Good Morning,
Today, I am pleased and very excited to tour the interior of the building for what will be the home of Little Shop of Artist.
Taken with my cellphone, it may not be the best quality, but rent is paid, and clean up will commence on or about June 15th, 2013.
We, the participating artists, are hoping to open the doors July 01, 2013.
We hope that you will come and visit us if you are in the Boise, Idaho area.
Category Archives: crystals
Silver Spoons and Solder
Good Morning,
The middle of the week brings me to my studio and what’s been going on at the workbench.
This week we have a couple of in process up-cycled pieces to share. They still require a little refinement and several hours in a tumbler, but we can show off a little bit of what’s new.
I am sure many of you have owned or currently own a spoon ring. This is a simple ring made from a spoon handle. Taking a twist on the battered utensils for other uses, I tried my hand at making pendants. Sawing the handles from the bowl, the bowl is put aside and the handle is then heated, hammered and harangued into submission.
I would like to mention the utensils I used were gifted to be by my Mom, and they come from her various trips to the “Junk Shops” or “Antiquing” as she likes to call it. They are well used items that is for sure.
These are very simply pendants. This handle was severely damaged, using a hammer the damage was incorporated into a hammered surface texture. The “stone” is from an other jeweler’s “junk bag”, also gifted to me. A handwritten note read “Assrtd Real Gems”. These were pre-set and meant to be used in leather or a belt buckle. Also terribly damaged and tarnished, the prongs were cut from the setting, the setting was cleaned, filed and then soldered to the spoon handle.
I really like the primitive look this has. It reminds me of something one might find at an archeological excavation or perhaps unearthed by accident. I think this stone is a deep green Tourmaline.
An other example, and this one I am not sure about. The stone is either a dyed quartz or apatite. There is a little seed or inclusion in the stone which leads to me think it is either a dyed crystal or a man-made (imitation) stone with an imperfection. It is a pretty light blue color. The camera tends to make things darker than they really are.
Here there are marks and imperfections across the surface of the spoon handle. Tumbling the piece will polish and remove the small surface scratches creating a uniform surface and shiny finish.
Up-cycled means just that, pieces and items are reused and re-purposed to create something new. It also means that surfaces do not meet exactly due to curvatures and other factors of the materials being used, giving each one a unique character and style all it’s own. These are meant to look like they have been made long ago and far away and to appear handmade, as a Blacksmith may have made them.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
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.
Five Great GIfts To GIve List 14
Good Morning,
Tuesday has rolled around once more and it is time for five more gift ideas.
Absolutely perfect this morning, is this Original painting from
From: Jackie Guttuso Design
This coffee collage is an original, one of a kind piece. I created it by painting with professional grade heavy watercolor paper with layers of acrylic paint and hand cutting the individual letters and pieces to make this unique collage. It would make a wonderful gift for a coffee loving friend or would look great hanging in the kitchen or dining room. I left it unmatted and unframed so that you can choose the color and style that will look just right with your decor. Click on the photos above to get an idea how it would look with different color mats and frames.
Here’s another original coffee collage that I’ve created:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/120318585/coffee-art-original-kitchen-art-coffee
If you’re a tea lover, you’ll love this piece:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/120215280/tea-art-collage-original-tea-wall-art
Visit my shop to see other original kitchen collage art as well as original, whimsical kids art and ready to hang gallery wrap giclee prints and canvas giclee prints:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/JackieGuttusoDesigns
I’d be happy to create a custom piece for you, if you’d like another size or other colors. Click the “contact the shop owner” below to request custom work.
From Sue’s Arts
DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG
CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME
Suzan ♥
Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.
Size is approx. 6,7″. I can make this bracelet in other lenght. Just contact me.
Unakite is a stone of vision. It balances emotions with spirituality. Unakite provides grounding when needed. It facilitates rebirthing, gently releasing conditions that inhibit spiritual and psychological growth.
100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: If you are not happy with your purchase, please contact me and I will do my best to help.
Please have in mind that the colour displayed in the picture may be slightly different than the real product due to your computer configuration.
Please read the Shop Policies.
Thanks for visiting my Shop!
Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.
This eye-catching handmade bracelet by DianaShyeJewelry on Etsy features a copper coiled wire spiral winding around gleaming red tiger eye beads.
The first step in making this bracelet was to create a long copper wire coil of copper by winding fine gauge copper wire around a mandrel. I removed the copper wire coil from the mandrel and stuing it on a length of thicker gauge copper wire. Then I wound the strung coil around the mandrel to create a coiled coil of copper wire. I then strung the 10 mm red tiger eye beads on still another length of even thicker gauge core copper wire and wound the coil of copper coil around the beads and the core wire. Finally, I finished the bracelet off with a handcrafted copper wire clasp.
The bracelet is 7″ (17.8 cm) long and 7/16 ” (12 mm) in diameter. It fits a small to medium wrist.
Red tiger eye is a birthstone for Scorpio (October 23 – November 22).
For more copper jewelry by DianaShyeJewelry in this and other styles, see my Copper/Brass/Mixed Metal Section at https://www.etsy.com/shop/DianaShyeJewelry?section_id=12690789.
For more coiled wire jewelry by DianaShyeJewelry in this and other styles, see my Coiled Wire Jewelry Section at https://www.etsy.com/shop/DianaShyeJewelry?section_id=12690639.
To return to my shop home: http://www.DianaShyeJewelry.etsy.com.
From Charming Basics
If you’d like to give these as bridesmaid gifts the lining can be done in wedding colors.
I can also embroider your initials or special date on the outside of the purse. Please contact me either through Etsy convo or through e-mail charmingbasics [!at] gmail.com to work out details for multiples and customization.
Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.
Featured Artist – A Bead Thing
Good Morning,
Today’s featured artist is the lovely and very busy Pam, of A Bead thing. This is one talented and on the go lady. Not only does she own an operate her own shop on handmadeartists.com, she also Home-schools her Grandson, and is an active member on the forum participating in blogging, tweeting and site contests. Where she finds the time to create her wonderful jewelry is a mystery to me, but she does, and is it every pretty.
Pam writes: Handcrafted jewelry is my passion. Choose handcrafted bracelets, rings, necklaces and pendants. I especially love creating bead woven jewelry because of the enormous variety in colors available and the diversity in style that can be created. Bead woven or stitched items are also lightweight and easily cared for. All contributed content © abeadthing
There are some really beautiful and unique items in her shop. Some of my favorites are below.
Bloodstone Pendant
Product Details:
This is approximately 20 mm bloodstone gem enclosed in a handwoven copper wire and bail. This stone has multicolored spots including red. These stones are a variety of a silica mineral chalcedony and the red spots resemble blood which is how it derived its name. From the Gemstone Encyclopedia we find that in ancient times, bloodstone was thought to be able to stop hemorrhages with the merest touch. Bloodstone is said to relieve stomach and bowel pain as well as strengthening blood purifying organs and improving blood circulation. Bloodstone is also believed to have a positive influence on the bladder.
Although this item has sold, it is a beautiful piece. We’d like to congratulate Pam on her sale, and also drool over this gorgeous handmade bracelet.
Silver and Topaz Bracelet
Handcrafted Copper Swirls with Gray Marble Stones
The intricate bead work of this bracelet just astounds me. How did she do that?
Ruby Red Swarovski Crystal Bracelet
Special orders for larger or smaller sizes are also available. Other colors of crystals are also available upon request.
Red Carnelian Stone Keychain
Attach the keychain to your purse easily or use as a zipper pull for the purse closures.
You could also use this with a small modification in the ring as a zipper pull for your favorite hoodie to add a bit of glitz and glamour.
In hope that the post has inspired you to take a look at the shop and see what other wonderful things Pam has for sale. Perhaps there is something for you.
Don’t forget to Grab The Badge

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 #10
Good Morning,
I won’t start off with a lot of verbiage, instead let’s get to those gift ideas.
From: Sue’s Arts
SOLD SEPARATELY BY #
These beautiful and unique rings are adjustable.
DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG
CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME
From: Pizzelwaddles
You will receive 1 pair of handmade Gold Flourish & Peridot Aqua Glass Chandelier Earrings.
Gold Flourish & Peridot Aqua Glass Chandelier Earrings made with gold tone flourish chandeliers with 6mm x 14mm oblong twisted peridot aqua glass beads & gold plated detailed divider disc beads suspended from the bottom. Gold tone ear wires to match.
These Gold Flourish & Peridot Aqua Glass Chandelier Earrings are a fun, lively and playful set. Add a fun & flirty sparkle and unique style to any look. A real statement piece.
Ships within 3-5 business days of payment. Shipping & handling $2.50 flat charge in the US.
From: Copper Tree Art
Tribal Copper Necklace- Copper bowl with hand painted bead
This necklace was hand made out of a copper sheet. The disc was created and then was then domed to give it a slight curvature. The piece was given a patina to darken its appearance and a tan, gold and brown painted bead sits upon it. I hand riveted a spot where a natural brass chain and toggle are attached to the pendant.
The disc is approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. The total chain lenght is approximately 19.5 inches. If you would like to change the length of the necklace, please message me! This piece has been sealed with a lacquer and wax to protect the finish. Please read all shop policies before purchasing!
From: Raptor Ridge Originals
All natural dreamcatcher milkweed pod ornament….
✿ dried milkweed pod
✿ natural raw silk fiber
✿ sage green color
✿ camándula or Jobs tear bead
✿ feather
✿ birch wood gift box 4″ by 4″
✿ decoupage vintage butterfly paper
All of our items are created with great care, and when you make a purchase from us you can be sure that it is special…every item is handmade by my husband or/and I…and
Our shop is always evolving and new items are listed daily…so please do check in often….
Raptor Ridge Originals
Here’s a Gift and A Shop with a cause. I didn’t set out to promote that, but it is for those less fortunate and in need. In support of the Spokane Humane Society
From: Butterfly Sundries
Do you love cats? How about butterflies? Now it’s possible to have both, without worrying about the cat trying to catch the butterfly!
This is the first “Fur Babies” hair barrette, created specifically to support the Spokane Humane Society.
It was cut from 20g yellow brass sheet metal, filed, and cleaned. Then an ooak design was drawn by hand onto the surface before it was placed in the etching solution. Cleaned, painstakingly hammered into shape and work hardened by hand, it was then drilled and riveted onto a pre-fabricated 50mm french barrette mount (nickle plated and lead-free). Antiqued and polished, this hair clip has a rustic charm which will bring you joy for years to come!
Brass does, of course, over time develop an attractive patina. This is part of the beauty of the material. The surface does have a thin protective layer of wax to protect it, but expect the beautiful patina to develop gradually.
From beginning to end, this item is handmade with love… with all the attention you deserve!
This item comes with a FREE white gift box, for your gift-giving pleasure, and is shipped via Priority mail with insurance and delivery confirmation.
As always, 10% of the profits from the sale of this item go to support my Featured Charity!
A little information about the organization which inspired this design: By mandate of the Spokane Humane Society’s board of directors in January 2006, the SHS stopped euthanizing animals due to lack of space. Limited resources and available kennels made it impossible to continue to accept unlimited animals and made it necessary to work with their community partners in animal control and breed specific rescue evolving to their current day “Reservation required” shelter.This change initially reduced the number of animals they served each year but increased the number of animals being permanently placed into loving homes and improved placement rate from 52% to 79% from 2006 to 2007. As a part of this policy change, strays are referred to their appropriate animal control facility and are being transferred back based upon the needs of the animals/partner agencies and their space available. In 2012, they had a placement rate of 97%.
The 20g yellow brass plate is just shy of 2.5 long and a little more than 1 inch wide.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
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.
Links, Promotions, Dates to Remember
Good Morning,
Happy Friday one and all.
Today is a brief list of events and dates that you may want to mark down on the calendar, or not.
It’s that time of year again. The TREASURE VALLEY FLEA MARKET has geared up and is in full swing. January – April, 2013, 5610 Chinden Blvd., Garden City, Idaho.
Admission is $2.00
Saturday 9 – 6 and Sunday 10 – 4.
Dates:
Jan 12-13, 2013
Feb 16-17, 2013 – The Alchemists Vessel is attending
Mar 23-24, 2013 – The Alchemists Vessel is attending
Apr 13-14, 2013
Gift Giving
Thursday, February 14, 2013 – Valentines Day
Sunday, March 31, 2013 – Easter
Sunday, May 12, 2013 – Mother’s Day
Sunday, June 16, 2013 – Father’s Day
Sunday, July 28, 2013 – Parent’s Day
Although The Alchemists Vessel is technically closed for overhaul, we are still accepting orders at any of the on-line shops.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
THe Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Monday Celtic and Dragonscale Weaves
Good Morning,
In hope that many of you spent the weekend doing something pleasant with your children or for yourself, instead of dwelling on the tragedies of last week.
Although there is nothing new in the shop, there are still plenty of beautiful things to look at, or perhaps you still need a gift, Tuesday December 18th will be the last GUARANTEED mail date for your gift to arrive by Christmas. Order soon.
Today I would like to introduce you to two new weaves, to be available at the end of January, when the new line of Aluminum Chainmaille jewelry is introduced. Aluminum? You ask. This is not the aluminum your beer can is made out of, no indeed not. This is high quality, natural (silver tone) and anodized aluminum, in absolutely gorgeous colors. Ranging in a variety of gauges, we would like to begin to purchase our supplies from Blue Buddha Boutique, a Chainmaille Jewelry and Supply company. Due to some recent changes, equipment failures and several other incidents, I simply need a supplier.
The Celtic Bracelet, shown below in 16 gauge Natural Aluminum and 18 gauge Aqua (Anodized) jump rings, makes a beautiful, shiny and substantial bracelet. With proper care and feeding, this piece will last a lifetime and longer. Available in an array of colors and two sizes, super light weight, easy to wear and to care for. It should be noted that the construction of maille usually does not allow for soldering, so the rings remain “open”. Rough handling, pulling or other stress may cause the rings to come apart.
This is one of my very favorite weaves and I have finally conquered it. Dragonscale is another version of European 4-in-1, that involves exact size and placement of the jump rings to achieve this scaly appearance. Simply gorgeous in this Large Size sample, it takes a while to weave. 18 gauge Natural Aluminum and 18gauge Aqua and Purple Rings are placed and linked in this stunning pattern. The Aqua rings lend this piece an iridescent quality that the photo just does not capture.
Available in an array of metals and anodized colors, and three sizes, Large, Medium and Small, this refers to the size of the rings used and width of the piece, not the length. Average length is 7-1/4″ in length including clasp, longer chains may be made upon request.
These are not for sale because they are mine.
The chart below shows solid anodized aluminum colors that are available for projects, however inventory / count is required before new material may be purchased. If you are interested in one of these lovely items, please do not hesitate to contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you and provide an estimated delivery date as materials are unavailable until after January 7, 2013.
Thank you for stopping by and having a look.
Remember comments, suggestions, and questions are always welcome.
NOTE: Due to circumstances beyond my control the Brick and Mortar location for the Little Shop of Artists is no longer available at the is time. We will continue to keep you up to date on our new location or move in date as soon as possible. (Boy is my face red)
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Five Great Gifts To GIve – Ideas
Greetings,
There are only two more shopping Tuesday’s left. This morning, in lieu of actual gift suggestions, I thought I might list a couple of sites where you can find some really cool handmade items this Holiday Season.
If you haven’t been to handmadeartists.com, I urge you check out the site. There are wonderful artists and items, and I don’t mean just jewelry. Hand-crafted Soaps, Candles, Fine Art, Clothing, Home Decor, Accessories, Toys, and yes, jewelry. Why not stop by and have a look at the front page, perhaps something will catch you eye.
Four of my favorite shops:
Blue Highways – Handmade Books
Reef Botanicals – Handcrafted Soaps
Yankee Burrow Creations – Hand-knit and other accessories
A Bead Thing – Hand Beaded Jewelry
Most of you are familiar with Etsy by now, although they have gone from Handmade items to offering garbage from anybody with a computer and cramming the site with manufactured stuff from China, there are still some pretty cool shops to check out.
T.A.V. Announcements:
As of today, December11, 2012, linkedin, the business connection site, will no longer be supporting third party applications, like your wordpress blog and others, they are also changing groups and the way you share your information on the site. I dislike change for changes sake, especially when the change destroys all of your hard work. If you follow Alixandra Browning on linkedin or are a member of Northwest Artisans Guild Group, I am sorry to say that I will be canceling my linkedin account and deleting the group.
Please note that T.A.V. will be closed on December 25, 2012, and through December 31, 2012, not only for the Holiday, but for end of the year inventory and other business necessities.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.











































































