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.

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.

Read more here: http://events.idahostatesman.com/boise_id/events/show/296503045-boise-race-for-the-cure#storylink=cpy

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.

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.

Friday Fun ~ Let’s Talk Taurus

Good Morning,

Happy Friday!  Welcome to the weekend.  I think it’s time to have a little fun on the blog.

As many of you know when I first began the on line portion of the business, it was devoted to all things Birthday-ish, including zodiac signs, birthstones, charms, T-shirts.  Well I am disappointed to say that went over like a ton of bricks.  However many years later, and a lot wiser, we still offer those items, but have moved the focus of the business to jewelry that everybody can associate with, feel comfortable and beautiful in and wear with pride.

Let’s Talk Taurus

Taurus ~ April 19 ~ May 20 or April 21 to May 22 all depending on which book, Newspaper astrologist or other source you may read.  However the constants remain the same:

Taurus is the Celestial Winged Bull, and the second sign of the Zodiac.
Element is Earth
Planet is Venus
Stone is Emerald
Plant is Lily
Lucky Number is 6
Special Day – Friday

Taurus’ are ~ Artistic, loyal, loving, sensual, steadfast, determined, practical, patient and reliable.

The Glyph ~ 

The glyph represents the head and horns of a bull or the chin and the Adam’s apple (Throat) of a human. Symbolically it is a half-moon forming a cup that rests on the circle of the Sun.  It represents material power and wealth derived through the force of will.

Original Taurus Glyph, by Alixandra of The Alchemists Vessel

Birthstone Fun Facts 

May – Emerald, a beryl stone.

The Stone of Success and Love

Physical Description: A deep to light green translucent stone,

Metaphysical Properties:  Traditionally used to enhance memory

Alternatives:

Malachite: A Deep Forest Green Color

Malachite Earrings

  

Its bright green color mimics the moors and reminds one of outdoors, hills, trees, and grass.

Metaphysical Properties:  Promotes harmony and emotional balance, and reduces stress.

Interesting Fact: Used as a pigment for paint until about 1800. Malachite has been mined for about 3,000 years at Timna in Israel, also called “King Solomon’s Mines”.

Mythology: 

Zeus, the father of the Greek gods fell in love with Europa, the Phoenician princess. She was always guarded by her father’s soldiers. Zeus transformed himself into a beautiful white bull with a pair of golden horns and wandered towards her while she was plucking flowers in her garden.  (The cad!)

Europa was mesmerized by the beauty of the white bull and made him her pet. They became instant friends. One day, Europa climbed onto the back of the white bull, who making use of the opportunity, carried her away to Crete. After reaching Crete, Zeus revealed himself and later married her. According to Greek mythology, Zeus as a white bull represents the constellation Taurus.

Aventurine (Green), A Crystal.

 

Often miss-pronounced or miss-spelled “Adventurine”, this beautiful crystal ranges in colors from yellow to deep green and maybe transparent or opaque.

Metaphysical Properties: Inspires joy, a positive attitude and mental clarity.

Interesting Fact: The name Aventurine is derived from the Italian ‘ventura’, meaning “a mistake”. In the 18th a speckled glass was created by accident in Venice. The stone was named for this glass due to its appearance. Sometimes mistakenly referred to as “Indian Jade”.

Famous Taurus:
Anne-Margret
Fred Astaire
Johannes Brahams
Catherine the Great
Charolette Bronte
Cher
George Clooney
Sigmund Freud
Ulysses S. Grant

Adolf Hitler
Jim Jones
Liberace
George Lucas
Karl Marx
Meatwad
Golda Meir
Ho Chi Mihn
Vladmir Nabokov
Willie Nelson
Al Pacino
Eva Peron
Robespierre
William Shakespeare
Harry S. Truman
Rudolph Valentino

Orson Wells

We have items in the shops geared toward the Taurus, like these:

Malachite and Azurite Genuine Gemstone Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings

Genuine Malachite with gorgeous Azurite inclusions. Azurite is a beautiful blue stone, although too soft for jewelery-making on its own, it does appear on occasion in malachite, creating a lovely speckled appearance across the stones surface. Used here to created these absolutely stunning and unique pair of Sterling Silver Gemstone Earrings.

Beautiful deep green genuine Malachite beads hang in a lovely chevron pattern from Sterling Silver Hoops. Perfect for Boho fashions, hipster, rockers and a terrific accent for Office attire. About 2″ long.

Sterling Silver fully soldered hoops and genuine Malachite with Azurite inclusions beads with Sterling silver findings and accents beads. Suspended from Sterling Silver Fish Hook ear wires.

Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.

*Limited availability! Once these beauties are gone, they are gone!
 Perfect for May Birthdays!
 

Poet Chainmaille Bracelet

 

Gorgeous green, fresh and fun to wear. The stunning chainmaille bracelet is a colorful piece and 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 is made in this year’s must have fashion color. 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. 

These charms were purchased at Silver Enchantments of Arizona, and are used in a number of jewelry pieces from earrings to charm bracelets they may be sold in sets or individually to add to your already existing pieces.  They are tiny!  Sterling Silver, and the back is even stamped 925.  Custom creations are available.

 

We have all twelve Zodiac signs available.  The original graphic (and 11others) was available on Cafe Press, but having no store views and little interest, I have closed that shop.  Customized items are available. Please contact the shop with your requests.  All questions are answered and quotes are free.

You can find our shop at either of the sites below, or find the fan page on face book.  Did you know you can shop directly from the fan page?  You can.

 The Alchemists Vessel on
Etsy
Handmade Artists
Facebook, just click on the Etsy Showcase or Alchemists Vessel buttons under the cover photo on the page.
Official Site

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

*Various sources and books were used in the creation of this post.  No one source was found to be more accurate than an other, please keep in mind that the Zodiac is different for different cultures all over the world, and that information not only varies from culture to culture, but from author to author or whatever material one may use as resource or research. 

Yankee Burrow Creations – Featured Artist

Good Morning,

Today I would like to re-introduce you to a wonderful artist and friend from the Handmade Artists site, Debbi of Yankee Burrow Creations. Debbi dabbles in a little bit of everything, from crochet to jewelry,  prints to paper quilling, there is a lot to see at the shop.  One busy lady, she keeps a blog, where she not only shows off her own lovely wares, but tells stories, has videos and belongs to several Blog Rings or Hops in which she participates.  You may find her blog badge on the menu bar to the left.  She maintains shops and sites on the web, has adopted and foster children, enjoys playing with her grandson, and on occasion will give us a peek into her life outside the studio. 

In our hurried hustle and bustle life-styles we forget to take the time to enjoy the finer things that come to us in simple forms; laughter, time spent with loved ones, or just sitting and reflecting.  Yankee Burrow Creations has not forgotten that, and their creations for home, hearth or person are made with love, attention to detail, and range from the cute and useful item, to the modern-must-have accessory.

These bears are one of my very favorite items in the shop.  I love the intent behind them, and they can be so many things for so many people.  They would be great for a Big Sister or Brother awaiting the arrival of a new sibling, one bear for them and a bear to give the new baby.  They also make great comfort items in times of stress or strife, grab a bear and things will be better.

big sister teddy bear duo white and red

Product Details:
these big sister teddy bears celebrate the love between sisters.  The big sister bear is white and measures 9 1/2″ tall, and little sister bear is red and measures only 9″ tall.  The eyes and noses of both bears are sewn on, and they sport matching but co-ordinating scarfs with bright yellow trim.  These would be a nice gift for your sister, big or small.  You can read the full story behind these bears here on my blog, http://www.yankeeburrowcreations.com/2013/03/celebrate-your-sisters.html
~created by Debbi~

How pretty is this? Each shell has been attached by hand.  That took some patience,  and what a beautiful piece she has created.  Fun and livley, this would be perfect for that Sundress with strappy sandals or for that weekend get away at the beach.  This would make a super Mother’s Day gift, that is coming up, you know.  I bet it makes a fabulous soft jingly sound when worn.  Kinetic jewelry, I love it!

bracelet with multicolored shells on a double silver plated chain 

Product Details:
 I created this bracelet by individually attaching each shell piece, by hand, along this double looped silver plated chain.  Very durable, yet still feels light on your wrist, this is a colorful way to dress up for the beach.  This bracelet measures 7″ long and uses a silver-plated swivel lobster claw.  The swivel claw makes it easy to put on, and take off.
~created by Debbi~

You know I can not let May roll by without including cows.  I like this print a lot and what could be more appropriate for a Country Den or a Big City Office.

original artists print of cows on the farm

Product Details:
This print is from an original graphite drawing by Carolyn Valcourt and is titled “Art got milk cow”.  How calm you’ll feel every time you look at it.  This 8.5″ x 11″ print will be shipped to your home FREE for your immediate enjoyment.

Wedding Season is coming up and why not make yours extra special with these gorgeous hand quilled Memory Frames.  The art of quilling amazes me, it must take serious time, patience and concentration, it is well worth he effort in the end.  This is beautiful.

 quilled doves and flowers picture border

Product Details:
Show off your wedding invitation or photograph with this quilled border, full of doves, flowers, and swirls.  Then every time you look at it, you will be reminded of the joy you felt on that special day.  The mat is 8×10 with the inside opening of 5×7.  Including the frame, the overall dimensions are 9×11.
~created by Debbi~

Here is a lovely piece of home decor.  Original and full of color, that butterfly looks like it might take flight at any minute.

wood cross textured burgundy with metallic butterfly

Product Details:
I painted this wooden cross burgundy and the textured the front with shades of reds and pinks, then added some metallic butterflies for a touch of new life.  Hang this 9″ x 5.5″ cross anywhere you want to share your faith.
~created by Debbi~

 Did I mention that Debbi also works with her daughter Amanda, who created the banner at the top of the page as well as other graphics for various things.  Aren’t they lovely.

You may find, follow and be fascinated at any of the links below.

Blog: Yankee Burrow Creations
Shop: Yankee Burrow Creations ~ Handmade Artists Site
About.me Page: Yankee Burrow Creations
Twitter: yankeeburrow
Facebook: Yankee Burrow Creations
Pinterest: Yankee Burrow Creations
Flickr: Yankee Burrow Creations

In hope you have enjoyed the very brief look into this talented, and clever artist.  There is so much more to see and find at the sites above, take a moment to see what else she has in her shop, on the sites, or just peruse the photo gallery.  Perhaps there is something for you.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read. 

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

A Clean Well Lighted Place To Work

Good Morning,

Monday is here, and I for one am rather excited about starting the work week.

This blog has discussed tools, uses and care of, as well as a number of things related to the Studio in general.  Today I thought it would be fun to show off the “workbench”.

Not so much a workbench as it is a large, long table, but it will suffice for the meantime.  I spent the weekend cleaning and organizing the Studio, it still has a long way to go but at least the work area is clean and inviting.  Come, sit and create something, it beckons.

It is important to have a clutter free work area, in the photo below you can see the work space, a large space for equipment (currently a  note book resides in the spot), along with hammers, torches, Dremel tool, mandrels, other tools, and a small rack of incidentals (files, striker, gloves and other things) hangs on the wall within easy reach.  A positionable light with a magnifying lens is attached to one edge of the table, it may be pulled down for small work, or lifted up and out of way as you see here, it is also an excellent extra light source.  The windows and overhead light come from behind me, casting shadows across the table, which is not only bad for my eyesight, but it makes it difficult to see what I am actually working on.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Readers from everywhere,
Welcome to The Alchemists Vessel.  That’s it, right there.  No longer do I reside in the Great Room at the dining-room table, no more do I fret over spills, wax, fire (OK, maybe a little bit) and other things that may mar or damage a surface.  This table, that chair, is my Studio.  Kind of not what you thought, huh.  Yes, there is a whole room attached to the table and chair, don’t you worry, and more equipment lies about the area within a step or two away.  The “heavy machinery” is out in the garage.

It is important to be sure that you not only have enough light, but that you have enough space to work on your items.  Of course things should be within reach, but out of the way of the immediate area in which you are working.  It is also a nice idea to have extra space tools and / or equipment you may need for working on a project.  Here things are rather compact.  The crock pot, for example, plugs into the outlet provided on the lamp’s base, (not visible in photo). Not only is this convenient, it is also within easy reach, as the pot does not have an On/Off switch, it can be unplugged immediately when not in use or switched off with the lamp’s power toggle.

I think this is the first time any of you will get to see a piece of my art that hangs in the studio.  Although not quite completed, I had to get it out of the way, and the wall already had a nail in it, so why not just hang the thing.  I don’t paint well,  but I do enjoy dabbling on occasion.

A front view of the bench, here it is easier to see how it all comes together as a functioning workbench.  These photos were actually taken with my cellphone, because once again my camera has eaten 
the batteries.

This is where the magic happens.

The bench is currently set up for a Super Secret Project!  The plastic bag you see contains materials that if left out in the open one will oxidize and the other will harden to an unusable state.   As you read this, I sit in that chair, at that table, and am more than likely soldering something.  

This lovely item is an actual Bench Jewelers bench, each compartment and drawer are actually made to accommodate specific items.  The drawer in front, unlike a desk, is called a “catch drawer” it is used to catch the metal dust from sheet metal when sawing or cutting or piercing the piece.

From Gesswein this little beauty is solid wood and has a number of amenities, bench pin, catch drawer and ring mandrel holder.  For $315.00 this is a very nice piece of equipment, not a necessary one, but a nice one.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

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

Guinevere Chainmaille Necklace New Item

Good Morning,

Monday is here, the work week is ahead, and there are five days to get it all right.  Due to a personal situation the blog will be short and not very detailed for these next couple of weeks.  Sometimes you get so busy taking care of business that you forget to take care of yourself, and that can cause down time for the artist.

This morning’s item is very pretty and rather neat.   Available on Etsy: Guinevere.

The chain is woven in two patterns Round and Inverted Round Maille weaves.  Genuine Australian Green Jasper beads are secreted in the chain and accent the main focal point of the necklace.  Silver Rings are also tucked here and there to add stability and another design element the piece.

Most Maille pieces will lay flat, this one has some dimension to it, as the Round Maille weave actually “stands-up” when the piece is worn, giving it a unique and very pretty lace-like look.

Detail can be seen here, a Green Jasper bead has been tucked inside the chain, just a couple of links below are silver rings, captured in the weave.

Detail of focal point, the genuine Jasper beads are a lovely greenish-blue with deeper green inclusions across the surface of the stone.  These are very pretty and may be mistaken for turquoise on occasion. 

 18-1/2″ total length, the piece rests just along the decolletage (decollete) making an attractive collar to jazz up that stuffy Professional Office attire or a dazzling accessory for Date Night.  Also appropriate for period costumes, film, stage and event attire.

Customizable, may be made to desired length or with different beads.  There are two more versions on the workbench awaiting finishing touches, as well as to be photographed for listing and sale.

This piece is also on handmadeartists.com.  You may find it under the listing, Merry Go Round.
 
Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

   
 

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.  

 

 

How To – Create A Movie Using Picasa 3 Tutorial

Good Morning,

Last month there was a contest on the Handmade Artists Forum, aimed at making a Movie or a Video showcasing the site we all love and with which we hold buyer or shop accounts.

Because my iMac is not quite vintage but it is outdated, and I was, as were many others for various reasons, unable to compete in the contest.  My problem was simply a technical issue.  However; in hope that they may try the contest again, it might be helpful for those that don’t have Movie Maker (Windows) or just don’t like their iMovie program, they might want to try using Picasa.  Picasa is a free photo editing program on the web, if you have a blogger blog or a Google account of any kind you probably already have Picasa.

My version is Picasa 3 for Mac OSXs.  I am guessing that the program works more or less the same on either a MS or Apple based machine.

I should mention that Picasa is fairly limited to movie making.  Basically it is drag and drop photos to a new folder, click a button, let the program do it’s thing, add Title Cards (Slides) and add music.  A word of *caution about adding music.  Facebook WILL delete your video if you attempt to upload it to your page if you use an audio or music file.

How To Make a Movie using Picasa 3

1.  If you do not have Picasa you may click the link above to down load it.  It is free.

2.  Open your Picasa program on your desk top.  You do not have to be logged into the web.

3.  Click the + File Button at the top of the box. 

Follow the Prompts in the Dialog Box

1.  Enter a Name for your video
2.  Change the date or leave it as is.
3.  Choose to include music, click the box, if not leave blank.*
4.  Place:  I suggest using your business name.
5. Description: Anything you like.
6.  Click OK.

Your new folder will appear at the top of the program screen and will be empty.

Select the photos you would like to include in your movie.  Picasa should have all of your photos collected for you.  Choose from an existing file or upload fresh pictures if you like.

From a File:
1. Click on the photo you would like to add to the movie folder (file).
2.  Right Click on the picture to bring up the menu.

3.  Highlight Add to Album (as above).
4.  A selection of available folders will appear, select the one  you created for your movie.

NOTE:  The picture will be copied to the folder (file) you created for your movie and still remain in its original folder (file) as well.

5.  Continue to Add photos to your Album until you are satisfied.  *You may edit and add more pictures later.

All done?  OK.

Your folder will look something like this.

From the Menu at the top of the screen, click “Create Movie Presentation”.  It is the third button from the left.

Create Movie Presentation Button

You will be whisked off to a screen that looks something like this.

You are in the Movie Maker Tab
The First Tab in this window is Movie
This first box is where you may choose your options for music (sync with photos).
Transition Style (What the pictures do when the movie is played , fade, dissolve, etc).
Dimensions – Full Screen or an actual dimension may be chosen. 
*I chose 800 x 600 so the photos would not automatically crop to odd views in Full Screen).

The Second Tab in this window is Slide.

This is where you may change the text of the Title Slide (this is the first picture in your movie).
1. You may choose fonts, and varying styles.
2. You may also change the style of you slide’s template as well as the wording.
3. Type your changes in the box on the left, they will appear on the slide to the right.  Double check your spelling.
4. You may also add more slides by clicking on the icon that looks like a rectangle with lines in it. (See photo).
The photos and slides you have placed in your movie can be seen in the “tray” below the main screen. (See photo above).

Almost there!

The third tab in this window is Clips
If you would like add photos you may do so here.

 1.  To add photos click Get More.

It is the way you want it?

Great.

Return to the Movie tab.

1.  Click “Create Movie”.

The movie will take a while to download (mine took about five minutes or less).

The movie will begin when processing is complete.
After the movie ends, if you would like to make any changes it will give you an opportunity to Edit the movie. 
You may also return to the Clips page and remove photos after the movie has been processed.
Select individual photos to be removed.
*Remember each edit will take another five or so minutes to process your changes.

After you are satisfied with you film, it will be saved to Picasa under the folder “Movies” (mine was any way)

Before closing out the window, if you would like you may watch the movie again or select the YouTube button and upload the movie to your account.

The finished product can look something like this.

In hope that you have enjoyed the tutorial and that inspiration may strike for your own video, or that you might give it if try, just for fun.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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