Five Great Gifts To Give List 31

Good Morning,

We usually showcase Five Items from Five different shops around the web.  The Holidays are right around the corner, and now is the time to map out those shops and places you would like to visit.

Today we’re going to do things a little bit backwards and talk about where you can find these things that are shared every Tuesday.

Why Shop At a Big Box or overpriced Department Store when you can Shop Small Business and Shop locally.

Little Shop of Artists:
6713 Fiarview Ave, Ste., B
Boise  ID, 83704

Featuring locally handmade quality good from talented people in and around the Boise, Idaho area.

Displaying Artists:
The Alchemists Vessel
Blackbird Metalworks
Wire Witchery
The Muddfip Photographer
Green Witch Handmade

Come on in and see what these folks have on display.

The links above will take you to the artists personal webpage or Etsy store.

What is Etsy?  As a friend once quipped, “Etsy, it’s the world’s garage sale.”  That is a fairly accurate description.  Although much higher quality than your typical neighborhood Garage Sale, there is a lot to wade through.  There are thousands of shops and items of all kinds from sellers with “on-line stores” on the site Etsy.  I look at it as one big Mall.  The Big Orange Box with an E in it is the logo for Etsy, you may find a click-able icon to your left on the side menu.

Handmade Artists – handmadeartists.com is another Artist to Customer Shopping Venue that deals strictly with handmade goods.  Everything on the site is handmade from start to finish, by the seller.  You will find up-cycled items, but vintage, mass-produced or manufactured items are not allowed on the site.  A truly unique little shopping site.  You may find click-able icons to the left on the side bar menu for the sites Forum, Shops and Blog.

If you’re an artists in the Boise or surrounding Treasure Valley Area we have lots of room for you to display your wares.  Monthly rental fee applies, artists keep all sales money.  Give us a call or stop by the shop, bring your work, we’d love a look and to find a place for your items in the store.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

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

But There’s Nothing To Do!

Good Morning,

Although Summer is over here in Boise, the Thunderstorms have started and it rains almost daily, it also mean that school is back in and for many the repeated plaintive cry, “But there’s nothing to do!”

Here’s something to do with the whole family, just yourself, grab your friends, or make it a date.

Art in the Park

If you click through to the site, you can find a map of the Artists as well as other event times and information.  This a great big huge outdoor event, that includes a Beer Garden.

Although Little Shop of Artists is not attendance, we of the shop are intending to go this weekend.  Once we have the details of our visit, those will be posted.

There are other neat things to do in town this weekend as well, unfortunately the events are not listed on line.  Check the Boise, Weekly or the Idaho Statesman for a list of goings-on and happenings in your area. 

You could always stop in Little Shop of Artists and see what we have on the shelves, bring a friend, bring your work, we’d love to see you.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Good Morning,

Today is the Big Day!  I am nervous, and excited, elated and tentative, all at the same time.  I expect no one to be banging down the doors, and really retail on a Tuesday morning is kind of non-existent, but we are open and in hope if you’re local you’ll stop on in and say Hello, see what we have on the shelves and perhaps visit for a moment or two.

Little Shop of Artists is now OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

Unique Artisan Gifts

We are located in lovely Boise, Idaho

6713 Fairview Ave., Suite B
Boise, ID 83704
askus@littleshopofartists.com

Find us in the bungalow behind A-1 Video Game Exchange.

Our Schedule for our first opening week

Tuesday – First Day of Business 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday – 10:00 a.m. to  6:00 p.m.
Thursday – We will be closed for meetings. Regular hours 10 – 6
Friday –  10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday – 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday – Closed

Like us on Facebook

We are still looking for participating artists.
We teach classes, including chain maille, knitting, and Summer Kids classes. 
We also offer minor on site jewelry repair, such as jump ring or clasp replacement.

We look forward to seeing you.

Friday News and Things

Good Morning,

There have been some changes here at the Vessel and I would like to briefly discuss those today.

The pages that were created on Google + and connected to my personal profile have been deleted.  There are several reason and mitigating factors as to why, but Ravens Nook, The Alchemists Vessel and The Alchemists Vessel stand alone profile have been removed.  I would like to thank those that took the time to “follow” or added me to circles.  It is appreciated.

The blog will continue as usual.

We have closed the shop Blackbird Metalworks, and will be incorporating the pieces from there to shop sections on the established sites Etsy and Handmade Artists.  I think I just got a little over ambitious, and there is only so much I can do, and stay organized at the same time.

We are currently awaiting a large order and are in hope of producing some new and fun things as soon as the material arrives.

On today’s agenda is trying to find someplace quiet to work.  Some idiot decided that 6:30 a.m. is the perfect time to run power tools.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Five Great Gifts To Give List 17

Good Morning,

Today we are just going to jump right in there with listings.

We have some returning participants as well as new shops, let’s have a look.

From: Sue’s Arts

Hamsa necklace, Charm necklace, evil eye jewelry, silver hamsa charm, silver necklace, silver hamsa

 

Beautiful, charming, elegant and one of a kind Hamsa charm necklaces to choose from.

Since Hamsas are considered a gift of love they make the perfect gift idea.

The Hamsa Hand is believed to protect and shield against the evil eye, generate positive energy, provide good fortune, health, prosperity and happiness.

Approx length about 18″ long and can be adjusted per request at no extra charge.

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

Combinations can be mixed and played with per request at no extra charge… feel free to contact me

Suzan ♥ 

From:  zlala959

Agate geode pendant No10411

If you want to make jewelry yourself, this item is a very good accessory.

material: geode
size: 20mm x 50mm x 50mm
color and pattern: please see the picture.
condition: new and never been used.

If you have any questions about shipping, payment and return policy, please check my shop policies.

From:  The Alchemists Vessel
  
Paramour Chainmaille Bracelet

Feminine, and super cute. Pretty in pink, this fun, flirtatious and colorful piece is 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 would make an excellent alternative for a Breast Cancer Awareness lapel pin ribbon. 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.

*Customizable, may be made to desired length or in color of choice. Check the shop to see if one isn’t already available in your favorite color. Multicolor requests, please add $5.00

Currently available in: Dark Blue, Purple, Olive Green, Pink, Teal, Red, Black and Copper (enameled aluminum or natural)

Free Shipping on this item.

Custom orders, please allow 2 – 3 Day shipping, we need time to make your item. 

From: Fable and Fury

Seahorse necklace in black stainless steel – nautical fashion seahorse silhouette steampunk jewelry

 

Original-design seahorse specimen silhouette pendant is intricately cut in stainless steel with black powder coat finish, measures just over 2.25″ (59mm) tall and includes the following components: 18″ black enameled chain, black findings and sturdy black lobster clasp.

✒ 15% DISCOUNT on orders of $50 or more (excluding shipping). Enter coupon code 15OFF50 during checkout to receive your discount. ✒

Fable & Fury silhouettes depict nature-inspired designs that you’ll adore. Modern techniques enable us to design intricately-detailed pendants that are still extraordinarily durable. We are committed to creating unconventional jewelry using materials of the utmost quality and strength, providing you with necklaces that are ageless, enduring, and uniquely… Fable & Fury.

✒ If you prefer a stainless steel (silver color) chain or a length other than 18″, please include your request in the “message to seller” box during checkout.

From Dark Djinn Design

Not only is this the shop where you can find my favorite macabre monster miniature sculptures  but there are some other really beautiful things in the shop as well.

Not only will you find these little guys
  
Biter Zombie Head

 

1/6 Scale solid cast resin zombie head
Sold individually 

but you can also find lovely things like this pretty wooden box.

Wooden Keepsake Box

 

Burned, dyed, stained, aged, and flog.. I mean flocked. Box has been tortured into submission.
Stained Glass look with a tie-dye sensibility and the flaws left in for a wabi-sabi – this has been around awhile – feel. One of a kind, signed on bottom.
Box is 11 x 7 cm hexagon (approx. 4.5 x 2.75 inches)

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner. 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

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

 

 

New Shop Department – Hardwear

Good Morning,

Monday is here and I hope everyone had a lovely Easter Weekend.

The creative process, at times, can be full of inspiration and wonder, at other times it seems to come from whatever is at hand.

This weekend there was a lot of waiting for things to cure and cool. So what’s a girl to do during down time?  Poke around in the garage and see what falls off a shelf.  I have had a repair kit full of nuts, bolts, screws, washers, hardware for quite a while.  Sorting through it, I began to see potential there.  

A jump ring here, a hexagonal nut there, a washer do-dad and viola!  I had a pair of earrings.

Hexes and Os Hardware Earrings

Product Details:

Yes, you read that right, these are made out of hardware.  Hanging at 1-1/2″ long from the earlobe, tiny Hexagonal nuts are linked together and end in a Washer charm.  Perfect for a little something to brighten up that boring office suit, a fun date night accessory, or terrific for Steampunk Fashionistas, Bikers and Rocker Babes!  Plus what a surprise when people “WOW!” at the fact that they are made out of hardware.  Light weight and comfortable enough to wear all day.  You won’t even know you have them on.  These are truly a unique pair of earrings.
Hexoginal nuts and washers are brand new from the package and have never bee used in any machinery, tool, equipment or other construction.  Hand washed in amonia and dish-soap, hand sanded to remove any and all sharp edges, tumble polished for a great shine and hand assembled with hand spun, and cut silver plated jump rings.
Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.
Only one pair available.

Available in both the Handmadeartsits and Etsy shops.

Hexes and O’s on Etsy

Of course I couldn’t stop there.  Oh no.  There is also a bracelet and a pendant, although not true Chainmaille, these pieces are fun to weave, and very different.  Other items will soon be listed and may be found in the shop department “Hardwear”.  

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

Chainmaille Peek A Boo Red Glass Bead Bracelet on Handmade Artists’ Shop

Chainmaille Peek A Boo Red Glass Bead 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.

 

Maille Call – Featured Maille Artisans

Good Morning,

Today since I do not have a single artist to share with you, I thought we would take a look at the competition on handmadeartist.com,
all of them are different and their work is amazing.

From: Chainmaille by MBOI – This husband and wife team not only run Handmade Artists, they make some beautiful things as well.

Copper Cubed Byzantine Bracelet

Product Details:

Copper with a twist! This byzantine bracelet measures 7.5″ in length and is separated by 4 Japanese 8 in 2 cubes. The cubes are separated by 6mm Indian agates. The cubes and agate are strung on copper wire so that they can move freely on the piece for those of you who like to play with your jewelry. This piece is held secure with a handmade “S” clasp.

From: Handmaden Designs – This lady’s maille is incredible, there are lots of items I would like to feature, but then you would be here all day. A member of M.A.I.L, she is also the Weave Submissions administrator for the site, and this woman knows her maille!

Celtic Visions bracelet

Product Details:

This bracelet is a sold sterling silver Celtic Visions weave chainmaille bracelet.  It is just over 8.5 inches long and is 1/4 inch wide.  Some of the rings have been hammered so that they catch the light better and have more sparkle than regular round-wire rings would have.

From Mithril Weaver – Josh doesn’t have much to say about himself on the site, but then again, I think his work speaks volumes.  This is amazing!

  

Aura 3 Icosahedron Foot Bag

Product Details:

 Simply put – the best chainmaille foot bag available.  Made of aluminum and rubber rings.  Filled with plastic beads.  Weighs 1.5 oz.  2″ in diameter.  Orange rubber rings glowin the dark.
I play soccer and hacky sack.  I designed my footbags to perform perfectly.  They are easy to stall and perfectly symmetrical (unlike other foot bags out there).  Each foot bag has 422 individual rings and 60 beads.  They take me 3 hours to make.  The price is high, but you will get what you pay for.  All my products are guaranteed against breakage.  I will fix it for free if it breaks.  

From: Lupus Sux – This is a different artist.  Spelling in Chayn Mayle instead, this man has some truly unique pieces in his shop.  Married and forced to stay indoors due to his Lupus diagnosis, he is a self taught artisan with a lot of talent.

Celtic Strap Bracelet

Product Details:

Weave: Celtic Strap
Materials: Stainless Steel & Copper
Clasp: Slide/Tube
Length: 7.5 Inches
M/L: Men’s
Men’s Celtic Strap bracelet made with a stainless steel base and copper running through it for all the connecting rings.  Finished off with a copper tube clasp and tumble polished.

  

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.  We hope we have inspired you to take a look at some of the other things these artists may have in their shops.

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

Taking Care of Your Tools

Good Morning,

This weekend I was on a bit of a creating jag.  Boxes were sketched on for painting, things were prepared to be assembled, soldered and etched, until this happened…

This is the inside of my hand held, battery operated Engraver.  This little tool is one of my favorites; however due to age and I would suppose use, the innards have obviously deteriorated, or in this case are just plain broken.

The plastic casing has cracked and broken away from the works, the metal pin that acts as a contact is in the battery tube leaving the copper wiring exposed.  I have had this for a good seven or eight years, and I never thought to look inside, until it stopped working yesterday. 

This brings me to the care of your tools.  Not only is it necessary to keep your most important tools, your hands, healthy, it is also important to keep the implements you use healthy as well.

Once a month check you tools.  Really look at them, evaluate their health and assess the best way to repair or give the tool some much needed attention.  Is something broken or starting to wear or fray?  Are there nicks, chips, divots, dings, or other things that may prevent you from achieving that perfect look or  other task you are attempting while creating your goods?

If so, you may want to think about replacing or perhaps repairing them.

A simple sheet of sand paper can be used to polish pliers jaws and the heads of your hammers.  This removes surface imperfections that may mar or interfere with the finish of your piece.

When possible tools should be kept away from each other, this eliminates much of the wear and tear on tools you are not using, they won’t bang into and damage each other.  Try to dust your tools during the inspection, little bits of this and that can gum up the joints or movable parts and damage the tool or cause it not to work properly.

Inexpensive plastic cases can be purchased, or plastic containers from your favorite Deli or Market can also be used as storage.  Clean them out and place your tools inside.  Keep the lid and you can keep them dust free.

Keep your tools in good working order and they will last you a life time.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

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