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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday Feature – Handmade Artists Forum

Good Morning,

“A funny thing happened on the way to the Forum.”

As many of you may know there is a fabulous shopping site, handmadeartists.com, supporting handmade goodies and the artists that create them.  But did you know there is a wonderful community of people, those that love handmade items as well?

Not only is the site open to all artists, and things handmade, but there is a marvelous and supportive community of those same people on the Handmade Artists Forum.  In fact, it is where I get some of those really cool Featured Artists the blog shares on Thursdays.  Friendly, fun, and full of advice and assistance.  Blog posts, Highlights, contests, information, outreach (like the Blog Ring), among other things can be found on the forum.

What’s a Highlight?  This is a highlight, they are put together by other members of handmadeartists.

I can’t leave without showcasing some of the wonderful things you can find at Handmade Artist.  Quality handmade items from shops and folks on the forum.

If you’re an artist / crafts-person I highly recommend Handmade Artists as a place to connect and share with others of like mind.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Five Great GIfts to Give – 11-6-12

Good Morning,

Today is a very important day!  It is time to exercise those civil rights and vote.  Whether your candidate or proposition wins, loses  or draws, it is a privilege that should be used.  Now let’s get to what you really came in here for, presents.

The Holidays are coming and wouldn’t it be nice to offer a gift that isn’t massed-produced or made in China?  Think Handmade this year, there are lots of fabulous artisans and crafters out there that offer quality and unique goods, made right here in America.

From: I Paint It Pretty

Painted Black Wine Glasses

Description: This is a set of two (2) hand painted black wine glasses. Each glass has been individually painted with black and white flowers and leaves. These unique goblets are great for any occasion or no occasion at all. They are so lovely they make any occasion a special occasion. These glasses would be a great wedding shower or wedding anniversary gift. Or perhaps a bridesmaid gift. I can paint them in any color you’d like.

These goblets were painted with non-toxic acrylic enamel so they are perfectly safe to use. I heat set the paint so it is quite durable. The manufacturer of paint states ‘top rack dishwasher safe’, I would highly suggest gentle hand wash, just as you would any other special piece you may have.

From: Michelle Rose Boutique

Hello Kitty Hat for a Toddler / Preschooler 2 -4

Description:  You’re looking at a perfected Hello Kitty Beanie Hat, with Ear flaps that tie. Very warm, and stylish for a toddler age 1-3 with a head circumference of around 18′ inches. . Shipping is free. I can make this in any size, see below. I love custom orders. I ship right away, A.S.A.P.. All my items are ready for shipping, when I put them on Etsy. From a smoke free home. Please see “about me”. Returns accepted. Pay Pal and credit cards accepted. Machine wash gentle in warm water, or hand wash, thanks. If you’re not happy, I’m not happy. Thank you for looking. Happy shopping.

Also available Newborn: 13″ – 14 for
Baby head circumference, 16″ – – 3 to 6 months
Toddler, head circumference 18″ to 20 ” 12 months to 3 years (which is this one)
Child. head circumference 19″ – 20 1/2″ age 3-10
Pre-teens and Teens Hat Head Circumference: 20 1/2″ – 22
Adult Woman
Head Circumference: 21.5″ – 22.5″ 

From: Emily Andrews

Yellow Tiger Shirt (Hand-painted)

Description:  “Tyger Tyger”
Hand painted original tiger design on a pale yellow preshrunk 100% cotton small t-shirt.

Measurements:
Width: 16.5”
Length: 23.5”

All of my shirts are hand painted, featuring original artwork and created with love. They are mostly made using hand crafted stencils, not silkscreens. Other colour schemes and sizes are available for every design upon request. Custom designs are also available.
Iron on reverse.
Wash inside out.

 From: Wire Witchery

Candy Cane Coil Necklace

Description:  Named for the silver and red colored coil that twirls up the left side of the mother of pearl bead, this pendant has subtle undertones of holiday jewelry. But don’t think it’s limited to the few months before Christmas or Yule, red and silver is a combination that can easily be worn throughout the year.

Length: 18 inch chain
Clasp: Lobster

 From: Green Witch Designs

Stitch Markers – Just Like Mommy’s

Description:  One of the greatest pleasures we get as a knitter, is teaching the skill to the next generation. We love sharing what we know with the younger set. Many of us have young knitters in our own homes. The dilemma we face is, what do we do when they raid our favorite notions? Here is the perfect answer, our Just Like Mommy line of stitch markers. These fun little notions are inexpensive and created with the youngest knitters in mind! The perfect way to give her, or him, the tools they need to keep up with their new favorite hobby! No more worrying about your own favorite markers and hoping they will make it back to you.

These green and yellow markers are made of plastic beads, silver plated findings and will fit up to a size US9 needle.
They are pictured here with a size US6 needle.

 Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alcemists Vessel would like to wish  you a pleasant day! 
 

 

Five Gift Ideas from Etsy

Image via CrunchBase

Good Morning, 

Tuesday arrives wet and a little dreary, but that is all right.  Idaho could use the rain.

Today I have five gift ideas for you from the shops on Etsy and a new one or two to check out!

Here is a brand new shop and an interesting artist.

From:  Emily Andrews

Dream Factory Photo Collage Print

Description: A high resolution print of a photo collage I did using images from multiple sources such as magazines and old newspapers on a TV tray. The Dream Factory sequence is one of my scenes of surrealism and was made to inspire imaginative thoughts where the possibilities are endless. The print is 8in x 12in and is printed on glossy photo paper.
Other sizes are available for every print. 

From:  StaRsbyDi

Black and White Pearl Necklace with Black Resin Rose Flower Pendant

Description:  Black and White Pearl Necklace with Resin Rose Flower Pendant, Necklace and Earring Set.
I handmade this lovely necklace with ivory glass pearls. The beautiful pendant is made of a black resin rose set on a non-tarnish fine silver-plated metal base. I finished the necklace with a silver plated lobster clasp.

-The necklace measures approx. 45.5cm (17.91”) from one end to the other in a straight line.
The pendant is 3.5cm (1.38”) long and the resin rose measures 3cm (1.18”).

-The earring will fall 3.3cm (1.30 inches) from your piercing. I handcraft this beautiful pair using black resin rose flowers, set on silver plated ear posts. I wire wrapped the roses and pearls with silver plated wire.

This pretty set will brighten up any outfit and it is a perfect gift for a woman.

From: Sues Arts

Bronze Flower Daisy Ring 

Description:  SOLD SEPARATELY – PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHICH # YOU LIKE.

Gorgeously beautiful and unique rings in antique bronze.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

Thanks for looking.

From:  I Paint It Pretty

Holiday Ornament Red Sled with Penguins 

 

Description:  This is a hand painted and decorated pine sled with two penguins and an igloo. The penguins are sitting in the snow with presents all around them. The sled is a cheery holiday red with white runners. Glittering snowflakes add some sparkle. This versatile sled can be placed under the tree, hung on the wall, stood in a corner or placed any where you want some holiday color. This sled will become a treasured holiday decoration you’ll love for many years. It would also be an exceptional gift to give a loved one.
24 in x 10 in x 2 inFor the sled I used acrylic paint and three coats of varnish to ensure durability. The holly and the snowflakes are glued on. I added a red and gold tie for hanging.

 

From:  Green Witch Designs (Shelly Moody)

Stitch Markers – Just Like  Mommy’s 

Description:  One of the greatest pleasures we get as a knitter, is teaching the skill to the next generation. We love sharing what we know with the younger set. Many of us have young knitters in our own homes. The dilemma we face is, what do we do when they raid our favorite notions? Here is the perfect answer, our Just Like Mommy line of stitch markers. These fun little notions are inexpensive and created with the youngest knitters in mind! The perfect way to give her, or him, the tools they need to keep up with their new favorite hobby! No more worrying about your own favorite markers and hoping they will make it back to you.These pink with purple heart markers are made of plastic beads, silver plated findings and will fit up to a size US9 needle.
They are pictured here with a size US6 needle.

 

That is all for today.

Thank you for stoppping in and having a look.

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

 

 

Featured Artist I Knit Quilt Sew

 

Good Morning,

It is my pleasure to introduce you to an other clever and artistic person from handmadeartists.com, I Knit Quilt Sew. This woman is not kidding about that either!  as a fellow knitter I am in awe of some her wonderful and just plain fun designs and items, lets show you a few of my favorites.

I Knit Quilt Sew

Aren’t these just the cutest things!  She hand knits, quilts and sews some marvelous and whimsical, and practical items with a touch of flair and fun!  These are so neat and a fabulous take on the Baby Bootie.

Cowboy Booties Hand Knit in Red and White

Product Details:  These unisex hand knit Cowboy or Bowgirl Boot-ees are so cute!  They are hand knit from high quality acrylic yarn in bright white and really red.  These cowboy booties are easy care and can be machine washed and dried on cool settings.

The booties will fit a newborn to 3-month-old baby, measuring 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) heel to toe.  They are 4.25 inches (10.75 cm) tall.
Perhaps your school colors are red and white.  Maybe you’re a Cardinals fan.  These booties are perfect!

Handmade Log Cabin Style Baby or Lap Quilt in Blues

Product Details: Again trying to capture that heirloom, vintage quality, I’ve constructed this log cabin baby or lap quilt in shades of blue. The quilt is machine assembled, and entirely hand-quilted. The navy blue binding is sewn on by hand then over-stitched by machine. All the fabrics used are polyester cotton blends, with polyester medium loft batting, making this quilt machine wash and dry on cool/delicate settings. It can also be dried flat or hung to dry.

Laid flat, the quilt measures 38.5 inches (97.8 cm) wide by 42 inches (106.7 cm) long. It’s a wonderful size for traveling, covering a car seat, or for a play mat. This certainly would be a wonderful shower gift, too! The last of my pictures shows this quilt on my quilt frame being quilted.

This quilt does have my tag in it and meets all US Government regulations. The shipping weight on this quilt is two pounds.

Cream Fleece Handmade Teddy Bear

Product Details:  This handmade teddy bear is made from cream-colored Polar Fleece® and is so soft and cuddly!  This toy teddy stands 17 inches (43.25 cm) tall to the tip of his ears.  He has safety stay plastic eyes, a hand-embroidered nose and mouth, and a acrylic-blend knit black and white striped scarf.  This teddy bear has moving arms and legs too – he is jointed using the very old-school string-and-button method, which is all internal.

My tag is securley sewn into a seam in the back of this teddy bear, making him in full compliance with US Government regulations for toys.  Shipping weight on this bear is 2 pounds.

What the Shop Owner says:

 I truly love what I do… whether it’s knitting that perfect pair of booties or hand-quilting my latest creation, it’s a labor of love. Though I’m creating a commercial environment for my work, I don’t want to lose that passion. For this reason, you won’t find hundreds of items in my store. Each and every item will be made with care and great attention to the details.

My grandmother taught me to knit and sew before color TV was invented! Most of my knitting comes from her patterns which she claimed were her mothers – which would date them in the late 1800s! This is what gives my knitting its old-fashioned, classic style.

I am a self-taught quilter. I learned that from books years ago. But primarily, I’m an artist. My medium is fabric and yarn!

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  We hope we have inspired you to take a look at I Knit Quilt Sew and see what warm and wonderful thing you may find for your winter needs!

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

 

Featured Artists: Handmade Artists dot com

 

Hello,

Thursday Featured Artist is back!  The Blog Ring has begun anew and I am pleased not only to be included in the opportunity to share, but to share the site where it all happens as well.

Handmade Artists or handmadeartists.com 

If you like or are familiar with the online shopping site Etsy, you’ll love Handmade Artists.  Beautiful and unique handmade items and interesting people and shops, there is a lot to see at Handmade Artists.  The front page changes daily or hourly depending on how many Artist / Vendors are posting new items at any given time.  There are Highlights to look at, too; member made collections of favorite items from the artists on the site.  Some are themed, some are created as contests, and others range from gift ideas to wish lists.  Relatively more intimate than Etsy’s overwhelming content, if you’re looking for a more personal setting, Handmade Artists is the place to shop.

There is also an online community, forum, blog and a place for vendors to share ideas, discuss their art and in general find camaraderie and share their passion for art, regardless of chosen medium, material, talent (painting, jewelry-making, crocheting) or just chat about what’s happening.

One of the best things about the site is that it is free for Buyer accounts.  That’s just what they are called, there is no obligation to buy anything, and looking is always fun and entertaining, and always free.

Are you an artist looking for a venue? You say you have searched or tried others, only to find them lacking or disappointing, or simply too expenisve.  Why not give handmadeartists.com a try.  For $5.00 a month, (there is a discount for annual membership), you too can open your own shop.  The Alchemists Vessel has one, I have made a sale, and the items do reach views in the hundreds.  Your items, art, creations, will be seen!

There is also a “sister” site, It’s Better Handmade, a social site for artists to connect, show and share their creations, as well as find information, receive comments and feedback, and leave comments and feedback for others.

As a jewelry designer I am honored to be part of such a unique community and wide variety of artists.  I hope you will stop by the site, even if it’s just out of curiosity to look at the front page.

 

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

 

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