Five Great Gifts to Give List 37

Good Morning,

Instead of Five Great Gifts, today we will look at five ways you can help others this Holiday Season.

Donate to your local Humane Society or Animal Shelter.  Food, Blankets, Toys, are always appreciated.  Contact your local shelter and ask what they may need in the way of supplies, every little bit helps.  If you have room in your home and your heart, you might also adopt a little furry friend of your very own. You could love them, and pet them, and call them, “George”.

Idaho Humane Society Needed Items

“Miss Nora”, the Boss-Lady Fur-person, adopted from the Idaho Humane Society in 2000.  Yes, she is 13 years-old. 
The Alchemist’s Cat, or rather The Alchemist’s Owner.

Donate a toy or your time to Toys for Tots.  Our economy is terrible, and many children do not get a Christmas or the opportunity to celebrate other Holidays.  There are lots of places that have inexpensive toys, dolls, books, race cars etc., that any child would love to call their own.

Coats For Kids:  When this California Girl moved from the sunny surf-washed beaches of San Fransisco, to the high desert of Idaho, she was not, I repeat NOT PREPARED for the Winter weather. Here in Idaho the Winters can be brutally cold, the temperatures can dip into the Below Zero degrees, -3, you bet that’s COLD!    Not every place is as cold as Idaho, and many places get colder, this year (locally) Bruneel Tire Factory and Idaho Youth Ranch Stores are a couple of the donation locations here in the Treasure Valley Area.  Bring your gently used coats or outer wear and drop them off, the coats will be handed out during school hours to Elementary and older children.

Food Banks / Soup Kitchens:

When we think of Soup Kitchens or Food Banks many of us think of the old Depression Era images we have seen from books and History reels.  Just because we don’t call it a Depression, don’t think for a moment that this country isn’t in serious trouble, there are hundreds, thousands, that go without a meal every day in this great and bountiful land of ours, let’s make sure every one gets to eat at least once a day.  Donate canned goods, or your time to serve at one, for one weekend a month.

Senior Citizens are sometimes the most in need and usually the first to be forgotten.  There are so many things that one can do for our elders, the people that came before and paved the way for us to do and be what we are today!  There are lots of wonderful ways you can help a Senior, whether it be your own Parents, Grandparents or the Neighbor down the street, a small gift of your time can change a life and be worth it’s weight in more than gold.  Here are some links to check out how you can help in your area.  Nursing homes, hospitals, other care facilities might be in need of volunteers to read to or just sit with and be company for those that are alone.  A trip to the grocery store, a ride to a doctor’s appointment, simple things that cost you nothing but a bit of your time, and we can all afford to give some of it to someone else.

Seniors Helping Seniors
Seniors in Need
Boise Senior Center

 Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Yankee Burrow Creations – Featured Artist

Good Morning,

Today I would like to re-introduce you to a wonderful artist and friend from the Handmade Artists site, Debbi of Yankee Burrow Creations. Debbi dabbles in a little bit of everything, from crochet to jewelry,  prints to paper quilling, there is a lot to see at the shop.  One busy lady, she keeps a blog, where she not only shows off her own lovely wares, but tells stories, has videos and belongs to several Blog Rings or Hops in which she participates.  You may find her blog badge on the menu bar to the left.  She maintains shops and sites on the web, has adopted and foster children, enjoys playing with her grandson, and on occasion will give us a peek into her life outside the studio. 

In our hurried hustle and bustle life-styles we forget to take the time to enjoy the finer things that come to us in simple forms; laughter, time spent with loved ones, or just sitting and reflecting.  Yankee Burrow Creations has not forgotten that, and their creations for home, hearth or person are made with love, attention to detail, and range from the cute and useful item, to the modern-must-have accessory.

These bears are one of my very favorite items in the shop.  I love the intent behind them, and they can be so many things for so many people.  They would be great for a Big Sister or Brother awaiting the arrival of a new sibling, one bear for them and a bear to give the new baby.  They also make great comfort items in times of stress or strife, grab a bear and things will be better.

big sister teddy bear duo white and red

Product Details:
these big sister teddy bears celebrate the love between sisters.  The big sister bear is white and measures 9 1/2″ tall, and little sister bear is red and measures only 9″ tall.  The eyes and noses of both bears are sewn on, and they sport matching but co-ordinating scarfs with bright yellow trim.  These would be a nice gift for your sister, big or small.  You can read the full story behind these bears here on my blog, http://www.yankeeburrowcreations.com/2013/03/celebrate-your-sisters.html
~created by Debbi~

How pretty is this? Each shell has been attached by hand.  That took some patience,  and what a beautiful piece she has created.  Fun and livley, this would be perfect for that Sundress with strappy sandals or for that weekend get away at the beach.  This would make a super Mother’s Day gift, that is coming up, you know.  I bet it makes a fabulous soft jingly sound when worn.  Kinetic jewelry, I love it!

bracelet with multicolored shells on a double silver plated chain 

Product Details:
 I created this bracelet by individually attaching each shell piece, by hand, along this double looped silver plated chain.  Very durable, yet still feels light on your wrist, this is a colorful way to dress up for the beach.  This bracelet measures 7″ long and uses a silver-plated swivel lobster claw.  The swivel claw makes it easy to put on, and take off.
~created by Debbi~

You know I can not let May roll by without including cows.  I like this print a lot and what could be more appropriate for a Country Den or a Big City Office.

original artists print of cows on the farm

Product Details:
This print is from an original graphite drawing by Carolyn Valcourt and is titled “Art got milk cow”.  How calm you’ll feel every time you look at it.  This 8.5″ x 11″ print will be shipped to your home FREE for your immediate enjoyment.

Wedding Season is coming up and why not make yours extra special with these gorgeous hand quilled Memory Frames.  The art of quilling amazes me, it must take serious time, patience and concentration, it is well worth he effort in the end.  This is beautiful.

 quilled doves and flowers picture border

Product Details:
Show off your wedding invitation or photograph with this quilled border, full of doves, flowers, and swirls.  Then every time you look at it, you will be reminded of the joy you felt on that special day.  The mat is 8×10 with the inside opening of 5×7.  Including the frame, the overall dimensions are 9×11.
~created by Debbi~

Here is a lovely piece of home decor.  Original and full of color, that butterfly looks like it might take flight at any minute.

wood cross textured burgundy with metallic butterfly

Product Details:
I painted this wooden cross burgundy and the textured the front with shades of reds and pinks, then added some metallic butterflies for a touch of new life.  Hang this 9″ x 5.5″ cross anywhere you want to share your faith.
~created by Debbi~

 Did I mention that Debbi also works with her daughter Amanda, who created the banner at the top of the page as well as other graphics for various things.  Aren’t they lovely.

You may find, follow and be fascinated at any of the links below.

Blog: Yankee Burrow Creations
Shop: Yankee Burrow Creations ~ Handmade Artists Site
About.me Page: Yankee Burrow Creations
Twitter: yankeeburrow
Facebook: Yankee Burrow Creations
Pinterest: Yankee Burrow Creations
Flickr: Yankee Burrow Creations

In hope you have enjoyed the very brief look into this talented, and clever artist.  There is so much more to see and find at the sites above, take a moment to see what else she has in her shop, on the sites, or just peruse the photo gallery.  Perhaps there is something for you.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read. 

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

Featured Artist I Knit Quilt Sew

 

Good Morning,

It is my pleasure to introduce you to an other clever and artistic person from handmadeartists.com, I Knit Quilt Sew. This woman is not kidding about that either!  as a fellow knitter I am in awe of some her wonderful and just plain fun designs and items, lets show you a few of my favorites.

I Knit Quilt Sew

Aren’t these just the cutest things!  She hand knits, quilts and sews some marvelous and whimsical, and practical items with a touch of flair and fun!  These are so neat and a fabulous take on the Baby Bootie.

Cowboy Booties Hand Knit in Red and White

Product Details:  These unisex hand knit Cowboy or Bowgirl Boot-ees are so cute!  They are hand knit from high quality acrylic yarn in bright white and really red.  These cowboy booties are easy care and can be machine washed and dried on cool settings.

The booties will fit a newborn to 3-month-old baby, measuring 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) heel to toe.  They are 4.25 inches (10.75 cm) tall.
Perhaps your school colors are red and white.  Maybe you’re a Cardinals fan.  These booties are perfect!

Handmade Log Cabin Style Baby or Lap Quilt in Blues

Product Details: Again trying to capture that heirloom, vintage quality, I’ve constructed this log cabin baby or lap quilt in shades of blue. The quilt is machine assembled, and entirely hand-quilted. The navy blue binding is sewn on by hand then over-stitched by machine. All the fabrics used are polyester cotton blends, with polyester medium loft batting, making this quilt machine wash and dry on cool/delicate settings. It can also be dried flat or hung to dry.

Laid flat, the quilt measures 38.5 inches (97.8 cm) wide by 42 inches (106.7 cm) long. It’s a wonderful size for traveling, covering a car seat, or for a play mat. This certainly would be a wonderful shower gift, too! The last of my pictures shows this quilt on my quilt frame being quilted.

This quilt does have my tag in it and meets all US Government regulations. The shipping weight on this quilt is two pounds.

Cream Fleece Handmade Teddy Bear

Product Details:  This handmade teddy bear is made from cream-colored Polar Fleece® and is so soft and cuddly!  This toy teddy stands 17 inches (43.25 cm) tall to the tip of his ears.  He has safety stay plastic eyes, a hand-embroidered nose and mouth, and a acrylic-blend knit black and white striped scarf.  This teddy bear has moving arms and legs too – he is jointed using the very old-school string-and-button method, which is all internal.

My tag is securley sewn into a seam in the back of this teddy bear, making him in full compliance with US Government regulations for toys.  Shipping weight on this bear is 2 pounds.

What the Shop Owner says:

 I truly love what I do… whether it’s knitting that perfect pair of booties or hand-quilting my latest creation, it’s a labor of love. Though I’m creating a commercial environment for my work, I don’t want to lose that passion. For this reason, you won’t find hundreds of items in my store. Each and every item will be made with care and great attention to the details.

My grandmother taught me to knit and sew before color TV was invented! Most of my knitting comes from her patterns which she claimed were her mothers – which would date them in the late 1800s! This is what gives my knitting its old-fashioned, classic style.

I am a self-taught quilter. I learned that from books years ago. But primarily, I’m an artist. My medium is fabric and yarn!

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  We hope we have inspired you to take a look at I Knit Quilt Sew and see what warm and wonderful thing you may find for your winter needs!

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

 

Four Great Gifts to Give 7/17/12

Good Day All,

Tuesday means we look at five neat items that would make good gifts for any occasion, well almost any occasion.  Today I have four as I am short a participant this week.

Without further ado for your shopping enjoyment, Four Great Gifts.  First up a couple of returning shops, Wire Witchery, owned by my personal friend Sarah Shannon, and Green Witch Designs, owned by Shelly Moody another favorite friend of mine.

NOTE: Sarah’s work has become more intricate and complicated.  The piece below is an example of some of the new jewelry items you can find in her shop.

From: Wire Witchery

Silver Mother of Pearl Necklace

Description: This is an absolutely gorgeous black lip mother of pearl oval bead wrapped with silver plated copper wire. It hangs on an 18″ fine link chain. 

NOTE: I have a penchant for monsters, the macabre and things that go bump in the night.  These are absolutely adorable and would make a fabulous everyday of daring dangles or just a fun pop of color at Halloween.

From: Green Witch Designs

Skull Earrings

Description: These fun little earrings are sure to make someone look twice. Featuring a small skull bead, with red accent beads to really make a pop. Perfect for anyone with an appreciation of the macabre. A nice addition at Halloween, or anytime you want to make a statement

From: The Alchemists Vessel

Elegant Chainmaille Choker Silver Plated and Black Czech Glass Beads

Description: 15-1/2″ long. Truly elegant, slender, slinky, silky silver and black go with everything! Very feminine. Makes a pretty accent to any outfit. May be worn to the office, on an evening out, and with that little black dress. Would make a great birthday present in any of our birthstone glass bead colors.

Silver plated wire is hand coiled, cut, beaded and linked in the European 4-in 1 Chainmaille weave to create this simple and elegant chain.

From: Home Time Art

Nursery Decor Kids Toy Pink Brown Teddy Bear Hearts, Teddy Bear Hat and Vest

Description: This sweet, loving original teddy bear is made by Home Time Art. Unable to contain her love she wears her not not only on her sleeve but all over for the world to see. She is accompanied with a certificate of adoption, which is customized with the child’s or adopters name and their choice of name for the new family member soon to join them on their life’s journey.

The Teddy Bears is 12 inches (30.5 Cm) tall from head to toe and are wearing a collard vest and a brimmed hat.

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 6/28/12

Good Morning.

Thursday is here and once again I rearranged the blog a little bit.  Tuesday we had a featured artist, so today the gifts to give are up!

Only four great gifts to give today, I am shy a player, and short an item from my own shop as well.

First up is a new shop and participant for these posts.  She has a lot of wonderful and lovely things in the shop from Pillows to Paintings and Rag Dolls.

Home Time Art

Adorable Handmade Cloth Dolls, Rag Dolls and Plush Teddy Bears Original One of a Kind Custom Orders cloth dolls ragdolls and teddybears

 

Description: Custom Orders
This adorable, huggable original doll or teddy bear is made by Home Time Art. She/or He is accompanied with a certificate of adoption, which is customized with the child’s or adopters name and their choice of name for the new family member soon to join them on their life’s journey.
The Rag Doll is 22 inches (55.9 Cm) tall from head to toe and is wearing a removable dress that will compliment her hair colour and eyes.
While the Teddy Bears are12 inches (30.5 Cm) tall from head to toe and are wearing a collard vest and a brimmed hat.
As well as being designed to play this one of a kind beauty would make a wonderful addition to any collector’s treasury.
My dolls and teddy bears are all hand painted made from 100% cotton stuffed with a non allergenic foam chips in a smoke free pet free environment. All my items are Hand-Made in Canada.
Please see below for your options on custom orders.

Original Mix Media night landscape painting canvas A Night’s Sky – in blue & black acrylic and oil paints sides painted no framing required

Description:A beautiful country night landscape scene, with the glow of a bright star shinning down and bring light into the shadows.This original mix media painting was painted by artist Stefania Grieco in winter of 2012.
It was created using high quality oil paints, high quality acrylic paints a double primed 18x24inch (45.7x61cm) canvas and inspired by imagination.

The painting is painted on all 4 sides so there is no need to frame however it is easily framed if you prefer and would look great on any wall.

 Next is one my favorite shops and participants.

SuesArts

  

Shalom or Chai in antique bronze cameo heart necklace

Description:SOLD SEPARATELY – SHALOM or CHAIBeautiful heart charm necklace with a custom made and one of a kind print.

One necklace has the word “Shalom” in Hebrew for “Peace” and the other has the work “Chai” in Hebrew for “Life”.

About 18″ long. Size can be adjusted per request at no extra charge.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

 Vintage Image Cameo Charm Necklace

Description: Created with vintage antique bronze frame charm pendant and chain.

This is a vintage image of a beautiful girl custom printed and designed

Necklace is about 18″ long but can be adjusted per request with no extra charge.

ALL MY ITEMS ARE HANDMADE AND ONE OF A KIND

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

 That is it for today.  Thank you for stopping by.  Remember all the links are clickable and will take you through to the shop or the item of your choice.  Have a look.

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