Featured Artists – A Good-bye

Good Morning,

Today’s blog is brief and not really about much of anything except a little disappointment and some sad news.

Late last night, I was told that a fellow artist and on-line acquaintance lost his life in a traffic accident in Southern California, he was broadsided by a drunk driver.   The news saddened me, and this morning I wanted to share a couple of his pieces that he had been willing to share with the on-line group I chat with occasionally.

I went to the site and much to my dismay, his profile, artwork and posts had been removed.  My jaw hit the floor.  What happened there?  After contacting another member, I’m glad I’m not the only early bird on line, I come to find out that the accident happened over a week ago and that it is site policy to remove inactive members after a five day period.  Needless to say, I was stunned.

“b rav” was his on line name, he rarely shared details, just griped about paint not drying right, or discussed other materials that he worked with.  He was an abstract artist, worked with found items, finger-paintings, and re-cycled a lot of stuff from Thrift Shops, he was the first person to introduce me to Up-Cycling paintings, like the ones below.  These are not his work, I found them on line.

b rav was a kind soul, funny and opinionated.  Never minced words, and would tell you exactly what he thought of your work, good or bad.  He was talented and clever and believed the best work done was the work that made you happy.

I will miss his witty commentary and his funny rants about “Children’s Art Supplies” and viewing his eclectic, eccentric and sometimes off the wall art.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Artists On Display

Good Morning,

Today we deviate from our Featured Artists to bring you a brief video of the work on display at Little Shop of Artists

Shelly Moody of:
Green Witch Handmade and The Muddfip Photographer

Sarah Shannon of:
Wire Witchery

Studio RGC
Dark Djinn Designs: Twisted Little Things

Alixandra Browning of:
The Alchemists Vessel and Blackbird Metalworks

There is plenty of space in the shop for more displays, paintings, pottery, photography, textiles, and handmade art of all kinds.

A monthly rental fee applies for participating artists.
But wait, it just doesn’t buy you space amenities include:
Shop Business Cards
Local Advertizing
Physical Address (you may now apply for that show you want to attend), and more. 
*Commission Free Sales

Contact us: askus@littleshopofartists.com
Visit our Website: littleshopofartists.com
Like Us on Facebook:  Little Shop of Artists

We are located behind A-1 Video Game Exchange:
Little Shop of Artists
6713 Fairveiw Avenue, Suite B
Boise, ID 83704

We do have some available shelving and a piece of Grid Wall or two via Shelly, if you need Display space, or things to display your wares on, give us a call, come on by the shop and let us see if we can’t help you showcase your items in the shop.

Business Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Friday 10:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday – 10:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.

On occasion due to shows or other circumstance, such as meetings, like today, we will be closed.  Every effort will be made to ensure the store is open during operating hours or to announce the closure before hand. 

We are enjoying the first week of business and hope we may inspire you to come on down and visit the shop.  No purchase necessary, no pressure sales, come on in, have a look, talk to our friendly and knowledgeable staff, learn about classes, seek that special and unique gift or item that has been eluding you.  We’re always happy to help.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel and Little Shop of Artists would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Memorial Day

Good Morning,

Memorial Day is here, it is not about Bar-B-Ques and touch football in the backyard.  Today I would like to remember those that have served their country, and one that has passed*.

Family

Wesley Steiding – Army
Albert Browning – Air Force
David Browning – Navy
Robert Clay Branch – Navy
*Sayle Sherrow – Army

Friends

Kathy Robertson – Air Force
Josh Olson – Army
Michael Garrison – Marines

Thank you all for your service.

Take the time today to say Thank You to a Veteran, they will appreciate it, and they deserve it.

Feature Artist – A Surprise Guest

Good Morning,

One of my dearest friends is also an amazing and extremely talented artist.  Not only does he sculpt incredibly detailed and fabulous monsters, but he has several movie credits to his name as well, including Coraline,  Paranorman, and the Cult Classic, The Toxic Avenger.

Some of you have seen  his work, and probably not even realized it, as well as my personal collection of his art work that I post on occasion.

Raphael Cordero or Ralph, is the owner and operator of Studio RGC and the creator of Ralph’s TMS Wax.  You can find and buy all of wonderful creations at the link above or by following the links below.

Let’s have a look at some of Ralph’s amazing work.  

Twisted Little Things

Hal I Toesis – $33.00

Skull and Bones Incense Burner – $42.00

Zombie Heads (Sold Individually) – $13.00 ea.

One of my favorites and available on Etsy is:

Squash the Bog Monster

 

Squash comes in a tomato green or translucent cream – please specify which you prefer.
6.75 inches tall by 6.75 deep and 8.5 inches wide. Cast in solid resin. Weighs approx 2.5 lbs
Item shipped to areas other than the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, please contact for quote. 

You may Ralph and his wonderful wax at any of the links provided.  You may also do a little homework on this creative mind by checking out the IMDB page.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  In hope that this has inspired you to have a gander at the other things he has on offer.  We encourage to buy handmade!

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

New Shopping Items – Halloween and More Preview

 

Monday, it is here just like every week.

 

As always Monday is the New Items Showcase, and are there new items for you!

 

Halloween, my favorite holiday.  I like it better than Christmas, and this year I have some eerie and spooky things to offer.  Slowly but surely these cadaverous cuties will be appearing in the shop.All of the items listed below may be found on the Ravens Nook

page in the Etsy store.

 

Mr. Skull Head

 

Description:  Simple and spooky, these tiny tiny skull charms are perfect for those that want to be spooky without having to wear huge items. Much smaller than a dime and short, great for a little holiday fun at the office, too. Perfect for Pirates, too!Sterling Silver Skull charms head pins and fish hook style ear wire.

 

Detail Photo – Mr. Skull Head is very, very tiny…

 

 

 

Mina

Description:  Mina Harker, beloved of two men, one not for this Earth. Perhaps a gift bestowed to lovely lady by the Count himself. Garnet beads, perhaps representing love or life’s blood, rest atop Sterling Silver Bat charms, a most recognized symbol. Cute and just right for any Thrall, Vampy-Vamp or aspiring Elvira.

Sterling Silver Bat charms, genuine Garnet and Sterling Silver accent beads complete the pair. Suspended from Sterling Silver fish hook style ear wires.

 

Bat Charm Detail:

 

Vamp: 

 Description:  Cute, and perfect for Goth, Rocker or Halloween Haunter. Sterling Silver Bats fly beneath pretty genuine Jet beads. Just right for Elvira’s, Vampiria’s, Raynes’s and Brides of Dracula! Halloween is just around the corner, jazz up that costume with this super frightfully fun pair of earrings.Sterling Silver Bat charms and genuine Jet beads with Sterling Silver accent beads and Fish Hook ear wires.

Arachne

Description:  Arachne – The Weaver. Myth tells us that Arachne was a maiden of great skill with weaving, however, she offended the goddess Athena who transformed Arachne into a spider. It is the basis of the word Arachnid. And isn’t she lovely in Sterling Silver.Sterling Silver Spider charms dangle from Sterling Silver threads of jump rings and accented Sterling Silver and with genuine Jet beads. Suspended from Sterling Silver ear wires.

Death and The Maiden

 

 

Description:  Tiny Sterling Silver skulls and Jet beads are unique and undead adorable in this pair of earrings. Great for Goths, Rockers, Halloween or Necromancers of all kinds!

Sterling Silver skull charms, accent beads and fish hook ear wires are paired with shiny black genuine Jet beads.

At The Alchemists Vessel 

We are also bringing back the Zodiac Charms for one more go around.  Different designs options are available.

Virgo – Sterling Silver and Genuine Lapis Lazuli Earrings

 

Description: Virgo – The sign of the Virgin. These fun and funky earrings are great for September Birthdays, Boho styles or for the Astrology fan.

 

Sterling Silver Virgo sign pictoglyph charms dangle from sterling silver findings with a genuine Lapis Lazuli bead as a center focal point. Lapis Lazuli is a stone truth, enlightenment, wisdom and of Royalty.  A fine alternative to Sapphire.  Suspended from Sterling silver fish hook style ear wires.

 

Available in all twelve (12) Zodiac signs and alternative design.

These are different and fun.

My Stars

 

Description: Nothing but Sterling Silver and Stars. Just for fun because they are pretty, imaginative, and everybody likes the twinkle in the night sky. Great for your favorite astronomer.

Sterling Silver findings, Star Charms and Fish Hook style ear wires.

 

 

Denim and Leather – Genuine Lapis Lazuli and Black Onyx 

Description: 18″ total length this powerful and attractive necklace is part of our “Gems For Gents” collection. Hand selected gorgeous genuine Lapis Lazuli resembles those well worn and loved favorite pair of jeans, Black Onyx reminds one of a soft cotton T-shirt or a Leather Jacket with silver accents. Masculine, strong and sturdy, this makes a great casual accessory or a dapper extra for office attire.

Would make a fabulous September birthday present, it makes a wonderful alternative to Sapphire. Deep blue in color it is the stone of truth and enlightenment, wisdom and royalty, said to create a feeling of harmony and balance within the wearer.

Detail Photo 

Dreamy Dark – Black Onyx and Vintage Rose Motif Clay Beads

Description:  In the dreamy dark of a garden at twilight, a pensive maiden wanders through the mauve haze of roses lost in thought. Evoking images of English gardens and Gothic maidens the vintage hand painted Rose motif beads make this an eye-catching beauty. This stunning and unique necklace is One of A Kind.

Three Vintage mauve hand-painted Rose motif beads are the focal point the the necklace, surrounded by genuine Black Onyx rondelles and interrupted by silver spacer beads strung on Tiger Tail beading wire. Finished with a Silver plated Toggle clasp.

Detail Photo:

 You can see the brush strokes on the hand-painted and glazed beads.

                                         

Vox – Carnelian and Black Onyx Genuine Gemstone Necklace

Description:Vox is Latin for Voice. Perfect for the Front Man! From the “I’m in the Band” collection for our Mens Jewelry line is this absolutely gorgeous and powerful necklace.

Would make a wonderful July Birthday present.

Carnelian is a Chalcedony (pronounced Kal-SID-ney) a member of the quartz family. It is associated with the sun and Autumn, it is said to allow a speaker to become eloquent and bold. A stone of protection and is sometimes considered a stone of Royalty. Traditionally worn to enhance, passion love and desire.

Black Onyx Fortifies Self confidence, sharpens your senses and promotes a healthy ego.

Shining Armor 

 

Description:  The gallant knight! What do we think of when we play Princess as little girls? Knights in Shining Armour, of course! Your knight will look fierce and foreboding wearing this simple and shiny piece of chainmaille. Yes, it is Armour. 18″ total length and just right for any Knight out on the village! Perfect for Costumes or SCA attendees. Appropriate for women as well. Heavy duty, strong and supple.

Scaled down to jewelry size this necklace is woven in the Half-Persian 4-in-1 Chainmaille weave. Silver Plated jump rings and matching Lobster Claw clasp complete the chain.

 

All of these fabulous things may be found by following the links or just visiting The Alchemists Vessel.  Available via the Facebook Fan Page as well.

 

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

 

Remember custom orders are always welcome.  Send us an e-mail and tell us what we can do to help make you shine!

 

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

 

 

 

Links, Promotions and Other Things

 

Good Morning,

 

After last Friday’s Fun-filled fifteen links to look at, today’s post will be brief.

 

Here is a very brief tutorial on how to tie Slip or Sliding knots for those Boho Macrame fashions you’ve been wearing.

 

How to tie a Slip or Sliding Knot

The instructions are presented in pictures, the link will take you to another blog page for instructions.

As many of you know I have a passion for all things Monster and Macabre, my very talented friend creates some of my favorites.

Many of you may remember those fun little macabre monsters from last year, “Twisted Little Things”, and there are more to be had (finally!).  Four new Heads of State for your collection, available through Etsy. 

 

Find them at: Twisted Little Things

Aren’t they, um, cute?

 

Myoats is an online drawing program that allows you create beautiful designs with your mouse.

This is not mine, I nabbed it from the gallery as an example.  Change the color, background, lines and shapes to create your own unique piece of artwork.

 

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

 

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

 

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.

Four Great Gifts To GIve 4/03/12

Hello,

Here we are another Tuesday and another list of Gifts suggestions. I am shy one gift today, it has either been sold or the Artist has removed the post from the thread.  Let’s hope it has been sold!  Without further ado, some cool things for gift giving.

Rivdom Art offers these Gemini Wood Burned Earrings

Gemini Zodiac Sign is one of my series of “The 12 signs of the Zodiac” on each very unique woodburned and hand painted earrings.
The front of the earrings gathers my work –pyrography/wood burning, and my daughter’s color work, in a mixed media technique called colored pyrography. The colors used by Andrea are very close to those of the birthstones under the Gemini Zodiac Sign:deep green, orange and yellow watercolors and acrylics.

The back of these cute earrings has the symbol of this zodiac, enhanced by the dark shading / woodburning.

Both sides have been sealed with clear polyurethane for protection and beauty.

Charitable Creations has these awesome Guitar Pick/Guitar Plectrum with Leather Key Ring Holder – Personalized Hand Stamped Single Sided

This thick 20 gauge sterling silver guitar pick is patterned from an actual, functional guitar pick. All my guitar picks are made with thick sterling silver. You will not find this kind of quality and affordability anywhere else.

The perfect gift for the “Rock Star” in your life.

Personalize with your favorite song lyrics, quote, names, phrase, monogram or anything you can dream up!

Comes with a leather Dunlop Pick Holder Key Ring to keep your guitar pick in reach when ever you may need it!

 

Now here’s a cool idea that you can make your self for any one.

 

Daily Dose of Love Jars – Found this on the net, but it would easy and simple to make one of your own.  Take an empty Jar, decorate it, fill it will notes, reasons you love them, funny sayings, private jokes and give it to some one.  They can open the jar and take out a “gift” every day!

 

 

Red Envelope has some pretty cool ideas on Gifts for Men, which always stumps me.  Check them out if your Husband or Boyfriend is coming up on a birthday.  The Key Chain is my favorite.

That is all for this Tuesday.  In hope that the week continues to bring new and exciting things your way!

 

What’s New In My Shop – Cafe Press

I am not currently working on any new items in the shop as to speak. Getting ready for the monthly Market at the local Fair Grounds and Exposition Buildings, in lovely Garden City, Idaho, takes a lot of time and effort when you’re a one-woman band.

However, we do have a new shop.  It is different from the jewelry I create.  Many Moons ago I designed and drew simple and stylized graphic versions of the Zodiac symbols for fun (and I admit, profit).  Having forgotten about them, I came across them searching through a computer disk looking for something else.  I love it when buried treasure appears out of no where!  Not wishing to attempt to stock the house with yet more stuff, but wanting to do something with them, I have opened a cafe press store.  You can find it by following the link in this post, or by clicking the “Shop Cafe Press” link in the menu to your right.

The cool thing about Cafe Press is that you can have pretty much any graphic printed on any item you want.  There is a huge selection to choose from on the site, from T-shirts to Teddy Bears, Wall Clocks, puzzles, and accessories abound!  All printed with the version of your Sun Sign.  All twelve signs may be found there and I intend to see about getting other items up for printing or customizing as well.  Currently working on a popular motif, Skulls, I’m sketching in a very stylized Rabbit…  Below are the twelve designs I created.  As public domain, any one may play with and finagle the images.  These are mine, and belong to me, and may only be used outside the sales or shop sites with the express written consent of The Alchemists Vessel and the owner, proprietor.

The Alchemists Vessel on Cafe PressAll twelve signs are included.  As soon as I figure out how to get these changed or configured to be appropriate art flash for dark material for the site, I’ll do that too. Right now they are available in Black Print on Light Shirts and Sweats.  Although there are all kinds of items in the shop, from Cell Phone covers to Lap top skins, stationery, stuffed critters, bits, baubles and decor.

The Zodiac beings with Aries.

 Aries, the Ram – Symbol represents the Horns and nose of a Ram or the brows and nose of a human face

Taurus, the Bull – Symbol represents the Horns and head of a bull, or the chin and throat of the human form, it is also a representation on a rising moon over a full sun, or over the earth, depending on culture.

Gemini, the Twins – Symbol represents the lungs of the human body.

Cancer, the Crab – Symbol represents the out stretched claws of a crustacean. 

Leo, the Lion – Symbol represents a sleeping cat, a lion in repose, the head, back and finally the tail.

 

Virgo, the Virgin – Symbol represents the female reproductive organs (closed). In some cultures it represents sheaves of wheat that have been harvested and bundled.

Libra, the Scales – Symbol represents a set of scales in balance,it is also the representation of the sun rising over a horizon.

Scorpio, the Scorpion – Symbol represents the male reproductive organs, it also mimics the movement of a Scorpion, the extended “swish” being the tail or stinger of the Scorpion.

Sagittarius, the Archer – Symbol represents the human knee in motion, or an arrow in flight.

Capricorn, the Sea Goat – Represents the head of a Goat and tail of Fish, sometimes called the Terrestrial Goat.

Aquarius, the Water Bearer – Symbol represents energy or flowing water

 

Pisces, the Fish – Symbol represents two fish, tied together.


Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

Monday Means – What’s New in The Shop?

I trust you all had a good weekend.  As always Monday is a look at what has been listed or is currently for sale in the shop.  This morning I am pleased to present five new items.

I am always trying to vary and improve my items and offerings, both jewelry and skills.  Variety is the spice of life, as they say and I enjoy learning new things.  I have spent the last week teaching myself a new Chain Maille weave, intricate, but simple, which is one of the wonderful things about Chain Maille.  This is a wonderful unisex pattern, attractive, powerful, sturdy and strong, and substantial enough for him and can be as casual or as dressy as desired.  Personalization is plus, as this weave can be made in a combination of metal, wire, colors, tones and textures.  The pattern may also be embellished with beads for a more feminine look.  Sultry, slinky and sensuous, the pattern positively slithers across the skin in a smooth silky rope.

Below are the examples of the pieces currently available.  They are all created with 8mm jump rings in various metals.  Slim and sleek, these would be great with a suit at the office for a pop of color, jeans and a t-shirt for a casual outing, or a date night conversation piece (she’ll notice).

“Serpentine“  Silver Plated and Gunmetal jump rings snake around the wrist in an alternating pattern.

“Hunter” – Gunmetal and Antiqued Copper jump rings run in continuous links along this dark tone chain.

“Raphael” – Nickle Silver and Antiqued Copper jump rings, twist together to form this bright and masculine piece.  Nickle silver contains no elemental silver, but is an alloy of 60% Copper, 20% Nickle, and 20% Zinc, sometimes called “German” or “Indian” Silver.  It resembles sterling silver but is grayer in tone.

“Woodsman” – Antiqued Bronze and Copper jump rings flow throughout this chain, evoking thoughts of the forest  in the woodsy toned bracelet.

Last item up is “Ver-Sea-Tile”, a Sea-life themed necklace that can be worn several ways, below you see it as it has been assembled.  The Octopus locket may be removed and the charms centered, or the length of beaded chain may be drawn through the clasp to shorten it to choker or collar length.  The large brass flower clasp may worn to the side as a focal point (very fashionable), or in back as desired.

Choker Style

 

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  Have a wonderful day.