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…

 

Star Steam Bracelet

Happy Monday!

December is here!  The winter’s here in Idaho are interesting.  It can be pouring rain and lashing wind, power outages and storm warnings one moment, and sunny and bright the next.

This morning, after braving the weather and inconsistent power supply, I have one new item to share with you before it is back to the grind stone, I mean workbench.

Star Steam Bracelet Chainmaille and Charms

Star Steam Bracelet Chainmaille and Charms

 

Steampunk or Industrial Fashionistas will love this substantial and stunning chainmaille charm bracelet. Bronze charms, stars, gears, and disks encircle the cuff, interspersed with beautiful faceted bi-cone shaped glass beads in Amber and Brown. Makes a soft and lovely sound when worn. Light weight and comfortable.

8-1/2″ total length and 3/4″ wide, including clasp. “Merlin’s Gold” or Jeweler‘s Bronze wire has been hand spun cut, antiqued and woven in a version of the European weave. Gears are sold as jewelry components and have never been used in any device or machinery that I am aware of. Disks are hand-drilled and sanded smooth. Each charm and bead is attached individually. Bi-cone beads are 6mm translucent amber and brown. Finished with a matching Toggle clasp.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

There are lots of other things in the shop as well.  Remember to enter the coupon code HOLIDAY10 for 10% off your total purchase.  Many of the items in the shop have been reduced for a special Holiday Sale.  A wide variety of jewelry can found in the section $10.00 and Under, including natural semi-precious gemstone earrings, bracelets and necklaces, glass beaded jewelry sets and more!

Custom requests are always welcome, working with in your budget is one of our specialties.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

Friday – Backyard Visitor

Good Morning,

Friday’s are usually devoted to links and promotions; however; today I am out of things to promote and not only am I out of links, I am also out of Doritos!

Since it is Friday and the weekends are made for relaxing, it might be fun to share the visitor that came to see me the other day.

Once again, I have taken the photos through the glass backdoor, and had my camera set on 13x Zoom.  These were taken at around 5:45 – 6:00 p.m. in the afternoon.

Coopers Hawk, hunting something

He hung out for about fifteen (15) minutes flitting from one fence post to the other further down the yard.

He even posed for me, but just once.

These creatures are fascinating.  This is just one of the reasons I love living in Idaho, I never know what will show up in my backyard.

There it is!

Here he is on the other side of the fence.  It was hunting something. This was taken right before it dove off the fence in search of dinner.

 

Five Great Gifts To Give 10-09-12

Image via CrunchBase

Good Morning,

Tuesday is here and Fall seems to have skipped Idaho this year, and we’ve moved right into Winter; it is cold up here these days.

It is the custom on Tuesday’s to share five (5) unique items from various sites around the web for gift ideas.  This morning we have five from Etsy and a couple of new shops.

Two from Tattooed Textiles

Audrey’s Wristlet Pocket Purse 

 Description: Imagine a crisp white linen blouse and black trouser pants; then add this classic print and who do you think of? Audrey of course!! Calm and collected on the outside with a wild explosion of color on the inside. Can also be used as a cosmetics bag. Seams are covered to prevent raveling. Split ring key fob can be easily accessed and removed. Measures 9 1/4′ X 7 1/2′. Can be machine washed on delicate cycle with mild detergent. Dry flat. Cool iron if needed. My studio is smoke free, cat free and dog free. FREE shipping three days after order is placed–if you want it shipped immediately just let me know. 

Flip Flop Print  Pocket Purse Wristlet

Description:  Your itsy bitsy bikini might fit in this generously sized wristlet measuring 7″ X 8″. Plenty of room for sun screen, lip gloss and the itsy bitsy. Lined with yellow polka dot cotton and can be easily cleaned according to manufacturers suggestion of using mild upholstery cleaner and wipe with a damp cloth. Textile has been treated at the manufacturer to resist stain. I have two available in the smaller size; each has a removable split ring key fob. One has a coordinating red split ring, one has blue. Both have seal shell buttons attached to the key ring. Each is $22.00; just email me and let me know which one you like. FREE Shipping.
I have a smoke free, cat free and dog free studio. 

From:  Prasad Designs

Fun Multicolored Neon Rainbow Bead Stretch Bracelet

Description:  High quality glass beads on stretchy cord that should fit just about anyone. Package: Comes with nice gift packing! View the other jewelry in my shop!

Fits any wrist between 7”-9”.

Copyright 2012

From: Angie Beadz

Bronze Turquoise Peace Bohemian Style Earrings  

 Description: Brighten up your winter wardrobe with these bronze earrings with a turquoise peace sign and brown and turquoise wood bead suspended on bronze earwires.
1.5″ long



From:  I Paint It Pretty

Holiday Ornament Green Sled with Poinsettia’s Christmas Decoration 

 

 Description:  This is a hand painted pine sled with bright red poinsettias and holly. The sled is green with white runners. Silver holly leaves and red ornaments make this a spectacular ornament. This versatile sled can be placed under the tree, hung on the wall, stood in a corner or placed any where you want some holiday color. This sled will become a treasured holiday decoration you’ll love for many years. It would also be an exceptional gift to give a loved one.
24 in x 10 in x 2 in

For the sled I used acrylic paint and three coats of varnish to ensure durability. The holly and ornaments are glued on. I added a red and gold tie for hanging.

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.

These owners have lots of great items, why not click on through and see what these most talented people have to offer in the shops.

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. 

 

Studio News 10-5-12

 

Good Morning,

Wednesday arrives and catches me unprepared!   This morning’s blog is brief as I suddenly find myself up to my ears in display racks, and that’s pretty easy, because I am really short.

The Treasure Valley Flea Market is this weekend, October 6th and 7th, 2012, at Idaho Expo at the Fairgrounds.   I have been busy packing, polishing and preparing items for the up coming event and as such have not made anything new in the studio.  However we do have some cool Halloween themed jewelry in the Shop and at the Market.  Enter the coupon code: Holiday10 at check out and receive a 10% Discount on your entire purchase. 

Also I am currently studying the fifth mod of the Jewelry Design and Repair Technician Certification course I am taking.  Believe it or not, most people behind a jewelry counter, whether department store or fine jewelery boutique have been certified by an educational institution of one kind or other, and it never hurts to continue one’s education and learn about new processes, tools, and materials.  If all goes as intended I should complete, or graduate from the course, if you prefer, before April, 2013.  

Speaking of classes and courses.  I am still the Contracted Jewelry Instructor at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores here in Boise and will be starting classes at Bella’s Grove, 2210 S. Broadway, upstairs, in November.  Dates and details will be announced on this blog.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

In My Studio Project Pandemonium

 

Hello,

Wednesday greets Idaho a little grey today.  In hope that means more rain to clear some of the smoke from the fires that are still burning in the area.

I have several projects going on in the studio and sharing is always good.

After last weeks tutorial I couldn’t help but try my hand at a Micro Maille version of the Jens Pind weave.  After working out an appropriate AR of 2.92 I have come up with pretty and sleek 7-1/2″ length of Sterling Silver Plated (over brass) Chain.  I am unsure if I want to leave it at its current length or continue and create a necklace instead.  There are endless possibilities as I look at the unfinished piece.

Shown here wrapped around a quarter for size comparison.  This weave, like most, is supple, strong, and makes for lovely jewelry.

Hand cut jump rings have an angular or almost mitered end when snipped with wire cutters, this is called pinch cutting. 

After reading another post on a Forum, I began searching for something called Alcohol Inks.  These are nifty little inks that will color metal.  Shake the object up in a bag with a little of the ink or dab it on with a sponge applicator.  I practiced on two aluminum bells (any metal will work).   My friend, who is also a jewelry designer, graciously allowed me to try the pieces below for fun.  She too has recently discovered this interesting way to add a bit of color to her designs.

Red Bell

Purple Bell

This is a messy process, even thought the ink dries fairly quickly, your fingers will get inky, the table top will get inky, and your clothes will get inky.  You can even mix or ink over other colors to create really pretty effects.  The metal maintains a shine when the ink dries, a plus.  These bells really ring, too.

There are a couple of other projects in the works as well. Working on creating a complimentary something for the cast flower,  the next Flea Market is just around the corner, and preparations for that are happening as well.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

 

Studio Switch – Market Season Begins

 

Good Morning!

Wednesday arrives bright and beautiful, some of the smoke from the northern and surrounding area wild fires has been blown out of the valley.  Clear and haze-free sunny skies is the order of the day.

There is not much happening in the studio this week, except there are beads and bits of metal everywhere, as we fill out the racks, take inventory, clean, pack, prepare, and check the list at least three times to be sure all is ready for the Season Opener of Treasure Valley Flea Market.  (No, I’m not going to post the commercial.)

Yes, indeed!  It’s that time again.  More than just a Flea Market, there are artisans from all over the Treasure Valley area, antiques, collectables, glass-works, wood-works, and of course, garage goodies of all kinds can be found.  Personally I wish they wouldn’t call it a “Flea Market”, there is so much more, I think the “Treasure Valley Market or Bazaar” would be a better descriptive title.

Now that I have your undivided attention.

Can’t attend this weekend?  That’s OK, you’ll miss out on free chocolate though.  The Market is open one weekend a month, the dates are below.  Put them on your calendar and come on down and say Hello!  Admission is $2.00 at the door.

Market Dates:
Sept 8-9, 2012 – This Weekend!
Oct 6-7, 2012 – Halloween Jewelry will be on sale!
Nov 10-11, 2012 – Christmas is coming!  Get that custom order in!
Jan 12-13, 2013 – I am not sure if T.A.V. will attend this market.
Feb 16-17, 2013 – We’ll be there to whip the winter blues away
Mar 23-24, 2013 – Spruce up for Easter
Apr 13-14, 2013 – The Tax Man cometh!  Spend it, before he gets it!

Happy shoppers check out the goodies at the booth next door.

Location:
Expo Idaho at the Fair Grounds
5610 Chinden Blvd.
Garden Cit, ID

The Alchemists Vessel, Booth #28, East (right) side of the building as you enter.

Booth Map

The Alchemists Vessel, Booth #28, a right and a left and you’re there.

Why yes we do take Credit Cards at the Shows, via SQUARE and my “Smart Phone”.

We accept Cash, Debit or Credit Cards and Personal Checks.  No need to spend that $3.00 for an ATM FEE!  We can have your goodies in a bag and you on your way with just a swipe.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

Things To Click and a Promotion or Two

 

Hello there!

Happy Friday one and all.  It’s a long weekend this time!  For some of us the weekend brings the last summer barbeque and a camping trip or two, live music or a relaxing day with friends.

This weekend – Three Days Only!  The Alchemists Vessel is having its first Labor Day Sale!  That’s right!   Saturday through Monday, enter the Coupon Code: LDAY10 and received 10% off your total purchase price.  Some special in-shop items include free shipping, like this pendant.

Sterling Silver and Black Onyx Genuine Gemstone Necklace

That’s right Monday is Labor Day!  Yes, it is a Federal Holiday.  Yes, it means that most of us have the day off from our jobs, whatever those may be.  For some it means sales and shopping, for others it is a day for the Honey Do list and household chores.

Labor Day: 11 Facts You Need To Know

After we have had a refreshing weekend, it’s time to head back to work or school.  It is also the beginning of Market Season!  Flea Markets, Holiday Gift Shows, Specialty Booths, they are all a great place to find that unique and must have item.

Treasure Valley Flea Market, September 8th and 9th, 2012.
5610 Chinden Blvd. Garden City, ID
Idaho Expo at The Fair Grounds
Saturday – 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission is $2.00

We hope to see you there.  Booth #28, The Alchemists Vessel.

New Classes in September at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores with your friendly instructor, me.  Jewelry Basics is always available,  and covers the basics from tools to findings and a completed project to take home.  Learn to make “Pretty in Pearl” earrings in two designs.  New project is an interesting Swaovski Crystal bracelet.   See your local store for details.  

Classes are taught at the Milwaukee location.
1085 Milwaukee
Boise, ID
(208) 323-5373
Call or Sign up for classes in store.  
*Open House Saturday Sept. 8th at this location.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Labor Day Holiday.

 

Friday Local Links and Promotions

 

Friday is here, and the weekend is right around the corner!

 

Speaking of the weekend, this is a big deal up here, and it is fun.  The Western Idaho Fair is this month.  August 17 through the 26th, 2012.  Contests, Farm Exhibits, Rides and Funnel cake.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts Stores has new Jewelry-Making classes, with Alixandra Browning of The Alchemists Vessel.  Come on down and have an enjoyable afternoon of fun and crafting.  Projects suitable for all ages, taught in a classroom at the store in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.  These are the projects for August.  Don’t forget to ask abut special deals when signing up for class, many have up to a 50% discount on the listed price.

Green Chutes

 

I don’t know anything about this other than they are up the street from my house.  The appear to be an Artists Co-Op that sells food.  I have never been there, and should probably go.  Off State Street in the Collister Shopping Center near the Bowling Alley. If any of you have been there, a review would be wonderful.

 

Thanks for stopping by and having a read.

 

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