Category Archives: beadwork

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Five Great Gifts To Give 4/17/12

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We’re back with Five Great Gifts to Give:

From: Lesley Hornbeck

Stargazing — ARTIST NAKISHA — Adult T-shirt, personalization available, sizes S-3xl

BLUE DOG ROSE PARTNERSHIP — ARTIST Nakisha

WhimsyTees is delighted and honored to announce a partnership with the very talented artist, Nakisha of BlueDogRose (also on Etsy!) She has very generously given us the rights to offer Etsy customers a few of her lovely images on our totes and t-shirts (at Whimsy Tees!)

The link to Nakisha’s original paintings and prints of these designs and more is:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bluedogrose?ref=pr_shop_more

This stunning print is the artist’s “Stargazing” print, applied by professional heat transfer to a T-shirt of your choice.
From:  Whimsy Bags

 Adorable “hello” tote with little bird – available in other image colors and tote sizes

 This sweet “hello!” image with an adorable tiny bird is transferred onto a conveniently sized 15×15 high-quality canvas tote bag with 24 inch shoulder strap and 4 inch flat-bottom gusset. The image is professionally heat transferred to the bag, and will wear well wash after wash. If you would like the image in a different color, please note your preference in the transaction details.

 

From: L’Atelier de Lou

Bicycle tea or coffee mug 

 For all those bike lovers out there, show your appreciation with this Bicycle coffee mug! Ride on!

Each mug we sell is made using a professional high heat process. The mug holds 11 oz: A classic coffee mug size you would find in any given store or souvenir shoppe. Our printed coffee mugs are completley dishwasher and microwave safe. The image will not fade over time.

 

From: The Golden Trees

Handmade painted necklace – Green Wooden Pendant – Wearable Art – OOAK – Eco Friendly – Abstract Design- Adjustable – Handmade –

This necklace is inspired by my Original contemporary painting on paper “Agata” : http://www.etsy.com/listing/72464637/green-abstract-art-contemporary-art-home?ref=pr_shop
Size: The pendant is circular and measures approximately 5cms diameter . It has a green cotton string and is decorated with wooden and glass recycled beads.
Length of string approx: 60cms.

Varnished, signed on the back.

 

ENTER AND WIN! dailydoseofhandmade.blogspot.com/

 From: Julie Ellyn Designs

RESERVED Bright Green Agate Gemstone Beaded Brown Leather Triple Wrap Bracelet

 RESERVED for the Daily Dose of Handmade Blog Giveaway!

Enter for a chance to win here: www.DailyDoseofHandmade.blogspot.com

Bright Green Agate Gemstone Beaded Brown Leather Triple Wrap Bracelet

This Beaded Leather Wrap Bracelet is made with 4mm brilliant green agate beads carefully wrapped on 1.0 mm brown leather cording with handmade wood button closure.

 

Thanks for stopping by and having a look.   We would like to wish you a pleasant day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What’s New In The Shop? Beads and Bracelets

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Happy Monday!

Is everyone ready for a fabulous work week filled with fun and excitement?  No?  Can’t say as I blame you.  Busy with Easter activities last weekend and inspired by spring and the beautiful things mother nature has to offer, I sat down, racked my alleged mind, and came up with these Springtime festive and fashionable beaded beauties! Yes, they are available in the shop!  Finally something new!

First, however, I would like to give an example of the weave without all the additional beads.  Although jewelry is a very forgiving medium / art form that allows you to play with ideas and styles, patterns, textures and colors, the traditional pattern must be incorporated as a basis from which to start.  So let us begin at the beginning, as that is usually best.

Here we see the Full Persian Chain Maille weave, completed in 6mm *Nickel silver jump rings, which have been hand spun and linked.  A strong, supple, and striking pattern, it is appropriate for either men or women.  Would make a great gift for a Boyfriend!
I should mention that “Nickle Silver” is not Silver, and has no Silver content at all.  Also called “German” or “Indian” Silver it is actually an alloy containing copper, nickle and zinc.
The usual formulation is 60% copper, 20% nickel and 20% zinc.  

Nickel 


These next two pretties are designs and patterns of my own creation.  Full Persian Chain Maille is not usually beaded, but the creativity bug grabbed me and said, “You SIMPLY MUST bead these bracelets”.  So like a good Craft-person, I listened to my inner muse and went with its decision.  After all if I didn’t, it would annoy, pester, harass, harangue me, and be a nuisance in general until I did so.

Dubbed “Chunk Maille” for their large size, which is all the rage this season.  Big, bold, colorful jewelry or statement pieces, are very in vogue this year.  I have created two distinct patterns for these bracelets, Walking Beads and Serpents Spine.  Although I am sure other Maillers have thought of this before, I haven’t seen / found an exact pattern to match.

Done in Black and Red Silver lined Czech Glass beads, is March of the Lady Bug, in honor of my friend Shelly Moody.  The beads appear to walk, or march across the surface of the bracelet a versatile pattern the beads may also be worn “in front” instead of on “the top” for a different look.  The Walking Bead pattern is available in a variety of colors, single or multiple as seen here.
This is one of my favorites and has two versions, the second is not shown here, and is a basic bead addition to another version of the Full Persian where a single connector ring is beaded.  That pattern will be shown later.  Serpents Spine is modeled after Dragons, Sea Serpents / Monsters (Nessie!), and of course, snakes.  The beads appear to be tucked or set inside the bracelet.  Using even intervals of non-beaded units to allow the pattern to flow and move, the beads appear to undulate through the bracelet like something through the water, a snake in the grass, or a Dragon in the clouds.


We also have some new Chain Maille Earrings and some fun and simple jewelry for those that like something a little more understated, but still shiny.  Shown here in Gunmetal jump rings in Dragon Chain and Byzantine weaves, and Red round glass beads, these are also available in a variety of shapes and colors.  At $5.00 a pair and Free Shipping, you can’t go wrong!

Chain Maille Dangles 

Red Dragon


Light



Light Blue Splatter Paint Glass Beads (Also available in Purple)


Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  We wish you a pleasant work week.

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In My Studio – Chain Maille and Beads

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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.
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Friday Links

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Happy Friday!  The weekend is finally here and that means relaxation!

Today I had a lovely conversation with a friend of mine.  We spent a couple of hours on the phone discussing business, marketing, Business names, strategies for everything, including where to find material.

Since this week has been all about The Alchemists Vessel, let’s put all of links in a list, of course they can all be found to the right on the side menu bar, but this is maybe easier to look at.

Tutorial Videos on Facebook (These may also be found on Youtube)

We also have listings, stacks and stuff on Delicious, Pinterest, Linkedin, Google Plus pages, a wordpress blog, and all kinds of places to find us across the web!

**[This app is from Facebook, you may buy directly from the page without leaving facebook or requiring an Etsy Account]

Thank you for stopping by, we would like to wish you a pleasant weekend.

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Five Great Gifts To Give: 3/28/12

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So it’s not Tuesday.  But this week has been extremely hectic and I am just not organized.  That’s right I can admit when the days get away from me and I’m suddenly behind in the schedule.

This weeks gifts ideas are all from my Etsy shop.  I must go looking again for more fun and interesting items, as well the permission to post them.

Don’t have an Etsy account?  Never fear, you may also e-mail us at alchemistsvessel@g-mail.com and tell us your item of choice, or order through The Alchemists Vessel fan page on Facebook, yes you can now purchase items directly from Facebook.  Click the “Etsy Theme Shop” button, under the cover photo, and receive special discounts not available on Etsy!  Every item shown here is also available there, and all purchases are secure!  These links may be found to the right on the side menu bar.  We hop you’ll click through for a visit.

Custom work is welcome, please visit the website The Alchemists Vessel website for details or e-mail us at the address above for a complete list of available materials.  Have a design in mind, but don’t know how to bring to life?  Give us a call or e-mail us, we’d love to help you get that special piece from your head in to a beautiful and wearable piece of  your art!

These items may be found by following their link. 

Sterling Silver and Genuine Garnet, flat oval shaped beads.  Perfect for January Birthdays, or the Gothic Vamp appeal!


Silver Plated and Aquamarine Czech Glass Bead hand linked Chain Maille bracelet.  These come in a variety of colors and can be made to order, from specific length, bead color or bead color combination.  This would be terrific for a March Birthday Present.


Silver Plated and Antiqued Copper hand linked Chain Maille Bracelet.  Something for the Men!  Yes we do make Masculine style jewelry, this would also be a great unisex piece.  Smaller diameter jump rings may be used to create a delicate feminine chain.  Why not get matching his and hers for fun!
Sterling Silver and Genuine Malachite Chain Maille Earrings.  18 Gauge Sterling Silver wire is hand spun, cut and linked to create these unique earrings.
These beauties are also available in Natural Copper, Silver Plated, Rose Gold, 24kt Colored Copper Jewelry wire, or in a Precious Metal wire of your choice.  Available in a variety of semi-precious gemstones, these would make an excellent May Birthday gift.


Sterling Silver Plated Pegasus Charm and Genuine Amethyst Earrings. These are cute, ready to wear, light weight and PURPLE!  You can’t go wrong.  Great for the Horse Obsessed teen your household!

 
Thank you for stopping in, we hope you enjoyed looking and that perhaps found something to your liking.


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Five Great Gifts To Give: 3/20/12

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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.

Magic by Leah 
Dutch Bunny Rabbit Sculpture in Polymer Clay by MagicByLeah
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
Lovebugwraps 
5 Beautiful Key Fobs/ Keychains/ Wristlets Ready to ship or custom orders welcome
 
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.

 
The Alchemists Vessel
Phoenix – Silver Plate and Ruby Czech Glass Bead Bracelet
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.
 n’ICE Cubes™Stainless Steel Drink Chillers
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!
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New Items in the Shop

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Two new items are up for sales this morning.

Unisex Necklace:  Antiqued Bronze jump rings are spun into a version of a Half Persian Chain Maille weave pattern, are connected by a larger ring at the center and a stylized Stag pendant drops from the larger ring.  About 20″ in total length including pendant.  This would be great for theme or cos-playing.  Aspiring “King Arthur’s” or “Guinevere‘s”,  this is for you!
These are cute, fun, really simple, and will add a splash of bright color to your outfits, and absolutely a must have fashion accessory this Spring and Summer season.  Department stores carry these for $12.99 to $15.99 a pair, we carry our hand made beauties for $5.00!  Natural Shell (surface-dyed) buttons are re-purposed into these adorable, native-chic, and colorful earrings, available in Blue (shown), Pink, Green and Gold (Sunshine Yellow), these are a limited selection item and once they are gone, they are gone.  The wire is wrapped around a mandrel, the button is then positioned and the wire allowed to “relax”, the wire is then manipulated by hand to form an organic spiral shape as decoration and to secure the button.  A Fish Hook ear wire is added to complete the pair.  Simple, uncluttered, and a fabulous accent for any Spring or Summer outfit.
Sterling Silver Plated Copper Jewelry Wire and Natural Shell (Blue) Earrings.

Natural Shell Buttons surface dyed in Pink, Light Green, Gold (Sunshine Yellow), the back of the shell is shown in comparison to the dyed surface face.

 
Thank you for stopping by we would like to wish you a pleasant week.