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. 

 
 

 

Paramour Bracelet Pink Chainmaille Bangle on Handmade Artists’ Shop

 

Paramour Bracelet Pink Chainmaille Bangle on Handmade Artists’ Shop.

Silver Dragonscale Cuff Chainmaille Bracelet on Handmade Artists’ Shop

Silver Dragonscale Cuff Chainmaille Bracelet on Handmade Artists’ Shop.

Time Enough For Love Chainmaille and Czech Glass Bead Watch on Handmade Artists’ Shop

Time Enough For Love Chainmaille and Czech Glass Bead Watch on Handmade Artists’ Shop.

Chainmaille and Czech Glass Bead Watch

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 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.

 

Post 100 Links and Promotions

Good morning,

Friday is here!  I hope all had a good work week and are ready for some fun in the sun for the next couple of days.

Here we are at the 100th Post of the blog.  Amazing.

Thank you all for coming along, reading, commenting and in general helping to make the blog interesting and different.

With the schedule being very full, I had intended to have another jewelry tutorial this month, but my camera is not cooperating, so we’ll have to wait until I return from California to get that going.

We will be making a pair of earrings!  Pliers, beads, a couple of head pins and some ear wires are all you will need to follow along!  You may also wish to have some jump rings on hand for this as well.

Today, I share a link for The Muddfip Photographer, my friend Shelly Moody will be a featured artist in the near future.  Shelly takes some incredible photos, the link will take you to the facebook page.  I’m not saying too much right now as I want to save the good stuff for her feature!

The Alchemists Vessel has a new look on Facebook and Etsy.

Thanks to Harrison Richards of HRthinkstorm on Etsy, for the new Cover Photo and Banner for the shop.  Harrison has some great products at affordable prices to help you get your on-line or brick and mortar store up, running and noticed.

On an interesting and news worthy note.  Facebook’s Stock goes public today, about 11:00 a.m. EST.  $38.00 a share, those that hold shares now stand to make a nice little profit for themselves.

Don’t forget Jo-Ann Fabrics is still taking students and my classes are wide open, June will be copper chain and stone chip earrings and a very pretty Swarovski Crystal “Life Bracelet” from the in-store Brochure, pick one up and register for class today.  Bring a friend, learn a new skill, meet some new folks, and harass the teacher!  What a fun way to spend a couple of hours.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful day and a most pleasant and relaxing weekend.

NOTE:  There will be no blog posts next week, I will be out of town and my friend, Terry, (she did the blog last time I was out) is unavailable this time.

Three Great Gifts To Give Presenting Handmade Artists Site

Good Morning.

Today I would like to feature some truly unique, clever and beautiful, handmade from start finish gift ideas.  All of today’s featured gifts are from shops on handmadeartists.com.  A great site to find things handcrafted by some amazing artists and craft-people.  There is no question here about re-sellers, these items are handmade by the shop owner.

Although I invited any and all shop owners to participate, I only received three entries for this weeks blog, so I turn the post over the them.  Hoping to pique your curiosity enough to click the link and have a look see at some of their other offerings as well.  Looking is always free!

Without further ado:

From Southern Country Creations

Brown Leather with Green Tree Agate Beads and Peace charm

Product Details: This bracelet was handcrafted using brown leather and round green tree agate beads. It sports a shell button for closure and a Peace charm.

It measures approximately 7 1/4 inches

From: Blue Highways

Hand Bound Book Wings of Scarlet

 Product Details: It may be fall but I’m holding on to warmer weather with this gorgeous 6″ x 9″ book covered in a fabric of red tulips. The colors are shades of scarlet and greens popping on a black background. The red was difficult for me to photograph perfectly, the 4th photo is the actual cover scanned on my scanner and represents the colors a little better.

Inside I have bound 160 pages (front & back) of premium 80# acid free white drawing paper excellent for pencil, colored pencil and charcoal also good for pen and ink, marker and oil pastels. I have them sewn with a hand waxed red cotton thread and ribbon bound them with a 7/8″ scarlet grosgrain ribbon. As with all my ribbon bound books, refills can be ordered once the book has been filled, please contact me if you are interested in one – it’s simple to replace, I’ll be happy to walk you through it.

From: My European Touch

Handmade Mosaic Tray shabby cottage chic china broken plate rims Mosaic Tray clay roses pearls

 Product Details:   Glamorous shabby chic cottage Mosaic Tray. This was a vintage silver plate tray, Silver plate all gone, I sanded it down, primed it, it got a coat of cottage white paint. A lil bit of distress to give it that worn well loved look. I then proceeded to cut up my already damaged fine bone china plate rims and stained glass and filled the inside with this lovely mosaic. Roses and blooms are climbing on this tray like a briar bush in the wild, so romantic.

I then filled the rim with lil pearls and tulle roses all the way around to give it that finished look. A lil arrangement of handmade clay roses in the left corner and this Mosaic tray is brimming with beauty.
The mosaic is grouted in an antique white grout and sealed. I showed it photographed in different light and it can be hung up on the wall too.

It is a footed tray and I tied a pale cream organza ribbon to two of the the feet, tied it in a nice bow and it can hang on your wall..
The colors are the truest on the close ups of the pictures.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.   The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant week.

Good Morning,

Once again. I would like to think that I am saying this as gently as possible.  Just so you all know, when you look at my blog, and then do searches for things like “How Many Jump Rings Are Required For A Dragon’s Back Bracelet”, I can see that!  My blog tells on you!  If you have questions, comments or other ideas, please feel free to contact me via any of the links, e-mails or site addresses.  In most cases I am happy to share.

I am absolutely thrilled that my jewelry is appealing enough for some one to wish to copy it. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, in this case however; no, it is not.

These are my designs, that come out of my head and made with my hands. Although  Chain Maille and it’s patterns / weaves may be “public domain”, my designs are not, they are mine, they belong to me, and are copyrighted the minute I post them. I am a real, licensed, tax-paying, permit holding business entity! If you would like to make a bracelet, I am more than willing to offer instructions and assistance, pdf.s or what have you.

Please, don’t steal my or an other artist’s designs, not only is it tacky, it is unprofessional, unethical, and you will be caught!

Thank you,

Alix Browning

The Alchemist

The Alchemists Vessel

Owner / Designer / Sole Proprietor

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.