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.

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
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.

 
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.
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!
  
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

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! 
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

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
 

 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

Friday Links, Promotions and Facebook

Hello, 

Friday is here!  Happy Day!  Today’s blog is packed with links and pictures and a look at the new Facebook Time Line for Fan or Business pages.  Some of you may have read the post on the new Etsy Theme Shop application that Facebook has rolled out, and we’ll get you the link for that, too.  If you’re an Etsy Shop owner click on through and check it out.  I know many users are unhappy about the constant changes that Facebook forces on the site and people’s profiles.  This isn’t so bad, really, it just takes a minute to get used to, once you have discovered where they have hidden things, you’ll be cruising the pages like a pro again in no time.

Let’s take a look at the Header first.
The large photo at the top is called the Cover.  You may change this picture at any time by clicking on it.  Your Cover Photos will be stored in the Photo Albums of the page automatically.
Next up, the new Link Buttons, this is where you can place the applications you like, such as Events, Photos, Notes, Maps, Favorite Games, etc… 
This area is also where your new Etsy Theme Shop Button goes.  Mine can be found at the right hand top of the row.  If you would like to have the app for your Etsy Shop you can follow this link: Etsy Theme Shop App
If you would like to see what a Shop looks like before clicking Add To Your Facebook Page, you may follow this link.  
You will have to log in to see the page.  You, too, can create your own shop’s look, discounts, coupons, or promote another shop!  Yes, you can do that, as well!  Shop from this page and receive an automatic 10% off the regular Etsy price,  (Your price is shown in green.)  The simple page looks like this, page 1 on top and a menu at the bottom that will continue with your entire Etsy Shop inventory.
Are you having trouble finding your comments or posts?  It’s not a wonder.  Some one decided that it would be an excellent idea to stuff them in a box at the top of the page, where no one can see, find or read them.  There is no changing this, and yes, I, too, am not happy about it.  But if you are looking for a comment or post from a a fan, customer or friend this is where you can find them now.  This box is permanently “pinned” to the top of your page.

The box beneath the Posts and Comments is where you will find the “Likes”.  These are the pages that you have liked while logged in as the Admin or while  using your Fan Page to peruse Facebook.
Everything else works pretty much the same.  You can post a status update, link to your Etsy Shop items, post pictures, and keep track of your activity and insights.  
Happy Facebooking!

Here is the link to a new open group on Linked In, Northwest Artisans Guild. I started the group in hope of connecting and networking with people closer to home.  I am the only member so far.  The purpose of the group is to network, connect, showcase your art, work, wares, photography, what have you, and most important it is to share and exchange ideas and to have fun!  Help will be offered to all who ask.  Jewelry designers, painters, sculptors, artists, artisans, craftspeople of all kinds are welcome.

We have launched Ravens Nook!  There are items up for sale on the site and as always custom work is welcome.  We take requests.  This weekend I will be chained in the dungeon, I mean sitting at the work table crafting some new, dark and unique items for your perusal.
Did you know that there is now a Youtube Channel for T.A.V.?  That’s right.  We have created a Youtube channel for Jewelery Tutorials.  There is only one video up now, but we plan on adding some basic ones soon.  In the mean time you can check out Jump Rings 101, it is uploaded, and playable.

Remember you can find any or all of these links on the right hand side menu bar.  We even have a video bar, right on the menu, you can watch the video without leaving the page. How cool is that?
What Customers are saying about the Alchemists Vessel: (remarks taken from Feedback on the Etsy Shop.)
“Just received my order today, and I simply couldn’t be more satisfied! The packaging and shipping protection was great, the product was in perfect condition and appeared exactly as it was shown in your shop. I received my package in a timely manner and was given a printout of my order. Thank you so very much for your professionalism! I will be sure to recommend your store & products to every crafter/beader/maker/creator I know! I also plan to buy again and often in the near future. Again, many thanks and much appreciation for your excellent service and quality!” ~ Sincerely, Rainbow C. Lavendar
“Beautiful large beads! Thrilled with my purchase!!! Thank You!”

“The cinnabar pieces are awesome!!!!” ~ C.R.S.

If you made it to the end of this blog, CONGRATULATIONS!  As a special Happy Ending, if you enter the Coupon Code: LUCKYME, now through March 18th, on The Alchemists Vessel Etsy Shop you’ll receive 10% off your order.  Keep an eye out, for more incentives and sales available only to those that read the blog, you don’t have to follow it, but you have to read it to find those goodies!
 
As always,  thank you for stopping in and having a look.  Since it is Friday as well, we would like to wish you a pleasant and wonderful weekend.

Friday – Flash, Pass and Drop Your Cash

Well, it’s happened,  The Alchemists did not do her homework in favor of creating lovely items and is not only pressed for time, but is pressed for something to share as well.

Last week or the week before, I talked about the not so new Social Site “Pinterest“.  This week I’d thought I share the link for Wanelo.  Pronounced wah-nee-lo an anachronism for “Want Need Love”, is another online Social Shopping site of sorts.  As a user, you “Save” a store or item you like from any online shopping venue, Wanelo puts it up on their home page and categorizes it under things like Forever 21, Urbanoutfitters, Etsy and Pinterest etc…, it gets seen or it doesn’t, the more “saves” an item has the higher up in rank and placement on the graphs it goes.  I have not ventured into the Wanelo world as of yet, but you may click through, and of course sign up with FacebookWanelo Home
If you’re a designer and looking to have a shop or things printed.  Try Cafe Press.   Create a design and have it printed on over 250 item of choice, T-Shirts, Coffee Cups, Hats etc…

I have posted this link before but it bears repeating.  If you own an online shop or are looking to get started this is a cool article.  50 Social Sites That Every Business Needs a Presence On.

I must say I am terribly disappointed in Etsy and the new way they are handling things.  It is awful.  On that note, there is a third party app that will take you to yet another version of my store, http://www.facebook.com/alchemistsvessel/app_259525164100619, not directly on Etsy’s site, this also has automatic discounts, coupons, and various other things.  I may be deleting my Etsy shop in favor of promoting my Website http://alchemistsvessel.net.  Same stuff, same prices, just less hassle and headache.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  We would like to wish you a wonderful weekend.

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:


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!

In My Studio – Chain Maille Weaves

Over the weekend I taught myself new chain mail weaves.   I am always on look out for new patterns, ideas and ways to improve my skills or provide a variety of design and styles.
The Spiral – “Magic Maille”- This is a fun and super simple pattern that I am hoping to incorporate it into some pieces.  The problem with this pattern is that in order to maintain the twist it must be made as an “eternity” chain, no clasp, no beginning or end. Below is a 8-1/2″” eternity bracelet in base metal gold tone manufactured jump rings.  The “Magic” part, when the chain is loose, it has a very light twist and looks open and messy, with a couple of turns of the wrist, the chain becomes a slinky, silky, and fluid spiral that rolls over itself and undulates across the length of chain.  The set of pictures in silver shows the process of twisting the chain.  You can make it as twisted or loose as you like.

Finally, after all the jump rings are connects and tidied up, you have a very pretty eternity wave or spiral chain.

The detail photos below, show just that, the detail of the spiral as the jump rings are linked or locked together.  In silver and gold base metal jump rings.  Different metals and colors lend the piece a different look although it is the same pattern.

Gold:
Silver:

The Celtic Knot:  I love it when friends find things that they think I can do and pass them along to me.  Shelly Moody of Green Witch Designs found this photo of a stunning pair of earrings. Unbeknown to me I actually had instructions on how to make this weave in a note book!  My images are not cooperating this morning, so I borrow the image Shelly sent to me.  (I will replace it later today)

 Why only two patterns?  Because I am only one person, and capable of just so much.  It does take time to spin the correct size jump rings, unless I am using manufactured or pre-cut rings.  Chain Maille, like any other craft, is a process.  Opening, linking and closing the rings is done by hand, and I mean by hand, a pairs of pliers in each hand and off you go!

How To Get Those Five Great Gifts For Giving

For the last month or so, every Tuesday I have posted links to either  my own offerings around the web or other items for sale by fellow artists and artisans.  It has been brought to my attention that I have been remiss in explaining exactly how to acquire the items that are linked in the posts.

 I am guessing that many of you either have an Etsy account, whether Buyer or Seller, or you have seen the logo, the big orange square with the letter E.  This is Etsy, as a friend once quipped, “it’s like the world’s garage sale.”  Etsy is actually a venue, not a service, that brings Artists, Artisans, Craft-people and Professionals together in a central location allowing them to sell their wares and communicate with each other as well as reaching new customers, fans, and making those all important networking connections and opportunities.  Etsy is free!  However you must register for an account if you wish to buy or sell on the venue’s site, again registration is free, but a credit card or a debit card with the Master Card or Visa logo is required to sign up.  The card will never be charged, Etsy is free.  They make their money from Vendor listings and percentage takes from sales.


Other People’s listings and shared links are provided by the Artist or vendor, and posted with their permission.  These people either have an Etsy shop, a website or page and all are account holders on Facebook.  The link to the item is provided and may be clicked on to carry you through to the item’s page or description.  Many of the Artist / Vendors welcome e-mails and will readily answer questions in regards to custom orders, payment methods, or general questions about the item of interest.  No solicitations please.
Alternatives to Etsy:
If you don’t want or would prefer not to register / sign up for yet another internet account there are alternatives!

E-Mail: Ask what other ordering or payment arrangements might be made.  “Contact Us” buttons and e-mail addresses aren’t just window dressing, they are meant to be used!  Don’t be detoured because of the “Buy Now” button.  Many vendors will work with a customer to provide the best payment option for them.

Snail Mail:  The United States Postal Service is still open, operational and ready to take your envelope to its destination!  The Alchemists Vessel accepts personal, electronic or cashiers checks or money orders via USPS.  It is also how your items will be delivered to you!  Don’t forget those brave men and women in light blue who trudge through rain, sleet, and snow to bring you your mail!  They are useful!

Phone: The Alchemists Vessel is pleased to announce that we will have a Toll Free Customer Service phone number up and running soon!  If your chosen vendor (seller) has a contact phone number listed give them a call during their hours of operation.

ANNOUNCEMENT:
We are happy and excited to bring you a new service!  TAV, The Alchemists Vessel, is now capable of processing your ATM or Credit Cards, either over the phone or at the local markets and venues.  No cell phones or e-mails to contend with, we have a real Slide Imprinter and your receipt will be provided to you right on the spot!  How convenient and easy!

Thank you for stopping by and reading or just having a brief look.  Please feel free to leave a comment or contact us via any of the links to the right.

A Featured Artist Website

If you have been wondering where I have been and what I have been doing, I have spent the last several days creating a Website.  It was published yesterday and I think I look quite professional.

You will find a lot of photos, a Custom Order page, Mini Etsy Shop and you can also buy directly from the site.  Click the type not the picture.
Here is the information on where to go what to do who hosts it etc.
Kudos and a big shout out to Zain Orion of Dark Mountain Treasures for directing me to: 
dynadot.com for Domain Name registration
Host Gator for Web Hosting
Business Site $10.95 / month (There are cheaper options)
Toll Free Number for your business (rings through your regular line)
And any other number of goodies for you and your site.

It should be said here that I was looking for a site similar to that of Dark Mountain Treasures, and I am in way over my head with Host Gator, they are a fantastic and powerful site, with a lot of wonderful tools, 3/4 of which I don’t need, get, or have a clue on what to do with.  The site was created with a pre-made template and I dragged, dropped, added, typed and edited, all with in their BaseKit Sitebuilder, it was a very pleasant experience.  Yes, I said pleasant experience, no screaming and tearing of hair or renting of clothes.  The builder is simple and intuitive.  They have live chat assistance or you may call them 24/7 at a 1-800 number.  I have used both and was thrilled with the results of both help lines.

I am also a .net, I had a site alchemistsvessel.com for years on Yahoo, no one ever used it or even looked at it, never made a sale or anything.  Due to the way Domain registration works, I am now alchemistsvessel.net, you must type http:// instead of www. to reach a net site.  Not a biggie.

Thank you for stopping by.  Now back to the work table to do what I do best, make jewelry!

Featured Artisan – Alixandra Browning

It has become painfully obvious that I have no idea how to conduct an interview.  I’m a jeweler not a journalist.  So bear with me, we will cover something.
Alchemy: (n) The process of transforming something common into something extraordinary. 

Alchemists: (n) a person or practitioner of alchemy.
I am a self-taught artisan, books, questions and watching others is how I learn my craft and trade.
My love of nature and the outdoors has inspired many of my creations and I try to offer only the finest quality natural Gemstones, glass beads, and other high quality materials.
As a designer I would like customers to be as happy and pleased with the pieces they purchase as I am in creating them. Each piece is handcrafted with meticulous care and attention to detail.  I like to put a sense varying design styles, fun and excitement, whimsy and femininity to the jewelry creations.  
I have been in business since 2005, and began in Zodiac niche jewelry.  Quickly aware that I needed to offer more, I began researching and studying techniques, gemstones, and metals on my own.  The inventory has grown, selections are more varied and I enjoy the design aspect.  Working with a variety of materials helps to keep things fresh.  I taught myself to make Chain Maille last year, and have become adept at several patterns.

You can find the jewelery at The Alchemists Vessel online.

This is what I look like:

This is what I do:

This where you can find me:  Treasure Valley Market at Expo  Idaho, 5610 Glenwood St, at the Fair Grounds in Garden City, ID.

Thank your for bearing with me.  I hope you enjoyed this brief and not very informative peak into the artisan and Alchemist, Alixandra Browning