Links, Promotions and a New Look

Happy Friday!

Surprise.  Yes, the blog has a new look.  The old template was getting rather boring, and I needed a change, and change can be good.  Freshen and liven things up a little bit.  A links and photo gallery page have also been added.

Other things are also getting a face lift.  The banners and cover photos for sites and pages will be changing as well as some of what The Alchemists Vessel has to offer.

Levity is required on occasion.  I would like to introduce you to my boss, the Design Coordinator, Art Director and Quality Control Department Manager, Miss Nora, The Overseer.

The Overseer.  Making sure I’m doing it right.

Do you know about On Fire for Handmade?  onfireforhandmade.com, is a little like an enormous artisan catalog on the web.  Shops, Treasuries, Contests, Blogs,  and if your an artist the Gift Guide is the place to be seen!  Supporting artisans world wide.

It’s Better Handmade, run but the same folks who operate handmadeartist.com and partner with many other sites of like kind around the web including Handmadeology.

About IBH: It’s Better Handmade (IBH) is comprised of crafters and artists in all types of mediums who come together to support each other both personally through growing friendships as well as in business through advice, support, critiques and discussions.  Each member brings different gifts to the table both artistically and business minds and by creating a centralized place for them to come together, each artist can continue to learn and grow in both art and business.

Check them out: itsbetterhadnmade.com

 

Today I am at the workbench, as you can see above there is neating up to be done.

 

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!

 

Studio News 10-5-12

 

Good Morning,

Wednesday arrives and catches me unprepared!   This morning’s blog is brief as I suddenly find myself up to my ears in display racks, and that’s pretty easy, because I am really short.

The Treasure Valley Flea Market is this weekend, October 6th and 7th, 2012, at Idaho Expo at the Fairgrounds.   I have been busy packing, polishing and preparing items for the up coming event and as such have not made anything new in the studio.  However we do have some cool Halloween themed jewelry in the Shop and at the Market.  Enter the coupon code: Holiday10 at check out and receive a 10% Discount on your entire purchase. 

Also I am currently studying the fifth mod of the Jewelry Design and Repair Technician Certification course I am taking.  Believe it or not, most people behind a jewelry counter, whether department store or fine jewelery boutique have been certified by an educational institution of one kind or other, and it never hurts to continue one’s education and learn about new processes, tools, and materials.  If all goes as intended I should complete, or graduate from the course, if you prefer, before April, 2013.  

Speaking of classes and courses.  I am still the Contracted Jewelry Instructor at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores here in Boise and will be starting classes at Bella’s Grove, 2210 S. Broadway, upstairs, in November.  Dates and details will be announced on this blog.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

Things To Click and a Promotion or Two

 

Hello there!

Happy Friday one and all.  It’s a long weekend this time!  For some of us the weekend brings the last summer barbeque and a camping trip or two, live music or a relaxing day with friends.

This weekend – Three Days Only!  The Alchemists Vessel is having its first Labor Day Sale!  That’s right!   Saturday through Monday, enter the Coupon Code: LDAY10 and received 10% off your total purchase price.  Some special in-shop items include free shipping, like this pendant.

Sterling Silver and Black Onyx Genuine Gemstone Necklace

That’s right Monday is Labor Day!  Yes, it is a Federal Holiday.  Yes, it means that most of us have the day off from our jobs, whatever those may be.  For some it means sales and shopping, for others it is a day for the Honey Do list and household chores.

Labor Day: 11 Facts You Need To Know

After we have had a refreshing weekend, it’s time to head back to work or school.  It is also the beginning of Market Season!  Flea Markets, Holiday Gift Shows, Specialty Booths, they are all a great place to find that unique and must have item.

Treasure Valley Flea Market, September 8th and 9th, 2012.
5610 Chinden Blvd. Garden City, ID
Idaho Expo at The Fair Grounds
Saturday – 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission is $2.00

We hope to see you there.  Booth #28, The Alchemists Vessel.

New Classes in September at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores with your friendly instructor, me.  Jewelry Basics is always available,  and covers the basics from tools to findings and a completed project to take home.  Learn to make “Pretty in Pearl” earrings in two designs.  New project is an interesting Swaovski Crystal bracelet.   See your local store for details.  

Classes are taught at the Milwaukee location.
1085 Milwaukee
Boise, ID
(208) 323-5373
Call or Sign up for classes in store.  
*Open House Saturday Sept. 8th at this location.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Labor Day Holiday.

 

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.

 

In My Studio – Earring Tutorial

 

Happy Wednesday!Here we are in my studio, that must mean it’s time for a project.  Wonder what I do at the workbench?   Wonder no more, below is  Earrings 101 a tutorial video. 

 

As promised, I have finally managed to create and upload a video on crafting a pair of very simple dangle earrings.  You can definitely try this at home!  The video covers, materials and how to’s for finishing and attaching the parts and pieces to make and  complete a pair of earrings.

 

If you would like to participate along with the video or perhaps make a pair afterwards you will need the supplies listed.  Expensive tools and supplies are not required, you can find the wire cutters and other things at your local Walmart for about $5.00 each, I bet most you have pliers at home, those will work just fine.  Beads can be any material and color you like, you can also find the Headpins and things at a local craft store for around $2.00.

 

Tools:

1 pair of Flat or Chain Nose Pliers

1 pair of Round Nose Pliers

1 pair of Wire Cutters

 

Supplies:

2 Head Pins

2 Fish Hook Style Ear Wires

2 4mm Jump Rings (optional)

Beads of your choice (any color, size, shape to your liking).

If you are experiencing problems watching the video on the blog you can also try clicking the links to your right or following them from the links below,

Earrings 101 on The Alchemists Vessel (Official Website)

Earrings 101 on Youtube

Earrings 101 on Daily Motion

*Earrings 101 on Facebook

 

*NOTE:  This link will take you to The Alchemists Vessel Fan / Business Page on Facebook.

There is no pdf or written instruction, if I have requests for this I will write one out for downloading later.

I hope you enjoyed this brief tutorial on creating a simple pair of earrings.

Thank you for stopping by and watching.

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

 

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.

Studio News from The Workshop

Happy Wednesday!

Yes, the elf (because there is only one) is working on getting new things into the shop, and not only that, but The Alchemists Vessel has been asked to create Bridesmaids Jewelry for a wedding.  Excited about that!  Beautiful things for a wonderful and happy occasion.  I really do enjoy creating things for special and pleasant events. 

Thinking about your Wedding attire?  Let us help you create that unique piece for the Bride or fabulous matching sets for the Bridal Party!  Glass and Genuine Pearls available, and special orders for colored pearls to match your wedding pallet can be made.

Also pleased and happy to announce that we now have two new ways to purchase from us.  Don’t like Pay Pal?  You can use the Direct Check Out feature on Etsy.  Credit or Debit Card is all that is needed and like magic you are on your way to receiving that something special just for you!

Now accepting SQUARE!  At the show?  No need to run to the ATM!  Swipe your card and sign, and off you go with your goodies in hand!  How convenient!

Speaking of shows the next Treasure Valley Market will be July 14 and 15th!  More information about that in July, after the 4th of course.

Teaching another class on Saturday, June 16th, and there are other projects in the works!  Classes at Jo-Ann’s

Thank you for dropping by and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Wednesday!

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.

Studio Time – Class Projects from Jo-Ann Fabrics

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

As many of you know I occasionally have the pleasure of teaching / instructing a class at Jo-Ann’s Fabrics, and also involved in the process of getting my own classes started up as well.

Today I thought we would take a brief look at a Jo-Ann’s Class Project.  All the materials for these were purchased at Jo-Ann Fabrics, 1085 Milwaukee, Boise, ID.

Dare To Dangle Earrings

Class Session: 1

2 Hours 

Skill Level: 2

Jo-Ann’s List of Materials:

Stone Chips bead tube – Quartz Mix

24 Gauge Wire

Ear Wires (Hooks)

Jump Rings

I used 

Stone Chips bead tube – Quartz Mix

22 Gauge Wire (Sterling Silver Plated Copper)

Ear Wires (Hooks)

Jump Rings

 FRONT

Stone Chips are threaded on to a length of wire (Sterling Silver Plated Copper in 22 Gauge).  The wire is twisted back on itself to form a loop, adding one Stone Chip at a time, the bead and wire wrap around the base stones to form a cluster.  Simple, pretty and may be done in any color or selection of Stone Chip Beads.  These are genuine Semi-Precious stones and include, Fluorite, Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Aquamarine, and other varieties of quartz.

BACK

This is a super simple and easy project that makes a cute pair of earrings.  I like this project because it is totally “organic” and very primitive in nature.  The Craft-person decides on stones and designs the earrings as they go along, the wire wraps naturally (where it wants to) around the beads dictated by the bead shape, creating and additional element to the design. Class Space for this project and others are still available.   This Saturday, June 9th,  1:00pm – 3:00pm, Jo-Ann Fabrics will be having an “Open House” classes are 50% Off for in-store registration, and completed projects will be on display!

There will also be other projects on display as well as other instructors and Jo-Ann team members are always there to help!

Other Projects Available – August

“Crystal Life Bracelet” – using Swarovski elements

“Pearls of Time Watch” – using Glass Pearls and a Watch Face

“Pearl” Earrings -using wire and a Glass Pearls to match the Watch.

There is one more pair of earrings that classes will be given for as well.  Come on down and check it out.

Thank you for stopping by.  

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