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. 

 
 

 

Six Great Gifts For Giving List 15 ~ Adult Content

Good Morning,

Tuesday is here and just a gentle reminder before we get to the gift ideas, Mother’s Day is May 12th, just one week from Sunday.

Yes, I know it is usually five, but some of these are just so adorable, that I can’t help but present two or more from each participating shop this week.

This is a new shop the the team and thread.  I love the name and the t-shirts are just too cute.  I think I need to buy a couple for myself.  As a note on the featured items below, Tee adn Sweat provides Size Charts for their tees, check out the shop / listing for size details.

From: Tee and Sweat

Hellvetica Helvetweetca Twitter tshirt Geeks , White and black Tshirt

### PRODUCT DETAIL ###

High Quality 100%Cotton , Standard Fit
Printed using high performance digital printing technology
Brand : Gildan, Anvil, Jerzees, Alstyle or Hanes
Turn the garment inside out before washing and drying
Use only cold water and low to medium dryer settings
Never worn, brand new and factory sealed (Sealed in plastic wrap).
Very Comfortable and Looks GREAT with a pair of Jeans.
Custom T-shirt Only (Not an original T-shirt).
Mention your size in the payment note or send me a message

OK, all you Walking Dead fans, here is the shirt for you!  I don’t know who Daryl is,  but I certainly hope is larger enough for everybody to hide behind.

Walking Dead – Keep Calm and Hide beshind daryl , White , grey and Black Tshirt

### PRODUCT DETAIL ###

High Quality 100%Cotton , Standard Fit
Printed using high performance digital printing technology
Brand : Gildan, Anvil, Jerzees, Alstyle or Hanes
Turn the garment inside out before washing and drying
Use only cold water and low to medium dryer settings
Never worn, brand new and factory sealed (Sealed in plastic wrap).
Very Comfortable and Looks GREAT with a pair of Jeans.
Custom T-shirt Only (Not an original T-shirt).
Mention your size in the payment note or send me a message

I love original art, and are these prints every original and whimsical.  They would great for any decor.

From: The Button Bird

Pirate Fish Print Illustration 8×10

Pirate fish print illustration 8×10″ titled “Merrily, Merrily.” Several fish gaze up at a beautiful night sky, drifting away..

The print measures 8×10″ and is made using archival paper and inks. Please note that computer monitors can shift colors and what you see on your screen might be a bit different color from the print you receive.

Watermark “Katie Cusack Fine Art” will be removed from your print.

Shipping: Prints will be placed in a plastic sleeve with supportive cardboard backing then sent in a padded mailer. Tracking is included with shipping cost.

All images copyright Katie Cusack

Animal Orchestra Print Illustration 10×8 Fantasy Art

“Animal Orchestra” print illustration fantasy art. Zoo animals play a symphony on stage, against a backdrop of red and purple.

The print measures 10×8″ and is made using archival paper and inks. Please note that computer monitors can shift colors and what you see on your screen might be a bit different color from the print you receive.

Watermark “Katie Cusack Fine Art” will be removed from your print.

Shipping: Prints will be placed in a plastic sleeve with supportive cardboard backing then sent in a padded mailer. Tracking is included with shipping cost.

All images copyright Katie Cusack 

*****************************************************

ADULT CONTENT

From Voluptuously Hip

Made to Order Panties- Sexy Panties-Custom Panties-OOAK Panties-Shown Here With Matching G36 Bra

Sexy Custom made panties
Shown here made with black lace with a pink velvet ruffle
Beautiful and sexy
Sure to please your man
These sexy panties can be made custom just for you
These panties are available in sizes xs-xxL
Matching custom made bras are also avaialble, shown here with matching bra in a G36 size
Many color options are available
msg me for more info 

  
Sexy Demi Cup Bra- Handmade Bras-Made to Order Bras

This Bra is so sexxxy!
This is a Demi cup Bra, It sits very nice and low on the breast, just above nipples. LOL
This bra will get you the sexy response you are looking for from your man!
Shown here in a G36 cup
This bra also feels great on, the stretch vinyl hugs you in comfort
Sizes available D32-HH48

Thank you for stopping in and doing a little gift shopping / looking.

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

In My Studio – Chain Maille and Beads

Currently I am working on several things, however I have been talking about learning a new weave, the Full Persian.  Much like the Box or Inca Puno Weave, as well as the Byzantine weave, the jump rings are grouped together, flipped, turned, and closed to create units, each unit forms a link, the links then form a chain.

The Full Persian begins with a Box weave, and additional jump rings are added to the unit to create a link that that consists of six rings, instead of four.  In the photos below a red bead marks where I have stopped the chain pattern.  I like the addition of the bead so much that I slightly opened already added jump rings to let me know where the other beads must go to complete the pattern.

Jump rings and pliers are all that is required to create and produce this very pretty and complicated-look chain.

 

I have also been tucked away at the Bench working on Brochure Projects for Jo-Ann Fabrics.  I now remember why I don’t bead.  If you have the knack and the talent CONGRATULATIONS! Tiny uncooperative things make my head hurt, needles prick my finger and the thread gets tangled up, but I suppose it’s not art if you’re not bleeding.  Diagrams and poorly written or confusing instructions don’t help either.  Just a personal observation on my crafting abilities.

Don’t laugh, it took me three days to figure out this pattern.  As an example of what I may be teaching and what kind of Advanced Jewelry Making Classes you can sign up for and learn by doing.  From Jo-Ann’s “Link -n- Bling” project.  6/0 Amethyst Czech Glass Seed Beads are woven flat in a Figure 8 or infinity symbol weave, rows are counted and the beads are then laced up along the length of the vertical edge and sewn together to form a Circular tube.  Since no one has signed up for this particular class, I do not have to finish the project.

With the Treasure Valley Market next week and then again in July, I suddenly find myself very busy, perhaps even over extended to the point of burnout.  This is not good.  What does one do when burnout begins?  One takes a  break, a respite, a walk in the woods, and then reorganizes and prioritizes and gets it done!  That being said, many of the irons I have in the fire are either just sitting due to lack of attention, or so red hot that they take up the majority of my time, leaving everything else behind to be caught up with later.  I will be paring down some of the things to better manage my time and the business.

Although I just opened and listed things on Cafe Press they want the shop owners to put a lot work into promoting the site instead of their shop, and  I have gotten ZERO response, so I will be closing that down.  The Official Website will be downgraded to little more than information and the shopping pages will be removed as customers seem to click through from the site to purchase items on Etsy instead of the direct “Buy” button.  

I have also started to attend classes to upgrade my skills.  A combination of Hands-On Training and Internet Reading Material and Examinations, I must carve out enough time to complete the course work, that means limiting or eliminating some of the other things that aren’t working or producing results in favor of study and class project time.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  We would like to wish you a pleasant rest of the week.

Five Great Gifts To Give: 3/20/12

Good Morning,

Today is the first day of Spring, and we have some a couple of really cute things from Etsy shops and a web find or three.

Magic by Leah 

Dutch Bunny Rabbit Sculpture in Polymer Clay by MagicByLeah

Description: Young Dutch Bunny Rabbit Sculpture Handmade in Polymer Clay

This Dutch Rabbit is a OOAK (one of a kind) Original Sculpture.
He is #2 in my 2012 collection ’30 Bunnies for Spring’

He is a realistic scale miniature sculpted on a 1:3 scale. He measures just over 3 inches in length

As with all my work this little guy is 100% handmade without any molds. He is sculpted from Premo Polymer Clay over a strong foil armature core. He is baked to manufacture directions and detailed with a mixture of Liquid Sculpey and Genesis Heat Set Paints

Lovebugwraps 

5 Beautiful Key Fobs/ Keychains/ Wristlets Ready to ship or custom orders welcome

 

Description:   

***Pay shipping on only 1 item! Buy 10 and it ships for 1!***

To see the full line of key fobs and pacifier clips available check out my shop at:

I have always loved these beautiful key fobs or key chains and now I make them to share my love for them with my customers. They are light weight so they don’t weigh down your keys and durable so they can take the beating in your purse. It makes a world of difference when you’re blindly trying to find your keys in your purse. They are big enough to slip on your wrist so you never fumble for your keys again.

 

The Alchemists Vessel

Phoenix – Silver Plate and Ruby Czech Glass Bead Bracelet

Description: This fiery bangle has bright, deep, shiny ruby red beads. Lined with silver for an extra spark inside the bead. Add a touch of color to an Office Suit, a fun accessory for a casual outing or heat up the little black dress with warmth around your wrist.

Would make an excellent July Birthday Gift.

Hand woven in silver plated jump rings with Ruby red silver line Czech glass beads.

This is kinda cool, and we can’t eave the boys out, at a $100.00, this is a steal of a deal and won’t they be happy terrorizing the family pets!
  
Rover App-Controlled Spy Tank with Night Vision

Whether following friends and family, navigating the office or investigating the activities of your dog, it’s all possible with this audio/visual-enabled and photo-taking Rover. Its built-in microphone transmits sound back to your device in real time. So you can hear everything as it’s being said. The manually adjustable camera streams live video and takes still photos. Giving you total access to see what’s going on in other rooms.

 n’ICE Cubes™Stainless Steel Drink Chillers

These cubes are the new ice. Because n’ICE Cubes™ will never melt and dilute your drinks. Simply place in the freezer for a few hours, then slip a handful into a glass and pour on your favorite potent potable, like a top-shelf single malt. In minutes, your drink is nicely chilled—and full strength. Afterwards, just rinse, dry and replace the stones in the freezer for next time.

Always ready to chill when you are.
n’ICE Cubes™ are made of stainless steel. Each measures approx. ¾” square with smoothed edges that won’t mar glasses. Available in sets of 3 or 6. Great for cooling down non-alcoholic drinks, too.

That’s all the ideas we have for today.  Those Stainless Steel Ice Cubs are cool!  Thank you for stopping by and taking a look, and Happy First Day of Spring to you!

Featured Artist – Alizey of Alizey Clothing

 Good Morning,

Today we are please to present the Featured Artist of the Week, Alizey of Alizey Clothing.  I love knitting, and she has some wonderful light airy and gorgeous things for spring.

She writes about herself:

Who I am:
- Wife
- Mother
- Psychologist
- Friend
- Dog lover

I’m absolutely crazy about knitting, I’m doing that since I remember myself, my grandmother taught me when I was a little girl, almost it was my hobby, but when I became a mother, everything changed, I start knitting all the time, than I find Etsy, and here I am all my creations are 100% handmade by me, I’m the author of every item, and I’m a model on every picture, so I’m 3 in 1

Here are some of her hand-knitted items for sale on Etsy.  The colors are lovely, and the clothing is very fashionable, some of the pieces would make great beach or warm weather wear, or a fabulous date night wrap!

  

Black One Shoulder Knit Cotton Kimono Blouse / OOAK Clothing / Gothic Lolita/ Summer Top /rusteam / tpt

Description: Black One Shoulder Knit Cotton Kimono Blouse / OOAK Clothing / Gothic Lolita / Summer Top

This item is 100% handknitted, it’s very soft and light

WEIGHT
less that 3,52 o.z. (100 gr)

MATERIAL
High quality italian cotton yarn

COLOR
Black

READY TO SHIP IN SIZE:

International: XS-S
chest : 32”-37” / 81-93cm

Red One Shoulder Knit Cotton Shirt / OOAK Clothing / Summer Knit Tank / Shirt / Woman Clotning / rusteam

Description: Red One Shoulder Knit Cotton Shirt / OOAK Clothing / Summer Knit Tank / Shirt / Woman clothing

This item is 100% handknitted, it’s very soft and light

WEIGHT
less that 5,2 o.z. (150 gr)

MATERIAL
High quality italian cotton yarn

COLOR
Red

READY TO SHIP IN SIZE:

International: XS-S
chest : 32”-37” / 81-93cm

This next one is a personal favorite, I love the colors!  Just gorgeous, scrumptious and sumptuous!  For a little light lacy wrap, I love this! 

Multicolor Cotton Hand Knit Kimono Sweater / OOAK Clothing / Summer Blouse / rusteam

Description: Multicolor Cotton Hand Knit Kimono Sweater / OOAK Clothing / Summer Blouse /rusteam

This item is 100% handknitted, it’s very soft and light

WEIGHT
less that 5,2 o.z. (150 gr)

MATERIAL
High quality italian cotton yarn

COLOR
Multicolor in orange beige and white tones

READY TO SHIP IN SIZE:

International: XS-S
chest : 32”-37” / 81-93cm

Green and White Knit Summer Tank / OOAK Clothing / Summer Shirt / Womans Clothing / rusteam

Description: Green and White Knit Cotton Summer Tank / OOAK Clothing / Summer Shirt / Womans Clothing

This item is 100% handknitted, it’s very soft and light

WEIGHT
less that 1,7 o.z. (50 gr)

MATERIAL
High quality italian cotton yarn

COLOR
Multicolor in green and white tones

READY TO SHIP IN SIZE:

International: XS-S
chest : 32”-37” / 81-93cm 

Light Blue Knit Cotton Beach Shawl / OOAK Clothing / rusteam

 Description: Light Blue Knit Cotton Beach Shawl / OOAK Beach Wear. 

This item is 100% handknitted, it’s very soft and light

WEIGHT
less that 1,7 o.z. (50 gr)

MATERIAL
High quality italian cotton yarn

COLOR
light blue

SIZE
length around the hip aprox. 38 ” (100 cm)

WASHING
Handwash in warm water
Dry flat

SHIPPING
This item is ready to ship in 2 business days after receiving a payment, by regular airmail with high priority class

You may also reach Alizey on Twitter, or e-mail and a direct link to her Shop is below.

You can find more creations here – www.etsy.com/shop/AlizeyClothing?ref=pr_shop_more
Follow me on Twitter – twitter.com/AlizeyClothing
Or email me – Alizey84@gmail.com

Featured Artist – Shelly Moody

Today’s Featured Artist is my personal friend Shelly Moody, Jewelry Designer, Photographer, Mother, not necessarily in that order.

Not only does Shelly live and work in Boise, she also has some of her Photography at Exposure, a Gallery here in town.  A woman of many talents, she knits, makes jewelry and knitting accessories, has a wonderful eye for composition, is clever and resourceful.  Many of her times are “Upcycled” (I like that word), recycled or re-purposed everyday items that she crafted into some unique and wonderful things.  She is one of the nicest people I know.  I pounced on her yesterday evening, “You’re the featured Artist for tomorrow.”  “OK”, she says.  Did I mention she is cooperative, too.

So without further ado, Here are several things she offers in her shop.  I’m not posting the Octopus Earrings, because they are MINE!  I mean I own them, so they are gone from her Etsy Shop.  You may navigate to her items by clicking on the title.

Dark Dragon Earrings

 

Colorful Blooms Magnet Set

 

 

Stitch Markers – Skulls (For knitting or Crochet)

Puzzle Piece Earring Set

 

I did not get permission to post some of Shelly’s Photographs, I will ask her if I might later and come back and add a couple.  If you are in Boise, and would like to check out some of her work in person, you can find them in:

Exposure

Location:
213 North 10th Street
Boise, ID 83702
(10th and Bannock)
Phone:
208.424.8158
Current Hours:
Mon – Fri:    10:00 am- 6:00 pm
Sat: 12:00 am- 4:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 pm- 2:00pm

The gallery is also for a good cause, an a.l.p.h.a. shop benefiting HIV and AIDS Awareness and Education.  They do have a website, but the link is not working.  If you are on Facebook, you can find them there as well.

Thank you for reading.  We would like to wish you a pleasant day. 

 

Thursday – New Features On Facebook

Good Morning,

Today instead of featuring an artist, I thought we would take a look at the new Facebook Time Line pages for Business, as well as a brief discussion about what happened to your Etsy Shop on the Facebook pages.

First let’s look at the new Header.  You can have a cover picture now.  I would suggest an item that you sell to show people what you do at a glance.  The old menu bar is gone and in its place are the boxes below the Cover Photo, you can select the application you would like to have appear here: Notes, Map, Events, etc.  This is also where your Etsy Theme Shop button can go, but we’ll talk about that in a minute.  The About section is also here, just like your personal profile time line.

The Administration tools have been parred down and can now be found by clicking Admin on the top right hand side of you Business pages.  The box will show a list of people who liked your  page, their activity on your page and “Insights”  a brief line graph that shows you the pages stats. Useless, unless you click the “See All” button, it will then take you to another page and give  you details.

One of the nicest things about the new Time Line Business pages is that customers / visitors can now leave you a message directly from your business page.

About Etsy and where your My Etsy App went.  As usual the powers that be have screwed things up pretty good.  Facebook and Etsy “retired” the My Etsy App in favor of NOTHING!  You can still share your new items on Facebook, but your shop will no longer be available directly.  You can promote Etsy’s “Theme Shops” with a button but not your own shop.  I am not interested in promoting Etsy, I am interesting in promoting  my shop and my items on the venue.  If you have an Etsy shop or are an Etsy customer you may want to have a look at the article by following the link below.  I am not the only one that is unhappy about this, it is a horrible idea.

From Etsy:

“Thanks for contacting. We have removed the My Etsy app from Facebook to support our more recent connectivity, which your shop is already set up for. You can read more about these changes in the forums: http://www.etsy.com/teams/7716/announcements/discuss/9837631/

If you’d still like to have your Etsy shop appear on your Facebook page, you’re more than welcome to download the App, Themes. You can download this third party app here: http://www.etsy.com/apps/555054982/etsy-theme-shop

I would like to  mention that this “Themes” button is NOT for your shop, it is an ugly third party button that takes you to Etsy and a “theme” dummy shop to show you what it looks like.  I repeat, this is a horrible idea.  I would very much like to have the My Etsy App back.

Thank you for stopping by and taking a look.  Have a pleasant day.

In My Studio – Jump Rings 101

Good Morning,

In an effort to keep things fresh, interesting, and entertaining we are going to try something new today. Upon the suggestion of a friend, I have created a 2:00 minute video on how to open and close a jump ring.  

A staple of all jewelry design and creation, at some point you’re going to have to open and close one.  Jump rings are circles of metal wire that have been cut at a specific place to create an “open” ring, the ends are brought together to “close” the ring.  Finishing techniques, like soldering, can seal the cut in the ring to keep it closed permanently.  They can be made in a variety of sizes and shapes including circles (most common), ovals, triangles, or squares, and are not limited to just metal.  Rubber O-rings, Glass, Neoprene, and Gemstone “Doughnuts”, as well as other materials can be found in may modern Chain Maille jewelry designs.A variety of jump rings in Aluminum, Gunmetal, Gold Tone Brass, 
Silver Plated, Copper, very small surfaced dyed copper, and silver plated copper jewelry wire.

 

For Maille, hand position and movement is very important, it helps to keep the piece from getting marred or work damaged and to keep the Mailler’s wrists healthy!  In the video below I attempt to show the correct or proper way to open a jump ring.

Adding a video should be free.  I will not pay to add video when every other blog allows this for FREE!  I do apologize for Greedy Media outlets.  If you would like to see the video please click through to my Facebook page or blogger blog.  Thank you.

Thank you for stopping by.  Please feel free to leave a comment, feedback is always welcome.

Featured Artist – Photographer, Stacey DeBono

I am pleased to present and introduce my personal friend, and fabulous Photographer, Stacey DeBono. 

Stacey has written a brief bio about herself and her work, I have grabbed several of my favorite pictures that capture her amazing and wonderful talent.  Not limited to landscape and nature scenes, she also takes Portraits, and is available for private sittings, public venues and other events.  Contact Stacey if you’re in the San Francisco, Bay Area.  Links to her professional pages may be found below.

BIO:

Photography. Its one of those “catch” words for me. I love it, every single aspect of it, especially vintage type stuff. Capturing images that convey emotion, any emotion, is my goal. I love shooting people (photographically, of course…although I do admit to some feelings of love for shooting people with Nerf guns at times) and capturing subtle nuances of emotion in a contrasting background, with a vintage flair.

I’m Stacey, and Im a City chick, through and through. I’ve lived and traveled extensively in Europe and California, but I always come back to the Bay. I shoot musicians, bands, and people but specialize in vintage portraits – ’40s Hollywood glamour, ’60s mod, ’70s hippie chick – I love it all.

I’m also working with a few film production companies as a director/dir. of photography and am finding that quite rewarding. I’m opening a new studio March 1 in Oakland where I will be not only creating more vintage portraits with great props, but will be working with some of the best stylists and musicians the Bay has to offer. Exciting things happening in 2012!

You can find Stacey at the links below:

Facebook

LinkedIn

Some of Stacey’s Work - 

Home!  San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge

Seagull!

Beach Glass along the Hayward, CA shore.

This is one of my personal favorites of Stacey’s shots.  It evokes emotion at a glance, subtle tones of black and white capture the lone, gnarled, and stately tree in a California park.  Simply stunning!

Five Great Gifts To Give

It’s Tuesday, and that means we have Five (5) Great Gift ideas for you!  We are pleased to bring you two new Etsy shops, a returning shop and an odd or end here and there.  These gift ideas range from jewelry to Children’s Room Decor (and is it ever cute).  

One of the new shops is Lucky Stars Hawaii, with these very cute Devoted 2 U Heart (Swarovski Elements Series) Earring w/Pink Swarovski 8 mm Pearl dangling from Heart Chain – Sterling Silver, are available in the shop now!

 Description: Total length of this adorable earring is about 2 1/4 inches. The Swarovski Devoted 2 U Heart is a stylishly asymmetrical version of the classic shape. All components are sterling silver.

(Blogger’s Note:  Valentine’s Day may be over, but don’t forget, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Graduations, or just to say I love you!  These cuties will do the trick!)

Next, another new shop, ThumbAlina Lane with this wonderful Alphabet Animal Silhouettes Art Print.  Brighten your child’s room with this fun, colorful print!

Description: This listing is for an 8×10 art print professionally printed to order on heavyweight archival matte paper with high definition archival inks.  

NOTE:  Frame and mat are not included.

**This listing has several options, size and color are just a couple.  Have a look for complete details.

(Blogger’s Note:  Grandparents, new parents, relatives looking for a fun, educational and interactive gift, that doesn’t require batteries?  This is the one.  Quality time can be had with your special little one learning the Alphabet, animals and a color or two.  I bet they can be printed in your child’s room color scheme!)

Our returning shop is Wire Witchery, with this spectacular Tiger Eye and Garnet Pendulum. 

Description: This pendulum is made with a highly faceted tiger’s eye bead on 18 gauge copper wire. Its accented with two micro-faceted garnets and a copper yarn ball bead. The grabber is a hand twisted spiral of copper and gold colored copper wire with another garnet. 

(Blogger’s Note: The unique focal bead is worth giving this a piece a look!)

A new offering from my own shop is this twist on Chain Maille.  Golden Spiral, is crafted from gold tone base metal jump rings, this continuous pattern spirals and twists throughout the bracelet.  Great for men or woman and comes in a variety of metals and jewelry wire, including, sterling silver plated, hypo-allergenic, gunmetal, copper and brass.

Being the crafty woman that I am, I like to hand make gifts sometimes. Not everything needs to be purchased, even though all Etsy gifts are hand made, and the idea is to provide you with unique and purchasable gift ideas, it might be fun to experiment yourself.  Although I am not sure if Cuff Links are in fashion any more, this is a simple, easy, low cost project.  

Instructions:

Check out your local Thrift stores, they are a goldmine of unique and easy-on-the-wallet finds.  Look for a pair of unadorned, plain, flat face Cuff Links, make sure they are a complete set.

Once home, clean them up, if they need it, let them dry thoroughly. 

With a small brush and a paint color of your choice. paint the face of both Cuff Links.

Add a design, his initials, a stencil you find interesting, dots, whatever suits your fancy (ladies, no flowers please).  Keep it small and simple.  Let your pieces dry thoroughly.  With some acrylic spray or brush-on sealer, (Clear Nail polish works in a pinch) lightly coat the surface of your Cuff Link Design (this will protect your design longer).

Once dry find a box, wrap them up and gift them!

(Picture is taken from image search on internet)

 

NOTE:  This would also make a fun project for the kids with plastic buttons or other things that they might like to personalize.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look at some of the beautiful things offered by people from around the web!