Wednesday Wonders

Good Morning,

Today the blog is brief, as my relatives are here for the holiday.

Jewelry Class is a blast.  Two and an half of hours of fun and creativity.  Class is held every Saturday from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m., the goal, to go home with a completed project.  Here we see a sample of some of the jewelry-making supplies / demonstration materials supplied by Little Shop of Artists.

From Left to Right and Back to Front:
Simple Chain and Pendant, samples of bracelets, Chainmaille Necklace Earring Set, Simple Drop Earrings, “Illusion” Necklace and Earring Set.  A variety of tools, pliers, mandrels, findings and a selection of wire.  Yes, we can make jewelry with these items.  (Not shown, components, stones, beads and drops and charms).

Tools, all that is really required is a pair of pliers or two and perhaps a wire cuter and a mandrel, if you wish to wind you own wire for jump rings.

Clockwise from the top: Flat-Nosed pliers, graduated mandrels, Chain-Noses pliers and a straight mandrel in 5mm.

Projects include: Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and simple techniques are taught.

SPECIAL CLASSES:

December 08, 2013
WIRE WRAPPING
Instructor: Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery
Project: Bird’s Nest Earrings and Pendants
Where: Little Shop of Artists
6713 Fairview Avenue, Suite B
Boise, ID 83704
Cost: $40.00
Materials are supplied by the instructor.
Attendees: Bring your creativity and a pair of round-nosed pliers if you have them.  The shop does have a limited number of tools for attendees use.

Shown: Sample Bird’s Nest Earrings, created by Sarah Shannon, copper and crystal “pearls”.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Holiday Hours and Classes at Little Shop of Artists

Good Morning,

Today we have a quick look at the Holiday Schedule and Classes in-store at Little Shop of Artists.

During the Holidays the shop is extending the hours of operation customers and weather permitting.  

Monday – Tuesday: The Shop is closed
Wednesday – By Appointment*
Thursday – Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. we teach 
Jewelry-Making 101.
Class Cost is $30.00 per person, attendee provides supplies
Cost: $40.00 per person with Shop Supplied Materials

You may find a Suggested Materials List on our Facebook Page, or check the classes tab here for more information.

Saturday November 23rd, we hold our first class.  I am excited.

We also teach Intermediate to Advanced Classes or Specialty Classes.  December’s Specialty Class: 
Bird’s Nest  Wire Wrapped Earrings and Pendant set.
Materials Provided by Instructor: Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery
Class Cost: $40.00 for a 2-1/2 session.

All classes are Make and Take.

The Shop will be closed Thursday, November 28th, 2013, Thanksgiving Day.  We would like to encourage you to NOT SHOP on Thursday, spend that time with family, friends, and loved ones.  Everybody deserves a holiday, make sure they get one, and do not shop on Thanksgiving Day.

We will return Friday, November 29, 2013, through the weekend.

I would however like to encourage you to join us for the day on Shop Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2013.  The shop will have some great deals, and now through November 30th, stop in for 10% to 20% discounts on all jewelry in the store, including, Chainmaille, Sterling Silver and Genuine Gemstones, to Wire Witchery’s lovely wire wrapped work.

 

You may find us on line at any of the links below.

On The Web

Little Shop  of Artists

The Alchemists Vessel

On-line Shopping

Wire Witchery

The Alchemists Vessel

or – The Alchemists Vessel on Handmade Artists

Social Media

The Alchemists Vessel

Wire Witchery

Little Shop of Artists

Blackbird Metalworks

Follow us on Twitter 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

 

Featured Artists: Wire Witchery

Good Morning,

Today we are back to our featured artists post.  

It is my pleasure to share the wonderful work from Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery.
 

What Sarah says about her craft:

“The first piece of beading I made was actually a Christmas present from my Mother to my Nana. It was an angel bookmark that had been a class at Craft Warehouse. Mom looked at it, decided it was Oh, so simple and that she didn’t actually need to take the class because it was just a matter of throwing a couple of beads on a wire and calling it good, right?

Well… no. As it turns out it’s a bit more complicated than that.

But I do so love a challenge.

Eventually, the hobby got a bit out of hand and I was selling my pieces (because no one needs that much jewelry, I don’t care who you are). And then I was putting some of my pieces in consignment stores.

With out my noticing, my hobby turned into a business that I’d invested several thousand dollars in materials and tools and a ridiculous number of hours into. This happened over the course of several years, not all at once, but the point being that at some point it stopped being a hobby.

It never stopped being something I enjoyed doing, though.”

Some of the things Sarah makes include:
  
Simple Ear Cuff with Glass Accents

Venus Shell Pendant

Jumble Capped Green Bamboo Coral Pendulum – Tiger’s Eye, Red Adventurine, Chrysoprase, Swarovski Crystals

Not only can you find these items on the web at Sarah’s etsy shop you can also find them at Little Shop of Artists, where Sarah participates as an Independent Contractor and Participating Artist.

A Reminder:

Sunday December 8th, 2013, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sarah will be teaching a class on Bird’s Nest Jewelry.

Sarah will be instructing how to create the earrings as shown as well as a pendant.

Date: December 8, 2013
Where: Little Shop of Artists
6713 Fairview Avenue, Suite B
Boise, ID 83704
Cost: $40.00 – Supplies / Materials Included

Don’t forget to head on over to Facebook and give her a like.

We would like to encourage you to click through to Sarah’s Shop, stop on by Little Shop of Artists and see what’s on the shelves or sign up for Sarah’s Class.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Schedule of Events at Little Shop of Artists

Good Morning,

Today I thought I’d give a brief schedule of what is happening at the shop over the next month or so.

Sunday, October 27th – Guest Tarot Reader, Lucritia Burchette will be in the shop.  Note – this may be re-scheduled, please call the shop to be sure appointments are still open and your preferred time available.

Thursday, October 31, 2013 is Halloween – the Shop will be open.

Saturday, November 02, 2013, is “Shop Small Business Saturday”, Little Shop of Artists will be having a sale and would like to invite you to come take a look at all the beautiful items displayed and ready for a good home, yours.

A great way to support your local businesses, and hometown artists and crafts people.  We’d love to see you there.  Mention this blog post or that you have seen the Shop Small flier and get a surprise.

Vendors include:

Sunday November 10, 1013 – in honor of Veterans Day, 20% will be offered to all Military Members and their families.

On Going Scheduled In-Store activities include:
*Classes

Light in-store Repair
Custom Design
Tarot Readings (by Appointment)
Gift Certificates 
and more

*Classes are offered in store or off site, groups, organizations, clubs, Girl Scouts, and individuals.  Classes are usually 2-1/2 hour sessions, with a finished project to take home by the end of class.  Supplies are available for some classes, please check with the shop for availability.  

Like Us on Facebook:
Little Shop of Artists
Blackbird Metalworks
The Alchemists Vessel

Follow Us on Twitter: @AlixAlchemy

Shop on the Web:
The Alchemists Vessel

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Changes, News and Market Information

Good Morning,

Little Shop of Artists would like to announce that Shelly Moody of The Muddfip Photographer and Green Witch Handmades is no longer a participating artists / independent contractor or representative of Little Shop of Artists.  We want to wish Shelly well, and the best of luck in her future endeavors.

The Harvest Market is still on and still open to Vendors.

When: October 11 – 13, 2013, Friday through Sunday
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: 6713 Fairview Ave., Boise, Idaho
Indoor / Outdoor Event

The Alchemists Vessel and divisions thereof may be found at Little Shop of Artists.  Currently on display in the shop a selection of ready-to-wear Chainmaille, Sterling Silver and Genuine Gemstone Jewelry, as well as hand-knit items for the chilly Idaho winters.

Currently displayed, Sterling Silver Jewelry, Chainmaille and Hand-knit items

We teach classes ranging from beginning basic techniques to advanced technical terminology, and offer a variety of services, including, light repair, re-design or up-cycling of existing pieces, and custom design work.  Also available to assist or answer questions or help with that craft project that is giving you trouble.

Can’t make it to the Market?  Saturday November 3, is Shop Small Saturday!  This year Little Shop of Artists is excited and pleased to part of this wonderful movement.  Come and see what’s on the shelves!

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Look Who’s Going to the Harvest Market

Good Morning,

Today I thought it would be fun to introduce a vendor or two attending the up coming Harvest Market, Oct., 11 – 13, 2013.

Duck and Kia Anvilkin / Drethen Leathers

Kia makes jewelry and Duck is a leather tooler, and for a while they were part of a quartet behind Drethen Leathers.

This photo was found on the web, and not from their actual work, it is meant represent the beautiful work you will find on their tables, not limited to masks, they have also have jewelry, cell phone accessories, hair accessories, Hand-bound journals and more.  I own a journal, a hair wrap, a pair of leather frog earrings and a Leather frog cell-phone decoration, from this wonderful group of folks.

Delphi Oracles

The ladies of the the Delphi Oracles will be on hand this market, and what a better way to start the Holiday’s off right with a little treat for yourself at the market.  Tarot, Past Life, Palmistry, and Crystal readings can be had for $5.00, or stop by and make an appointment for entertainment at your next party or gatherings.

Other places to catch an Oracle: 

Frightened Felons – Old Idaho Penitentiary
2445 Old Penitentiary Road 
Boise, ID

*Black Hat Tea Affair – Sunday October 13, 2013
245 S. Capitol Blvd. 
Boise, ID 
*This is a paid event, Admission is $25.00 and you must wear a hat.

Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery will be in attendance, well her table will be any way.  As a participating member of the shop Sarah’s wares are always available for shopping or place your custom order through or shop or with Sarah in person.

Here we have a small selection of Sarah’s ready-to-wear collection, including: Wire Wrapped Pendants, Gemstone Pendants, Crystal Wire Wrapped Rings and a bookmark or two.  Sarah’s item range from $75.00 to $7.00 all hand-crafted with meticulous care.

Alixandra Browning, Fearless Leader, Certified Jewelry Design and Repair Technician, Proprietor of Little Shop of Artists, The Alchemists Vessel, Blackbird Metalworks and Arachknits, will be available to assist with anything and everything from Vendor questions to shop sales, to manning the store and her own goods on display through out the shop.

Chainmaille, Sterling Silver and Gemstone, Artisan Jewlery, Hand-knit items, and Crafting Classes are all available at Little Shop of Artists and taught by Alixandra herself or by the participating artist holding the class.  Professional, knowledgeable, friendly and always available to assist customers with their particular needs.

Shelly Moody of The Muddfip Photographer and Green Witch Handmade will not be in attendance, as she has other commitments, but her wares will be available in-store.   High School Seniors, Families, Newly Weds, Engagements, Parties, Group or Organization events, come on down and grab one of Shelly’s cards and make your appointment for those Holiday Cards, Yearbook Portraits or to capture those special occasion moments!

Photo by Shelly Moody, The Muddfip Photographer

The Muddfip Photographer – Green Witch Handmades in-store display, mounted photos, jewelry, crocheted items and handmade wooden Spindles, works for yarn or your hair to keep it out of your yarn.

If you would like to attend the Harvest Market, there is no admission.

Place: Little Shop of Artists
6713 Fairview Ave., 
Boise, ID 83704
When: October 11 – 13, 2013, Friday – Sunday, Harvest Market and Haunted Open House
11:00a.m.  – 6:00 p.m. weather permitting.
Indoor / Outdoor Event in conjunction with A-1 Video Game Exchange

**Local Vendors – There is still space available.  We’d love to have you with us.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

KAL with Alix – Camouflage Scarf Finishing

Hello,

This morning it is raining here, what a great day to sit inside and knit.

If you have been following along you should have your last ball of yarn knit up and stitches on the needle with about 2′ long tail (end length of yarn).  Now what?  time to bind off those live stitches on the needle.

This is a simple Bind off that keeps your work from unraveling.

Knit the first two stitches, slide the tip of the left needle into the first stitch and pass / slip the first stitch up and over the second stitch. 

There is one stitch left of the needle.  Knit the next stitch.  Pass / slip the first stitch on the needle over the stitch you just knit.  Continue until you have reached the last stitch.

When the last stitch is on the needle, you may wrap the loose yarn around the needle, slip the last stitch over the loop and pull the remaining yarn through the last stitch tightening it.  When you are done, it should look something like the illustration below.  You may also thread the remaining yarn through the stitch with a tapestry needle as well.

 Whew!  Your done!  Almost.  At this point your scarf should have about 64 triangles and measure about 72″ long.

Finishing:

There are ends that weren’t long enough to complete a row hanging on one side of the scarf.  With a tapestry needle weave them into the scarf.  Or some people split the yarn and tie it is a knot along the edge of the scarf.  I don’t recommended doing it that way, but choose the method that works for you.

Now that all the loose ends have been taken care of, it is time to wash and block your scarf if you desire.

I hand washed mine, and using household towels on a sunny day I spread and pinned my scarf at the edges to lie flat and allowed it dry on my back deck.

Once it is dry it is ready to wear.

 

I have put this one up for sale in the shop.  $30.00 Hand-Knit Acrylic Scarf, Machine Washable, Cozy and Comfortable.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

*Illustrations used were taken from random web search images.

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.

KAL with Alix- Camouflage Scarf

Good Morning,

Today’s blog is brief as we begin to Knit-A-Long With Alix, from the Alchemists Vessel. 

This project is a scarf, appropriate for men or women.  This is my very first item that I will knit and add for sale to the shop.

“Camouflage”

I will be using Bernat Softee Chunky Ombre Yarn in 20944 “Dad’s Scarf”, 11 stitches to the inch, on size US 11 Needles.  Here I have wound the first skein into a ball instead of the skein and label they come in.  This is a nice soft acrylic yarn that will hold up to heavy wear and  you can throw it in the washing machine.

Please excuse the other materials on the table, we are busy at the shop and never just craft one thing at a time.  The other materials are for making Chain Maille, and the class Satin Crystal Weave Bracelet project we offer at the shop.

The colors are a deep green, black, dark grey, olive green and a bright grey color that almost looks white against the darker contrast of the other colors.  The yarn reminds a great deal of Camouflage.

 

The pattern is a simple short row work and turn with wrapped stitches forming a interesting decorative loop in the triangles created by this pattern.

Materials

Bernat Softee Chunky 20944 “Dad’s Scarf” (11 stitches to the inch)
3 Balls (77 yards / 70 m – 2.80 oz / 80g) “Ombre” yarn (wt. 6)
Size 11 US needles (8.0 mm)
Tapestry needle
Gauge: 11sts x 14 rows = 4″ (10cm)
You may choose a yarn that appeals to you.

K = Knit
P =Purl
WS = Wrap Stitch*

Pattern Note:  
To work a *Wrapped Stitch:
Knit the number of stitches listed in the row
Slip the next stitch Purlwise to the Right Hand Needle
Bring your yarn to the front of the work
Slip the stitch back to the Left Hand Needle
Turn your work
Bring the Yarn to the Front of your work (you just wrapped the stitch)
Slip the first stitch on the Left Hand needle to the Right Needle
Purl to the end of the row


To Work the wrapped stitches in pattern:
Knit to the Wrapped Stitch
Slip the stitch to the Right Hand needle without knitting it
Slide the tip of the left hand needle into the Horizontal bar (formed around the stitch by bringing the yarn to the front and then back of your work).  With the wrap on the needle, slide the LEFT HAND needle through the first stitch on the right hand needle and Knit the stitch.

Short Row Scarf Pattern

C/O 20 sts.

K rows 1 and 2 (this will give you a nice foundation to begin).
Row 3 – K 16, WS, Turn
Rows 4, 6, 8, 10 Purl to the end of row
Row 5 – K 12, WS, Turn
Row 7 – K 8, WS, Turn
Row 9 – K4, WS, Turn
Row 11 – K to the end of the row, picking up all wrapped stitches
(First Triangle Complete)
Row 12 – K 4, WS, Turn
Rows – 13, 15, 17, 19 Purl to end of row
Row 14 – K 4, pick up WS, K3, WS, Turn
Row 16 – K 8, pick up WS, K3, WS, Turn
Row 18 – K 12, pick up WS, K3, WS, Turn
Row 20 – K 16, pick up WS, K to end of Row.
(Second Triangle Complete)

Continue working these 20 Rows for the entire length of your Scarf.

Progress pictures coming.  Next Wednesday we will look at progress and continuing to knit with a second ball / skein.

The cool thing about this pattern is that it looks the same on both sides and the alternating triangles give it a nice textured feel and look.  One will be Stockinette the other Garter Stitch, not only is it a nice texture, it helps to define the pattern and makes the triangles pop.

Because my ball was knotted and not wound right towards the inside I am missing a good 12 yards of yarn, so your length of scarf after you finish the first ball may be longer than the progress pictures, that is OK.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Up Coming Classes and Events at Little Shop of Artists

Good Morning,

Happy Friday to one and all.

Today we will be briefly discussing the classes taught by Alixandra Browning of The Alchemists Vessel and Blackbird Metalworks.

Alixandra is the Independent Contracted Jewelry Instructor for Boise’s local Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store located at 1085 Milwaukee, Boise.

September’s and October’s Classes include

“Crystal Crochet Water Bracelet” This is made with wire and beads
“Satin Crystal Weave Bracelet”  This is made with satin cording and as many colors as you like, samples use black and white cording (available to see in store).

How about these cute Medallion Earrings, just in time for the Holidays.  Change up the colors and they can be Stars, Snowflakes, Webs, just about anything you can imagine.  Just in time for Halloween these are made in fun Fall colors!

Come on in and learn how and you, too, can hand-make your Christmas presents this year!

We also offer classes at Little Shop of Artists.

These are cute, simple fun and only cost about $10.00 to make (depending on where you purchase your supplies).

Memory Wire Bracelets with Glass Bi-cone beads, these can be designed with any single color or as many colors as you like, simple to make, shiny to wear!

We also teach a variety of intermediate and advanced jewelry techniques, including Illusion jewelry and Chainmaille classes.

We also teach a variety of craft classes from knitting and crocheting to fun ways to alter or jazz up your wardrobe.

Please stop by the shop and have a look.  Sign up for class, or bring us your broken or tired  jewelry in need or repair or an update and let us help you create a special something all your own and fall in love with your jewelry again.

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Little Shop of Artists
Website

Store Location:

Little Shop of Artits
6713 Fairview Ave., Suite B
Boise, ID 83704
(Behind A-1 Video Game Exchange, in the lot)