Tag Archives: jewelry
Friday Fun ~ Let’s Talk Taurus
Good Morning,
Happy Friday! Welcome to the weekend. I think it’s time to have a little fun on the blog.
As many of you know when I first began the on line portion of the business, it was devoted to all things Birthday-ish, including zodiac signs, birthstones, charms, T-shirts. Well I am disappointed to say that went over like a ton of bricks. However many years later, and a lot wiser, we still offer those items, but have moved the focus of the business to jewelry that everybody can associate with, feel comfortable and beautiful in and wear with pride.
Let’s Talk Taurus
Taurus ~ April 19 ~ May 20 or April 21 to May 22 all depending on which book, Newspaper astrologist or other source you may read. However the constants remain the same:
Taurus is the Celestial Winged Bull, and the second sign of the Zodiac.
Element is Earth
Planet is Venus
Stone is Emerald
Plant is Lily
Lucky Number is 6
Special Day – Friday
Taurus’ are ~ Artistic, loyal, loving, sensual, steadfast, determined, practical, patient and reliable.
The Glyph ~
The glyph represents the head and horns of a bull or the chin and the Adam’s apple (Throat) of a human. Symbolically it is a half-moon forming a cup that rests on the circle of the Sun. It represents material power and wealth derived through the force of will.
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| Original Taurus Glyph, by Alixandra of The Alchemists Vessel |
Birthstone Fun Facts
May – Emerald, a beryl stone.
The Stone of Success and Love
Physical Description: A deep to light green translucent stone,
Metaphysical Properties: Traditionally used to enhance memory
Alternatives:
Malachite: A Deep Forest Green Color
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| Malachite Earrings |
Its bright green color mimics the moors and reminds one of outdoors, hills, trees, and grass.
Metaphysical Properties: Promotes harmony and emotional balance, and reduces stress.
Interesting Fact: Used as a pigment for paint until about 1800. Malachite has been mined for about 3,000 years at Timna in Israel, also called “King Solomon’s Mines”.
Mythology:
Zeus, the father of the Greek gods fell in love with Europa, the Phoenician princess. She was always guarded by her father’s soldiers. Zeus transformed himself into a beautiful white bull with a pair of golden horns and wandered towards her while she was plucking flowers in her garden. (The cad!)
Europa was mesmerized by the beauty of the white bull and made him her pet. They became instant friends. One day, Europa climbed onto the back of the white bull, who making use of the opportunity, carried her away to Crete. After reaching Crete, Zeus revealed himself and later married her. According to Greek mythology, Zeus as a white bull represents the constellation Taurus.
Aventurine (Green), A Crystal.
Often miss-pronounced or miss-spelled “Adventurine”, this beautiful crystal ranges in colors from yellow to deep green and maybe transparent or opaque.
Metaphysical Properties: Inspires joy, a positive attitude and mental clarity.
Interesting Fact: The name Aventurine is derived from the Italian ‘ventura’, meaning “a mistake”. In the 18th a speckled glass was created by accident in Venice. The stone was named for this glass due to its appearance. Sometimes mistakenly referred to as “Indian Jade”.
Famous Taurus:
Anne-Margret
Fred Astaire
Johannes Brahams
Catherine the Great
Charolette Bronte
Cher
George Clooney
Sigmund Freud
Ulysses S. Grant
Adolf Hitler
Jim Jones
Liberace
George Lucas
Karl Marx
Meatwad
Golda Meir
Ho Chi Mihn
Vladmir Nabokov
Willie Nelson
Al Pacino
Eva Peron
Robespierre
William Shakespeare
Harry S. Truman
Rudolph Valentino
Jim Jones
Liberace
George Lucas
Karl Marx
Meatwad
Golda Meir
Ho Chi Mihn
Vladmir Nabokov
Willie Nelson
Al Pacino
Eva Peron
Robespierre
William Shakespeare
Harry S. Truman
Rudolph Valentino
Orson Wells
We have items in the shops geared toward the Taurus, like these:
We have items in the shops geared toward the Taurus, like these:
Genuine Malachite with gorgeous Azurite inclusions. Azurite is a beautiful blue stone, although too soft for jewelery-making on its own, it does appear on occasion in malachite, creating a lovely speckled appearance across the stones surface. Used here to created these absolutely stunning and unique pair of Sterling Silver Gemstone Earrings.
Beautiful deep green genuine Malachite beads hang in a lovely chevron pattern from Sterling Silver Hoops. Perfect for Boho fashions, hipster, rockers and a terrific accent for Office attire. About 2″ long.
Sterling Silver fully soldered hoops and genuine Malachite with Azurite inclusions beads with Sterling silver findings and accents beads. Suspended from Sterling Silver Fish Hook ear wires.
Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.
*Limited availability! Once these beauties are gone, they are gone!
Perfect for May Birthdays!
Gorgeous green, fresh and fun to wear. The stunning chainmaille bracelet is a colorful piece and just right for any occasion, a pop of color at the office, or for a casual weekend get away accessory. From the Captured Color Collection, this lovely piece is made in this year’s must have fashion color. Light weight and comfortable for extended wear.
8″ long including clasp. Silver plated wire and enameled aluminum jump rings are woven in an Inverted Round Maille pattern and finished with a strong magnetic clasp that holds well during everyday activities and movements.
Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.
These charms were purchased at Silver Enchantments of Arizona, and are used in a number of jewelry pieces from earrings to charm bracelets they may be sold in sets or individually to add to your already existing pieces. They are tiny! Sterling Silver, and the back is even stamped 925. Custom creations are available.
We have all twelve Zodiac signs available. The original graphic (and 11others) was available on Cafe Press, but having no store views and little interest, I have closed that shop. Customized items are available. Please contact the shop with your requests. All questions are answered and quotes are free.
You can find our shop at either of the sites below, or find the fan page on face book. Did you know you can shop directly from the fan page? You can.
The Alchemists Vessel on
Etsy
Handmade Artists
Facebook, just click on the Etsy Showcase or Alchemists Vessel buttons under the cover photo on the page.
Official Site
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
*Various sources and books were used in the creation of this post. No one source was found to be more accurate than an other, please keep in mind that the Zodiac is different for different cultures all over the world, and that information not only varies from culture to culture, but from author to author or whatever material one may use as resource or research.
Yankee Burrow Creations – Featured Artist
Good Morning,
Today I would like to re-introduce you to a wonderful artist and friend from the Handmade Artists site, Debbi of Yankee Burrow Creations. Debbi dabbles in a little bit of everything, from crochet to jewelry, prints to paper quilling, there is a lot to see at the shop. One busy lady, she keeps a blog, where she not only shows off her own lovely wares, but tells stories, has videos and belongs to several Blog Rings or Hops in which she participates. You may find her blog badge on the menu bar to the left. She maintains shops and sites on the web, has adopted and foster children, enjoys playing with her grandson, and on occasion will give us a peek into her life outside the studio.
In our hurried hustle and bustle life-styles we forget to take the time to enjoy the finer things that come to us in simple forms; laughter, time spent with loved ones, or just sitting and reflecting. Yankee Burrow Creations has not forgotten that, and their creations for home, hearth or person are made with love, attention to detail, and range from the cute and useful item, to the modern-must-have accessory.
These bears are one of my very favorite items in the shop. I love the intent behind them, and they can be so many things for so many people. They would be great for a Big Sister or Brother awaiting the arrival of a new sibling, one bear for them and a bear to give the new baby. They also make great comfort items in times of stress or strife, grab a bear and things will be better.
big sister teddy bear duo white and red
Product Details:
these big sister teddy bears celebrate the love between sisters. The big sister bear is white and measures 9 1/2″ tall, and little sister bear is red and measures only 9″ tall. The eyes and noses of both bears are sewn on, and they sport matching but co-ordinating scarfs with bright yellow trim. These would be a nice gift for your sister, big or small. You can read the full story behind these bears here on my blog, http://www.yankeeburrowcreations.com/2013/03/celebrate-your-sisters.html
~created by Debbi~
How pretty is this? Each shell has been attached by hand. That took some patience, and what a beautiful piece she has created. Fun and livley, this would be perfect for that Sundress with strappy sandals or for that weekend get away at the beach. This would make a super Mother’s Day gift, that is coming up, you know. I bet it makes a fabulous soft jingly sound when worn. Kinetic jewelry, I love it!
bracelet with multicolored shells on a double silver plated chain
Product Details:
I created this bracelet by individually attaching each shell piece, by hand, along this double looped silver plated chain. Very durable, yet still feels light on your wrist, this is a colorful way to dress up for the beach. This bracelet measures 7″ long and uses a silver-plated swivel lobster claw. The swivel claw makes it easy to put on, and take off.
~created by Debbi~
You know I can not let May roll by without including cows. I like this print a lot and what could be more appropriate for a Country Den or a Big City Office.
original artists print of cows on the farm
Product Details:
This print is from an original graphite drawing by Carolyn Valcourt and is titled “Art got milk cow”. How calm you’ll feel every time you look at it. This 8.5″ x 11″ print will be shipped to your home FREE for your immediate enjoyment.
Wedding Season is coming up and why not make yours extra special with these gorgeous hand quilled Memory Frames. The art of quilling amazes me, it must take serious time, patience and concentration, it is well worth he effort in the end. This is beautiful.
quilled doves and flowers picture border
Product Details:
Show off your wedding invitation or photograph with this quilled border, full of doves, flowers, and swirls. Then every time you look at it, you will be reminded of the joy you felt on that special day. The mat is 8×10 with the inside opening of 5×7. Including the frame, the overall dimensions are 9×11.
~created by Debbi~
Here is a lovely piece of home decor. Original and full of color, that butterfly looks like it might take flight at any minute.
wood cross textured burgundy with metallic butterfly
Product Details:
I painted this wooden cross burgundy and the textured the front with shades of reds and pinks, then added some metallic butterflies for a touch of new life. Hang this 9″ x 5.5″ cross anywhere you want to share your faith.
~created by Debbi~
Did I mention that Debbi also works with her daughter Amanda, who created the banner at the top of the page as well as other graphics for various things. Aren’t they lovely.
You may find, follow and be fascinated at any of the links below.
Blog: Yankee Burrow Creations
Shop: Yankee Burrow Creations ~ Handmade Artists Site
About.me Page: Yankee Burrow Creations
Twitter: yankeeburrow
Facebook: Yankee Burrow Creations
Pinterest: Yankee Burrow Creations
Flickr: Yankee Burrow Creations
In hope you have enjoyed the very brief look into this talented, and clever artist. There is so much more to see and find at the sites above, take a moment to see what else she has in her shop, on the sites, or just peruse the photo gallery. Perhaps there is something for you.
Thank you for stopping in and having a read.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
A Clean Well Lighted Place To Work
Good Morning,
Monday is here, and I for one am rather excited about starting the work week.
This blog has discussed tools, uses and care of, as well as a number of things related to the Studio in general. Today I thought it would be fun to show off the “workbench”.
Not so much a workbench as it is a large, long table, but it will suffice for the meantime. I spent the weekend cleaning and organizing the Studio, it still has a long way to go but at least the work area is clean and inviting. Come, sit and create something, it beckons.
It is important to have a clutter free work area, in the photo below you can see the work space, a large space for equipment (currently a note book resides in the spot), along with hammers, torches, Dremel tool, mandrels, other tools, and a small rack of incidentals (files, striker, gloves and other things) hangs on the wall within easy reach. A positionable light with a magnifying lens is attached to one edge of the table, it may be pulled down for small work, or lifted up and out of way as you see here, it is also an excellent extra light source. The windows and overhead light come from behind me, casting shadows across the table, which is not only bad for my eyesight, but it makes it difficult to see what I am actually working on.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Readers from everywhere,
Welcome to The Alchemists Vessel. That’s it, right there. No longer do I reside in the Great Room at the dining-room table, no more do I fret over spills, wax, fire (OK, maybe a little bit) and other things that may mar or damage a surface. This table, that chair, is my Studio. Kind of not what you thought, huh. Yes, there is a whole room attached to the table and chair, don’t you worry, and more equipment lies about the area within a step or two away. The “heavy machinery” is out in the garage.
It is important to be sure that you not only have enough light, but that you have enough space to work on your items. Of course things should be within reach, but out of the way of the immediate area in which you are working. It is also a nice idea to have extra space tools and / or equipment you may need for working on a project. Here things are rather compact. The crock pot, for example, plugs into the outlet provided on the lamp’s base, (not visible in photo). Not only is this convenient, it is also within easy reach, as the pot does not have an On/Off switch, it can be unplugged immediately when not in use or switched off with the lamp’s power toggle.
I think this is the first time any of you will get to see a piece of my art that hangs in the studio. Although not quite completed, I had to get it out of the way, and the wall already had a nail in it, so why not just hang the thing. I don’t paint well, but I do enjoy dabbling on occasion.
A front view of the bench, here it is easier to see how it all comes together as a functioning workbench. These photos were actually taken with my cellphone, because once again my camera has eaten
the batteries.
This is where the magic happens.
The bench is currently set up for a Super Secret Project! The plastic bag you see contains materials that if left out in the open one will oxidize and the other will harden to an unusable state. As you read this, I sit in that chair, at that table, and am more than likely soldering something.
This lovely item is an actual Bench Jewelers bench, each compartment and drawer are actually made to accommodate specific items. The drawer in front, unlike a desk, is called a “catch drawer” it is used to catch the metal dust from sheet metal when sawing or cutting or piercing the piece.
From Gesswein this little beauty is solid wood and has a number of amenities, bench pin, catch drawer and ring mandrel holder. For $315.00 this is a very nice piece of equipment, not a necessary one, but a nice one.
Thank you for stopping in and having a read.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant work week.
Merry Go Round Chainmaille and Jasper Necklace on Handmade Artists’ Shop
Paramour Bracelet Pink Chainmaille Bangle on Handmade Artists’ Shop
Silver Dragonscale Cuff Chainmaille Bracelet on Handmade Artists’ Shop
Peek A Boo Bracelet Silver Plate and Glass Bead Chainmaille on Handmade Artists’ Shop
Peek A Boo Bracelet Silver Plate and Glass Bead Chainmaille on Handmade Artists’ Shop.
New and available in your favorite color or gemstone.
Studio News Ring – Ring
Happy Wednesday!
The week is almost over, and it has been a busy last couple of days.
This morning I would like to share the latest listing for a new ring, at Blackbird Metalworks, as well as sharing one of the Jo-Ann’s Class projects that you can learn to make when you sign up for the Brochure Jewelry Making or the Trend Classes lead by Alixandra of The Alchemsits Vessel and Blackbird Metalworks.
Sky – Sterling Silver and Genuine Turquoise Ring
This pretty little ring has a genuine Natural Turquoise cabochon, hand set with sterling silver bezel strip and .5mm twisted gallery wire, shank is sterling silver and hand soldered to the cabochon setting. A size US 6-1/2, this is a feminine and very attractive little accent ring.
The stone is not cracked, it has been left in it’s natural shape and state, instead of being shaped, filled or polished with resin, it has been set just as it was.
The ring below is made from 20g Sterling Silver plated and 24 kt dyed copper jewelry wire and was made using a variety of glass beads.
Jo-Ann’s has cancelled this class, being as it almost the end of February, but fear not, Trend classes and private lessons can be arranged by contacting Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts for Trend and Brochure classes, or contacting The Alchemists Vessel for your group, party or private lessons.
“Blue Belle” Ring – Instructions by Spotted Canary School
Clockwise from Left – “Blue Belle” class project. Red Bi-cone Bead, Green Bi-cone Bead, Glass Pearl beads in Gray, and Brown.
“Blue Belle” Ring
Red Bi-cone Bead – Option
Glass Pearl Bead, Gray – Option
Gold wire and Glass Pearl, Brown
Super simple to make. Cute, and can be made to match your mood, or your outfit.
Check out what other classes are available on line or visit your local Jo-Ann’s.
Thank you for stopping by and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
