What’s New In The Studio?

Good Morning,

Today is usually reserved for new studio items and creations.  However with my plate overflowing with things to do and  places to go in preparation for the Harvest Market,  I have not had an opportunity to be creative.

Today we change that.

I saw someone’s interesting art project, and it got me to thinking about how to make my own, only different.  Sometime ago I discussed a cool modeling and sculpting medium called Apoxie Sculpt.  This two part epoxy medium comes in a variety of colors and lends itself well to a variety of applications, sculpting, model fabrication, repair and other uses.

The sample pack I received is still full of wonderful colors and I have a neat idea, probably more difficult in the execution than in the planning and blue-prints in my head.

 It takes a while for the material to be ready for use.  After mixing the two parts together waiting for thirty to forty-five minutes is required.  The material is SUPER STICKY and will stick to anything you place it on, waiting the allotted time lets the material set and makes it a bit easier to work with.  We highly recommend using  gloves as the color tends to come off on your hands.

It is also very versatile, you can shape it, cut it, paint it, sand it and adhere it to things you want to decorate or create a unique piece entirely out of Apoxie Sculpt.  Which is what I intend to do, some wire, a wood base and I am good to go!

Example of shaped, textured, painted and sanded Apoxie Sculpt Pendant

We may from time to time pop in with progress pictures this is not an art project that can be finished in a day, but I am excited about the possibilities of what it might morph in to when it is complete.

What are we making?  That is a surprise.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Changes, News and Market Information

Good Morning,

Little Shop of Artists would like to announce that Shelly Moody of The Muddfip Photographer and Green Witch Handmades is no longer a participating artists / independent contractor or representative of Little Shop of Artists.  We want to wish Shelly well, and the best of luck in her future endeavors.

The Harvest Market is still on and still open to Vendors.

When: October 11 – 13, 2013, Friday through Sunday
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: 6713 Fairview Ave., Boise, Idaho
Indoor / Outdoor Event

The Alchemists Vessel and divisions thereof may be found at Little Shop of Artists.  Currently on display in the shop a selection of ready-to-wear Chainmaille, Sterling Silver and Genuine Gemstone Jewelry, as well as hand-knit items for the chilly Idaho winters.

Currently displayed, Sterling Silver Jewelry, Chainmaille and Hand-knit items

We teach classes ranging from beginning basic techniques to advanced technical terminology, and offer a variety of services, including, light repair, re-design or up-cycling of existing pieces, and custom design work.  Also available to assist or answer questions or help with that craft project that is giving you trouble.

Can’t make it to the Market?  Saturday November 3, is Shop Small Saturday!  This year Little Shop of Artists is excited and pleased to part of this wonderful movement.  Come and see what’s on the shelves!

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Look Who’s Going to the Harvest Market

Good Morning,

Today I thought it would be fun to introduce a vendor or two attending the up coming Harvest Market, Oct., 11 – 13, 2013.

Duck and Kia Anvilkin / Drethen Leathers

Kia makes jewelry and Duck is a leather tooler, and for a while they were part of a quartet behind Drethen Leathers.

This photo was found on the web, and not from their actual work, it is meant represent the beautiful work you will find on their tables, not limited to masks, they have also have jewelry, cell phone accessories, hair accessories, Hand-bound journals and more.  I own a journal, a hair wrap, a pair of leather frog earrings and a Leather frog cell-phone decoration, from this wonderful group of folks.

Delphi Oracles

The ladies of the the Delphi Oracles will be on hand this market, and what a better way to start the Holiday’s off right with a little treat for yourself at the market.  Tarot, Past Life, Palmistry, and Crystal readings can be had for $5.00, or stop by and make an appointment for entertainment at your next party or gatherings.

Other places to catch an Oracle: 

Frightened Felons – Old Idaho Penitentiary
2445 Old Penitentiary Road 
Boise, ID

*Black Hat Tea Affair – Sunday October 13, 2013
245 S. Capitol Blvd. 
Boise, ID 
*This is a paid event, Admission is $25.00 and you must wear a hat.

Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery will be in attendance, well her table will be any way.  As a participating member of the shop Sarah’s wares are always available for shopping or place your custom order through or shop or with Sarah in person.

Here we have a small selection of Sarah’s ready-to-wear collection, including: Wire Wrapped Pendants, Gemstone Pendants, Crystal Wire Wrapped Rings and a bookmark or two.  Sarah’s item range from $75.00 to $7.00 all hand-crafted with meticulous care.

Alixandra Browning, Fearless Leader, Certified Jewelry Design and Repair Technician, Proprietor of Little Shop of Artists, The Alchemists Vessel, Blackbird Metalworks and Arachknits, will be available to assist with anything and everything from Vendor questions to shop sales, to manning the store and her own goods on display through out the shop.

Chainmaille, Sterling Silver and Gemstone, Artisan Jewlery, Hand-knit items, and Crafting Classes are all available at Little Shop of Artists and taught by Alixandra herself or by the participating artist holding the class.  Professional, knowledgeable, friendly and always available to assist customers with their particular needs.

Shelly Moody of The Muddfip Photographer and Green Witch Handmade will not be in attendance, as she has other commitments, but her wares will be available in-store.   High School Seniors, Families, Newly Weds, Engagements, Parties, Group or Organization events, come on down and grab one of Shelly’s cards and make your appointment for those Holiday Cards, Yearbook Portraits or to capture those special occasion moments!

Photo by Shelly Moody, The Muddfip Photographer

The Muddfip Photographer – Green Witch Handmades in-store display, mounted photos, jewelry, crocheted items and handmade wooden Spindles, works for yarn or your hair to keep it out of your yarn.

If you would like to attend the Harvest Market, there is no admission.

Place: Little Shop of Artists
6713 Fairview Ave., 
Boise, ID 83704
When: October 11 – 13, 2013, Friday – Sunday, Harvest Market and Haunted Open House
11:00a.m.  – 6:00 p.m. weather permitting.
Indoor / Outdoor Event in conjunction with A-1 Video Game Exchange

**Local Vendors – There is still space available.  We’d love to have you with us.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Five Great Gifts To Give List 33

 Good Morning,

Today we showcase five neat things that you can give as gifts.  Featuring members of the Road To Success team from the shops on Etsy.  We have new items and new shops participating this week.  Let’s see what is available for the Holiday Season.

From Amerzar Creations

Fairy of ‘Fun’ – multicolor – Large

About 7.5″ in length, this fairy will add a touch of colorful fun to any decor. With her mischievous look, this fairy is ready to help you unwind and relax as she welcomes you back into your home. A friend for life! Layers of silk flower petals, in purple, lime green, orange and turquoise form the skirt which is then decorated with 3D fabric paint and a little charm saying “Friend”. The arms and legs are covered with lime green seed beads. The upper body is made with a larger bead and some floss. Guaranteed to bring a smile on all faces. Great gift for children, big and small. Due to small parts, this is not suitable for very young children. Not intended as a toy. Hang it or place it on a tabletop and simply enjoy her friendly personality! 

From Amazing Knits

Mini Hand Knit Christmas Sweater

Adorable, one of a kind, hand knit miniature Christmas sweater (comes with hanger), is a perfect ornament for your tree. Snow flake sweater can come in other colors. Inquire to see if I can knit your mini sweater to your specs. Don’t miss out on these one of a kind ornaments.

Sweater measure 3 in. by 2.5 in. 

From: Heavens Touch

Jasper Statement Bracelet

This stunning bracelet is made out of wire, carefully woven together.This is a showstopper and the photos speak for themself. The center stone is jasper, surrounded by carnelian stones and crystals. To make this bracelet is very labor intensive it takes many hours to make a bracelet like this. Chic and gorgeous and one of a kind. Will surely draw attention and get you many compliments.

Measures 7 1/2 inches long or around the arm. 2 inches wide and centerstone is 2 1/2 inches wide. 

From: Jackie Guttuso Designs

Leaf paper sculpture collage, Original, Maple leaf art, Fall art, Fall home decor, Leaf home decor, Leaf art, Fall leaves



This richly colored 5 x 7″ paper sculpture collage of a maple leaf is an original, one of a kind piece. It was created with acrylic paint on professional grade heavy watercolor paper. See the 2nd photo above by clicking on the arrows or on the thumbnail photos to see how the edges pop off of the paper. Because it actually lifts away from the paper and isn’t flat it will need to be framed in a shadow box. See photos above to see what it might looked like framed. 

From: Lucky Laika

Plywood wall hanging with cat picture

  

Wall hanger with illustration from Lucky Laika artist Olivia.The picture “All’s fair in love and war” is inspired by same proverb and is one of our “Proverbs” series pictures.

The picture is printed on 2 cm wide plywood using direct print technology that provides clear and detailed image with nice colors. The back of the hanger includes suspension fitting that allows to mount the hanger firmly on the wall.

The ceramic knob is handicraft. Each hanger has different knob and it may be not the same as on the product photos. You can’t choose the knob when ordering – we choose it for you, but don’t worry, we have a good taste 🙂

Size: 12 x 12 cm 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

New Items On Line

Good Morning,

Today I thought I would share links to the new items in shop and on line.

From:  The Alchemists Vessel shop on handmadeartists.com

Holiday Muffatees Red and Silver

Product Details:

7″ total length.  Will fit forearm of up to 7″ circumference comfortably.
Hand knit with Novelty Acrylic Yarn in Red with metallic Silver thread.  Cute, fun, feminine and just right for some Holiday Warmth and Cheer on those snowy nights.
Arrives Boxed, ready for gift giving.
1 Pair available

Autumn Red Muffatees

Product Details:

7″ total length, will fit forearm circumference of 7″ comfortably. 
These fun and feminine wrist warmers are perfect for chilly winter months.  Ending in a cute ruffle that just covers the back of hand, leaving fingers free for tasks.  Terrific for a pop of color under a jacket or paired with a sweater for extra cozy winter nights.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

1 Pair available

Camouflage Acrylic Hand Knit Scarf

Product Details:

Big, bulky, comfy and warm.  Appropriate for him or her.  Perfect for a member of the Military or a Military family member.
6-1/2″ wide and 70″ long, this full-length scarf is great for winter months.  Hand-knit and featured in The Alchemists Vessel Blog posts “KAL with Alix”, this is the finsihed piece.
Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.
1 available.

Red Garter Scarf

Product Details:

72″ long this full-length garter stitch hand-knit scarf is made with acrylic blouche yarn, and would make a lovely addition to any wardrobe.
Machine Washable and dryer safe.  The item should be handled with care.
Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.

These items are also avaialble in store:
 
Little Shop of Artists 
6713 Fairview Ave., Suite B
Boise, ID 83704

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Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Knit One Purl Two New Tables with Stuff For You

Good Morning,

Today is a collection of random musings and a couple of photos of the new shop arrangement.

We still have plenty of space for tables, shelves or stand-alone displays for your wares.  Let’s have a peek at the shop’s main interior.

This is now “Shelly’s Corner”.  Shelly Moody of the The Muddfip Photographer and Green Witch Handmades has photo prints, hand-crocheted head bands, and a selection woodwork accessories, and jewelry.

Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery has added a few bits and lovely baubles to her display table as well.

We have rearranged the store front just a little to feature the new hand-knit items available and just in time for the Winter season.

New items include:

Red Scarf – $30.00
“Camouflage” -$30.00 (Bulky Green Scarf)
Autumn Red Muffatees: $24.00 / Pair
Holiday Muffatees: $24.00 / pair (Red with Silver)
“Texters”: $20.00 / pair – Fingerless Warmers

Thank you for stopping in and having a look

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

KAL with Alix – Camouflage Scarf Finishing

Hello,

This morning it is raining here, what a great day to sit inside and knit.

If you have been following along you should have your last ball of yarn knit up and stitches on the needle with about 2′ long tail (end length of yarn).  Now what?  time to bind off those live stitches on the needle.

This is a simple Bind off that keeps your work from unraveling.

Knit the first two stitches, slide the tip of the left needle into the first stitch and pass / slip the first stitch up and over the second stitch. 

There is one stitch left of the needle.  Knit the next stitch.  Pass / slip the first stitch on the needle over the stitch you just knit.  Continue until you have reached the last stitch.

When the last stitch is on the needle, you may wrap the loose yarn around the needle, slip the last stitch over the loop and pull the remaining yarn through the last stitch tightening it.  When you are done, it should look something like the illustration below.  You may also thread the remaining yarn through the stitch with a tapestry needle as well.

 Whew!  Your done!  Almost.  At this point your scarf should have about 64 triangles and measure about 72″ long.

Finishing:

There are ends that weren’t long enough to complete a row hanging on one side of the scarf.  With a tapestry needle weave them into the scarf.  Or some people split the yarn and tie it is a knot along the edge of the scarf.  I don’t recommended doing it that way, but choose the method that works for you.

Now that all the loose ends have been taken care of, it is time to wash and block your scarf if you desire.

I hand washed mine, and using household towels on a sunny day I spread and pinned my scarf at the edges to lie flat and allowed it dry on my back deck.

Once it is dry it is ready to wear.

 

I have put this one up for sale in the shop.  $30.00 Hand-Knit Acrylic Scarf, Machine Washable, Cozy and Comfortable.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

*Illustrations used were taken from random web search images.

KAL with Alix – Camouflage Scarf Session 2

Good Morning, 

Today we continue our Knit-A-Long Short Row Scarf with Alixandra Browning of The Alchemists Vessel and current Independent Contractor at Little Shop of Artists.

If you have been following along you should be finished with the first ball of yarn by now.  If you are just joining us, do not fear, you may find the Free Pattern instructions and materials and notions at KAL with Alix Camouflage Scarf from Wednesday, September 4, 2013, of this blog.

After completing the first ball, I have a total of 19 triangles, yours may vary.  My scarf measures 21-1/2″ long, again yours may vary.

Today we have photo demonstrations of how to wrap and pick up a wrapped stitch.

Adding the second ball.  This is simple.  Drop the last of the yarn from the first ball when it finished.   Continue knitting the pattern with the new ball from the beginning of the row.  

To Pick Up a Wrapped Stitch

As before knit to the correct number of stitches noted in the pattern and slip the next stitch.

The horizontal bar beneath the stitch and even with the needle is what you want to “pick up” with your LEFT hand needle.

The bar has been picked up and you are ready to slide your needle into the stitch in the RIGHT hand needle.

Knit the stitch.

The completed stitch.

What happened:  When a row of knitting is incomplete and worked in other / opposite direction, it will leave a hole in the next row knit to the end or over the skipped stitches.  Wrapping and Picking Up the Wrapped stitch fills the hole in the work.

How To Wrap A Stitch

As before knit to correct number of stitches.

Slip the next stitch to the right hand needle without knitting it.

 

Bring the yarn from the back of the work to the front of the work.

Slip the stitch back to the Left hand needle

And bring the yarn to the back of the work

You have made a horizontal bar at the bottom of the stitch.  The stitch is now wrapped.

Turn your work around, so it faces the opposite direction.

Slip the first stitch on the left hand needle to the right hand needle.

Purl the next stitch and to the end of the row.

Here you can see the detail of the short row triangles, as you knit back and forth,  both sides will look the same, a stockinette stitch and a garter stitch triangle will appear alternately along the length of material.

Once you have finished your second ball of yarn you should have approximately 42 Triangles and your scarf should measure about 47″ long.

My scarf (due to yarn shortage of the first ball) currently consists of 40 triangles and is 45-1/4″ long and 6-1/2″wide.  Your measurements may vary.

NOTE:  I chose this particular pattern with this yarn due to Ombre Yarn’s tendency to “pool” or to knit / work up with the color changes seeming to match.  This is apparent here, as I wanted it to do this very color pooling, you can see in the green and black heavier / concentrated areas of color throughout the scarf. 

Thank you for knitting along or just having a look

We are always happy and available to answer questions or assist knitters with the pattern

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

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KAL with Alix- Camouflage Scarf

Good Morning,

Today’s blog is brief as we begin to Knit-A-Long With Alix, from the Alchemists Vessel. 

This project is a scarf, appropriate for men or women.  This is my very first item that I will knit and add for sale to the shop.

“Camouflage”

I will be using Bernat Softee Chunky Ombre Yarn in 20944 “Dad’s Scarf”, 11 stitches to the inch, on size US 11 Needles.  Here I have wound the first skein into a ball instead of the skein and label they come in.  This is a nice soft acrylic yarn that will hold up to heavy wear and  you can throw it in the washing machine.

Please excuse the other materials on the table, we are busy at the shop and never just craft one thing at a time.  The other materials are for making Chain Maille, and the class Satin Crystal Weave Bracelet project we offer at the shop.

The colors are a deep green, black, dark grey, olive green and a bright grey color that almost looks white against the darker contrast of the other colors.  The yarn reminds a great deal of Camouflage.

 

The pattern is a simple short row work and turn with wrapped stitches forming a interesting decorative loop in the triangles created by this pattern.

Materials

Bernat Softee Chunky 20944 “Dad’s Scarf” (11 stitches to the inch)
3 Balls (77 yards / 70 m – 2.80 oz / 80g) “Ombre” yarn (wt. 6)
Size 11 US needles (8.0 mm)
Tapestry needle
Gauge: 11sts x 14 rows = 4″ (10cm)
You may choose a yarn that appeals to you.

K = Knit
P =Purl
WS = Wrap Stitch*

Pattern Note:  
To work a *Wrapped Stitch:
Knit the number of stitches listed in the row
Slip the next stitch Purlwise to the Right Hand Needle
Bring your yarn to the front of the work
Slip the stitch back to the Left Hand Needle
Turn your work
Bring the Yarn to the Front of your work (you just wrapped the stitch)
Slip the first stitch on the Left Hand needle to the Right Needle
Purl to the end of the row


To Work the wrapped stitches in pattern:
Knit to the Wrapped Stitch
Slip the stitch to the Right Hand needle without knitting it
Slide the tip of the left hand needle into the Horizontal bar (formed around the stitch by bringing the yarn to the front and then back of your work).  With the wrap on the needle, slide the LEFT HAND needle through the first stitch on the right hand needle and Knit the stitch.

Short Row Scarf Pattern

C/O 20 sts.

K rows 1 and 2 (this will give you a nice foundation to begin).
Row 3 – K 16, WS, Turn
Rows 4, 6, 8, 10 Purl to the end of row
Row 5 – K 12, WS, Turn
Row 7 – K 8, WS, Turn
Row 9 – K4, WS, Turn
Row 11 – K to the end of the row, picking up all wrapped stitches
(First Triangle Complete)
Row 12 – K 4, WS, Turn
Rows – 13, 15, 17, 19 Purl to end of row
Row 14 – K 4, pick up WS, K3, WS, Turn
Row 16 – K 8, pick up WS, K3, WS, Turn
Row 18 – K 12, pick up WS, K3, WS, Turn
Row 20 – K 16, pick up WS, K to end of Row.
(Second Triangle Complete)

Continue working these 20 Rows for the entire length of your Scarf.

Progress pictures coming.  Next Wednesday we will look at progress and continuing to knit with a second ball / skein.

The cool thing about this pattern is that it looks the same on both sides and the alternating triangles give it a nice textured feel and look.  One will be Stockinette the other Garter Stitch, not only is it a nice texture, it helps to define the pattern and makes the triangles pop.

Because my ball was knotted and not wound right towards the inside I am missing a good 12 yards of yarn, so your length of scarf after you finish the first ball may be longer than the progress pictures, that is OK.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Little Shop of Artists: About The Shop

Good Morning,

Yesterday Little Shop of Artists held their first Open House, and it was a mild success.

Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery was on hand, and received lots of nice compliments on her jewelry, answered questioned and discussed techniques with a customer.  Another artist stopped in to talk about the possibility of displaying her items with us and a friend or two stopped in to see the shop and what was going on.

It was a pleasant day.

We offer a variety of unique one-of-a-kind unique hand made gifts and goods from the local artists, artisans and craft-people from the Boise and surrounding Treasure Valley, Idaho areas.

About the shop:

We are located
6713 Fairview Avenue, Suite B
Boise, ID
behind A-1 Video Game Exchange, we are just down the lot from the Game store.

We are a group of like-minded individuals who love and want to share / sell handmade, unique, quality goods, wares, and items to the public.  Currently the store’s main inventory is jewelry, but we also carry handmade Knit and Crochet items, teach classes, and have DIY kits and items that may be made in store or taken home to be assembled later. 

Customers, Shoppers and Visitors are always welcome.

If you’re an artists and would like to know more, please continue.

How The Shop Works:
We are not a traditional consignment shop as one might think of it.
In-store artists are: Independent Contractors / Participating Artists
Depending on display area Rent is $30.00 – $50.00 a month.
Artists keep all sales money accrued from the sale of their items
LSoA collects and pays all sales tax as required by the state of Idaho.  No percentage of artists sales are taken by or due to the shop.
There is no commitment – Artists may come and go as they please.

Shop Amenities:
Business Cards
Physical Location 
Website Links, Photos, Bio and more
Boise Weekly Advertisement (Display Ad)
On-line Classified Listing (Free)
Participation in any off-site show / market (all vendors will have items displayed for sale in the booth – taken from the shop)
*Other amenities to be announced / introduced.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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