Studio News – The Alchemists Vessel’s Five (5) Star Rating

Good Morning,

Wednesday the day that isn’t quite the beginning of the week and isn’t quite the end of week, an odd day, but a good day.

This morning I would like to re-introduce The Alchemists Vessel’s various websites and other things going on in and around the studio and the physical store.

The Alchemists Vessel has a website, two on line stores to shop, and a blog, well of course it does, you’re reading it.

The on line stores are on Etsy and Handmadeartists.com.

Etsy has a bad habit of changing things around on you, rather like Facebook, it is annoying and most frustrating at times.  However on occasion the changes, though not necessarily beneficial, they can be interesting.  This newest change is kind of neat and can be found on the menu bar to the left of the shop window.  The photo below is taken from the Administration Section of the shop.

Although the rating is not truly accurate on the shop’s page, Etsy has dropped 14 of my followers, and 9 reviews, The Alchemists Vessel still looks pretty good.  The store boasts 124 Admirers, 102 Sales, 86 of which have reviews, 57 of which have additonal comments, and only the most recent 48 are shown.  Disappointing to say the least, but it’s nice to know that the Vessel has a five (5)  Star rating.  The ratings are taken from the information above as left by customers, the shop has nothing to do with its own rating at all. I am very pleased!

Little Shop of Artists is coming along nicely and we hope to fill the store from floor to ceiling with more unique and wonderful items for your gift giving needs.

With the Holidays right around the corner we have some fun things coming up at the shop in October.  Septemeber is dedicated to organizing all these things, and we will be open for shopping!

Entertainment and Fun at Little Shop of Artists
Open Haunted House
Spooky Earring Class **to be announced before Halloween.
Henna Tattoos
Tarot Readings 
and more…

Hope to see you there. 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Little Shop of Artists: About The Shop

Good Morning,

Yesterday Little Shop of Artists held their first Open House, and it was a mild success.

Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery was on hand, and received lots of nice compliments on her jewelry, answered questioned and discussed techniques with a customer.  Another artist stopped in to talk about the possibility of displaying her items with us and a friend or two stopped in to see the shop and what was going on.

It was a pleasant day.

We offer a variety of unique one-of-a-kind unique hand made gifts and goods from the local artists, artisans and craft-people from the Boise and surrounding Treasure Valley, Idaho areas.

About the shop:

We are located
6713 Fairview Avenue, Suite B
Boise, ID
behind A-1 Video Game Exchange, we are just down the lot from the Game store.

We are a group of like-minded individuals who love and want to share / sell handmade, unique, quality goods, wares, and items to the public.  Currently the store’s main inventory is jewelry, but we also carry handmade Knit and Crochet items, teach classes, and have DIY kits and items that may be made in store or taken home to be assembled later. 

Customers, Shoppers and Visitors are always welcome.

If you’re an artists and would like to know more, please continue.

How The Shop Works:
We are not a traditional consignment shop as one might think of it.
In-store artists are: Independent Contractors / Participating Artists
Depending on display area Rent is $30.00 – $50.00 a month.
Artists keep all sales money accrued from the sale of their items
LSoA collects and pays all sales tax as required by the state of Idaho.  No percentage of artists sales are taken by or due to the shop.
There is no commitment – Artists may come and go as they please.

Shop Amenities:
Business Cards
Physical Location 
Website Links, Photos, Bio and more
Boise Weekly Advertisement (Display Ad)
On-line Classified Listing (Free)
Participation in any off-site show / market (all vendors will have items displayed for sale in the booth – taken from the shop)
*Other amenities to be announced / introduced.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant work week.

 

What’s New in the Shop? Picture Window T-Shirs

Good Morning,

Little Shop of Artists offers classes, services and demonstrations throughout the week and the year.

Classes are available by schedule or customer request.  We accommodate individual or group lessons and are happy to have them at our shop or customer’s specified location.  Classes are usually 1, two to three hour session depending on the project or lesson.

Remember when you got in trouble for poking holes in your clothes?  Now you can do it on purpose and have something cool to show for it.

Picture Window T-Shirts are easy to do and take about an hour to complete the project.

Student Provided Materials:
T-shirt and Scrap of fabric.  Needle and Embroidery Thread.

Don’t have scrap Fabric?  The shop does and it is included in the cost of the class.  You will need to provide your own T-Shirt though.

We also teach basic jewelry classes, kits are provided, current class is Single Drop Earrings – $10.00 for Kit and Class – in-store sit down class with staff.
Other Classes Available: 
Wire Wrapping with Sarah Shannon
Chain Maille with Alix Browning
Themed Jewelry with Shelly Moody

*Single Drop Earrings in blue bi-cone glass.  The shop has kits available in glass, acrylic and genuine gemstone beads, or bring your own supplies.

We also teach knitting and crochet, and other classes as well.

Come on down to the shop or give us a call.  Find us on the web and like us on Facebook. 

Little Shop of Artists
6713 Fairview Ave, Suite B
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 794-8317
 www.littleshopofartists.com

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Fair Isle and Faux Finds

Good Morning,

Happy Monday, I hope that all had a restful and relaxing weekend and are ready to get back to work and be constructive and productive.

This weekend at Little Shop of Artists, we demonstrated Fair Ilse Knitting, an Intermediate Knitting Technique,  and set some new items on the shelves.  Talented and crafty, our resident staff person, Alixandra, worked up a length of a lovely Wintery style Fair Isle Knitting sample in Snowflakes and Bordered Inset Diamonds.  

Knit with Caron Simply Soft 100% Acrylic in Deep Plum Heather and Plum Heather, 4 (Worsted weight) Gauge = 18 sts. and 24 rows = 4 inches square on Size 8 (US) 5.0mm.  
Project – Size 9 (US) 5.5mm Needles
Gauge – 6 sts. = 1″

Detail of Snowflake pattern.

 
Fair Isle knitting is a method of “stranding” color as you knit.  Unlike stripes that are knit back and forth row by row, one color at a time, stranding uses two (or more colors in some cases) in the same row, creating a picture / pattern when complete.  As each stitch is knit in its specific color, the color not in use is carried across the knitting by “floating” the unused yarn along the back of the work until it is needed to form the designated stitch.  Many Fair Isle patterns are written in charts as you see below.

Here the white squares represent the background or main color used through out the project.  The blue squares indicate when the new color will be used to begin the contrasting color pattern.  Fair Isle is not only beautiful when finished it is also fun to do!

When complete the sample above will serve as a Winter Scarf.

New Items on the shelves.  These simple little wood boxes are painted by hand using a variety of materials and tools to create unique and interesting faux finishes.  The box below looks like it may have been carved from a hunk of Jasper or perhaps an agate of sorts.

The shop is still looking for participating Artists.  Come on in, bring a sample or two, let’s see what you have, and if we can make room for you on a shelf.  

Shoe Ins: Ceramics, Paintings, Glass-works, Woodwork, Fine Art, Textiles (Knitting, Crochet, Tie-Dye) etc… If you made it we’ll make every effort to find a display area for it.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Monday Stuff

Good Morning,

Today is a random all over the place blog.  Today we discuss some of the services offered at the Little Shop of Artists.

Did you know that Shelly Moody of the The Muddfip Photographer is available for appointments?  Need a sitting, pictures of the new arrival, Graduation photos?  Check out her fan page on Facebook, or come on down to the store and grab a business card.  Shelly also has some of her photography on display in the shop.  Example:

Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery is busy preparing a Class in wire wrapping design: Bird’s Nest.  Sarah also lots of lovely things on display in the shop and does custom work as well. Come on down grab a business card, check out Sarah’s table.

 Another piece of Sarah’s work:

Owner / Participating Artist, Alixandra Browning of The Alchemists Vessel and Blackbird Metalworks, also sits in the shop during hours of operation and does every thing from demonstrating crafts and teaching classes to taking out the garbage.

Currently demos in the Shop include:

Knitting Stripes

Dead Red Co-Ed in Berry Red and Black

Chain Maille Weaves:  Captured Inverted Round Maille

Silver-plated and Anodized Aluminum in Copper Jump Rings

Basic Jewelry-Making Skills

Caught Couture – Lariat Style Necklace by The Alchemists Vessel

Come on down sign up for a class, see what’s on the shelves, bring your problem project and we’ll see if we can’t help get you back on track.  Need something special for someone?  Custom requests are welcome!

Like us on Facebook: Little Shop of Artists

Little Shop of Artists

6713 Fairview Ave., Suite B

Boise, ID 83704

Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 to 6:00
Sunday 12:00 to 6:00

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

A Little of This and A Little of That

Good Morning,

Friday is here, so is the weekend!  I will be back in the shop today through Sunday.  Come on down and say hello.

Yesterday I wanted to feature a friend and fellow artists Debbi and Amanda, a mother and daughter team of graphic design, crafting and vintage goodies.  To my dismay the shop on handmadeartists.com was empty.  GASP!  The horror!

She was kind enough to comment on the post and let me know that she has  moved her wonderful and lovely items to The Craft Star.
You may find her handmade and vintage pieces at: Yankee Burrow Creations.

Lilac beaded handbag shoulder purse

 

This soft purple handbag is a great fashion accessory for this summer months. Crocheted in a pattern I have had since the 80’s, I modified it by adding the front flap and shortening the strap. The plastic pony beads are worked into the crochet pattern, not sewn on, so there is no worry about the beads popping off from daily use. In fact, the bag I created way back then is still in use today. I added a nice fabric lining to this bag so you won’t have to worry about combs or pens or anything getting caught, or sticking out, while carrying this bag.

It measures 12 1/2″ wide and 10 1/2″ deep and is crocheted with Germantown worsted yarn – 100% pure virgin wool.

Handwash in lukewarm water and gentle soap, roll in a towel and then lay flat to dry.

Stop by and see what else is in her shop!

Not sure what is happening around town, but the Boise Weekly does.  

Little Shop of Artists has a free on line only ad that runs through Next Wednesday for our classes.  Unfortunately, you can’t get there from the actual Boise Weekly Page, you must go to to classifieds.boiseweekly.com 

Little Shop of Artists Ad

 Feel free to contact us with questions.

Today in the shop:
Pricing / Inventory
Knitting Demonstrations: Simple Scarf Stitch to Adding Stripes
Chain Maille Demonstrations: Micro Maille – Jens Pind Linkage and BSU Celtic Stars (Team Colors)
Jewelry Design – Coif Chains
Photos – Yes sir, need more of those.

Got a question?   Need some help?  Project isn’t working?  We’re here to help!  Give us a call or come on down and bring your persnickety piece and we’ll see if we can’t get you back on track.

We are also still looking for participating artists.  Come on down, check out the store, have a little chat and let’s see what we can’t do to display and share your wares.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

In The Studio – New Item Dione / Pandora Style Watch

Good Morning,

Yesterday I was busy running around taking care of errands and other things when I was approached in the jewelry aisle by a woman who was looking for something specific.  Why she thought I was an employee is beyond me, but I did not mind assisting.

As luck would have it, I was wearing a piece of Chain Maille or two, and interested in what I was wearing, she figured I must know about jewelry.  That was some pretty good thinking on her part.

We scoured the aisles looking for what she wanted, unable to find the exact item we had a little consultation and came up with an alternative.  After purchasing the material necessary, we sat down at the entrance and I showed her how to put the item together, and sent her on her merry way to finish up the project, wrap it and get it to where it needed to go.

Intrigued with the idea, although I do not like the Dione / Italian Pandora jewelry (I think it is tacky and ugly), I fiddled around with the idea and came up with this watch.

Pretty in it’s own way, it would be wonderful for those that like the big clunky-chunky jewelry look that is so fashionable and popular these days.  From charm bracelets to necklaces, watches and earrings, these are simple and easy to make on your own.  If you can push a thread through a bead, you can make any of the items above with materials from your local craft store.

A Little Shop of Artists exclusive, $40.00.  This watch will not be listed on line.  Special requests are always honored.  Not local?  Give us a call or send us an e-mail and we will be happy to create one for your, or send you this one if you prefer.

askus@littleshopofartists.com

The beads are glass and lined with a metal grommet, adding a little accent to the dark bead.  Matching Pink Rhinestone spacer beads set off the lighter pastel color of the glass, making a lovely sparkly design.  The Rhinestones on the watch face catch the light nicely, the silver tone metal is bright and shiny.

Glass beads are threaded along the metal watch band.  If you get bored with this look, it is an easy thing to change the beads along the length of the band.

Measuring at about 8″ this is a great band for those with a wider wrist,the beads do not interfere with the fit and feel rather cool to the touch when worn.

The watch face is very attractive, oval in shape the numbers are easy to read.  The face is small enough to be feminine yet substantial enough to make a lovely focal point.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

Wednesday News and Demonstration Listing

Good Morning, 

The blog ring is on hiatus again, and I have fallen behind with this last post.  Last week, Pam of A Bead Thing was featured, if you missed that, please feel free to roll back to the post and see what she doesn’t have on offer in her shop on handmadeartists.com

The first week at Little Shop of Artists was interesting.

Today I am in the garage painting more shelves, installing them and preparing to open the store tomorrow through the weekend.

If you’re in the Boise area stop on by and say Hello, see what’s on the shelves.  If you’re an artists we have plenty of room for more displays for more items.  Come on down and check out the interior and see of we can’t find a spot for you.

In the Shop Demonstrations:

Captured Inverted Round Weave Chain Maille

Silver Plated and Anodized Aluminum rings make this pretty and interesting bracelet.  Alixandra of The Alchemists Vessel will be demonstrating the weave Thursday – Sunday at the shop.

We hope that you may find some time in your busy schedule to come down and visit.

Thank you for having a look.

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

Artists On Display

Good Morning,

Today we deviate from our Featured Artists to bring you a brief video of the work on display at Little Shop of Artists

Shelly Moody of:
Green Witch Handmade and The Muddfip Photographer

Sarah Shannon of:
Wire Witchery

Studio RGC
Dark Djinn Designs: Twisted Little Things

Alixandra Browning of:
The Alchemists Vessel and Blackbird Metalworks

There is plenty of space in the shop for more displays, paintings, pottery, photography, textiles, and handmade art of all kinds.

A monthly rental fee applies for participating artists.
But wait, it just doesn’t buy you space amenities include:
Shop Business Cards
Local Advertizing
Physical Address (you may now apply for that show you want to attend), and more. 
*Commission Free Sales

Contact us: askus@littleshopofartists.com
Visit our Website: littleshopofartists.com
Like Us on Facebook:  Little Shop of Artists

We are located behind A-1 Video Game Exchange:
Little Shop of Artists
6713 Fairveiw Avenue, Suite B
Boise, ID 83704

We do have some available shelving and a piece of Grid Wall or two via Shelly, if you need Display space, or things to display your wares on, give us a call, come on by the shop and let us see if we can’t help you showcase your items in the shop.

Business Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Friday 10:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday – 10:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.

On occasion due to shows or other circumstance, such as meetings, like today, we will be closed.  Every effort will be made to ensure the store is open during operating hours or to announce the closure before hand. 

We are enjoying the first week of business and hope we may inspire you to come on down and visit the shop.  No purchase necessary, no pressure sales, come on in, have a look, talk to our friendly and knowledgeable staff, learn about classes, seek that special and unique gift or item that has been eluding you.  We’re always happy to help.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel and Little Shop of Artists 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.