Fun Stuff To Do For Halloween Weekend Links and Promotions

Happy Friday,

I have been so busy this week filling orders and trying to make new items that I have not had much time to do much else.

Halloween arrives on Wednesday of next week and there are some fun things happening around town.

Frightened Felons at the Old Penitentiary
 Friday Oct. 26, 2012
The Old Idaho Penitentiary will once again open it’s doors during the spookiest season! Walk through 140 years of history and, of course, hear about all the scary but TRUE things that happened in every hidden corner.  All ages are welcome, but remember some themes can be too scary for kids under 10.

I attended last year as part of the entertainment. It is interesting and a lot of fun.  History rises from the Dead for this event.

Linder Farms
A real working pumpkin farm.  They are open all month, check the link for times.  This is family fun, walk the maze, but don’t get lost…
Home of BSU’s Corn Maze.

It reads “Bronco Nation”

Field of Scrams at the Farmstead
I-84 and Eagle Road…
Where getting lost means finding fun!

I have not attended this, but I have been to the corn maze and other attractions.  These are OUTDOOR events and it is COLD!  Dress warmly, and bring a flash light, there isn’t any electricity out in the fields or the woods and it’s  DARK out there!

This year is the 13th Annual Haunted World! How appropriate!  

This is the largest outdoor Haunted attraction in the area, and it is very entertaining.  The Haunted House and Walk through the woods is nerve-racking fun!   Things jump out at you, costumed players pop out when you least expect it, diving from the corn rows or stalking you through the woods, and there are things planted and buried along the path (like trampolines) that make you feel uneasy.   Spooky, scary fun!

Please remember to follow the links for information, many of these events require a ticket or admission fee.  Times and dates are listed on their websites along with other information, like maps and directions.

Be safe out there this weekend!

Thank you for coming by and scaring up something to do!

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a Spooktacular weekend!

 

Links, Promotions and a Diversion or Two

Happy Friday,

The weekend is here and there is a lot going on in Boise.  As usual I will be at the work bench working on items as well as visiting some of the local events.  

EVENTS:

Get your Halloween on this weekend!  The Witches Market is this Sunday, October ,14, 2012.  Hosted by my friend Shelly Moody, and held in:
Bella’s Grove, 2210 S. Broadway, Boise, ID.  
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Shelly says:

 This will be our second Annual Witches Market. We will have vendors and goodies and all kinds of great stuff. Join us in merrymaking and frivolity and take the opportunity to support your community and get a jump on your Yule shopping! We will have vendors selling custom leather work, incense, jewelry, terrariums, and other odd bits and pieces. We will have Tarot Readers, and a palm reader as well

 Saturday, October 13th, 2012 Fashion Victim’s Ball
Dressing badly is the point of this offbeat and beneficial fund raiser for Camp River Run and All About Kids.  There will be, Music by local bands, Silent Auctions, 21 and over, $15.00 at the door.

 Fashion Victim’s Ball | Mardis’ Gras Ballroom | Boise Events

PROMOTIONS: 

 Many of you have seen those cute little grotesque sculptures that I collect now and again.  Instead of going to Etsy to get them you can now get them direct from the Artist, my friend, Raphael Cordero of Studio RGC.  I love these Twisted Little Things and there are more, a veritable Zombie Smorgasbord!  Highly detailed, original and unique cast in solid resin, you can even paint them.  Collect ’em all!

My favorite Twisted Little Thing

“Hal I Toesis”

 
 Pumpkin Sculptures anyone?  Check out Ray Villafane’s amazing Artwork.  Villafane Studios – Pumpkin Carving

Here is a fun little romp through some amazing pumpkin art for Halloween.  Geek-o-Lanterns

I think that’s all the fun for today!  

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

Friday – Events, Promotions and a Cage Match

 

Good Morning,

Friday arrives with a definite chill in the air, and is cold in the office this morning.

I have been working in several things this week as well as preparing for the Flea Market.

Cage Match – Coif Caged Genuine Rose Quartz Heart shaped gemstone. Using the European 4-in-1 Weave, a cage is created for things to placed into and then closed, ensnaring the object within.

The twist tie is still attached, as I do not know how I want to complete the piece.  It hasn’t told me what it wants to be yet, pendant, key-chain, thingamabob.

After creating a rectangular length of chain, the opposite sides are brought together and connected at one edge creating a tube of sorts.  The top or bottom edge is tapered and closed with additional jump rings.

The bottom of the piece is closed tightly, and the rest of the cage spreads across the surface of the stone, the top of the cage is closed as the bottom and stretches over and across the stone creating a bail to hang the object from a cord or chain.

As soon as I decide on an appropriate something to hang it from it will be listed in the shop.  Time to cage more rocks!

There are two Markets to shop this October so lets get the information out there.

This weekend is the Treasure Valley Flea Market.  You know the drill! 
Expo Idaho, at The Fairgrounds
5610 Chinden Blvd
Garden City, ID
Admission is $2.00
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 
Also going on in Boise is a real Halloween treat.  Bella’s Grove is hosting The Second Annual Witches Market, Sunday, October 14th, 2012.  2210 S. Broadway, Suite 102, Boise, ID.  Spooky fun for everyone!

Hostess, Shelly Moody of Green Witch Designs describes the event:

“This will be our second Annual Witches Market. We will have vendors and goodies and all kinds of great stuff. Join us in merrymaking and frivolity and take the opportunity to support your community and get a jump on your Yule shopping! We will have vendors selling custom leather work, incense, jewelry, terrariums, and other odd bits and pieces. We will have Tarot Readers, and a palm reader as well.”

We hope you will take the time to mark these events on your calendar and stop by and see some of the wonderful, unique Handmade items as well as other offerings from around the Treasure Valley, a Scentsy Representative will be attending the Witches Market, as well.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look, the Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant weekend. 

 

Monday Shop News

 

Good Morning,

Monday has arrived, and it is time to begin the work week once again!  This morning’s blog is short as I spent the weekend at the local Flea Market.

Because Art in the Park and several other events were all happening this weekend, people’s time and attention was divided, we enjoyed an intimate setting and a nice flow of customers.

Next months market is October 6th and 7th, we will have Halloween themed jewelry on sale for one show only and in the web stores through the month.

For those of you that shop with us on line, you may have noticed some changes to Etsy.  The activity feed will now look different.  As these changes are being rolled out slowly not every one may be able to see them immediately.

Shops and favorite items are grouped into boxes of four, Treasuries are also listed in this fashion now.  Single item photos are much larger.  The Feed has been divided in to two pages, Following and Your Shop.   The Following page allows you to see the people in your circles (now “Followers”) and their activity.  If you have a sellers account and want to see what’s going on with your shop items, you will find it under the “Your Shop” Tab, individual items will be listed with the ID of the person that clicked the item.

Now it’s back to the workbench to clean and polish and prepare and pack for next months market.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

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

 

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.

Studio Switch – Market Season Begins

 

Good Morning!

Wednesday arrives bright and beautiful, some of the smoke from the northern and surrounding area wild fires has been blown out of the valley.  Clear and haze-free sunny skies is the order of the day.

There is not much happening in the studio this week, except there are beads and bits of metal everywhere, as we fill out the racks, take inventory, clean, pack, prepare, and check the list at least three times to be sure all is ready for the Season Opener of Treasure Valley Flea Market.  (No, I’m not going to post the commercial.)

Yes, indeed!  It’s that time again.  More than just a Flea Market, there are artisans from all over the Treasure Valley area, antiques, collectables, glass-works, wood-works, and of course, garage goodies of all kinds can be found.  Personally I wish they wouldn’t call it a “Flea Market”, there is so much more, I think the “Treasure Valley Market or Bazaar” would be a better descriptive title.

Now that I have your undivided attention.

Can’t attend this weekend?  That’s OK, you’ll miss out on free chocolate though.  The Market is open one weekend a month, the dates are below.  Put them on your calendar and come on down and say Hello!  Admission is $2.00 at the door.

Market Dates:
Sept 8-9, 2012 – This Weekend!
Oct 6-7, 2012 – Halloween Jewelry will be on sale!
Nov 10-11, 2012 – Christmas is coming!  Get that custom order in!
Jan 12-13, 2013 – I am not sure if T.A.V. will attend this market.
Feb 16-17, 2013 – We’ll be there to whip the winter blues away
Mar 23-24, 2013 – Spruce up for Easter
Apr 13-14, 2013 – The Tax Man cometh!  Spend it, before he gets it!

Happy shoppers check out the goodies at the booth next door.

Location:
Expo Idaho at the Fair Grounds
5610 Chinden Blvd.
Garden Cit, ID

The Alchemists Vessel, Booth #28, East (right) side of the building as you enter.

Booth Map

The Alchemists Vessel, Booth #28, a right and a left and you’re there.

Why yes we do take Credit Cards at the Shows, via SQUARE and my “Smart Phone”.

We accept Cash, Debit or Credit Cards and Personal Checks.  No need to spend that $3.00 for an ATM FEE!  We can have your goodies in a bag and you on your way with just a swipe.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

Studio Shuffle – What’s Going On At The Workbench

 

Happy Middle of the Week to you all!

 

After last weeks fun with Cuttlebone Casting,  I took a little break and did something simple.  Sort of.

 

Occasionally I will buy Estate Jewelry in bulk, usually it’s pretty much costume jewelry that is broken or will be taken apart for its bits and pieces.  Every once in a great while I come across something exceptional, a wonderful surprise of promising buried treasure.

 

I failed to take a photo of the piece before I took it apart.  But the thought of blogging about it didn’t occur to me until the piece had been re-worked and finished.  Oops!  Also I have come to find out that the Photo Editor on my computer is having problems, so I have been reduced to attempting to take pictures with the cell-phone’s camera.  Not and easy feat!

 

“Blue Tile” is the up-cycled outcome of the salvaged necklace.  Originally 18″ long, with clusters of glass baubles and several damaged tiles.  It was attractive, but I saw potential for something unique and interesting.

 

I removed the damaged pieces and the clusters of glass beads, cleaned and polished each tile, restoring the mirror finish and high shine.  Using the original jump rings and clasp I re-linked each tile individually, re-creating the necklace.  It now looks like this.

 

Blue Tile – Sterling Silver and Gemstone Necklace

Description: A fabulous piece for Egyptian, Southwestern or Turquoise admirers. Occasionally I purchase Estate Sale Jewelry in bulk, and every once in a while something exceptional appears. This absolutely gorgeous necklace is up-cycled from its original 18″ length. Damaged tiles, links, pieces and clustered glass doo-dads were removed, the original parts salvaged and re-created as this fabulous and unique 15-1/2″ necklace.

Would make a wonderful alternative for a December Birthday!

 

Other things going on in the Studio:

 

I made my second ring, and the first one I am willing to put in the shop for sale.  After a lot of practice and several failed attempts I have something that I think I really like!  I need to make more, I am obsessed with the process now.

 

Hot off the anvil

 

Malachite and Sterling Silver Genuine Gemstone Hand Forged Ring

Description: Hand forged Sterling Silver and genuine Malachite ring. Size 6 – 6-1/2. Will fit pinky or ring finger.

Would make a wonderful alternative for May Birthdays!

Created with Sterling Silver sizing stock (stamped “Sterling”), sterling silver bezel and sterling silver jewelry solder (for attachments and accent swirls). Genuine Malachite cabochon is 6mm, setting is 7.5mm to 8mm. Sterling silver wire has been used to create the swirl accents on the sides, they are soldered to the sides of the shank. The shank has been soldered at the bottom to keep the double strands together.

All elements of this ring have been crafted by hand, the cabochon stone was purchased through a gemstone supplier and is A grade Malachite.

Detail Photos

 

Next weekend is also the first Market of the season, we are getting prepared and packed to attend! 

 

 

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

 

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

 

New Shop Stuff

 

Hello,

 

Welcome to the beginning of the week.  The Dog Days of Summer are winding down and the air carries a little chill this morning,  and the colors of the season are soon to change as well.

 

The Flea Market is coming up September 8th, and 9th, that’s next weekend and we have been busy preparing and polishing all the goodies for the show!

 

Which means Labor Day is right around the corner, like next Monday, and Halloween is close behind, get those custom orders in to be sure you get your treats in time!

 

All Hallows Queen

Description:  Natural Jet and Carved Carnelian beads grace this 18″ long One-Of-A-Kind Halloween themed necklace. Center Piece is 1″ wide with three Sterling Silver Charms , Pumpkin and two Bats. Sold as a set the Earrings are adorned with Jet beads on Sterling Silver headpins and Ear wires. Finished with a Sterling Silver Gothics Hook Clasp at the side (Very Fashionable)

Detail Photo

Here you can see the Sterling Silver Pumpkin and Bat charms detail.  The hand carved carnelian has a zigzag pattern that catches the light nicely.

We have also re-listed one of our most popular designs for earrings, Sterling Silver Hoops with Gemstones.  Available in a variety of stones.  These are limited to what is currently in stock and then they are gone forever!

 

Sterling Silver and Genuine Gemstone Earrings

Description: These are Blue Lace Agate gemstone beads in an oval shape.  Currently available in the listing are also Garnet, Malachite, Carnelian, and Turquoise.

 

Listing Description: Sterling Silver Six Drop Hoop Earrings with Natural Grade A Semi-precious Gemstones – available in a variety of gem and birthstones. Dressy to casual, great for gifts, makes a pretty tailored pair for that office attire, fabulous for Boho, Hipster and Rocker style too!

These are hand assembled with hand cut head pins, sterling silver beads, and full soldered Round six Drop Hoop Findings with Sterling Silver Ear wires. Beads are genuine garnet, Flat Oval Coin shaped beads. Also available in round-shape beads, and select stones are available in long-oval-shapes.

Sensitive to Metals? Hypo-Allergenic / Stainless Steel Ear Wires can be substituted at no additional cost. Please specify this preference when ordering.

Customization: These earrings can be made to order with a specific stone, and The Alchemists Vessel will set up a special item just for you. Please convo via this listing with your questions or preference, or for a complete list of stones currently available and in stock.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Samples Shown: Garnet, Carnelian, Turquoise (4mm Round Beads), Blue Lace Agate,and Malachite. All gemstones are genuine and left in their natural state, only cutting and polishing has been done. The Turquoise is “Stabilized” or “Resin Polished”, a clear resin material has been used in the polishing process to stabilize and lend the bead additional strength and enhance the color and surface shine of the bead. Turquoise is a soft stone and easily cracked or broken.

Samples Shown Below

From Top, left to right: Garnet, Carnelian, Turquoise, Blue Lace Agate, and Malachite.

 

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

 

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

 

Curiosity Landing Photography – Space the Final Frontier

 

Happy Tuesday,

Today is a diversion day at The Alchemists Vessel.   Five Great Gifts to Give will return tomorrow.

I wanted to share this magnificent footage from Curiosity‘s mars landing.

 

Photography of Curiosity Landing Site on Mars First HD Panorama of Gale Crater – photoJPL.com .::

Unfortunately I cannot embed the video, but I urge you to click the link above and have a look at the desolate and spectacular landscape of Mars.

This is an amazing thing that has been accomplished, the second mission to the red giant with a better Rover.  

Most of us have been fascinated with Space and Science Fiction for most of our lives, and we created real things from those stories.  Cell phones, video conferencing, medical equipment, and yes, even computers and the internet were all Science Fiction at one time.  

Right now in our life time, we have an opportunity like no others before us, we can truly go where no man has gone before, that is exciting, and wonderful and wondrous, a marvelous something to behold. 

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.  Do check out the brief video.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day, and remind you to shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you still land among the stars.

 

Friday Local Links and Promotions

 

Friday is here, and the weekend is right around the corner!

 

Speaking of the weekend, this is a big deal up here, and it is fun.  The Western Idaho Fair is this month.  August 17 through the 26th, 2012.  Contests, Farm Exhibits, Rides and Funnel cake.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts Stores has new Jewelry-Making classes, with Alixandra Browning of The Alchemists Vessel.  Come on down and have an enjoyable afternoon of fun and crafting.  Projects suitable for all ages, taught in a classroom at the store in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.  These are the projects for August.  Don’t forget to ask abut special deals when signing up for class, many have up to a 50% discount on the listed price.

Green Chutes

 

I don’t know anything about this other than they are up the street from my house.  The appear to be an Artists Co-Op that sells food.  I have never been there, and should probably go.  Off State Street in the Collister Shopping Center near the Bowling Alley. If any of you have been there, a review would be wonderful.

 

Thanks for stopping by and having a read.

 

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