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AN OPEN INVITATION

Good Morning,

Friday has arrived, and I will be in the shop all weekend preparing and having The Middfip Photographer / Green Witch Handmade move in.

Then the fun begins.

You’re Invited to

Little Shop of Artists

OPENING

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

10:oo a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

6713 Fairview Ave, Suite B

Boise, ID 83704

We still have space available for artist’s wares, and plenty of space for classes, instruction, or a once a month fun event to be announced. Contact us, using any of the links below.

E-mail: askus@littleshopofartists.com

Website: littleshopofartists.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littleartistshop

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day, and we hope that those of you that are local will stop in and check us out, tell your friends, your neighbors, coworkers and the mail man, Little Shop of Artists is open for business.

Unknown's avatar

ARTISTS / ARTISANS WANTED

Happy Friday,

It is the weekend, and we are closer to opening Little Shop of Artists.  However we are still in search of Artists and Artisans to display their work at the store.

ARTISTS / ARTISANS WANTED
For Small Retail Venue

Display your Work

Little Shop of Artists

6713 Fairview Ave, Ste. B

Boise, ID, 83704

(Behind A-1 Video Exchange)

*$50.00 a month

Artists keep all sales monies

*Includes – Website Links, Gallery Photos, Radio and Newspaper Advertising, Class Space, Shop Business Cards, Other Business Amenities

Contact us at askus@littleshopofartists.com 

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.  

Unknown's avatar

Wednesday Information

Good Morning,

There isn’t much to see on the blog today.

Brief updates and a news item or two.

The blog may become intermittent, it seems as if my iMac is almost obsolete, there is nothing more that can be done to upgrade or install newer OSXs or memory.  The Rainbow Wheel of Doom is rampant and constant, so it looks as if I may have to replace this sooner than later. 

Yesterday my Android phone decided it no longer wished to function.  The screen did a Fade To Black with a little white dot and then it just kind of went ffffzzzzzttttt and that was that.  Must replace that today as well.  Radio shack here I come.

I am still sitting on pins and needles waiting for news of the Brick and Mortar building I have been offered for Little Shop of Artists.  I am in hope that move in will begin as early as next week or the week after.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Unknown's avatar

Monday Miscellany: Classes, News and a Link or Two

Good Morning,

The work week begins, I hope all had a relaxing weekend.


New classes begin at Jo-Ann’s for May and June, don’t forget parents, this is a great way to entertain the kids and teach them a fun skill.  There are classes geared for teens, as well as kids the projects are simple and require no prior knowledge or skill to attend.  Check out your local Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.  If you’re in Boise,  classes are held at the 1085 N. Milwaukee, across the street from Home Depot.

There is always Jewelry 101, $35.00 2-1/2 session
Hone your skills, learn a new one, or come on in and talk to an expert about the piece you’re working on or would like to create.

Projects for May and June 

Jewelry 102 – Leather Crystal Knotted Necklace – $30.00, 2 hours.
Learn to Knot Cord, Braid leather cords, Make and Attach dangles.

Jewelry 201 – Crimp and Ribbon Necklace – $30.00, 2 hours.
Learn to use End Crimps, Attach dangles to a chain.

Jewelry 202 –  Crystal Weave Bracelet – $30.00, 2 hours
Learn to Weave a design, Follow a pattern, how to use Rondelles (A bead shape).

All Jewelry classes are lead by Alixandra Browning of The Alchemists Vessel.  You may sign up by visiting or calling Jo-Ann’s.  Material List will be available at time of sign up.  Jo-Ann’s requires that all classes be attended by at least three people.  This would be great fun for a group, team or troop.

Everything at The Alchemists Vessel or Blackbird Metalworks is handcrafted from start to finish.  I would like to share with you a portion of a Super Secret Project.  This is called Moss or Mossy Agate.  This cabochon was hand cut, and processed by John Rasmussen of Rasmussen Gems and Jewellery, LLC.   It will be mounted in a ring shank and sent back across the US for a very special present.  He did an excellent job bringing out the lovely mossy inclusions on the surface of the stone, I think it looks like a tree and a bird or butterfly.  Then again I have a very active imagination.

ANNOUNCEMENT: 

I am excited and happy to announce that the building for Little Shop of Artists is available once again!  Watch this blog for more details.  The artists and myself are looking forward to moving in and setting up the wares.  As soon as we are in and organized all will be invited to the Grand Opening Event.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Unknown's avatar

A Clean Well Lighted Place To Work

Good Morning,

Monday is here, and I for one am rather excited about starting the work week.

This blog has discussed tools, uses and care of, as well as a number of things related to the Studio in general.  Today I thought it would be fun to show off the “workbench”.

Not so much a workbench as it is a large, long table, but it will suffice for the meantime.  I spent the weekend cleaning and organizing the Studio, it still has a long way to go but at least the work area is clean and inviting.  Come, sit and create something, it beckons.

It is important to have a clutter free work area, in the photo below you can see the work space, a large space for equipment (currently a  note book resides in the spot), along with hammers, torches, Dremel tool, mandrels, other tools, and a small rack of incidentals (files, striker, gloves and other things) hangs on the wall within easy reach.  A positionable light with a magnifying lens is attached to one edge of the table, it may be pulled down for small work, or lifted up and out of way as you see here, it is also an excellent extra light source.  The windows and overhead light come from behind me, casting shadows across the table, which is not only bad for my eyesight, but it makes it difficult to see what I am actually working on.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Readers from everywhere,
Welcome to The Alchemists Vessel.  That’s it, right there.  No longer do I reside in the Great Room at the dining-room table, no more do I fret over spills, wax, fire (OK, maybe a little bit) and other things that may mar or damage a surface.  This table, that chair, is my Studio.  Kind of not what you thought, huh.  Yes, there is a whole room attached to the table and chair, don’t you worry, and more equipment lies about the area within a step or two away.  The “heavy machinery” is out in the garage.

It is important to be sure that you not only have enough light, but that you have enough space to work on your items.  Of course things should be within reach, but out of the way of the immediate area in which you are working.  It is also a nice idea to have extra space tools and / or equipment you may need for working on a project.  Here things are rather compact.  The crock pot, for example, plugs into the outlet provided on the lamp’s base, (not visible in photo). Not only is this convenient, it is also within easy reach, as the pot does not have an On/Off switch, it can be unplugged immediately when not in use or switched off with the lamp’s power toggle.

I think this is the first time any of you will get to see a piece of my art that hangs in the studio.  Although not quite completed, I had to get it out of the way, and the wall already had a nail in it, so why not just hang the thing.  I don’t paint well,  but I do enjoy dabbling on occasion.

A front view of the bench, here it is easier to see how it all comes together as a functioning workbench.  These photos were actually taken with my cellphone, because once again my camera has eaten 
the batteries.

This is where the magic happens.

The bench is currently set up for a Super Secret Project!  The plastic bag you see contains materials that if left out in the open one will oxidize and the other will harden to an unusable state.   As you read this, I sit in that chair, at that table, and am more than likely soldering something.  

This lovely item is an actual Bench Jewelers bench, each compartment and drawer are actually made to accommodate specific items.  The drawer in front, unlike a desk, is called a “catch drawer” it is used to catch the metal dust from sheet metal when sawing or cutting or piercing the piece.

From Gesswein this little beauty is solid wood and has a number of amenities, bench pin, catch drawer and ring mandrel holder.  For $315.00 this is a very nice piece of equipment, not a necessary one, but a nice one.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

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

Unknown's avatar

Simple DIY Jewelry You’ll Really Wear – One

Monday is here, alas.

This morning’s post is first in a series of easy do-it-yourself jewelry projects that you can do in as little or as much time as you like and the neat thing is, some are great for kids with parental super vision.

If you can close a Safety Pin you can make this simple and pretty bracelet, and no one has to know they are safety pins.

The type of Safety pin works best.  The Cord will be threaded through the holes at the top and bottom of the pin.

I did not take photos, and this is a straight forward project.

Materials

1 pkg. 1mm Elastic Beading Cord
Ample Safety Pins (wrist circumferences vary we suggest 50 or more)
Seed Beads 6.0 or larger in the color(s) of choice. Bead hole needs to fit over pin prong.
Super Glue
*6mm “Spacer” Beads (less pins will be required of beads are used)

Cut 2 pieces of the Elastic Beading Cord,  12″ in length.
Tie a knot about 2″ down from one end of both cords (do not tie them together).

Open a Safety pin and add beads along the prong, leave enough space to close the pin again.  Repeat with the remainder of the pins.  Be creative, play with colors, allow your imagination to design the piece for you.

Super glue the Safety Pins shut.  This way they will not open and scratch you when wearing the bracelet.

Thread a *Spacer bead, these can be glass, metal, anything you like, on one piece of cord and slide it down to the knot. 

Thread the cord through the top “hole” in the safety pin, add a spacer bead.  Sliding the Pin and Bead down the cord.

Continue adding Pins and Spacer Beads until the Pins fit around you wrist and the ends meet.

Add a final spacer bead to the cord and tie a knot keeping it in place.

With the second piece of cord, thread on one spacer bead, and thread the cord through the bottom holes of the Pins, adding spacer beads between each pin.  Work until you reach the last pin in the row.

Place a final Spacer bead on the cord.  Tie the matching ends of the cords together, closing the bracelet.  Not too tight, you want to be able to slip the bracelet on and off easily and not cut off your circulation while wearing it.

As well, you can say, “I made this.”

Give it try, it takes about an hour.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish a pleasant day.

Unknown's avatar

Studio News Ring – Ring

Happy Wednesday!

The week is almost over, and it has been a busy last couple of days.

This morning I would like to share the latest listing for a new ring,  at Blackbird Metalworks, as well as sharing one of the Jo-Ann’s Class projects that you can learn to make when you sign up for the Brochure Jewelry Making or the Trend Classes lead by Alixandra of The Alchemsits Vessel and Blackbird Metalworks.

Sky – Sterling Silver and Genuine Turquoise Ring

This pretty little ring has a genuine Natural Turquoise cabochon, hand set with sterling silver bezel strip and .5mm twisted gallery wire, shank is sterling silver and hand soldered to the cabochon setting.  A size US 6-1/2, this is a feminine and very attractive little accent ring.

The stone is not cracked, it has been left in it’s natural shape and state, instead of being shaped, filled or polished with resin, it has been set just as it was.

The ring below is made from 20g Sterling Silver plated and 24 kt dyed copper jewelry wire and was made using a variety of glass beads.

Jo-Ann’s has cancelled this class, being as it almost the end of February, but fear not, Trend classes and private lessons can be arranged by contacting Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts for Trend and Brochure classes, or contacting The Alchemists Vessel for your group, party or private lessons.

“Blue Belle” Ring – Instructions by Spotted Canary School

Clockwise from Left – “Blue Belle” class project.  Red Bi-cone Bead, Green Bi-cone Bead, Glass Pearl beads in Gray, and Brown.

“Blue Belle” Ring

Red Bi-cone Bead – Option

Glass Pearl Bead, Gray – Option

Gold wire and Glass Pearl, Brown

Super simple to make.  Cute, and can be made to match your mood, or your outfit.

Check out what other classes are available on line or visit your local Jo-Ann’s.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

 

Unknown's avatar

Links, Promotions, Classes

Happy Friday,

The weekend is here, and I am looking forward to it.

Today I wanted to share the upcoming classes that are available through Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts Store, here in Boise, ID. Located at 1085 N. Milwaukee, (208) 323-5373.  Jewelry classes are taught in the downstairs classroom.  (Across the street from Home Depot). 

February’s Classes are still available and range from $30.00 to $35.00 per person.  Two hour sessions are offered, and include; instruction, a field trip through the store, a ten minute break, and time for questions, plus you get a lovely handmade project to take home with you.

Like Swarovski Crystal elements, but don’t like the retail price?  Jo-Ann’s has lots of glass bead alternatives that come in the right sizes and look just as pretty in your finished piece.

This month as well as next, classes feature Swarovski Crystals elements in 6mm Bi-cone shaped beads.

Jewelry Basics is not required to take any of the project classes.  If you would like to try it without committing to an entire project, the 2-1/2 session includes, an overview of Tools and Techniques, a field trip through the store, and a completed project to take home at the end of class.  *Some tools are provided during class time.  We ask students arrive with two pairs of pliers and material to complete the class.  If you would like to wait until class time to purchase your project needs that is also fine.  We’ll even ring you up at the counter right next to the classroom.
Jewelry 101 – 2-1/2 hr. Session – $35.00 This class is offered every month.
These projects vary by month, but beginning, intermediate and advanced classes are offered every month.
February
Jewelry 102 – 2 hr. Session – $30.00 
Triple Twist Bracelet 
(Instructor’s Sample)
Jewelry 103 –  2 hr. Session – $30.00
Blue Belle Earrings and Ring Set. 
(This is my personal favorite this month).

Jewelry 201 – 2 hr. Session – $30.00
Crystal Fringe Pendant
March – April
Jewelry 101 – $35.00
Jewelry 102 – 2 hr. Session – $30.00
Crystal Ring Earrings

Jewlery 201 – 2 hr. Session – $30.00
Floating Crystal Wrap Bracelet (Illusion Jewelry).

All of the above classes are lead by Alixandra Browning, owner / designer of The Alchemists Vessel.  Class instructions and materials lists are provided by Spotted Canary School.
Don’t feel like taking any of the above the classes but would like something new, different and challenging?
May and June will be beginning Chainmaille and other Jewelry Projects given through Little Shop of Artists, meeting at Bella’s Grove, or Jo-Ann’s Upstairs Classroom.
All class materials and tools will be handed out prior to class.  Students are expected to come with an open mind, relaxed hands, and a desire to create.  Curious?  Sit in’s are always welcome, contact The Alchemists Vessel for details.
Thank you for stopping by and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.    

Unknown's avatar

Tools on Tuesday

Good Morning,

As most of you know, I am an avid fan of continued education, and with one more course module to go, I have almost completed mine.

In order to finish out the class I required special tools to preform specific tasks in forming, shaping, and working with various other materials and metals.  Lets have a look at what it takes to make a ring or other jewelry.

Bezel Strip – This is bezel wire or strip.  It comes in a variety of metals and patterns or plain.  It is used to make ring shanks and to set the stone in a piece.  This is a “fancy” style and very small.  1.5mm x 1mm.  It can be annealed (heated), hammered into submission, bent, sawed, filed, and polished in the process of creating a ring.

These next items are magnifiers and do little else except make things bigger.  Also specific tools for specific tasks.

Third Hand with Magnifier –  A picture is truly worth one thousand words.  It is exactly what it sounds like and the photo below shows one in use.  I have always wanted one of these, and now I finally have one.  Can be used for up close and intricate soldering work, holding strands of beads while tying, or chain when clasps or other ornaments are being added.  “It’s a very good thing.”

Jeweler’s Loop – one of the most recognized of all tools is the jewelers loop.  Of course they have come a long way from the short bolts of metal and glass held by one’s eye, but the design and function is the same, and has never really changed much.  Used to inspect a gemstone or jewelry setting, they allow the user to see tiny imperfections in the stones or settings that would not be visible to the naked eye.  They magnify from 5x to 20x normal size.  Mine (just like the one below) uses 5x and 10x, anything higher is just really not necessary.

Hammers and Tongs

Yes, believe it or not hammers and other heavy or industrial tools are required to make those pretty little trinkets.  Most jewelry in its early days was created by the town’s Blacksmith.  Hammers, anvils, tongs, crucibles, and yes, even fire, are all necessary elements in the process of creating jewelry, each with its own specific use or function.

Rawhide Hammer – used for shaping and hammering metal on a mandrel.

Ball Peen Hammer – used for hammering or stamping (dapping) metal.  These come in several different weights, mine is 4oz., just right for jewelry.

Rubber Mallet – Used for final or finishing techniques, usually stretching a ring shank.

Unfortunately I do not have a picture of tongs.  However, it should be noted that when working with metals or making jewelry that COPPER tongs should be used.  Other materials like stainless steel can contaminate the Pickle Solution (cleaning mixture), and cause it to discolor and ruin your jewelry.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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


Unknown's avatar

TAV Studio – Apoxie Sculpt Pictorial Tutorial

Good Morning,

Wednesday, and the middle of the week has arrived.  I always liked Wednesday, you can wind up those projects, finish what has been started and plan for something new, with two more days to get organized.

Today, I want to take another little diversion and discuss a cool product, material to which my friend introduced me.  It is called Apoxie Sculpt, and it is a two part colored epoxy material.  Rather like play doh for adults.  Not clay and not really a polymer clay either, it is sticky and gooey and an enjoyable medium to with which to work.

It comes in a variety of colors and weight packaging.  I purchased the 12 color sample pack for $39.00.  A little goes an ENORMOUSLY long way.  You receive three packages of four colors each.  It comes with brief instructions and the rest is up to you.

The colored piece is Part 1, the other is Part 2 or A and B.  I have chosen red and black for the following example.

First you will need equal amounts of parts 1 and 2.  I highly recommended wearing gloves during this part, the color will transfer to you fingers.  Parchment or Freezer paper works well as a work surface.

Now the fun part, knead the two parts together until the grey streaking is gone and the ball is a uniform color.  I do not suggest a pasta machine at this point, the Apoxie will stick to it.  Did I mention this stuff is sticky? I mean it will adhere to anything!

Smash it good!

Remember, no streaks!  Knead it until the color is uniform.  The color has also transferred to the fingers of the gloves I am wearing.   I told you to wear gloves.

Now the hardest part of all… waiting.  Wait one half hour to forty-five minutes before continuing to work with it.

NOTE:  The black ball is WAY TOO much for what I needed.

I said wait…

Tick.  Tick.  Tick.

This is where I stopped taking photos, during the process.  Bad me!  After the allotted wait time is up, you will have about two hours to work with material before it begins to harden / set.  You can even bake it if you so choose, but I would allow it to cure over night, after you have completed your project.

NOTE: You may work with the material after the mixing is complete, however it is difficult to work with as it will STICK to everything including you, your work surface, clothing, etc.  I did say this stuff was sticky right?  In fact, if you plan to stick on or to something now would be a fabulous time to do that.

Using a Pasta Machine or any kind of round or flat object, roll out the Apoxie as you would clay or dough.  Mold it, shape it, sculpt it.  Critters, flowers, jewelry, the choice is yours.  Sand it if so desired when dry.  You can even paint it if you like.  The possibilities are endless and the colors mix nicely.

Rolling out the Apoxie, and using a clay cutter, cut the Apoxie shape out of the flat piece.  Textured with a design plate and adding a grommet and a rope of Apoxie for the bail, let dry over night.  Painted it with a “dip” technique, the finished piece is lovely.

Painted with a dip technique colors included, copper, silver, blue and lime green. 

Although I have stopped selling the Apoxie jewelry on line, it is still available.  However we have new uses for it, and I hope the project will be one that I can share.

Thank you for stopping and having a look.

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