In The Merry Month of May

I was taken by surprise
By a pair of roguish eyes
Strolling through the park one day!

Good Morning,

Yes indeed, May is here already.  Gracious is seems as if the year is just flying bye.

This morning, let us have a look at all the cool stuff that is going on in May.

Today is May 1st, sometimes called May Day or Beltane.

May 2 is First Thursday – Free Stuff and Admission to some Boise’s coolest spots!

May 3 – Iron Man 3 opens (also in 3D and IMAX 3D)
Edwards and Majestic Theaters

May 4 – I have a Baby Shower to attend.

Boise State Spring Fling
Put on your dancin’ shoes Broncos, doors open at 7:00 p.m.

May 5th is of course Cinco de Mayo, or Battle of Puebla Day, it is also my parents 51st Wedding Anniversary!  Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

May 12th is Mother’s Day, and it is a Sunday as always.

May 13th is my Birthday

May 18th is Armed Forces Day

Pigapalooza Beer & Pork Festival – Eagle, ID
Brewforia Beer Market
78 E. Eagle River St.
Suite 165
Eagle, ID 83616
(208) 938-6261

May 21 –  Limp Bizkit at the Knitting Factory 

May 25 is the Full Moon 
 
May 27 is Memorial Day, the last Monday in May.
The Knitting Factory Presents – Show at 8:00 p.m.
Arctic Monkeys, Dropkick Murphys and The Mahones Boise, Id

That’s about all the fun and excitement I can find for this round.  Be sure to check local papers like the Boise Weekly and The Idaho Statesman for a Calendar of events.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Promotion – TVFM March Market

Good Morning,

I am out of stuff to talk about this week.  So in lieu of a real topic, let’s take a look at the Treasure Valley Flea Market.

I have not attended the show since November of 2012, as a vendor, nor have I returned as a shopper, but sometimes life is a four letter word that gets in the way of what you would like to do.

This weekend is, once again, The Treasure Valley Flea Market, hosted by Spectra Productions, and held at Expo Idaho, on Glenwood at Hawk’s Stadium.

There are vendors of all kinds, Crafts, Garage Goodies, Nick-Knacks and local businesses from Cell Phone Accessories to Home-baked Doggie Treats.

Stop by and have a look see.

5610 Chinden Blvd.

Garden City, ID

Admission is $2.00 at the door.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Five Great Gifts Ideas List 8

This mornings list is all about Bovines.  

From: Jackie Guttuso Design

Cow art, Original, Farm animal nursery art, Brown and white cow art, Cow collage, Whimsical cow art, Kids farm art, Cow painting

This whimsical 7 x 5 collage of a brown and white cow is an original, one of a kind piece that would look great in a farm nursery. I created it using acylic paints on professional grade heavy watercolor paper. I added an additional 1/8″ white border to make it easier to frame. It comes unframed and unmatted, but I’ve shown what it would look like with various mat and frame colors in the photos above.

From: Fabric of My Mind

Flossie the Cow in Black and White

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 yellow 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.

From: Finnell Fine Art

Cow painting giclee on canvas print with gallery wrap 16×20 from an original oil painting

This cow painting is a fine art giclee on gallery wrapped canvas from my original painting “Out Standing”. It is produced using archival inks on 20×16 inch cotton canvas.
This is a true gallery wrap, with the image of the painting continuing around all edges. It’s ready to hang on your wall. A frame is not necessary. Art is shown to scale in the room photo, but I advise measuring the space where you plan on hanging it.
Other sizes and configurations are available. Please contact me with any special size requests
In order to keep my prices within reach, all CANVAS GICLEES ARE CUSTOM ORDERED AND TAKE ABOUT 2 WEEKS TO PRODUCE. Every print is delivered to me for my personal inspection before it is shipped to you. Shipment is by FedEx ground within the continental US.

From: Algrium

Coffee mug with Cow Skull design Medium size Black

(454 ml)
• Engraved – Etched by hand using a sandblasting method.
• Custom engraved Ceramic, Glass, Stone, Wood, Marble and Jewelry.
•Please let me know If you would like a different image engraved, other than this one, or you can send me an idea you may have.
• I have an image catalogue you can view at http://www.algrium.com/Store/PC/ImageCatalog.asp.
• Please check out my photo website for more examples of my work, http://photos.algrium.com
• Shipping & packaging costs shown are calculated from the West Coast of Canada to the East Coast of the U.S. and the East Coast of Canada.
• Therefore States and Provinces that are closer to the West Coast will be charged less for shipping & packaging costs.

From: Crafts Galore – Fran’s Homemade Wonders

Custom Wedding Cake Tops Bride and Groom COWS 

This item is made to order. This means that you will not receive the item pictured but one which is made to order specifically for you. Due to the nature of handmade items, slight variations may occur. 
If you would rather have animals other than cows or something not specifically listed here, please send me an e-mail and I am always happy to work with you.
     
This bride and groom are entirely handmade of polymer clay without the use of any molds 
They are mounted on a 5 inch mirror.  

Since they are entirely handmade and made to your exact specifications, no two are exactly alike.

Taking Care of Your Tools

Good Morning,

This weekend I was on a bit of a creating jag.  Boxes were sketched on for painting, things were prepared to be assembled, soldered and etched, until this happened…

This is the inside of my hand held, battery operated Engraver.  This little tool is one of my favorites; however due to age and I would suppose use, the innards have obviously deteriorated, or in this case are just plain broken.

The plastic casing has cracked and broken away from the works, the metal pin that acts as a contact is in the battery tube leaving the copper wiring exposed.  I have had this for a good seven or eight years, and I never thought to look inside, until it stopped working yesterday. 

This brings me to the care of your tools.  Not only is it necessary to keep your most important tools, your hands, healthy, it is also important to keep the implements you use healthy as well.

Once a month check you tools.  Really look at them, evaluate their health and assess the best way to repair or give the tool some much needed attention.  Is something broken or starting to wear or fray?  Are there nicks, chips, divots, dings, or other things that may prevent you from achieving that perfect look or  other task you are attempting while creating your goods?

If so, you may want to think about replacing or perhaps repairing them.

A simple sheet of sand paper can be used to polish pliers jaws and the heads of your hammers.  This removes surface imperfections that may mar or interfere with the finish of your piece.

When possible tools should be kept away from each other, this eliminates much of the wear and tear on tools you are not using, they won’t bang into and damage each other.  Try to dust your tools during the inspection, little bits of this and that can gum up the joints or movable parts and damage the tool or cause it not to work properly.

Inexpensive plastic cases can be purchased, or plastic containers from your favorite Deli or Market can also be used as storage.  Clean them out and place your tools inside.  Keep the lid and you can keep them dust free.

Keep your tools in good working order and they will last you a life time.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

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

Weekend Art Shows Review

Good Morning,

Happy Monday to you all.

This weekend I attended two shows.  The Flea Market, at which I am usually a vendor, held nothing new, but it was fun and enjoyable experience being on the other side of the booth.  Missing the Saturday crowd for a Sunday morning, it was a pleasant couple of hours perusing the aisles.  The vendors are friendly, much of the stuff for sale is still the Knickknacks and garage-box-clutter of stuff you usually see on the tables.

I also attended Art in the Bar.  Held at the Knitting Facorty Concert House in beautiful downtown Boise, Idaho, and presented by Dead Bird Local Art’s Framing, Boise Weekly and featuring the artists of Green Chutes Artists Co-Op.

It was a nice afternoon.  Stopping by after the Flea Market, the Knitting Factory itself is fairly small, or perhaps I should say “intimate” venue.  The event was free and opened to all ages.  The bar was available to those of age, but I was not interested in partaking.

Although many of the artists were fascinating, the air and attitude of some in attendance was a complete turn off to the work.  There were some that were more than willing to chat, but felt it was necessary to bash the person in the space / exhibit next to them.  Maybe beer later eased some of the tension.

It was a successful event and one that I would like to see continue.  Well done, nicely laid out in the small and split level venue, it was a terrific way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

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

Monday Shop News

Good Morning,

Every one is fresh and ready to start the week?  Relaxed during the weekend and recharged the batteries?  Excellent.

Today there isn’t a lot to discuss, but I did want to share.

I have been talking with M.A.I.L. (Maille Artisans League International) and not only was my Chainmaille Ring accepted for their Photo Gallery, but my accidental weave variation has been accepted and included in their Library. This is very exciting, and it is an honor to be included along side some truly amazing artisans and their work.

Odin’s Eye – Weave by Alix
Two Ringy Dingy – Gallery

Curious?  Want to check out more.  Have a look at the Gallery, or check out the Weaves that others have made or created, just click on a title and off you go.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

.

Above The Strain

Good Morning,

This morning, as I read forum threads, another member of the handmadeartists.com community wrote this wonderful and thoughtful statement.  

It pretty much sums up the current situation of Artists and entrepreneurs everywhere. 

“As I read the thoughts and experiences of those having a difficult time, I am reminded of an old friend who had had a rough life.  He was now an old man and internationally known for his blues piano talents but that never translated into much money.  He had a favorite phrase he liked to use when he spoke of financial difficulty.  He expressed it as, “I just want to live above the strain.”  I thought that was a unique way of seeing life.  It gives one so many more options that the phrase, “Keeping my head above water,” that seems so fatal if one’s head goes under.  The measure of strain Vs comfort seemed a better measure of life.  No doubt the forces of greed and empire have returned to roost and are affecting our daily economic lives and show no signs of letting up anytime soon.  Now we are seeing the emergence of a new economy and those who are enriching their lives by simplifying and disengaging from the big box life, when appropriate.  There is now a rebirth of community and values of cooperation and reciprocity.  Handmade fits the new communitarian lifeway and the HAF community is a good place to be during these times, where thoughts can be shared and insights gained to help us through this transformation. We are laying the groundwork for the new future and I wish everyone here well as we make the adjustments to the new realities so that we can live our lives above the strain.  Best wishes to all.”  ~Sam

You can find Sam at Sunworx

This is what Sam does

Solar Jar Painted Tropical Fish on Frosted Pint Ball Jar 

Product Details:

This lovely solar jar painted tropical fish  on a frosted pint Ball Jar is beautiful in both day and night.  Pebeo glass translucent paints were used to paint the jar.  After painting it was heated to more permanently affix the paint.  A very high quality glass coating was then applied to protect the art work. 

A solar engine with an on off switch was then glued to a laser precision cut painted mounting shelf.  The finished shelf then sits on top of the jar and is fastened tightly with a Ball wide mouth lid. 

A special small fitted lens cap designed to distribute the light from the led a full 360 degrees is affixed around the LED for more even distribution of light.

Two small holes are diamond drilled into the bottom of the jar that serve two important functions.  Both heat and moisture is evacuated through these small holes to extend the life of the solar engine and also provide carefree maintenance.

 The dimensions are approximately 4 inches wide and 4 inches tall.  The art work is painted on all four sides.  The solar jar painted tropical fish on a frosted pint ball jar will make a lovely addition to your home or one of a kind handmade gift that people love.  

Thank you all for stopping by and having a look.

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

Links, Promotions, Friday Post 250

Happy Friday,

Welcome to the 250th post of blog.  Lack-luster, I know.  It is a balmy four (4) degrees outside and the snow is piled up against the back door with promises of snowing me in today.  The garage door has frozen shut and is stuck to the driveway,  I kid you not.  As soon as the sun rises here, it’s time to haul out the pick and un-stick it!  That is a first for this California Grrl.  (I spelled it right).

This morning I am out of links and promotions, so gentle reminders are in order.

If you are brave enough to venture out into the below freezing temperatures and the icy roads you can visit the:

Treasure Valley Flea Market
*Expo Idaho
5610 Chinden Blvd.
Boise, ID
Saturday Jan 12, 9 – 6
Sunday Jan 13, 10 – 4
Admission is $2.00 at the door.

*Formerly the Western Idaho Fairgrounds.

The Alchemists Vessel will not be in attendance this month, but you can look for us at the Market in February.

Things are gearing up for 2013 here at T.A.V.  I am in possession of and almost finished with the final module for class, and am well on the way to having the e-book blog ready for inspection (or reading), as well as opening a second shop for the hand-forged items I am making and accumulating.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

What?  No photos?  Man…

 

Thursday – Etsy Wholesale, Silver and Artifical Diamonds

 

Good Morning,

Thursday are reserved for the Blog Ring Featured Artist from handmadeartists.com.  This Thursday, I have been chosen as the artist, so instead of posting about myself I thought I would share a couple of videos and discuss Etsy’s foray into Wholesale.  It’s not what you may think.

First up the videos:

Silver – How Its Made

Artificial Diamonds

Etsy Wholesale:

I know a lot of folks have been very upset about this lately, but actually it looks like it may be a good thing.

After reading the Etsy News Blog article “Etsy Wholesale on the Horizon“, I sort of understand what it is they are doing, and don’t worry this doesn’t mean the end of your Shop, or that it will be swallowed in a sea of Made-in-China cheapies, or even that Etsy is going to knock the small independent handmade artist off the site because they will be unable to keep up with the fees or quantities required by retailers.

A couple of points I would like to make, or you may read the article, it explains it better than I am able.  In short this is what is happening.  In Spring of 2012 Etsy acquired a site called Trunkt. I have no idea what this site was about.  The owner of Trunkt, Dev Tandon, now works for Etsy, and the Lifetime Members of his site are being integrated into Etsy Wholesale Marketplace.  You can sign up to learn more at the link provided.

This new venture is apparently “Etsy 2”, a separate and private site where Wholesalers (those shops that have a ton of items) can connect with retailers who want to purchase quantities not necessarily available via a smaller independent shop.   Doesn’t sound so bad.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

Three Great Gifts To Give – New Shops

Good Morning,

It’s Tuesday and that means we share five gift ideas from five shops from Etsy, Handmade Artists, and around the web.  This morning I only have three participants, so we’ll go with that.

Let’s start off with a new shop on Etsy.

From: Waterblooms 

Black Artsy Letters Original 6 x 6 Acrylic and Watercolor Paintings

 

Description:  These letters, only K and C presented, are “artsy” styled letters. The background is a painted white acrylic and the letters are midnight black. Each letter features a small highlight color that matches the waterbloom. “K” and “C” feature a purple and pink waterbloom. Each letter has one waterbloom, the color(and, of course, letter) choice is yours. Wrapped around each canvas is a double layer of ribbon. These letters would be great for initials, monograms, and complete names. These would fit beautifully in a nursery, little girl’s, teenage, or even woman’s room.
These are ready for hanging. These letters would make a beautiful, personalized gift.

Please contact me for letter and color selections. Ribbon color and style varies, depending on your selections. The price per letter/canvas is 15.00; however, for 3 or more the price is 13.00. 

From: Sue’s Arts

Hamsa Charm Collection Keychain

Description: SOLD SEPARATELY

Beautifully and unique collection of charms on large keychain ring.

Charms include Hamsa, evil eye, Chai cameo and turquoise bead. Very charming and adorable collection.

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

Suzan ♥

From: I Paint It Pretty

Painted Wine Goblets with Flowers and Vines 

Description: This is a hand painted set of four (4) wine/ water goblets. These glasses hold 14 ounces of your favorite beverage. Each glass has been individually hand painted with red and white flowers and green and white 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 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.

Great effort has gone into accurately describing and photographing products, but please note color representation alters depending on individual screen settings.
Packaged with lots of care and love and will ship 1-2 days after payment is received.

Thanks for taking a look. Check back as I add items as I complete them.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to announce it will be opening a new division, strictly for your Nuptial Needs.  The Bridal Path will be devoted to Wedding Accessories, table decor, and of course, jewelry for the Bride and her party.  Contact us now and let us help you create that special enter piece, matching sets of jewelry or simple favor gifts for your guests.  Beaded votive candles (a strand of beads will be created and added to the base of the candle holder), colored pearl strands that can be customized to your Wedding Colors, and favor bags are soon to be available on the web.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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