Promotion – TVFM March Market

Good Morning,

I am out of stuff to talk about this week.  So in lieu of a real topic, let’s take a look at the Treasure Valley Flea Market.

I have not attended the show since November of 2012, as a vendor, nor have I returned as a shopper, but sometimes life is a four letter word that gets in the way of what you would like to do.

This weekend is, once again, The Treasure Valley Flea Market, hosted by Spectra Productions, and held at Expo Idaho, on Glenwood at Hawk’s Stadium.

There are vendors of all kinds, Crafts, Garage Goodies, Nick-Knacks and local businesses from Cell Phone Accessories to Home-baked Doggie Treats.

Stop by and have a look see.

5610 Chinden Blvd.

Garden City, ID

Admission is $2.00 at the door.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Five Great Gift Ideas 1 of 3

Good Morning,

Did you know there are only three more Tuesdays until Christmas, besides today, I mean.  Let’s don those jingle bells, hop in the sleigh and do a little shopping. 

First up a new participant Harem Design , with a special Free Shipping Offer until December 31.  Also offering Multiple and Wholesale discounts.
  

Handmade Crochet Cotton Lace Collar, necklace – White- Woman Accessories – White Color – Woman Applique – OOAK

Gorgeous Handmade Crochet Cotton Lace Collar, necklace.
Sports or classic, dressed use.

Night or day, sports or classic clothing used in concert spectacular.

One and only..!
Very elegant and very sophisticated ..
This collar is one of a kind..

Use creativity and imagination have been totally.
Collar, necklace of your dreams.

Evening if you want your clothes, or sports on the use of a blouse.
There is a long chain at the back and a solid locking mechanism.

..PICTURED ITEM IS READY TO SHIP… ( The package will come to you within 20-25 days.)
Delivery times may vary, especially during peak periods (as christmas, as valentines day…)

PS. Metal chain and lace, away from moisture / water and perfume.
Water, moisture and perfume has damage to the product.

 From: Emily Andrews

Green Hippo T-Shirt (hand painted)

“Invisible Hippo”
Hand painted original hippo design with text reading “Why can’t we all just get along?” on a green preshrunk 100% cotton t-shirt. This shirt is a boys large but is suitable for anyone who fits into it!

Measurements:
Width: 18”
Length: 21.5”

All of my shirts are hand painted, featuring original artwork and created with love. They are mostly made using hand crafted stencils, not silkscreens. Other colour schemes and sizes are available for every design upon request. Custom designs are also available.
Iron on reverse.
Wash inside out.

From:  Sue’s Arts 

Shema cameo necklace, Chai necklace, Hebrew charm necklace, Hebrew prayer necklace, Chai for life necklace

SOLD SEPARATELY:

CHAI or SHEMA

Beautiful and unique necklace created on glass with silver chain.

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

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

Suzan ♥

From: The Alchemists Vessel

November Swarovski Crystal and Silver Plated Necklace

This lovely necklace is a beautiful alternative to genuine topaz, November’s Birthstone. The silver plated metal circle shines and reflects the image of the crystal in its surface. An eye catching and stunning pendant.

18″ long, chain is silver plated, silver plated metal disk has a soldered bail. The Crystal hangs from a silver plated jump ring and its mirror image shines behind it in the highly polished disk.

Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.

These are so cute, I just have to post both of them.  Give this gals shop a look-see, she is very talented, her items range from whimsical characters to beautiful fine art glass wear.  And the best of all, they are on sale!

From: I Paint It Pretty

Jolly Snowman Holiday Gift Bag/ Ornament/ Decoration/ Keepsake

❘❘❙❙❚❚ ON SALE ❚❚❙❙❘❘

This is a hand painted and decorated gift bag/ gift card holder/ ornament/ keepsake. The pine bag is painted a bright holiday green with twinkling snowlakes. On the front the cute snowman is all smiles, adding to the holiday cheer. The bag is decorated with three glittering sprigs of holly. There is a touch of glitter on the snowman so he twinkles in the light. This gift bag is a great way to present a gift card or small gift or perhaps for jewelry. The box can also be displayed as an ornament or even hung on the tree. Let someone know how special they are when you give them this permanent memento along with a gift. Or treat yoursef to a decoration you’ll enjoy for years.
5 1/2 in x 4 in x 2 in

I used acrylic paint to paint the gift bag. After curing for 48 hours I added three coats of varnish. I painted the snowflakes with glitter and then glued them to the bag. *Additional ornaments are for display only.

Great effort has gone into accurately describing and photographing products, but please note color representation alters depending on individual screen settings.
Packaged with lots of care and love and will ship 1-2 days after payment is received.

Happy Snowmen Holiday Gift Bag/ Ornament/ Decoration/ Keepsake

❘❘❙❙❚❚ ON SALE ❚❚❙❙❘❘

This is a hand painted gift bag/ gift card holder/ ornament/ keepsake. The pine bag is painted a bright holiday red. On the front Mr. and Mrs. Snowman are all smiles, making this a delightful holiday scene. The bag is decorated with three glittering snowflakes. There is a touch of glitter on the snow couple so they twinkle in the light. This gift bag is a great way to present a gift card or small gift or perhaps for jewelry. The box can also be displayed as an ornament or even hung on the tree. Let someone know how special they are when you give them this permanent memento along with a gift. Or treat yoursef to a decoration you’ll enjoy for years.
5 1/2 in x 4 in x 2 in

I used acrylic paint to paint the gift bag. After curing for 48 hours I added three coats of varnish. I painted the snowflakes with glitter and then glued them to the bag. *Additional ornaments are for display only.

Great effort has gone into accurately describing and photographing products, but please note color representation alters depending on individual screen settings.
Packaged with lots of care and love and will ship 1-2 days after payment is received

 Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

 

 

Links, Promotions, Flea Market and Sale

Good Morning,

Today’s blog is super short because I have to pack and prepare for set-up at the Market today.

The Treasure Valley Flea Market is this weekend, and unless you live under a rock, you are aware that it is also the last Market of the 2012, and the last one before the Holidays start in earnest.

Can’t make the Market?  You can always find us on the web.

The Alchemists Vessel on handmadeartists.com
The Alchemists Vessel official Website

I know Etsy is very popular, however with all that is going on with the site, I am debating shutting down the shop.  There are several factors and a final decision has not been made, but I encourage you to see what handmadeartists.com has to offer, and not just my shop.  There are a lot of talented and fabulous artists, and everything is hand made.  Paintings, Hand-bound Books, Sculpture, Mosaics, Fabric Craft (Knitting, Crochet, etc), the list goes on.  Buyer accounts are always free, and a unique gift is better than mass-produced crap from China.  

SALE:  In light of that there is a sale on at The Alchemists Vessel on Etsy.  Many of the prices in the shop have been reduced and when you enter the coupon code: HOLIDAY10 at check out, you will receive an additional 10% off your total purchase.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

Featured Artist – Chic Xpressions on Etsy

Good Morning,

Today, like every Thursday, it is my pleasure to showcase a new shop artisan on Etsy, Chic Xpressions.

Custom jewelry that compliments your style

She has three items to share with you this morning.  She also offers customization from lengthening or shortening a chain to changing Fish Hook ear-wires to a  Clip-on style, in case your ears are not pierced, for her jewelry designs.

Wood Beaded Statement Bib Necklace OOK

Description: SALE- 30% off for a limited time only. Use coupon code: 30FORFALL

This wood beaded statement bib necklace was designed with love and handcrafted with care by me for you. Feel free to browse around my other listings for a variety of beautiful earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Thank you for visiting my Jewelry Shop for those unique, one of a kind pieces!!

**If you absolutely love this statement bib necklace but are not ready to purchase, click the heart button to add it to your favorites.

Green, Bronze and Tan Earth tone Beaded Dangle Earrings

Description: SALE- 30% off for a limited time only. Use coupon code: 30FORFALL

These green, bronze, and tan earth tone beaded dangle earrings with heart lockets were designed with love and handcrafted with care by me for you. Feel free to browse around my other listings for a variety of beautiful earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Thank you for visiting my Jewelry Shop!!

**If you absolutely love these earth tone dangle earrings but are not
ready to purchase, click the heart button to add it to your favorites.

Gold Chain and Rust Color Dangle Earrings

 

Description:  SALE- 30% off for a limited time only. Use coupon code: 30FORFALLThese gold chain and rust color dangle earrings were designed with love and handcrafted with care by me for you. Feel free to browse around my other listings for a variety of beautiful earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Thank you for visiting my Jewelry Shop!!

**If you absolutely love these dangle chain earrings but are not ready to purchase, click the heart button to add it to your favorites.

  
What Nicole says:
Bio:
I love to design and make unique pieces of jewelry. Some of the pieces are on trend while some are classy and timeless. I take pride in my designs and offer them at reasonable prices that won’t break your budget. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings are all here and readily available. There’s a piece of jewelry for everyone, including you.

You can also find her on Facebook: Chic Xpressions Online

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

Friday – Events, Promotions and a Cage Match

 

Good Morning,

Friday arrives with a definite chill in the air, and is cold in the office this morning.

I have been working in several things this week as well as preparing for the Flea Market.

Cage Match – Coif Caged Genuine Rose Quartz Heart shaped gemstone. Using the European 4-in-1 Weave, a cage is created for things to placed into and then closed, ensnaring the object within.

The twist tie is still attached, as I do not know how I want to complete the piece.  It hasn’t told me what it wants to be yet, pendant, key-chain, thingamabob.

After creating a rectangular length of chain, the opposite sides are brought together and connected at one edge creating a tube of sorts.  The top or bottom edge is tapered and closed with additional jump rings.

The bottom of the piece is closed tightly, and the rest of the cage spreads across the surface of the stone, the top of the cage is closed as the bottom and stretches over and across the stone creating a bail to hang the object from a cord or chain.

As soon as I decide on an appropriate something to hang it from it will be listed in the shop.  Time to cage more rocks!

There are two Markets to shop this October so lets get the information out there.

This weekend is the Treasure Valley Flea Market.  You know the drill! 
Expo Idaho, at The Fairgrounds
5610 Chinden Blvd
Garden City, ID
Admission is $2.00
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 
Also going on in Boise is a real Halloween treat.  Bella’s Grove is hosting The Second Annual Witches Market, Sunday, October 14th, 2012.  2210 S. Broadway, Suite 102, Boise, ID.  Spooky fun for everyone!

Hostess, Shelly Moody of Green Witch Designs describes the event:

“This will be our second Annual Witches Market. We will have vendors and goodies and all kinds of great stuff. Join us in merrymaking and frivolity and take the opportunity to support your community and get a jump on your Yule shopping! We will have vendors selling custom leather work, incense, jewelry, terrariums, and other odd bits and pieces. We will have Tarot Readers, and a palm reader as well.”

We hope you will take the time to mark these events on your calendar and stop by and see some of the wonderful, unique Handmade items as well as other offerings from around the Treasure Valley, a Scentsy Representative will be attending the Witches Market, as well.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look, the Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant weekend. 

 

New Flower Bracelets in the Shop

 

Good Morning,

Happy October 1st, everyone.  Monday is here, so is Fall, and it is cold in here in this morning!

This weekend the Treasure Valley Flea Market is happening, and then once more, November 10th and 11th.  These will be the last shows I am attending this year.  We have on-going specials and sales this market.  Come on down, say Hello, or shop some of the vendors.

This morning’s new item is a very pretty and feminine Chainmaille bracelet.  Earrings to match can be made or found in the shop.  The Japanese 4-in-1 or  6-in-1 weaves use a ratio of large to small rings to create unique and interesting patterns, zig zags, flat sheets, and round objects can be formed using this weave.

These flowers are the size of a quarter, light weight and fun to wear.  Single flowers make an earring, and when linked together, a consistent chain.

This piece is two tone, one side is Silver the other Gunmetal tone rings, and alternating silver and gunmetal joining rings

The opposite side of the bracelet,  may be worn Silver side up or down for different looks.

Five flowers and a toggle clasp create this 7-1/4″ bracelet.  These may be made to desired length, using a variety of metals for single or two tone / double sided bracelets.  Precious metals are available per customer request.

When worn it creates an attractive band. (Ignore my arm).

Currently available in the Shop for $25.00 each.  We will be adding more of them as soon as I take photos and list them.  Don’t want to wait?  Convo the shop on the site and tell us what you’d like, we’ll set up a special listing just for you!

On a personal note, I think I need to go back to using the grey background.  The photos just are not translating well, my apologies.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

Monday Market Review

Good Morning,

Happy Monday to you all.

This past weekend was the Treasure Valley Flea Market.  A fun diversion in the middle of a hot summer afternoon.

The show was packed with people and goodies to be had, from Jewelry to Toys, and an Antique or two.

Happy Shoppers in the booth next door, poured over vintage Ray Bans and Handmade Jewelry.  The Market had a ton of things to look at.  In the center building this year, there was more space for more folks!

The booth looked good this year with cloth “walls”, the curtain served as a nice backdrop for the booth.

I am happy to say that a lot of what you see on the table was sold, as well as two of my favorite pieces of Chainmaille.  Back to the workbench for me!

Fun was had by all.  I usually say that these things are really a social gathering for the vendors, but I think even the shoppers really enjoyed this event.

When I returned home Saturday evening, tired and exhausted from the day, we had a little rain and the neighborhood was treated to a natural display of beauty.  A double rainbow arched over my neighbors house.  My camera can not do it justice.  As the sun came out the rainbow faded, I stood at the backdoor and took a couple of photos in the rain.  This is the second one I have seen since I have lived in the neighborhood.  Nature is a grand and wonderful thing.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

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

Friday Links and Promotions

Good Morning,

Happy Friday, the 13th!  One of my favorite days!  It is mighty hectic around the shop today as we pack and prepare for a fun and exciting event at Expo Idaho. 

This weekend, July, 14th and 15th the Treasure Valley Flea Market (Admission $2.00) is being held in conjunction with the Northwest Motorfest Auto Show.  I am sorry to say that there is not a lot of on line information about this event.  Main show will be held in the grass area of the Fair Grounds (Expo Idaho), admission is $7.00.  If you are interested in checking out the 2012 Capital City Cruise, it has moved to Meridian, details may be found by following the link.  (Route Map included)

The Alchemists Vessel will be a vendor at the indoor Market.  Come on down and escape the heat.  It’s going to be 103 degrees in the lovely City of Trees this weekend! 

Food, fun, cars and you can find your something, too!

See you there!

Also ONE DAY ONLY!  $20.00 Tattoos at Skin Deceptions here in Boise, Idaho.   Stop in and see Devon, Travis, or one of the guys.  4500 Overland Road, Boise Id 83705.  Professional, fun and friendly!  Piercings also available!

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

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

Flea Marekt

Hello,

There will be no blog post tomorrow The Alchemists Vessel is once again attending the Treasure Valley Flea Market.

Admission is $2.00

5610 Chinden Blvd., Garden City, ID

Expo Idaho Building

April 14th and 15th,

Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m

We hope to see you there.

Set up for these monthly market occurs one day prior to the show, packing and setting up will keep me busy most of the day and I try to leave the day open for those little things that may arise.

Thank you for stopping by and have a look.

The Truth About Selling On Line

Good Monday Morning to you all.

I have had several conversations with people over the weekend about on line shops, new careers, the failing economy, and what we as entrepreneurial individuals can do to supplement the income or make ends meet.  A lot of people now turn to the internet for this and think that because one shop is doing well, so will they.

I do not wish to discourage or dash the hopes the those just venturing forth, I think many believe that they will open an On Line Store or Shop of their own through one of the venues, and that the money will just come rolling in.  

No.

Like any business it is A LOT of hard work, time and effort on the part of you, the seller.  There is merchandise and merchandising, most sellers have items or an inventory available for sale before they “open” their shops.  Merchandise is the items you make, merchandising is keeping those items you make yours and “branding” them specifically for you shop.  No, I don’t mean get out the Branding Iron and start marking things with your initials, I mean learning and recognizing what makes your items unique and different from an others.  Do you use specific items, colors, natural or man made materials?  What makes your items special, desirable, wearable, printable, buy-able?

Then there is marketing.  How do people find you?  Do they know you exist?  Where are you located?  How do you accept payment?  How do you drive customers to your shop or site?  Do you have a physical address or venue where people can shop with you?  How do you increase traffic to your shop or site?  How do you get people to buy things?  Why should a shopper buy your item instead of purchasing from someone else?  All that has to come from your brain to the page or site.

Advertising is how people find you, and it is expensive.  Whether on the web or elsewhere, advertising is key.  It is also important to let people know you have opened a shop and have things for sale.  Social Networking is great for this, but can only take you so far.

Currently Facebook and Etsy rule the on line world.  There are something like 1,265,543 shops on Etsy, I saw this number some time ago, and can not find it again.  This venue connects sellers and shoppers WORLD WIDE, and it continues to grow daily!  That’s a lot of competition.  How does one stand out in a sea of people?  That is an individual trick I have yet to learn.

Facebook has lots of widgets to get your shop or site connected to a fan page via their site.  Etsy also has several free widgets by third party developers that can help promote you shop on blogs, Facebook, Google Plus, and your own site.  Of course the work is up to you, finding these things, getting the links and connecting it all falls to the Shop Owner, no one will do it for you.

Wow, Alix, that’s a lot of work.  When do you find time to actually make anything?  Scheduling my time has always been something I have always done well.  I find a groove with a flow, and I stick with it.  One has to discipline themselves.  Yes, I’d love to go play in the park, but I have to finish this first!  Diligence is just a quarter of the battle!

The reality of The Alchemists Vessel

On average, I make about two (2) sales a month from Etsy, and nothing from any of the the other sites I use or have a presence on.  THAT SUCKS!  Because I have other ways to supplement the income, I can live with that, but in reality that is terrible!  I should be making two or more sales a day!  How does one accomplish that with hundreds of thousands of other jewelry makers vying for those same shoppers dollars?  I haven’t the foggiest idea.

Below is a list of what I do to keep up my skills, my traffic flow, customer base and new items when I have them.

Currently enrolled in Jewelry Design and Repair Classes: Certification for repair will be given after course completion.

Jo-Ann Fabrics, Contracted Instructor: Currently teaching Jo-Ann’s Brochure Projects

Treasure Valley Flea Market:  This is a once a month venue open to the public, and it exactly what it sounds like an open market venue to hawk your wares.

Facebook

Etsy

Blogs

Google Plus

The Offical Website

Cafe Press

My Webees

Linkedin

Delicious Stacks

Pinterest

Wise Stamp (E-mail signatures)

Word of Mouth

Business Cards

Tutorial Videos on Youtube (once a month)

I think I have forgotten one or two, but that’s about it, and I do that every day!

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  In hope that discouragement is not the main theme of this post.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant week.