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.  

Memorial Day

Good Morning,

Memorial Day is here, it is not about Bar-B-Ques and touch football in the backyard.  Today I would like to remember those that have served their country, and one that has passed*.

Family

Wesley Steiding – Army
Albert Browning – Air Force
David Browning – Navy
Robert Clay Branch – Navy
*Sayle Sherrow – Army

Friends

Kathy Robertson – Air Force
Josh Olson – Army
Michael Garrison – Marines

Thank you all for your service.

Take the time today to say Thank You to a Veteran, they will appreciate it, and they deserve it.

Links, Promotions and Events

Good Morning,

It is Friday and the week is winding down and so am I.  Subjects have been difficult this week, trying to find things to write about.

This morning there are a couple of links and of course info on the monthly Flea Market, which I no longer attend as a vendor, but go to occasionally to see what’s new.

There are several new items in the Etsy and Handmade Artists Shops, some are one of a kind and some are customizable, like these cute Captured Color Bracelets.  Currently available in Dk. Blue, Purple, Pink and Olive Green (to be listed).

Diligently working on the material for In Chains, I have gotten brave and decided to let folks have a sneak peek at the work in progress. 

Events – What’s going on in Boise this weekend.

Treasure Valley Flea Market
 Idaho Expo
5610 Chinden Blvd.
Garden City, ID
Admission: $2.00

This is the last show of the season, the markets will begin again in September.  There is a show in July that is in conjunction with the Northwest Auto Show, but unless you sling car parts there really isn’t much to see.

Beat Coach Pete

This weekend is the Annual “Beat Coach Pete” Walk / Run Fundraiser.  Get those running shoes out and head to the BSU Rec Center.  Don’t forget to register first!

Not too much else is happening this weekend.  Boise is kinda boring!

Thank you for stopping in 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.

Featured Artist – Reef Botanicals

Good Morning,

This morning I have the pleasure of introducing you to one of the busiest artists on handmadeartists.com. Larissa from Reef Botanicals.  Not only does she hold a job as a Paralegal by day, she knits, sews, face–paints professionally, and makes wonderful handmade soaps, candles and lip balms with her husband.  This is one busy gal. 

I really like this shop and their goods.  I love her descriptions, she gives each item a unique story, either how the item came into being or a little history, like her Thieves Oil Lip Balm, one of my favorite products from

The best way to explain what they offer is in their own words:

We are Larissa and Eric, the makers of our high quality, all natural 
handcrafted soaps and other indulgences.
We do not use any pre-made bases, but make all of our products ourselves,
 from our own recipes, with our own four hands, in small batches. 
We use only the finest all-natural ingredients in our bath and beauty 
products, to give you a luxurious bath experience. We therefore do 
not use synthetic fragrance oils, only essential oils. The same 
standard is held for colorants, and the colors you see in our bath and 
beauty products come only from the ingredients themselves or safe, natural 
additives.
Most of our soaps are suitable for vegans and/or vegetarians, and 
those are noted for your convenience.
None of our products have been or will ever be tested on animals.

Who doesn’t like a gift basket, Larissa will make one just for you 
with alll your favorite items from her shop.

Custom Gift Basket

Product Details:

This listing is for a gift basket made from any of our current 
products that add up to approximately $40.
When you order this item, I will contact you to discuss what you 
would like in your basket.  Please be available to discuss, as 
I cannot ship the basket until the contents are agreed and finalized!
This is the perfect gift for Chanukah, Christmas, or any other event.

Thieves Oil Lip Balm

Product Details:
What is Thieves’ Oil?

As the story goes, during the bubonic plague, there were thieves 

ransacking the houses of the dead and dying who, oddly, didn’t 

catch the disease.Finally, four of them were captured in France 

and charged with the thefts.  At the trial, the magistrate offered 

the thieves leniency if they would reveal how they managed to avoid 

contracting the dreaded plague despite their close contact with the 

infected corpses. The thieves disclosed that they were perfumers 

and spice traders who had rubbed themselves with a concoction of 

aromatic herbs. It worked!

Together with beeswax, cocoa butter, shea butter, almond 

and other moisturizing oils, and vitamin E, we have used those 

same herbs in the form of essential oils to create our Thieves’ Oil 

lip balm: cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, rosemary, and lemon.

It’s a wonderful, spicy mix of scents.

Go ahead and steal a kiss!

.25 oz

Did I mention she sews?  Fabric of My Mind

 

  

Have little ones or a home on the range?  This adorable stuffed cow is 

just right for home decor or a little one’s playmate.

 

Flossie the Cow in Black and White

Product Details:

This adorable cow is based on my character, Flossie, in a community 
theater production of “Cinderella Confidential.” I made one for each 
cast and crew member as an opening night gift, but they’re too cute to 
keep for just them.
The fabric is 100% black and white cotton. The pink felt that forms 
the snout, yellow felt horns, and black and white felt ears and 
hooves are 100% polyester, as is the stuffing.
She does have pretty cream button eyes, so she’s not for children 
under 3.  She’s approximately 6.5″ tall, not including the horns, 
and 5″ wide, not including the ears.
Hand sewn with care in a smoke-free, animal-friendly home.

  
Deep Blue Celtic Knot Hand Knitted Scarf

Product Details

This soft, warm, deep blue scarf is hand-knitted in a 
Celtic knot pattern known as a six-strand Saxon braid.  
It’s got a great border of stockinette stitch flanked 
by garter stitch.  The color and pattern make it great for 
either men or women.  It’s 5’5″ (66″) long and 6.5″ wide.  
100% Acrylic.
Created in a smoke-free, pet-friendly home.
Easy Care Instructions:
Mashine wash warm on a delicate cycle with mild detergent.  
Machine dry on a moderate setting.

These are just a few of the products this artists has listed.  
We hope we have inspired you to take a look at what else this talented
and clever lady has in her shops.  Or maybe you’d just like to follow
this crafty woman and she what she comes up with next.

Reef Botanicals Blog   
Adventures of a Face Painter – Blog  
Facebook
Twitter 
Face and Body Art by Larissa – Facebook 

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Links, Promotions, Friday Post 250

Happy Friday,

Welcome to the 250th post of blog.  Lack-luster, I know.  It is a balmy four (4) degrees outside and the snow is piled up against the back door with promises of snowing me in today.  The garage door has frozen shut and is stuck to the driveway,  I kid you not.  As soon as the sun rises here, it’s time to haul out the pick and un-stick it!  That is a first for this California Grrl.  (I spelled it right).

This morning I am out of links and promotions, so gentle reminders are in order.

If you are brave enough to venture out into the below freezing temperatures and the icy roads you can visit the:

Treasure Valley Flea Market
*Expo Idaho
5610 Chinden Blvd.
Boise, ID
Saturday Jan 12, 9 – 6
Sunday Jan 13, 10 – 4
Admission is $2.00 at the door.

*Formerly the Western Idaho Fairgrounds.

The Alchemists Vessel will not be in attendance this month, but you can look for us at the Market in February.

Things are gearing up for 2013 here at T.A.V.  I am in possession of and almost finished with the final module for class, and am well on the way to having the e-book blog ready for inspection (or reading), as well as opening a second shop for the hand-forged items I am making and accumulating.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

What?  No photos?  Man…

 

Links, Promotions, Flea Market and Sale

Good Morning,

Today’s blog is super short because I have to pack and prepare for set-up at the Market today.

The Treasure Valley Flea Market is this weekend, and unless you live under a rock, you are aware that it is also the last Market of the 2012, and the last one before the Holidays start in earnest.

Can’t make the Market?  You can always find us on the web.

The Alchemists Vessel on handmadeartists.com
The Alchemists Vessel official Website

I know Etsy is very popular, however with all that is going on with the site, I am debating shutting down the shop.  There are several factors and a final decision has not been made, but I encourage you to see what handmadeartists.com has to offer, and not just my shop.  There are a lot of talented and fabulous artists, and everything is hand made.  Paintings, Hand-bound Books, Sculpture, Mosaics, Fabric Craft (Knitting, Crochet, etc), the list goes on.  Buyer accounts are always free, and a unique gift is better than mass-produced crap from China.  

SALE:  In light of that there is a sale on at The Alchemists Vessel on Etsy.  Many of the prices in the shop have been reduced and when you enter the coupon code: HOLIDAY10 at check out, you will receive an additional 10% off your total purchase.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

New In The Studio – Time and a Bottle

Good Morning.

Wednesday is here and the last Market of the season is this weekend and the studio is in full swing as we prepare for the show.

Previews are always good.   New in the studio are watches.  Stainless Steel faces with a serpentine design have beaded chainmaille bands in a variety of colors.

Precious Time

Vespers

Also new in the studio are these charming little Charm Bottles.  These have been a staple of jewelry and decoration for I don’t know how long.  I had one a young girl and couldn’t resist the urge to make some of my own.  Sold individually, these are suspended from a Silver tone (white metal) or Anodized Chain in the popular Gunmetal tone.  Each bottle is filled with genuine gemstone chips (some times drilled for beading) and the cork stopper is glued shut, eye pins are screwed into the cork and also glued in place.

Right to Left:  Aquamarine, Purple Fluorite, Red Agate, Green Fluorite, Rose Quartz and Amethyst.  These are small, measuring around 1/2″ in height.

The Treasure Valley Flea Market is this weekend and the last one of the Season for 2012.  Come on down and say Hello, do a little Holiday Shopping early, the vendors should have their booths up to the Nines with goodies and fabulous finds!

WHERE:  
Expo Idaho at The Fairgrounds
5610 Chinden Blvd.
Garden City, ID
WHEN: 
Saturday Nov. 10th, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday Nov. 11th, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

BLOG READERS!  Get 10% off your total purchase when you mention the phrase “Holiday Sale“.

Use Coupon Code:  Holiday10 at check out and receive a 10% discount on your order when you shop The Alchemists Vessel on Etsy.

Etsy not your thing?  Try handmadeartist.com, buyer accounts are free, and there are some wonderful items and artists to choose from! Items from the Etsy Shop may be found there as well.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

 

Friday Random Links and a Promotion or Two

Good Morning,

Friday is here and the weekend is sneaking up on me.  

Once in a while I come across something that looks interesting or useful, and since most of us have a limited or extremely tight budget these days free stuff is always good.

Wix is a free on-line web site builder.  They also offer “Premium” accounts that I would guess are very expensive as there are no fees listed anywhere.  Free sites may include “Wix ads”.

Example site: Brooklyn Bead Goddess

Yolasite is also a free website builder, they offer domains, and other services as well, have a pricing guide and have a 1-800 customer service / help line and claim Free Sites are also Ad-free.  Check out other offerings on the Features page.

Example site: Studio RGC  – Ralph’s Wax


Next weekend is the Treasure Valley Flea Market, and the last one of 2012. The Alchemists Vessel will be in attendance.  More about the Market will be posted next week.  Come on down and get some Holiday shopping done or just look around for fun.  Admission is $2.00.

As many of us here out West have been watching the news, and the devastation that has taken place along the East Coast there are some things that you can do to help.

Red Cross – Hurricane Sandy Donations

You can donate $10.00 with your phone, you can donate via iTunes (which is weird), and you can find out what’s going on in your local area for the Disaster Relief.  You can donate to a general fund (a much better idea), or earmark the donation for Hurricane Sandy or give blood at one of you local banks as the Red Cross is sorely in need.

You may also want to check out your local charities, and see if they are not taking, clothes, blankets, toys, household items for those in need and affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Good Will – Store / Donation Station locator
St. Vicent DePaul’s
Salvation Army – donation page, there are links at the bottom for other ways to help.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

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

 

Studio News Jewlery Classes New for the Holidays

Trick or Treat!

I do love the middle of the week, and what more can I say, other than of course I have a treat for you!

I spent yesterday at the work bench, assembling samples for the brand new Jewelry Class projects starting in November and available through December at your local Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store
1085 Milwaukee
Boise, ID 
208-323-5373 
Instructor: Alixandra Browning of The Alchemists Vessel

Jewelry Making Basics or Jewelry 101 is always offered and includes an overview of supplies, tools and basic jewelry making terms and techniques.  Students take home a project they choose to make during class.  $35.00 for a 2-1/2 hour session.  Includes a field trip through the aisles.

This months projects are pretty and versatile! Simple, fun, fabulous, and  just in time for the Holidays!  Sign up and make presents for your Mom, sister, daughter, Grandmother, or all your girl-friends, in their favorite colors!  Easy and quick these projects have endless possibilities for color combinations!

Jewelry 102

Solar Chic is the first project.  $30.00 for a 2 hour session.  The Class includes both the Earrings and Bracelet.  Project materials are purchased in advance by the student, and tools are provided in the classroom.  In keeping with the Class Instructions and using the suggested materials, and still managing to keep the project unique and different; the goal of the class is to teach the techniques and let the student use their design idea to complete the piece.

Material lists and Class Schedules are provided at time of sign up.  

Suggested materials
Ear Wires
Memory Wire
6mm and 4mm *Bi-cone Beads in your favorite color.
*Project instructions call for Swarovski Crystals in Green (Mix)
Sturdy wire cutters (Memory Wire fights back!)
Round Nose pliers

Solar Chic Earrings

Memory wire and two sizes of Bi-cone shaped glass beads make up this cute and illusion-like pair of earrings.

Solar Chic Matching Bracelet

Memory wire and the same Bi-cone shaped glass beads with an added color or two create this cute, super simple, and very shiny bracelet.

Jewelry 201

I don’t design the projects I just make the samples and teach the class, like they tell me.

Bow Tie Necklace – $30.00 for a 2 hour session.

This pretty project has a surprise, not constructed as you think it might be, the double strand is an eye-fetchingly sparkly and charming bit of decoration.  Great for teens, the office, or to match that Holiday outfit!  The Bow Tie may be attached or removed for two different looks.

Suggested Materials:
Silver Chain
4mm *Bi-Cone Beads
*Project instructions call for Swarovski Crystals in Siam
6mm Jump Rings
Head Pins
Lobster Claw Clasp (or choice)
Beading Wire (7 Stand)
Round Nose pliers
Wire Cutters

Silver (white metal) chain is the basis for this piece.  Shown here without the beaded Bow Tie Accent.

Option:

Shown here with the addition of the Bow Tie. 

Detail

Bow Tie accent.  Bow is created with 4mm beads.

This pieces can be made in any color combination or solid color of choice.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a very Spooky Halloween!