Inside Little Shop of Artists

Good Morning, 

Today, I am pleased and very excited to tour the interior of the building for what will be the home of Little Shop of Artist.

Taken with my cellphone, it may not be the best quality, but rent is paid, and clean up will commence on or about June 15th, 2013.

We, the participating artists, are hoping to open the doors July 01, 2013.

We hope that you will come and visit us if you are in the Boise, Idaho area.

We apologize for a lack of video but WordPress SUCKS when it comes to uploading them.  Get it together WordPress, you are the only service that is this much of a pain in the ass!

Once the participating artists have set up their displays, these now empty rooms will be filled with Art, Handmade Goods, Jewelry, Gifts and other items to delight the eye and treat the senses.

If you are an artist in the surrounding Boise, Idaho area, stop by and see if we might assist you in showcasing your work.  We welcome all kinds of wares, pottery, knitting, woodworking, sculpting and more, a monthly rental fee applies we offer both participating and featured artists space.  (Currently LSoA is not accepting any more Jewelry Designers at this time). 

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

 

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

Links, Promotions, Friday Post 250

Happy Friday,

Welcome to the 250th post of blog.  Lack-luster, I know.  It is a balmy four (4) degrees outside and the snow is piled up against the back door with promises of snowing me in today.  The garage door has frozen shut and is stuck to the driveway,  I kid you not.  As soon as the sun rises here, it’s time to haul out the pick and un-stick it!  That is a first for this California Grrl.  (I spelled it right).

This morning I am out of links and promotions, so gentle reminders are in order.

If you are brave enough to venture out into the below freezing temperatures and the icy roads you can visit the:

Treasure Valley Flea Market
*Expo Idaho
5610 Chinden Blvd.
Boise, ID
Saturday Jan 12, 9 – 6
Sunday Jan 13, 10 – 4
Admission is $2.00 at the door.

*Formerly the Western Idaho Fairgrounds.

The Alchemists Vessel will not be in attendance this month, but you can look for us at the Market in February.

Things are gearing up for 2013 here at T.A.V.  I am in possession of and almost finished with the final module for class, and am well on the way to having the e-book blog ready for inspection (or reading), as well as opening a second shop for the hand-forged items I am making and accumulating.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

What?  No photos?  Man…

 

In My Studio – Little Shop of Artists

Good Morning,

As some of you may know, it has been a dream of mine to open my own store for quite some time.  Yes, I have on-line sites and shops, but that is just not the same thing as having a real physical brick and mortar building.

My friend Michele Deller and her husband Fred, own A-1 Video on Fairview, here in lovely Boise, Idaho, along with the property the business is on.  They have offered me the building next door / behind them for my own store.  This week Michele e-mailed me to say that the space was ready for me!  I am so excited I could burst.

Little Shop of Artists

I can’t fill the store myself, so I have invited other local artists to share in the retail space.  The shop will be more like a bazaar, with select artist’s wares displayed and available for sale.  A Retail Venue instead of a “Flea Market“.

Participating Artists

Green Witch Designs
Mudfipp Photography
Wire Witchery
The Alchemists Vessel
The Bridal Path
Delphi Oracles
Dreathen Leathers
and more.

I am in hope that after the Holidays I will be able to get in there and paint, tidy up, and have the vendors moved in for an opening in February.  I know it is cold and snowy, but the store will be warm and full of gorgeous items.

Nothing is ever written in stone, and flexibility is good.  Things may change, but for the moment, that is the plan.  We hope you will continue to follow us and keep up to date on what’s happening and once we’re open that you’ll stop by and see what we have in store.  Pun absolutely intended!

Thank you for stopping in and having a look. 

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

 

Links, Promotions and a New Look

Happy Friday!

Surprise.  Yes, the blog has a new look.  The old template was getting rather boring, and I needed a change, and change can be good.  Freshen and liven things up a little bit.  A links and photo gallery page have also been added.

Other things are also getting a face lift.  The banners and cover photos for sites and pages will be changing as well as some of what The Alchemists Vessel has to offer.

Levity is required on occasion.  I would like to introduce you to my boss, the Design Coordinator, Art Director and Quality Control Department Manager, Miss Nora, The Overseer.

The Overseer.  Making sure I’m doing it right.

Do you know about On Fire for Handmade?  onfireforhandmade.com, is a little like an enormous artisan catalog on the web.  Shops, Treasuries, Contests, Blogs,  and if your an artist the Gift Guide is the place to be seen!  Supporting artisans world wide.

It’s Better Handmade, run but the same folks who operate handmadeartist.com and partner with many other sites of like kind around the web including Handmadeology.

About IBH: 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.

Check them out: itsbetterhadnmade.com

 

Today I am at the workbench, as you can see above there is neating up to be done.

 

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

 

Friday Links and Promotions

Happy Friday,

The weekend is here and promises to be a good one. 

I have been trying to think of something to post today, and because I am coming up short, I think I will share a date instead.

November 24th, 2012, is Shop Small Day!  Why just keep it to one day?  What not shop small all the time.  Just what does that mean? 

It means to shop your local and independent businesses.  I don’t mean hit the mall with  the other lemmings at 5:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning for “Door-buster” sales.  I mean take your time and seek out Main Street, those fabulous little shops owned and operated by a person, not a giant faceless corporation.  Take your time and look on line at some of the wonderful and unique handmade goodies from Artists and Designers all over the country.  

This image was downloaded from the Facebook Fan Page for Shop Small Day.

Places to shop small:

handmadeartists.com
The Alchemists Vessel – Jewelry and Gifts
Studio RGC – Twisted Little Things

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Monday – Market Report

Good Morning,

Monday’s are usually devoted to new items in the on line shops.  This morning, due to my participation in the Treasure Valley Flea Market over the weekend, I do not have much to share.

I can’t say I am happy with the results of this months Market, and as such I think it is time I look for another venue.  Today will be devoted to sorting, cleaning, and re-organizing inventory!  Doesn’t that sound like fun?

Although I enjoy the socializing and talking to customers, it has become more of a chore than an event I look forward to participating in.  I would like to thank those of you that came out, said hello, and did a little shopping.

There are still plenty of lovely items on-line and custom work is always welcome.  Get those orders in early as I gear up for the Holidays.

The Alchemists Vessel - Handmade Artists
 
The Alchemists Vessel – Etsy

 The Alchemists Vessel – Official Website

 Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

Studio News Jewlery Classes New for the Holidays

Trick or Treat!

I do love the middle of the week, and what more can I say, other than of course I have a treat for you!

I spent yesterday at the work bench, assembling samples for the brand new Jewelry Class projects starting in November and available through December at your local Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store
1085 Milwaukee
Boise, ID 
208-323-5373 
Instructor: Alixandra Browning of The Alchemists Vessel

Jewelry Making Basics or Jewelry 101 is always offered and includes an overview of supplies, tools and basic jewelry making terms and techniques.  Students take home a project they choose to make during class.  $35.00 for a 2-1/2 hour session.  Includes a field trip through the aisles.

This months projects are pretty and versatile! Simple, fun, fabulous, and  just in time for the Holidays!  Sign up and make presents for your Mom, sister, daughter, Grandmother, or all your girl-friends, in their favorite colors!  Easy and quick these projects have endless possibilities for color combinations!

Jewelry 102

Solar Chic is the first project.  $30.00 for a 2 hour session.  The Class includes both the Earrings and Bracelet.  Project materials are purchased in advance by the student, and tools are provided in the classroom.  In keeping with the Class Instructions and using the suggested materials, and still managing to keep the project unique and different; the goal of the class is to teach the techniques and let the student use their design idea to complete the piece.

Material lists and Class Schedules are provided at time of sign up.  

Suggested materials
Ear Wires
Memory Wire
6mm and 4mm *Bi-cone Beads in your favorite color.
*Project instructions call for Swarovski Crystals in Green (Mix)
Sturdy wire cutters (Memory Wire fights back!)
Round Nose pliers

Solar Chic Earrings

Memory wire and two sizes of Bi-cone shaped glass beads make up this cute and illusion-like pair of earrings.

Solar Chic Matching Bracelet

Memory wire and the same Bi-cone shaped glass beads with an added color or two create this cute, super simple, and very shiny bracelet.

Jewelry 201

I don’t design the projects I just make the samples and teach the class, like they tell me.

Bow Tie Necklace – $30.00 for a 2 hour session.

This pretty project has a surprise, not constructed as you think it might be, the double strand is an eye-fetchingly sparkly and charming bit of decoration.  Great for teens, the office, or to match that Holiday outfit!  The Bow Tie may be attached or removed for two different looks.

Suggested Materials:
Silver Chain
4mm *Bi-Cone Beads
*Project instructions call for Swarovski Crystals in Siam
6mm Jump Rings
Head Pins
Lobster Claw Clasp (or choice)
Beading Wire (7 Stand)
Round Nose pliers
Wire Cutters

Silver (white metal) chain is the basis for this piece.  Shown here without the beaded Bow Tie Accent.

Option:

Shown here with the addition of the Bow Tie. 

Detail

Bow Tie accent.  Bow is created with 4mm beads.

This pieces can be made in any color combination or solid color of choice.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a very Spooky Halloween!

 

New Item and News Item

Good Morning,

Monday is here and with it a new item.  

Blue Streak Sterling Silver Plated and Czech Glass Bead Bracelet

Description: Micro Maille is named for it’s size. At dimensions smaller than a dime, this stunning and feminine bracelet is an eye-catcher. Tailored enough for the office, great for date night, or that casual weekend out fit that needs a little jazzing up, the simple design will go with everything in your wardrobe.

8-3/4″ long, this average length bracelet is made from Sterling Silver plated (over brass), wire, that is hand-spun, cut and linked in the European 4 – in 1 chainmaille pattern. Accented with Czech glass silver-lined beads in a gorgeous Sapphire blue. Finished with a solid Sterling Silver Lobster claw clasp

Customizable, may be made to desired length and in your favorite bead color or metal of choice.

*Precious metals are available upon customer request, please read the shop’s policies for details. 

For those of you that have been following along with the sporadic posts, may have guessed by now that I am attempting to open a physical location for local and not so local Artists.

We have a great location off Fairview, in Boise.

Instead of calling it the location, it will now be known as “Little Shop of Artists“.   Not a consignment shop, but a vendor venue.  Participating artists, can rent space for a month or longer, or have a “permanent booth” in the store.  Perks include a physical address, a place to send customers to shop besides on-line, and eventually we hope to be involved in some of the larger Fairs and outdoor venues, like Hyde Park Street Fair or Art in the Park.  We are not involved or connected with or part of Etsy Street Teams.  This Shop is independently owned and operated by the participating artists.

The building is being prepared and cleaned out, so I can get in there and paint and freshen up the space then we will have vendors move in, and then a Grand Opening!  Look for the actual shop to open sometime after the Holidays, after all there are only two more months in 2012!

We are also looking forward to having weekend outdoor markets on the property when the weather permits.

Interested in participating?  Want to know more?  Please feel free to contact me at any of the following:

e-mail: alchemsitsvessel@gmail.com

facebook: facebook.com/littleartistshop

Please include your name, contact information and your craft, paintings, ceramics, etched glass, etc. and we will contact you for an appointment at your convenience.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

Monday Miscellany

 

Happy Monday,

Today is a collection of miscellaneous stuff.

New in the shop is this pretty Chainmaille bracelet available in a variety of Metals.  This one is Silver Plated (over copper) jump rings with a matching Toggle clasp.

Japanese Weave Flower Bracelet

Description:  9″ total, this very cute and feminine bracelet comes in a variety of metals. Shiny, bright and pretty, light enough to wear all day. Great for the Office or a Casual outfit. Each Flower-like unit is hand linked individually and joined as a chain.

All items arrive boxed, and ready for gift giving.

Custom work is always welcome.

Shop News:

On an interesting note, I have been invited to participate in a Consignment shop,  Inspired Creations, of Spokane, Washington.  Although this is just an invitation and I have yet to confirm what will be available in the store, or what I will be sending, it may be a great opportunity for exposure and expanding the shop a little.   I am cautiously excited!

The Treasure Valley Flea Market was an enjoyable event.  A good time was had by all.  We’ll be doing it again next month, November 10th and 11th, 2012.  This will be the last Market before Christmas, come on down and get your Holiday Shopping done early!

Don’t forget that this Sunday is The Witches Market hosted by Bella’s Grove.  October 14th, 2012, at 2210 S. Broadway, Suite 102, Boise, ID.  The Market will be held throughout the building.  Stop by for your Halloween Chopping needs!

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

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

 

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.