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Weekend Art Shows Review

Good Morning,

Happy Monday to you all.

This weekend I attended two shows.  The Flea Market, at which I am usually a vendor, held nothing new, but it was fun and enjoyable experience being on the other side of the booth.  Missing the Saturday crowd for a Sunday morning, it was a pleasant couple of hours perusing the aisles.  The vendors are friendly, much of the stuff for sale is still the Knickknacks and garage-box-clutter of stuff you usually see on the tables.

I also attended Art in the Bar.  Held at the Knitting Facorty Concert House in beautiful downtown Boise, Idaho, and presented by Dead Bird Local Art’s Framing, Boise Weekly and featuring the artists of Green Chutes Artists Co-Op.

It was a nice afternoon.  Stopping by after the Flea Market, the Knitting Factory itself is fairly small, or perhaps I should say “intimate” venue.  The event was free and opened to all ages.  The bar was available to those of age, but I was not interested in partaking.

Although many of the artists were fascinating, the air and attitude of some in attendance was a complete turn off to the work.  There were some that were more than willing to chat, but felt it was necessary to bash the person in the space / exhibit next to them.  Maybe beer later eased some of the tension.

It was a successful event and one that I would like to see continue.  Well done, nicely laid out in the small and split level venue, it was a terrific way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

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

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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

Cool Tools for Jewelry

Good Morning,

Today I thought we would take a look at a couple of tools that I use when making jewelry.

Most of you know about and probably own a “Dremel”, a popular brand name rotary tool, there are several versions .  I also own a Nikota.  Let’s look at the Dremel 7300.  This sells for around $30.00.

This hand held tool is simple to use and comes with eight heads.

Cordless, it comes with a power pack / charger that plugs into any socket.  The battery is removable for easy charge-up or cleaning.    There are also a variety of heads available and sold separately for your needs.  Two speeds make sanding, shaping and polishing a breeze.

150 Piece Dremel Rotary Tool Accessory Kit.  Marked as a $70.00 value, you can usually find these for around $25.00 to $40.00 depending on where you shop.

Includes, sanding disks and drums, cutting wheels and drill bits.


The Roburn Soldering Iron / Torch 3 in 1.  This is a very small, butane powered tool.  It comes with an interchangeable head for a soldering iron, and the tool may be set for flame (torch) or to heat and becomes a hot air blower.

At 6-1/2″ long this design isn’t exactly the best, however, it is easy to control, light weight, and I like the 3 -in- 1 aspect of tool.  Operation time is about 60 minutes on a “tank” of gas at the medium-setting.  It should be noted that the torch flame reaches temps of up to 1300 degrees Celsius or 2730 degrees Fahrenheit.  THAT’S HOT!  The soldering tip reaches 430 C or 780 F, and works best with silver solder paste.  A torch striker is recommended by the manufacturer for ease of igniting the flame.

Yes, I do own these tools, and use them in the studio.

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.

 

Unknown's avatar

Black Friday Links and Promotions

Good Morning,

I hope all are rested and ready to take on the throngs of people shopping this Black Friday.

Instead of standing in line in the inky dawn, freezing your tush off and wiping tired eyes, why not give yourself a break and relax and shop from home.

There are a lot of great places to peruse from the comfort of your chair and the convenience of your computer.

Handmade Artists
There are lots of cool shops and you can buy directly from the artists on this site.


Etsy:  Many of you know about this site, it has since become more like the World’s Garage Sale rather than an Artists Venue, but there’s still lots of neat stores, with cool stuff.


Shop The Alchemists Vessel on Etsy and enter coupon code Holiday10 at check out and receive a 10% discount on your entire purchase.  Code is good through December 15th, 2012.



And there is always eBay and Amazon for those that are looking for something else, books, tools, music.

Tomorrow is Shop Small Saturday followed by Cyber Monday.  I encourage you to stay out of the Malls and Big Box Stores and try those cool independent places you’ve always wanted to check out in your neighborhood, Main Street, or nestled in a downtown area.  They will appreciate it.


Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

 

Unknown's avatar

Friday Links and Promotions

Happy Friday,

The weekend is here and promises to be a good one. 

I have been trying to think of something to post today, and because I am coming up short, I think I will share a date instead.

November 24th, 2012, is Shop Small Day!  Why just keep it to one day?  What not shop small all the time.  Just what does that mean? 

It means to shop your local and independent businesses.  I don’t mean hit the mall with  the other lemmings at 5:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning for “Door-buster” sales.  I mean take your time and seek out Main Street, those fabulous little shops owned and operated by a person, not a giant faceless corporation.  Take your time and look on line at some of the wonderful and unique handmade goodies from Artists and Designers all over the country.  

This image was downloaded from the Facebook Fan Page for Shop Small Day.

Places to shop small:

handmadeartists.com
The Alchemists Vessel – Jewelry and Gifts
Studio RGC – Twisted Little Things

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Unknown's avatar

Thursday – Etsy Wholesale, Silver and Artifical Diamonds

 

Good Morning,


Thursday are reserved for the Blog Ring Featured Artist from handmadeartists.com.  This Thursday, I have been chosen as the artist, so instead of posting about myself I thought I would share a couple of videos and discuss Etsy’s foray into Wholesale.  It’s not what you may think.

First up the videos:

Silver – How Its Made

Artificial Diamonds

Etsy Wholesale:

I know a lot of folks have been very upset about this lately, but actually it looks like it may be a good thing.

After reading the Etsy News Blog article “Etsy Wholesale on the Horizon“, I sort of understand what it is they are doing, and don’t worry this doesn’t mean the end of your Shop, or that it will be swallowed in a sea of Made-in-China cheapies, or even that Etsy is going to knock the small independent handmade artist off the site because they will be unable to keep up with the fees or quantities required by retailers.

A couple of points I would like to make, or you may read the article, it explains it better than I am able.  In short this is what is happening.  In Spring of 2012 Etsy acquired a site called Trunkt. I have no idea what this site was about.  The owner of Trunkt, Dev Tandon, now works for Etsy, and the Lifetime Members of his site are being integrated into Etsy Wholesale Marketplace.  You can sign up to learn more at the link provided.

This new venture is apparently “Etsy 2”, a separate and private site where Wholesalers (those shops that have a ton of items) can connect with retailers who want to purchase quantities not necessarily available via a smaller independent shop.   Doesn’t sound so bad.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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




 

Unknown's avatar

In My Studio – Random Thoughts

 

Image representing Etsy as depicted in CrunchBase

Image via CrunchBase

 

Hello there,

I did not have anything specific in mind for today’s blog, thought about a couple of subjects, but they just didn’t seem to grab me.  So I’m just gonna ramble I think.  Gotta post something.

 

I had an excellent conversation with my good friend, and incredible sculptor, Ralph Cordero of RGC Studios, you can find his work on Etsy under Twisted Little Things.   I actually own a couple of those gruesome cuties!  We discusses the state of employment for artists, what’s available and what’s not, and what to do or how to re-create your offerings to appeal to the masses, or get that coveted job that was applied for.  The industry is full of kids just graduating from their respective colleges and looking for work that doesn’t exist.  Competition is tough in an industry job-market that is already overrun with want-to-bes.  So what does the established artist do when this happens?  That is a conundrum.

First of all you sit down on your tushie and git that hamster on the wheel, and start thinking about how to create interest and drive customers to your site, shop, table, display, store, or what have you.  Contemplate, evaluate, decide, rearrange, organize, and have a cup of coffee in the middle of all that, narrow your focus to laser-beam precision and begin the process of elimination or addition to make the items stand out, or to make it all happen.

After attending the Treasure Valley Flea Market this weekend, I sat down and did some serious thinking and reorganization as well as re-evaluating and deciding what to do about the lack-luster performance in sales.  Several things have come to mind and may be worth passing along.  

 

The economy is terrible right now,  Just awful, this is an obvious given, no one is blind to the fact that gas is now creeping up over $4.00 a gallon, again, and with that goods and services are also going up, which leaves little money for the aspirational (not necessary) things like art, and jewelry.

The Treasure Valley Flea Market occurs once a month, I have attended since 2005, I have been a regular vendor at Booth #28 for seven years.  I see the same vendors and the same customers every show, occasionally there will be something new to see, but for the most part it is the same stalls over and over again.   I have come to the conclusion that I have run the gamete at this particular venue.  

In the interest of keeping myself sane and my bank account in the black, I will be reducing the number of TVFMs I attend.  I will of course be attending October and November Markets, however during the 2013 Season, I will perhaps attend one Market, and one Market only.  Save those pennies, because The Alchemists Vessel will only be there once.

There will also be several changes coming to The Alchemists Vessel as well.  We will still provide quality off the rack jewelry, but the focus will be on high end One Of A Kind pieces, and not your average everyday manufactured comes-in-everything department store jewelry.

The website alchemistsvessel.net will also see some changes, as well as a complete and well stocked items page for your shopping pleasure.  The handmadeartists.com shop The Alchemists Vessel , will also be seeing some changes as we add to and remove some items listed on the site.  I know many people get lost on Etsy or e-Bay with the overwhelming amount of products there are to peruse.  We will also be closing the Cafe Press shop.  There isn’t any traffic and even though it is free, there is no sense in monitoring or putting energy into something that is not performing as one would have liked.

 

A quick reminder, Halloween is coming up and we have cool themed items in the Ravens Nook for your costume or just for fun.  Spiders, bats, skulls, black and orange gemstone beads, ooooo spooky!  Blog readers this is a special for you!  Starting October 01, 2012, there will be a coupon code for 20% off all themed items in the shop.  Bookmark your favorites now and come back and get them when they are on sale later! 

OK, I think I have run out of random stuff to discuss.  Tomorrow’s blog will feature a fellow Handmade Artists jewelry designer.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

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

 

 

Unknown's avatar

Friday Short Event List

Happy Friday!

Look at that, the weekend is here!

Fridays are usually devoted to links and promotions, and because this Friday I am busy with market set up, let’s take a quick look at what else is going on in Boise as the summer winds down and Autumn begins.

Presented by the Boise Art Museum

Art in the Park

Beginning today, Friday September 7, 2012.

Also this Friday is the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus

September 14th, Hyde Park Fair

That’s it for this weekend and next.  If your a music fan some really great bands are coming in December to The Knitting Factory, Neurolux and the Idaho Center.

Thank you for stopping by and having look.

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

Bored?  Come on down to the Flea Market and entertain me!
5610 Chinden Blvd.
Expo Idaho, at the Fairgrounds.

Unknown's avatar

Things To Click and a Promotion or Two

 

Hello there!


Happy Friday one and all.  It’s a long weekend this time!  For some of us the weekend brings the last summer barbeque and a camping trip or two, live music or a relaxing day with friends.

This weekend – Three Days Only!  The Alchemists Vessel is having its first Labor Day Sale!  That’s right!   Saturday through Monday, enter the Coupon Code: LDAY10 and received 10% off your total purchase price.  Some special in-shop items include free shipping, like this pendant.

Sterling Silver and Black Onyx Genuine Gemstone Necklace


That’s right Monday is Labor Day!  Yes, it is a Federal Holiday.  Yes, it means that most of us have the day off from our jobs, whatever those may be.  For some it means sales and shopping, for others it is a day for the Honey Do list and household chores.

Labor Day: 11 Facts You Need To Know

After we have had a refreshing weekend, it’s time to head back to work or school.  It is also the beginning of Market Season!  Flea Markets, Holiday Gift Shows, Specialty Booths, they are all a great place to find that unique and must have item.

Treasure Valley Flea Market, September 8th and 9th, 2012.
5610 Chinden Blvd. Garden City, ID
Idaho Expo at The Fair Grounds
Saturday – 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission is $2.00

We hope to see you there.  Booth #28, The Alchemists Vessel.

New Classes in September at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores with your friendly instructor, me.  Jewelry Basics is always available,  and covers the basics from tools to findings and a completed project to take home.  Learn to make “Pretty in Pearl” earrings in two designs.  New project is an interesting Swaovski Crystal bracelet.   See your local store for details.  

Classes are taught at the Milwaukee location.
1085 Milwaukee
Boise, ID
(208) 323-5373
Call or Sign up for classes in store.  
*Open House Saturday Sept. 8th at this location.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Labor Day Holiday.