Featured Artists – A Good-bye

Good Morning,

Today’s blog is brief and not really about much of anything except a little disappointment and some sad news.

Late last night, I was told that a fellow artist and on-line acquaintance lost his life in a traffic accident in Southern California, he was broadsided by a drunk driver.   The news saddened me, and this morning I wanted to share a couple of his pieces that he had been willing to share with the on-line group I chat with occasionally.

I went to the site and much to my dismay, his profile, artwork and posts had been removed.  My jaw hit the floor.  What happened there?  After contacting another member, I’m glad I’m not the only early bird on line, I come to find out that the accident happened over a week ago and that it is site policy to remove inactive members after a five day period.  Needless to say, I was stunned.

“b rav” was his on line name, he rarely shared details, just griped about paint not drying right, or discussed other materials that he worked with.  He was an abstract artist, worked with found items, finger-paintings, and re-cycled a lot of stuff from Thrift Shops, he was the first person to introduce me to Up-Cycling paintings, like the ones below.  These are not his work, I found them on line.

b rav was a kind soul, funny and opinionated.  Never minced words, and would tell you exactly what he thought of your work, good or bad.  He was talented and clever and believed the best work done was the work that made you happy.

I will miss his witty commentary and his funny rants about “Children’s Art Supplies” and viewing his eclectic, eccentric and sometimes off the wall art.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Taking Care of Your Tools

Good Morning,

This weekend I was on a bit of a creating jag.  Boxes were sketched on for painting, things were prepared to be assembled, soldered and etched, until this happened…

This is the inside of my hand held, battery operated Engraver.  This little tool is one of my favorites; however due to age and I would suppose use, the innards have obviously deteriorated, or in this case are just plain broken.

The plastic casing has cracked and broken away from the works, the metal pin that acts as a contact is in the battery tube leaving the copper wiring exposed.  I have had this for a good seven or eight years, and I never thought to look inside, until it stopped working yesterday. 

This brings me to the care of your tools.  Not only is it necessary to keep your most important tools, your hands, healthy, it is also important to keep the implements you use healthy as well.

Once a month check you tools.  Really look at them, evaluate their health and assess the best way to repair or give the tool some much needed attention.  Is something broken or starting to wear or fray?  Are there nicks, chips, divots, dings, or other things that may prevent you from achieving that perfect look or  other task you are attempting while creating your goods?

If so, you may want to think about replacing or perhaps repairing them.

A simple sheet of sand paper can be used to polish pliers jaws and the heads of your hammers.  This removes surface imperfections that may mar or interfere with the finish of your piece.

When possible tools should be kept away from each other, this eliminates much of the wear and tear on tools you are not using, they won’t bang into and damage each other.  Try to dust your tools during the inspection, little bits of this and that can gum up the joints or movable parts and damage the tool or cause it not to work properly.

Inexpensive plastic cases can be purchased, or plastic containers from your favorite Deli or Market can also be used as storage.  Clean them out and place your tools inside.  Keep the lid and you can keep them dust free.

Keep your tools in good working order and they will last you a life time.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

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

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.

Above The Strain

Good Morning,

This morning, as I read forum threads, another member of the handmadeartists.com community wrote this wonderful and thoughtful statement.  

It pretty much sums up the current situation of Artists and entrepreneurs everywhere. 

“As I read the thoughts and experiences of those having a difficult time, I am reminded of an old friend who had had a rough life.  He was now an old man and internationally known for his blues piano talents but that never translated into much money.  He had a favorite phrase he liked to use when he spoke of financial difficulty.  He expressed it as, “I just want to live above the strain.”  I thought that was a unique way of seeing life.  It gives one so many more options that the phrase, “Keeping my head above water,” that seems so fatal if one’s head goes under.  The measure of strain Vs comfort seemed a better measure of life.  No doubt the forces of greed and empire have returned to roost and are affecting our daily economic lives and show no signs of letting up anytime soon.  Now we are seeing the emergence of a new economy and those who are enriching their lives by simplifying and disengaging from the big box life, when appropriate.  There is now a rebirth of community and values of cooperation and reciprocity.  Handmade fits the new communitarian lifeway and the HAF community is a good place to be during these times, where thoughts can be shared and insights gained to help us through this transformation. We are laying the groundwork for the new future and I wish everyone here well as we make the adjustments to the new realities so that we can live our lives above the strain.  Best wishes to all.”  ~Sam

You can find Sam at Sunworx

This is what Sam does

Solar Jar Painted Tropical Fish on Frosted Pint Ball Jar 

Product Details:

This lovely solar jar painted tropical fish  on a frosted pint Ball Jar is beautiful in both day and night.  Pebeo glass translucent paints were used to paint the jar.  After painting it was heated to more permanently affix the paint.  A very high quality glass coating was then applied to protect the art work. 

A solar engine with an on off switch was then glued to a laser precision cut painted mounting shelf.  The finished shelf then sits on top of the jar and is fastened tightly with a Ball wide mouth lid. 

A special small fitted lens cap designed to distribute the light from the led a full 360 degrees is affixed around the LED for more even distribution of light.

Two small holes are diamond drilled into the bottom of the jar that serve two important functions.  Both heat and moisture is evacuated through these small holes to extend the life of the solar engine and also provide carefree maintenance.

 The dimensions are approximately 4 inches wide and 4 inches tall.  The art work is painted on all four sides.  The solar jar painted tropical fish on a frosted pint ball jar will make a lovely addition to your home or one of a kind handmade gift that people love.  

Thank you all for stopping by and having a look.

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

The Gifts of Giving

Happy Tuesday,

Christmas is just a week away and today instead of offering shopping venues and present ideas, I would like to take a moment to discuss other ways to give and be in the Spirit of the Holiday without spending money (well maybe a little), or rampant consumerism.

I’m not even talking handmade items that you can whip up at the last minute.  I am talking about the gift of giving, giving of yourself, your time, your smile, a kind word, a helping hand.

This time of year there are lots and lots of pleas for your hard earned dollars for this or that charity, cause or fundraising event.  Instead of writing a check, why not offer your time, volunteer to serve a meal or two at a soup kitchen, offer your gently used blankets, or clothing your kids have out grown to shelters, grab an extra bag of cat or dog food when doing your own shopping and drop it off at the local animal shelter, put a toy in the Toys for Tots bin.  These are simple small acts that will be felt and appreciated in ways that you can only image.

Be kind to each other, let some one go ahead of you in line, smile just because you are capable of doing so.  People are rushed and hurried this time of year, take a moment to breath, slow down, instead of shouting at the idiot that just cut you off, focus on the song on the raido, sing at the top of your lungs, you’ll feel better, and it’s better for you.  Sit down and have your favorite beverage and write your friends a letter, I said a letter, not an e-mail, a letter, with pen and paper.  Remember those?  A short “I was thinking about you” note is always more than welcome and a lovely surprise.

I know in this day and age it is a risk talking to a stranger, or offering assistance, put if we all did just one little thing, one small act of kindness a day, without thinking about ourselves or what we’ll possibly get out of it, the world would be a gentler, better place to inhabit.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

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

Friday Random Jump Ring Surprise

Happy Friday,

I might as well tell you now, there is no surprise, well maybe some of you will be surprised.  I don’t know.

I am at a loss for subject matter today, and as I sit here and stare at the blank screen, mocking me, and urging me to type something, I got nothing.

As many of you know I am just mad about Maille, Chainmaille that is.  Spelled properly, Chain Mail is the process of connecting metal rings to each other to create clothing or other items, commonly referred to as Armor.  Although Chain Mail is the accepted spelling many Maillers use the spelling maille, as do I, to separate the terms from the mail you receive at home or “Chain Letters“.  Some are attempting to have the word changed to “Maille” in the dictionary.

So what does that have to do with anything?  Absolutely nothing, just a neat piece of information.

Some of you are aware that I am in the process of attempting to fulfill an invitation / request to create an on-line or e-book about Maille, “In Chains“.  In my research and trying out different weaves, I made a mistake in a pattern, and thought it looked kind of neat. I continued playing with the position of the rings until I came up with a short length of chain seven units long with individual links that resemble an eye or lace.

Nicknamed “Odin’s Eye”, until I can come up with something better, this weave is from the European 4-in-1 family.  The “Helm” weave, of which Odin’s Eye is a variation, consists of two outer rings connected to each other, supporting an orbital or floating ring that is sandwiched between them.  This weave is thought to originate in Scandinavia.  This sample below is Mini or Micro Maille, with an AR of 4.8 and 2.9 for large and small rings, I cannot manage to get the same twist to occur with larger scale rings.

“Odin’s Eye”

This variation turns the pattern inside out, with the floating rings connected and capturing the inside chain with smaller rings on the outside and twisted, knotted, or mobiused through each other, creating an X or crossed shape at the edges.  This gives each individual unit the appearance of an eye.  Created from hand–spun and antiqued Copper wire.

“Odin’s Eye” a Helm Weave variation

There are similar patterns to this one, and after a little more research I will be submitting this to M.A.I.L. (Maille Artisans International League) as a weave variation for their gallery.

“Odin’s Eye” – Twist may be formed to left or right

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

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

 

In My Studio – A Book and Kit Review

Happy Wednesday,

Book Review

I really enjoy learning something new, whether it be a technique, or information about a new material, or a new artist.  Today I would like share a review on Rebecca Mojica’s book Chained.  If you are unfamiliar with her name, she is the owner of Blue Buddha Boutique, one of the web’s and Chicago’s premiere Chainmaille and Supplies Store.  I also purchased a kit and instructions last month and received them yesterday morning.  Links to the book, site, and materials can be found at the end of this post.

Although the book is not new, I looked forward to it with high expectation of honing my skills and acquiring new patterns.  This woman can link a jump ring!  I opened with book with great anticipation, only to find to my dismay, that not only did I know the weaves illustrated, and some of the patterns and variations I had already figured out on my own simply playing around.  Well bummer! Thought I.

However, as I read from cover to cover (yes, I read the whole thing in a sitting),  I discovered that this is a fabulous book for beginners or those that might like to venture into the variations of the weaves as a challenge for intermediate or advanced maillers.

Her explanation on jump rings, opening, closing them, and pliers position, is simply the best I have ever read, and I have read a lot of chainmaille books!  Believe it or not there are a few out there, not all good.  The pictures are clear and well done, some of the text is not well thought out as it is very light and extremely hard to read on occasion, but that could also be a factor of my age.  The projects are pretty and presented in a straight forward manner that is easy to understand, jargon and terms are used, but also explained in such a way that it is easily picked up.  Best of all included in the Glossary / Index is a an conversion chart and a chart of all the ring sizes used in the book’s projects.  You may also purchase the exact materials if you so choose from the shop, so your project will look exactly like the book’s when finished.

If you are thinking about venturing into maille for a hobby or you would like to hone those skills, I highly recommend Chained.

Kit Review – The project below is not in the book and sold separately.

Celtic Star Kit – Blue Buddha Boutique

Celtic Star Pendant Kit

I did not spin and cut these rings myself.  This beautiful piece, although hand woven, is purchased as a pre-assembled kit that you can purchase in any number of colors.  The instructions for the weaves are also sold separately from the kits, so keep that in mind when ordering.  I ordered my kit in the colorway “Sky“.

The instructions are well written, clear, concise, and easy to follow.  Accompanied by step by step color pictures to help you as you weave the pattern.  The project is simple and went fairly quickly.   Incidentals like a bail and sample rings were enclosed as well, a nice addition.  There are also several blank stars on the instruction sheet which you can color with pencils to design your pallet before re-ordering or ordering your project’s materials. 

However; I was disappointed to find that the kit was not complete.  Perhaps this was an over site, but the finishing or “tiny” rings that the instructions called for were not included with the kit.  Rats!  I substituted my own silver plated rings which sort of match the Aluminum ones from kit, not a biggie, but kind of a drag.

The jump rings in the kit are lovely, the colors are deep, bright and the kit allows for some designing of your own.   I would suggest ordering the three colors option in all the same color or pallet.  The kit is packaged to allow you create one Star in the color they have given you the most of.  The “Large” silver aluminum rings are 16 gauge and they fight back!  Good pliers are definitely required for making this piece.

Although the kit includes about 200 rings total, there is enough to make two stars, had they included two more “Large” rings, I could have made a third.  This leaves you extra rings to do something else with, but what?  Not quite enough to make a complete piece, but enough that if you mess up, you don’t have to worry about extra material, which is nice.

Dark Blue Inner / Outer Color

Teal Inner / Outer Color

Chained
Kits
Blue Buddha Boutique 

As many of you know, I have a thing about making things smaller.  I am currently attempting to find a proper AR that will allow me to make this piece in Micro Maille.  Currently these pieces measure 1-1/4″ at widest point.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.  Congratulate yourself and have a cup of coffee and a cookie, you made it to the end of the post.

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

 

Tuesday Feature – Handmade Artists Forum

Good Morning,

“A funny thing happened on the way to the Forum.”

As many of you may know there is a fabulous shopping site, handmadeartists.com, supporting handmade goodies and the artists that create them.  But did you know there is a wonderful community of people, those that love handmade items as well?

Not only is the site open to all artists, and things handmade, but there is a marvelous and supportive community of those same people on the Handmade Artists Forum.  In fact, it is where I get some of those really cool Featured Artists the blog shares on Thursdays.  Friendly, fun, and full of advice and assistance.  Blog posts, Highlights, contests, information, outreach (like the Blog Ring), among other things can be found on the forum.

What’s a Highlight?  This is a highlight, they are put together by other members of handmadeartists.

I can’t leave without showcasing some of the wonderful things you can find at Handmade Artist.  Quality handmade items from shops and folks on the forum.

If you’re an artist / crafts-person I highly recommend Handmade Artists as a place to connect and share with others of like mind.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Monday – Market Report

Good Morning,

Monday’s are usually devoted to new items in the on line shops.  This morning, due to my participation in the Treasure Valley Flea Market over the weekend, I do not have much to share.

I can’t say I am happy with the results of this months Market, and as such I think it is time I look for another venue.  Today will be devoted to sorting, cleaning, and re-organizing inventory!  Doesn’t that sound like fun?

Although I enjoy the socializing and talking to customers, it has become more of a chore than an event I look forward to participating in.  I would like to thank those of you that came out, said hello, and did a little shopping.

There are still plenty of lovely items on-line and custom work is always welcome.  Get those orders in early as I gear up for the Holidays.

The Alchemists Vessel – Handmade Artists
 
The Alchemists Vessel – Etsy

 The Alchemists Vessel – Official Website

 Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

Featured Artitsts – Blog from Handmade Artists

Good Morning.

I hope all have recovered from the frightening festivities of last night.

Thursday’s are devoted to an artist and their work, as we have reached the end of the blog ring, and there is no other artist to feature, I have decided to copy and paste another blog post.  Shameless self promotion?  Sort of.

You may read the feature here Featured Artist : Alixandra of The Alchemists Vessel, as posted on Handmade Artists Blog, by Making The Best of It.  or you can read the article below.

Featured Artist Alixandra of The Alchemists Vessel

Crayons, play-doh, painting, knitting, anything to keep her hands moving; this is how Alixandra describes herself from the very beginning. Born and raised in sunny San Francisco,California; Alixandra spent her childhood surrounded by the wonderful art of the area whether is was going to the Japanese Tea Garden or the California Academy of Sciences or DeYoung Museum surrounded by form and color.  This love of art has followed her throughout her life.

Alixandra is currently a self supporting artist but has been a volunteer Docent/Animal Handler or the San Francisco Zoo and managed large crews for a landscaping company.  When she is not busy working, Alixandra loves to read and spend time in the great outdoors of her new home base of Boise,Idaho.  She takes these beautiful nature scenes and allows them to feed her passion for life.

While this talented lady still dabbles in many different mediums, her heart has found a home with jewelry, which ironically, she does not wear herself!  She leaves herself open when it comes to raw materials and works with everything from PMC (Precious Metal Clay) to natural gemstones as well as traditional materials such as wire and beads.  She also does the most amazingly beautiful chainmaille I have ever had the honor of seeing.  She is self taught, seeing a process and teaching herself through research and trail and error to make it for herself.  Alixandra is always learning and has even recently enrolled in a Jewelry Design and Repair Tech class in order to upgrade some of her natural skills and learn some new materials and equipment.

Alixandra says that it is the sparkle of metal in the sun or romantic candlelight as well as how different elements combine to create something wonderful that keeps her creativity flowing.  She loves to take the ordinary and create something extraordinary that will make the wearer feel special.  This drive to create soon meant that her home was filled to rim with her creations.  In her own words, “Racks of earrings, hangers bowing beneath the weight of necklaces and bracelets, boxes and organizers full of beads and strung cluttered the living area.”  Her, up until then, patient housemate finally announced that some of it had to go and The Alchemist Vessel was born!  Since them, Alixandra has had the honor of working with boutiques as well as creating custom work for birthdays and weddings as well as selling her creations in person at the Treasure Valley Flea Market where she gets to enjoy the social atmosphere and seeing customer’s reaction to her work first hand.  She is also currently sharing her talents with clients by teaching classes at her local Jo-Ann Fabric store.

After some trial and error, Alixandra is willing to share some information to those looking to become self supporting artists themselves.  The biggest thing to remember…it is a lot of HARD WORK!  She understands that too many fall into the trap of believing it will be all fun and games and once you put your creations out there, the orders will just roll in…ummmmm…..no.  The first thing you must do is research and figure out what is going to make you different from what is already out there, your time and cost (including time for creating, photographing, editing, promoting, shipping…and you better schedule some sleep time!) as well as if you are willing to let go of your hard worked piece.  Alixandra readily admits to putting in 12-14 hour days regularly and as soon as you slow down so will your sales.
This is not to say it can’t be done!  The Alchemists Vessel is living proof that a woman with a passion and a talent and a drive can create a very successful business!  Alixandra is easy to find all over the web starting with HandmadeArtists and Etsy as well as her own Website.  You can like her on Face Book, YouTube, Dailymotion and LinkedIn and follow her adventures through her Blog!  Once you see her work, I have no doubt that you will quickly fall in love with her clean designs and interesting combinations that can only come from an artists’ mind.

Find other articles and fabulous gifts or something for yourself at Handmade Artists.

A very special thank you to Kimberly Kitchen for putting together the article.

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