Monday Market Review

Good Morning,

Happy Monday to you all.

This past weekend was the Treasure Valley Flea Market.  A fun diversion in the middle of a hot summer afternoon.

The show was packed with people and goodies to be had, from Jewelry to Toys, and an Antique or two.

Happy Shoppers in the booth next door, poured over vintage Ray Bans and Handmade Jewelry.  The Market had a ton of things to look at.  In the center building this year, there was more space for more folks!

The booth looked good this year with cloth “walls”, the curtain served as a nice backdrop for the booth.

I am happy to say that a lot of what you see on the table was sold, as well as two of my favorite pieces of Chainmaille.  Back to the workbench for me!

Fun was had by all.  I usually say that these things are really a social gathering for the vendors, but I think even the shoppers really enjoyed this event.

When I returned home Saturday evening, tired and exhausted from the day, we had a little rain and the neighborhood was treated to a natural display of beauty.  A double rainbow arched over my neighbors house.  My camera can not do it justice.  As the sun came out the rainbow faded, I stood at the backdoor and took a couple of photos in the rain.  This is the second one I have seen since I have lived in the neighborhood.  Nature is a grand and wonderful thing.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

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

Friday Links and Promotions

Good Morning,

Happy Friday, the 13th!  One of my favorite days!  It is mighty hectic around the shop today as we pack and prepare for a fun and exciting event at Expo Idaho. 

This weekend, July, 14th and 15th the Treasure Valley Flea Market (Admission $2.00) is being held in conjunction with the Northwest Motorfest Auto Show.  I am sorry to say that there is not a lot of on line information about this event.  Main show will be held in the grass area of the Fair Grounds (Expo Idaho), admission is $7.00.  If you are interested in checking out the 2012 Capital City Cruise, it has moved to Meridian, details may be found by following the link.  (Route Map included)

The Alchemists Vessel will be a vendor at the indoor Market.  Come on down and escape the heat.  It’s going to be 103 degrees in the lovely City of Trees this weekend! 

Food, fun, cars and you can find your something, too!

See you there!

Also ONE DAY ONLY!  $20.00 Tattoos at Skin Deceptions here in Boise, Idaho.   Stop in and see Devon, Travis, or one of the guys.  4500 Overland Road, Boise Id 83705.  Professional, fun and friendly!  Piercings also available!

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

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

Promotions and Links Friday

Friday has arrived, and what a lovely day this morning promises.

Next week is not only my friend, Kelly’s, Birthday, but it is also Independence Day, more commonly known as the 4th of July.  I have not decided if there will be a post or not, I am still debating the issue with myself.

With the holiday and people preparing for their family festivities, there isn’t much going on around these here parts, but I do have a promotion and a link for a local business.

Promotion:

10th Annual Northwest Motorfest 

July 13th – 15th at Expo Idaho (formerly the Western Idaho Fairgrounds) 5610 Chinden Blvd.

Admission is $7.00

Idaho’s largest car show/event and 3rd largest throughout the Pacific Northwest! Well over 1,000 hot rods, muscle cars, classics and antiques parked on the grass. This automotive event is more like a state or county fair. Northwest Motorfest is family-friendly and alcohol-free. Complete details on website.

In conjunction with the Motorfest in the Expo Building will be the

Treasure Valley Flea Market

I believe entrance is free if you attend the Motorfest and show your ticket stub at the door.  The Alchemists Vessel will be in attendance with lots of new items for your shopping pleasure.

Links for Skin Deceptions Tattoo and Piercing

Located in beautiful Boise, ID, this group of fine young men have opened a new parlor for Tattoo and Piercings, not only that, but the shop has become an art gallery of sorts, each artist has paintings and drawing for sale, original and unique art work lines the walls.  You can play an XBox game while you wait for your adornment or accessory.  Professional and experienced, you can’t go wrong at Skin Deceptions.  Not only have they done my own artwork, but they are personal friends as well.

Check out their Facebook page and give them a like, they would appreciate it.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

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

Links and Promotions – Things To Do in Boise

Good Morning,

The weekend has arrived!  It is Friday!  On Friday’s I usually share links to sites or information and promote something or someone, shop, art, something.  In today’s vernacular, “I got nothing”, so let’s see what we can’t find on the web.

Looking for something to do this weekend?  There is always Pride, or you can check out the Boise Weekly for activities and events happening around your neighborhood.

Also going on this weekend is the Ye Olde Renaissance Fair at Eagle Island State Park.  Fear Not they say IHOP is giving away $5.00 Certificates for Cart Parking ($5.00 a car to get in!)

I will be the instructor for this weekend’s Jo-Ann Fabrics Jewelry-Making Class.  

Looking for something else to do?  Check out the Boise Calendar of Events, music, art, education and governmental goings on.  

That’s all for today.   Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

Links and Promotions – Jo-Ann Fabrics Classes with Alix

Happy Friday!

The weekend is upon us!  Although I have to work, I hope the rest of you have a wonderful and super relaxing couple of days off from the hustle and bustle of work!

If you have been paying attention then you are aware that Jo-Ann Fabrics is having an Open House this weekend on 

Saturday, June 09, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

1085 Milwaukee, in the Central Plaza

Boise, ID.  

I will be there with all the projects for you to look at and decide if you would like to take one.  No task master I, we have a good time in a relaxed environment.  Wire cutters, material and yourself are all that is required to take the class.  They are given at Jo-Ann’s in a back classroom, come be social and learn a new skill or technique in the process.  What a great way to fill up a Saturday afternoon.

Class sign up is 50% off the regular price if you come in and sign up on Saturday.  Also there are coupons and in-store sales and specials.  If your a Craft-person with some extra cash now is the time to visit the store and find some great deals.A Materials list is available for all the projects you see below, and not all items required for the class may be purchased at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft Stores.

Jewelry-Making Classes with Alix

Beginning Jewelry-Making is also taught, by my self as well as another Instructor.  Instruction is given on how to open and close jump rings, different sizes of wire, what findings are and how to use them, and when the class is complete you go home with a nifty something you made yourself.

Skill Level 1 = Easy

Skill Level 2 = Intermediate

Skill Level 3 = Advanced

Dare To Dangle Earrings
Skill Level 2
Wire Wrapping and Jump Rings

Crystal Life Bracelet 
Skill Level 2

An improvised design using suggested and some substituted supplies.  The great thing about jewelry class is you can follow the instructions to the letter or purchase the suggested material or using the instructions and sample as a guide, create your own unique piece!
Wire Wrapping, Jump Rings, Chain and Selected Elements.

These next three pieces make a set, Earrings, Watch and Necklace.  I purchased one strand of each of 8mm, 6mm and 4mm Glass Pearl beads from Bluemoon Beads, and was able to complete all three projects.  Economical classes to say the least.

Pretty in Pearls Earrings
Skill Level 2 
Wire Wrapping, Jump Rings, Findings and Beads

Time for Style Watch
Skill Level 2 
Wire Wrapping, Findings, Selected Elements and Beads

Floating Pearl Necklace
Skill Level 2 
Wire, Findings, Crimp and Glass Beads

 

Can’t make it to the store Saturday?

You can also sign up and find a Current and Upcoming list of Class times and schedule the one that is best for you at Jo-Ann Store Events page, or you can have a look at the brochures as well.

May-June’s Brochure

June – July’s Brochure

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

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

Monday Montage with an Announcement

Good Morning,

We’re back!  After a lovely week in San Francisco, California, and a great drive across Nevada and through Oregon, The Alchemist is refreshed and ready for work! 

I arrived in time for a couple of neat things, although I did not attend due to schedule and other obligations.  The Golden Gate Bridge had its 75th Anniversary.  Did you know that the color of the bridge is primer?  That’s right, that distinct orange color is primer!  It takes about two years to paint the bridge from San Francisco to the Waldo Tunnel (“Rainbow Tunnel” for the locals) and they start all over again.  The bridge is constantly being painted.  Happy Birthday to a fabulous icon of The City.  (Don’t call it “Frisco”.)

The Gold Dust Lounge, one of San Fransisco’s oldest establishments (1933-2012), had to close its doors at the original location on Powell Street, downtown, a friend and I had the pleasure of stopping in on the last day for a drink.  We even got T-shirts!  Never fear they are opening a new location.  Locals be on the look out for it in the North Beach neighborhood, (I think).

If you are in The City, downtown, around 6th and Market, check out Tu Lan’s.  A tiny hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurant.  Delicious food, and if you have never had a Vietnamese Coffee, go there just for that!  Yummy!

There isn’t anything new in the shop, I have been busy filling out orders and organizing some of the new things I purchased on my trip.

ANNOUNCEMENT:  The Alchemists Vessel is pleased to announce that we are now “Mobile”.  Now accepting SQUARE as a payment option!  Slide your card and sign on the Android screen and you are on your way!  Simple, safe and secure, quick, easy and convenient!  Your receipt can even be e-mailed to you!

The schedule is jammed to the gills with new things to make, classes to teach (and those projects to create), the Northwest Motorfest Auto Show is coming up July 14th and 15th, 2012, and inventory is required for that, and I still have my own classes and examinations to take as well.  Whew!

Well be back tomorrow with some cool ideas for Summer.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant work week.

Wednesday In the Studio – Movies

Wednesday is here!

My departure draws near, and I am getting excited!  That’s right, I said departure.  Next week I will be unavailable.  I am going to take some time for me before I burn out.  Recharging the batteries, spending some time away from the workbench is good for everybody.  There will be working, this is for sure, but for one week the blog will be sporadic at best.

Why movies today? A lot of inspiration for fashion comes from film or television.  Harry Potter’s knitting craze, or Hermione’s “Time Turner” for instance, jewelry from the Lord Of The Rings like Arwen‘s Butterfly Pendant can be purchased on line or through specialty catalogs .  See a piece you like on your favorite show?  Try Soap Opera Jewelry, from Soap Operas to programs like Bones, they carry replica jewelry of the pieces worn by the actors.

Below are movies that are out now, or just winding down their theater runs that I would like see, not only for inspiration on style, but because I am interested in the story as well.  They all have a Gothic appeal from your classic ghost story, to Edgar Allan Poe and a re-telling of Snow White.

First is The Woman in Black with Daniel Ratcliff.

Next is The Raven with John Cusack.  My friend, Lucritia, and I must go see this together!

A dark comedy Dark Shadows with Johnny Depp.  This promises to be fun.

Not yet out in theaters Snow White and The Huntsman.  This looks like an interesting retelling of a favorite Fairy Tale.

Thank you for stopping and having a look.  Perhaps you will find inspiration and entertainment at the movies this Summer.

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

Thursday – Featured Fashion – Weddings

Greetings,

This morning I arose and looked out my window to see the wonderful colors of Spring blooming and bright.  Inspiration is everywhere if you look.

Spring means new life, new beginnings, and for many it is also the Wedding Season that will slowly edge into summer.

Ladies, you can have that Traditional Wedding, but what about your jewelry?  You have the ring!  Now what?  Something borrowed, something blue, something old, SOMETHING NEW!

This years Bridal Couture is about adding a spark and flash of color to yours or your Bride’s Maids ensembles.  Traditional White (Fresh Water) or  Colored (Dyed) Pearls and Swarovski crystals mix beautifully, to present a unique take on the traditional bridal necklace or choker.  Much time is spent fretting and worrying over color scheme and dresses, why not put a little thought into tying it all together with accent jewelry to match your Wedding colors.  A light touch or pink or sea-foam at the ear, or throat can enhance any parure (matching set of jewelry) with a point of soft pastel color to accentuate, highlight, and draw the eye to the face of the blushing and beautiful bride.Swarovski Crystal Pearl Selection available from Fire Mountain Gems.

A pretty Spring / Summer  Pastel Palette.

Bride’s Maids could have fun with this, each in a different note or hue of color matching the entire Wedding Party, from the Bride to the flower choice on the tables.

We would love to create the special and unique piece just for you or your Wedding party.  Give us a call, look us up on the web, all the links may be found to your right.  Let us work up that amazing and simply stunning adornment together!

In My Studio – Beginning Jewelry Classes

Hello,

As many of you may be aware, I was offered a Contracted Instructor position at a local Craft Supply store here in lovely Boise, Idaho.  After much thought, weighing the pros and cons of the situation, and the offer, I have decided that it would be in my best interest to not participate in the program.

However, a little enamored with the idea of teaching in a social atmosphere, I have decided to start up my own class.  The complete and solid details have yet to be worked out and right now I am putting feelers out to see if there is any interest in a Beginning Jewelry class.  If response and class / lesson plans go well, or some people would like to continue past the basics, Intermediate and Advanced classes will be offered.  If you’re interested in private lessons those may be taught as well.  I hope to schedule the first class for sometime in June.

Open to the public and all who wish to attend.  Before everybody get’s excited, these classes will not be free.  You will be expected to provide your own tools, materials and a fee will be charged to include class time, forgotten materials (provided from stock on hand), and of course classroom space.  A list of all the materials, where to buy them and their cost will be provided along with printed instructions and a completed projects to take home when class is over.

Beginning Jewelry or Jewelry Basics will cover the very basics, a sample of class instruction may include and will not be limited to:

What is a finding?

– head pin

– eye pin (difference in pins and their uses)

– jump rings (aka O-rings)

– Clasps (spring, Lobster Claw, “S”)

Ear wires (styles and variations) 

Gemstones, Crystals and Glass beads (Birthstones and alternatives)

Opening and Closing Jump rings properly

Using a head / eye pin

Wire vs. Beading Wire or “Tiger Tail”

Wire Wrapping (We may have a special guest to demonstrate another process / form of wire-wrapping)

Threading or Stringing beads

Metals and their composition (Copper, Bronze, Nickel, Sterling)

Design Elements (Fibonacci Numbers, Focal Points, Accent Beads and Caps)

A completed pair of earrings or project made by you to take home and wear!

There are also other projects that may be offered, such as a Seed bead Flower-chains, a simple charm or crystal bracelet or an easy to string beaded necklace (lanyard for your glasses).

Techniques taught will cover a wide range of how to’s and don’t do’s along with basic finishing touches.  No special equipment is necessary, I bet most of you have at least several pairs of pliers at home, those will work great!

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  If you are interested in the class you may leave a comment, e-mail, or phone, details will be given at a later date.

Monday Market Review List of Events

Good Morning,

It is Monday, and although I worked all weekend I hope you all had a wonderful and restful one.

The Market was a successful and as usual an enjoyable experience.  Talking to people, looking at what other exhibitors are selling, discussing the latest and local fashion trends with the younger crowd.  However; we did have some sad and wonderful news.  Sam Jones, who has run the Market for 24 years, retired this weekend.
She was greatly respected, admired, appreciated and loved by those who worked with her and got to enjoy her company during those Market weekends.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish her all the best in her great new adventures!  She will be greatly missed.


Table One:  A selection of Semi-precious Gemstone and Sterling Silver Earrings, Chain Maille, and Jewelry sets.

Almost out!  Time for another round of Semi-precious Gemstones and stretchy stuff!

Terrible Lighting, no wonder everything looks funny in there.  

Table Two:  A selection of Semi-precious Gemstone and Sterling Silver Jewelry sets.

Since there is nothing new in the Shop as I was not in the Studio this weekend, I thought it might be fun to list a couple of up coming events.

Although this was the last market for the 2011-2012 season, the Markets begin again in September, 2012 and runs through April 2013.  Watch the blog for a complete list of show dates when the Vendor list has been provided to exhibitors.

The Alchemists Vessel will also be attending the July 14th and 15th Treasure Valley Flea Market in conjunction with the Northwest Motorfest Auto Show which rolls into town July 13-15th, 2012, click the link for this year’s details.  Here are a couple of shots from last year taken from KTVB.com website.  (A local News Station).

Just what is this?

Guys riding motorcycles in round cages!  What more could you ask for?  An Auto show staple if ever there was one.

Thank you all for stopping by, we’ll put up more details and information for both shows (running concurrently) when it is available.