of my favorites.  The simple design allows for the natural beauty and interesting pattern of the stone to be the focal point of the pair.

Water and Earth Jasper Earrings

Product Details:

Water and Earth are created using large 18mm Aqua Terra Jasper coin beads.  With beautiful shades of green and taupe, they are perfect for anytime of the year! Small silver plated beads add a little extra sparkle to the bottom, and are finished at the top with neatly wrapped loops. They are attached to silver plated fishhook earwires and measure 1.75″ (4.44cm) long including the earwire.

Why I like her work so much.  This simple three strnaf beaded bracelet is something else!  Powerful, elegeant, bold and beautiful in a Cuff style piece.

 Tiger Eye Triple Strand Bracelet

Product Details:

This classic style bracelet is beauty in simplicity! it features golden brown, oval Tiger Eye beads that have been spaced with small gold beads.It’s been carefully constructed using flexible beading wire and gold spacer bars to keep it all lined up straight so it lies flat against your wrist. To finish, I used wire guards, crimp covers, and a lovely filgree box clasp, all gold plated. This bracelet is 8.75″ (22.22cm) from end to end, and will fit up to a 7.25″ (18.41cm) wrist size.
* Bonus pair of matching earrings at no extra charge!        

Here is an example of Teresa’s Up-cycling or Re-purposing skills.  I think this is very pretty and unique.

Dream Weaver Upcycled Woven Pendant

Product Details:

Upcycling at its very best, this pendant is a mixture of handmade and recycled parts. The pendant itself is a chandelier earring component which has been woven using 22 gauge silver non tarnish artistic wire.The beads I used are 8mm fire polished, faceted Jablonex beads in a rich Iris Blue. Each dangle has a silver lined E bead at the bottom and a wrapped loop securing it to the pendant. A handmade split ring acts as the bail and is made using the same non tarnish wire. The pendant including the bail is just around 2″ long and 1″ wide. 18″ of silver plated cable chain and a lobster claw clasp complete this charming necklace.

Wow, not just your ordinary wire ring.  Teresa has several these in here shop, but this one just really caught my eye.

Copper and Italian Onyx Swirl Ring

Product Details:

A small indulgence, this feminine ring with those great curvy swirls is truly  treat! The tarnish resistant, 20 gauge wire is cut to length and the pieces are bundled and wired together. They are then placed around a ring mandrel to get the basic shape and lightly hammered.  5mm Italian Onyx beads are added for a little extra flair and the wire ends are curled into those fabulous swirls! Because this ring is open in the front, it can be adjusted to fit any finger, making it the perfect gift . 

Links 

Handmade Artits Shop: T. Rusk 4U 
About Page: Teresa Rusk
Twitter: trusk4u 
Blog: T. Rusk 4U 
Blog: Hollyhocks, LLC
Facebook: trusk4U 
Facebook: Hollyhocks, LLC 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

 

New Shop Department – Hardwear

Good Morning,

Monday is here and I hope everyone had a lovely Easter Weekend.

The creative process, at times, can be full of inspiration and wonder, at other times it seems to come from whatever is at hand.

This weekend there was a lot of waiting for things to cure and cool. So what’s a girl to do during down time?  Poke around in the garage and see what falls off a shelf.  I have had a repair kit full of nuts, bolts, screws, washers, hardware for quite a while.  Sorting through it, I began to see potential there.  

A jump ring here, a hexagonal nut there, a washer do-dad and viola!  I had a pair of earrings.

Hexes and Os Hardware Earrings

Product Details:

Yes, you read that right, these are made out of hardware.  Hanging at 1-1/2″ long from the earlobe, tiny Hexagonal nuts are linked together and end in a Washer charm.  Perfect for a little something to brighten up that boring office suit, a fun date night accessory, or terrific for Steampunk Fashionistas, Bikers and Rocker Babes!  Plus what a surprise when people “WOW!” at the fact that they are made out of hardware.  Light weight and comfortable enough to wear all day.  You won’t even know you have them on.  These are truly a unique pair of earrings.
Hexoginal nuts and washers are brand new from the package and have never bee used in any machinery, tool, equipment or other construction.  Hand washed in amonia and dish-soap, hand sanded to remove any and all sharp edges, tumble polished for a great shine and hand assembled with hand spun, and cut silver plated jump rings.
Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.
Only one pair available.

Available in both the Handmadeartsits and Etsy shops.

Hexes and O’s on Etsy

Of course I couldn’t stop there.  Oh no.  There is also a bracelet and a pendant, although not true Chainmaille, these pieces are fun to weave, and very different.  Other items will soon be listed and may be found in the shop department “Hardwear”.  

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

Colleen Malachite and Sterling Silver Earrings on Handmade Artists’ Shop

Colleen Malachite and Sterling Silver Earrings on Handmade Artists’ Shop.

New item at Blackbird Metalworks.

In The Studio – Malachite Earrings and Dragonscale

Good Morning,

Friday’s are usually open for promotions and things that are happening around Boise.  Since it is Easter this weekend, and some festivites have been cancelled, there isn’t much to promote.  So today’s blog is short, and showcases two items currently being worked on in the studio.

Malachite and Sterling Silver Earrings.

These have not yet been listed for sale and I am not sure I am going to list them.  Large malachite oval cabochons have been set in Sterling Silver and are made for Pierced ears.   The materials were pre-cut and measured, and given to me as part of a job interview / skill assessment.  They measure 1″ x 1/2″.

This piece is not finished yet, and I am still in the process of deciding what to do with it.  At this length it would make half of a watch band, or I could continue for a full bracelet.  My concern is the weight,  silver plate over brass, makes for a dense and heavy piece.  Using 5mm and 3mm ID rings, makes for a pretty but weighty item.

Top down, the rings are stretched to their limit, to show the scale like pattern.

From different angles the piece has a different appearance, one of my favorite things about the weave.

The rings create a lovely and smooth chain, although it looks like it would be rough to the touch, it is actually very silky.

Viewed from the side the rings appear to Cris-cross, making a pretty X like pattern along the chain’s edge.

The Cris-cross moves in the other direction on the other side.  Dragonscale is an intricate and beautiful weave, done in multiple or single colors, it is a conversation starter as well as a durable and functional weave.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

Five Great Gifts to Give List #10

Good Morning,

I won’t start off with a lot of verbiage, instead let’s get to those gift ideas.  

From: Sue’s Arts

Metal rings, adjustable rings, butterfly rings, Fleur de Lis ring, Silver rings

SOLD SEPARATELY BY #

These beautiful and unique rings are adjustable.

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

From: Pizzelwaddles

Gold Flourish & Peridot Aqua Glass Chandelier Earrings

 

You will receive 1 pair of handmade Gold Flourish & Peridot Aqua Glass Chandelier Earrings.

Gold Flourish & Peridot Aqua Glass Chandelier Earrings made with gold tone flourish chandeliers with 6mm x 14mm oblong twisted peridot aqua glass beads & gold plated detailed divider disc beads suspended from the bottom. Gold tone ear wires to match.

These Gold Flourish & Peridot Aqua Glass Chandelier Earrings are a fun, lively and playful set. Add a fun & flirty sparkle and unique style to any look. A real statement piece.

Ships within 3-5 business days of payment. Shipping & handling $2.50 flat charge in the US. 

From: Copper Tree Art
  
Tribal Copper Necklace- Copper bowl with hand painted bead

 

This necklace was hand made out of a copper sheet. The disc was created and then was then domed to give it a slight curvature. The piece was given a patina to darken its appearance and a tan, gold and brown painted bead sits upon it. I hand riveted a spot where a natural brass chain and toggle are attached to the pendant.

The disc is approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. The total chain lenght is approximately 19.5 inches. If you would like to change the length of the necklace, please message me! This piece has been sealed with a lacquer and wax to protect the finish. Please read all shop policies before purchasing! 

From: Raptor Ridge Originals

All Natural Dreamcatcher Milkweed Pod – Sage Green – Decoupage Gift Box

 

All natural dreamcatcher milkweed pod ornament….

✿ dried milkweed pod
✿ natural raw silk fiber
✿ sage green color
✿ camándula or Jobs tear bead
✿ feather
✿ birch wood gift box 4″ by 4″
✿ decoupage vintage butterfly paper

All of our items are created with great care, and when you make a purchase from us you can be sure that it is special…every item is handmade by my husband or/and I…and
Our shop is always evolving and new items are listed daily…so please do check in often….
Raptor Ridge Originals 

Here’s a Gift and A Shop with a cause.  I didn’t set out to promote that, but it is for those less fortunate and in need.  In support of the Spokane Humane Society

From: Butterfly Sundries

OOAK Etched Cat with Butterfly French Hair Clip – Supports Spokane Humane Society

 

Do you love cats? How about butterflies? Now it’s possible to have both, without worrying about the cat trying to catch the butterfly!

This is the first “Fur Babies” hair barrette, created specifically to support the Spokane Humane Society.

It was cut from 20g yellow brass sheet metal, filed, and cleaned. Then an ooak design was drawn by hand onto the surface before it was placed in the etching solution. Cleaned, painstakingly hammered into shape and work hardened by hand, it was then drilled and riveted onto a pre-fabricated 50mm french barrette mount (nickle plated and lead-free). Antiqued and polished, this hair clip has a rustic charm which will bring you joy for years to come!

Brass does, of course, over time develop an attractive patina. This is part of the beauty of the material. The surface does have a thin protective layer of wax to protect it, but expect the beautiful patina to develop gradually.

From beginning to end, this item is handmade with love… with all the attention you deserve!

This item comes with a FREE white gift box, for your gift-giving pleasure, and is shipped via Priority mail with insurance and delivery confirmation.

As always, 10% of the profits from the sale of this item go to support my Featured Charity!

A little information about the organization which inspired this design: By mandate of the Spokane Humane Society’s board of directors in January 2006, the SHS stopped euthanizing animals due to lack of space. Limited resources and available kennels made it impossible to continue to accept unlimited animals and made it necessary to work with their community partners in animal control and breed specific rescue evolving to their current day “Reservation required” shelter.This change initially reduced the number of animals they served each year but increased the number of animals being permanently placed into loving homes and improved placement rate from 52% to 79% from 2006 to 2007. As a part of this policy change, strays are referred to their appropriate animal control facility and are being transferred back based upon the needs of the animals/partner agencies and their space available. In 2012, they had a placement rate of 97%.

The 20g yellow brass plate is just shy of 2.5 long and a little more than 1 inch wide.
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 #8

Good Morning,

This month there are two Holidays, Passover and Easter, this morning’s blog has five great gift ideas for the holidays.

From Sue’s Arts

Chai charm necklace, evil eye necklace, Hamsa necklace, Treee of life, Hebrew charm necklace, Judaica, evil eye necklace, Life charm

 

SOLD SEPARATELY BY #

Beautiful and unique variety of Judaica cameo charm necklaces in antique bronze.

Collection includes, “Chai” for “Life, Hamsa, Tree of Life, and Star of David (Magen David).

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

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

Suzan ♥

This would make a lovely gift for the Seder Hostess.

Matza box Holder, Passover matza holder, Matzo box holder, Matzo, matza, Judaica gift, Passover

This is a beautiful and unique handmade and decorated wooden Matza box holder.

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

CUSTOM ORDERS ALWAYS WELCOME

Suzan

From: Abbey’s Nest

How cute are these… Peeps  

Macrame Bracelet with Acrylic Pastel Chick Charms

A cute, colorful macrame bracelet with multi-colored pastel chicks. Bracelet is knotted with oatmeal colored polished hemp, and measures 8 inches in length with a loop and bead closure. The bracelet also features six little acrylic pastel chick beads. Perfect for Easter! 

Lampwork Chicken Earrings with Red Agate Hearts

A pair of lampwork chicken earrings with red agate hearts. Red, white and blue lampwork chicken beads are each paired with three dangling agate hearts in various shades of red. Earring hooks are surgical stainless steel. Great for those with metal allergies.

And for those of you that like to handcraft your gift items, here is a fun bunch of punches themed for Easter.

From: OWL Crafting

Easket Basket With Eggs

This is to make your own Easter Basket. I have included a Sample showing how it looks or you can rearrange it and make it anyway you like. I have included 4 Baskets, Eggs and Bows…There is enough to make 4 different baskets..

These are cute to put on cards, scrapbooking, invitations, etc..

Thank you for stopping by and having a look, we hope we have inspired you to see what else these shops may have to offer.

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

 

New Items – Three Necklaces

Good Morning,

Today we are showing off three of the new items currently available at The Alchemists Vessel.

Moors Malachite Azurite and Sterling Silver Necklace Set

Sterling Silver Chain, Triskelion (triple swirl) links, and Malachite with Azurite beads invoke a feeling of Ireland’s emerald green and misty Moors. Matching earrings are included.  This is a One Of A Kind set.

20″ total length, Sterling Silver Triskelions interrupt and link the gorgeous Malachite and Azurite beads bead joined to the chain.
Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Orient Express Genuine Jade and Freshwater Pearls Necklace

Grab your train case and your favorite Agatha Christie Novel we’re taking the Orient Express. There is something mysterious about Jade and Pearls, and this necklace is no exception.  Matching earrings are included.

Jade is thought to connect with energy of the body and allows it flow between the jewelry piece and the wearer.  In Asian cultures, people often give a gift of a jade piece they wear all the time. They believe that the jade has become part of them and by giving it to a family member or friend, they are giving a part of themselves.

Pearls are connected with the elements in Asian cultures and an origin myth says they are Dragon’s tears.  Usually worn only by royalty, pearls are believed to connect one to the divine.  They are a symbol of peace and purity.

Suspended from Sterling Silver chain, genuine deep green Nephrite Jade (from British Columbia) and Freshwater Pearls are threaded and connected with handmade Sterling Silver headpins and jump rings.  Spring Clasp closure, may be replaced with Lobster Claw Clasp at no additional charge.
Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.
*Freshwater Pearls – A grade, from White Lotus Farms.

Diana Sterling Silver and Genuine Amethyst Necklace

18″ long this sumptuous Amethyst necklace is just right for any goddess or Queen of the Castle.  Amethyst is the Birthstone for February, and is associated with the Greek Goddess Diana.  Matching earrings come with this piece.
Sterling Silver chain has been connected with genuine Amethyst beads on sterling silver wire, accented with sterling silver caps and spacer beads.  Finished with a Sterling Silver Lobster Claw Clasp, may be changed to a spring clasp at no additional charge.
Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.
Sold as a set.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Orient Express Genuine Jade and Freshwater Pearls Necklace on Handmade Artists’ Shop

Orient Express Genuine Jade and Freshwater Pearls Necklace on Handmade Artists’ Shop.

Thursday Random Post

Good Morning,

The Blog Ring is on hiatus for a couple of weeks and I have no one to feature today.

Instead, I have done the unthinkable and signed up for a twitter account.  It may not last long signing up was extremely annoying, and the site itself is awful.  Not intuitive and frustrating at best.

If you would like to follow, add to a list, or grow your own list of followers (I will follow you in return) you can now connect with the Alchemists Vessel via twitter.

Tweet to:  @AlixAlchemy

Follow us: @AlixAlchemy 

Don’t forget to check out the side bar menus for links!

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

Links, Promotions, Classes

Happy Friday,

The weekend is here, and I am looking forward to it.

Today I wanted to share the upcoming classes that are available through Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts Store, here in Boise, ID. Located at 1085 N. Milwaukee, (208) 323-5373.  Jewelry classes are taught in the downstairs classroom.  (Across the street from Home Depot). 

February’s Classes are still available and range from $30.00 to $35.00 per person.  Two hour sessions are offered, and include; instruction, a field trip through the store, a ten minute break, and time for questions, plus you get a lovely handmade project to take home with you.

Like Swarovski Crystal elements, but don’t like the retail price?  Jo-Ann’s has lots of glass bead alternatives that come in the right sizes and look just as pretty in your finished piece.

This month as well as next, classes feature Swarovski Crystals elements in 6mm Bi-cone shaped beads.

Jewelry Basics is not required to take any of the project classes.  If you would like to try it without committing to an entire project, the 2-1/2 session includes, an overview of Tools and Techniques, a field trip through the store, and a completed project to take home at the end of class.  *Some tools are provided during class time.  We ask students arrive with two pairs of pliers and material to complete the class.  If you would like to wait until class time to purchase your project needs that is also fine.  We’ll even ring you up at the counter right next to the classroom.

Jewelry 101 – 2-1/2 hr. Session – $35.00 This class is offered every month.

These projects vary by month, but beginning, intermediate and advanced classes are offered every month.

February

Jewelry 102 – 2 hr. Session – $30.00 

Triple Twist Bracelet 

(Instructor’s Sample)

Jewelry 103 -  2 hr. Session – $30.00

Blue Belle Earrings and Ring Set. 

(This is my personal favorite this month).

Jewelry 201 – 2 hr. Session – $30.00

Crystal Fringe Pendant

March – April

Jewelry 101 – $35.00

Jewelry 102 – 2 hr. Session – $30.00

Crystal Ring Earrings

Jewlery 201 – 2 hr. Session – $30.00

Floating Crystal Wrap Bracelet (Illusion Jewelry).

All of the above classes are lead by Alixandra Browning, owner / designer of The Alchemists Vessel.  Class instructions and materials lists are provided by Spotted Canary School.

Don’t feel like taking any of the above the classes but would like something new, different and challenging?

May and June will be beginning Chainmaille and other Jewelry Projects given through Little Shop of Artists, meeting at Bella’s Grove, or Jo-Ann’s Upstairs Classroom.

All class materials and tools will be handed out prior to class.  Students are expected to come with an open mind, relaxed hands, and a desire to create.  Curious?  Sit in’s are always welcome, contact The Alchemists Vessel for details.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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