A Random Friday

The weekend is here and I don’t think I have ever been so happy to see one!

Friday’s are usually links and promotions, I have been busy with classes this week and haven’t had time to look for much.  My plate is suddenly very full, which is a good thing.

I have been talking about starting to teach classes at Jo-Ann‘s.  Here is there website.  Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.  From here you can find a store, look for a class, sign up for offers and even shop some of their items.  If you’re a craft-person this is a neat site.  You can even buy a class for a friend as a gift.

Yesterday’s blog discussed tools, a rotary or Dremel tool being the prominent tool.  Here are three links to the tool.

Dremel.com – Website Homepage.

Video Projects – What should I do with my Dremel?

Customer Creations Gallery – What other people did with their Dremel tool.  Some of the projects are amazing!

Like this Curly Maple Clock

A Hardwood Ark

Or this Wooden Sign

Tools are pretty cool.

Next weekend is the last Treasure Valley Market of the season, and I will be attending.  We’ll link the commercial and the event one more time next week.  I hope to see the locals there.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend!  Rest.  Relax.  Rejuvenate!

Featured Artist – Dremel or Rotary Tools

Instead of a Featured Artist today, I thought it would be fun to discuss tools.  No, not those kinds of tools, I mean the tools you use for crafting or DIY projects.

My friend, who is very knowledgeable about these things, and I were discussing Flex Shaft Machines and other shop / studio equipment, that is used during the process of creating, art, molds, jewelry, sculpture and even household repairs.

A “Dremel” is a brand of Rotary tool.  What’s a rotary tool?  It is a motorized shaft with a small accessory “heads” for sanding, buffing, polishing, cutting, drilling, etc.  Mine are ancient!  Here is what a new Kit looks like.  Dremel Tool Kit.

Not all of them are heavy duty like that one.  I was introduced to this cool little item during the conversation, and will share the videos with you now.  Youtube, as I have learned, has a wealth of neat instructional and tutorial videos on just about anything and everything you can imagine.

This nifty little piece of equipment that allows you “hands free” work. The Dremel 2500-01  Multi-Vise

Here is an instructional video on the Multi-Vise

What started all this talk of tools and various uses and attachments? A Flex Shaft Machine.  Here we see its uses in carving Green Jewelry Wax, as well as manual (hand-held) tools.

And I think that’s all for today. 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  Questions and comments are always welcome.  The weekend is almost here, we would like to wish you a pleasant day.

In My Studio – Chain Maille and Beads

Currently I am working on several things, however I have been talking about learning a new weave, the Full Persian.  Much like the Box or Inca Puno Weave, as well as the Byzantine weave, the jump rings are grouped together, flipped, turned, and closed to create units, each unit forms a link, the links then form a chain.

The Full Persian begins with a Box weave, and additional jump rings are added to the unit to create a link that that consists of six rings, instead of four.  In the photos below a red bead marks where I have stopped the chain pattern.  I like the addition of the bead so much that I slightly opened already added jump rings to let me know where the other beads must go to complete the pattern.

Jump rings and pliers are all that is required to create and produce this very pretty and complicated-look chain.

 

I have also been tucked away at the Bench working on Brochure Projects for Jo-Ann Fabrics.  I now remember why I don’t bead.  If you have the knack and the talent CONGRATULATIONS! Tiny uncooperative things make my head hurt, needles prick my finger and the thread gets tangled up, but I suppose it’s not art if you’re not bleeding.  Diagrams and poorly written or confusing instructions don’t help either.  Just a personal observation on my crafting abilities.

Don’t laugh, it took me three days to figure out this pattern.  As an example of what I may be teaching and what kind of Advanced Jewelry Making Classes you can sign up for and learn by doing.  From Jo-Ann’s “Link -n- Bling” project.  6/0 Amethyst Czech Glass Seed Beads are woven flat in a Figure 8 or infinity symbol weave, rows are counted and the beads are then laced up along the length of the vertical edge and sewn together to form a Circular tube.  Since no one has signed up for this particular class, I do not have to finish the project.

With the Treasure Valley Market next week and then again in July, I suddenly find myself very busy, perhaps even over extended to the point of burnout.  This is not good.  What does one do when burnout begins?  One takes a  break, a respite, a walk in the woods, and then reorganizes and prioritizes and gets it done!  That being said, many of the irons I have in the fire are either just sitting due to lack of attention, or so red hot that they take up the majority of my time, leaving everything else behind to be caught up with later.  I will be paring down some of the things to better manage my time and the business.

Although I just opened and listed things on Cafe Press they want the shop owners to put a lot work into promoting the site instead of their shop, and  I have gotten ZERO response, so I will be closing that down.  The Official Website will be downgraded to little more than information and the shopping pages will be removed as customers seem to click through from the site to purchase items on Etsy instead of the direct “Buy” button.  

I have also started to attend classes to upgrade my skills.  A combination of Hands-On Training and Internet Reading Material and Examinations, I must carve out enough time to complete the course work, that means limiting or eliminating some of the other things that aren’t working or producing results in favor of study and class project time.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  We would like to wish you a pleasant rest of the week.

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!

 

The Truth About Selling On Line

Good Monday Morning to you all.

I have had several conversations with people over the weekend about on line shops, new careers, the failing economy, and what we as entrepreneurial individuals can do to supplement the income or make ends meet.  A lot of people now turn to the internet for this and think that because one shop is doing well, so will they.

I do not wish to discourage or dash the hopes the those just venturing forth, I think many believe that they will open an On Line Store or Shop of their own through one of the venues, and that the money will just come rolling in.  

No.

Like any business it is A LOT of hard work, time and effort on the part of you, the seller.  There is merchandise and merchandising, most sellers have items or an inventory available for sale before they “open” their shops.  Merchandise is the items you make, merchandising is keeping those items you make yours and “branding” them specifically for you shop.  No, I don’t mean get out the Branding Iron and start marking things with your initials, I mean learning and recognizing what makes your items unique and different from an others.  Do you use specific items, colors, natural or man made materials?  What makes your items special, desirable, wearable, printable, buy-able?

Then there is marketing.  How do people find you?  Do they know you exist?  Where are you located?  How do you accept payment?  How do you drive customers to your shop or site?  Do you have a physical address or venue where people can shop with you?  How do you increase traffic to your shop or site?  How do you get people to buy things?  Why should a shopper buy your item instead of purchasing from someone else?  All that has to come from your brain to the page or site.

Advertising is how people find you, and it is expensive.  Whether on the web or elsewhere, advertising is key.  It is also important to let people know you have opened a shop and have things for sale.  Social Networking is great for this, but can only take you so far.

Currently Facebook and Etsy rule the on line world.  There are something like 1,265,543 shops on Etsy, I saw this number some time ago, and can not find it again.  This venue connects sellers and shoppers WORLD WIDE, and it continues to grow daily!  That’s a lot of competition.  How does one stand out in a sea of people?  That is an individual trick I have yet to learn.

Facebook has lots of widgets to get your shop or site connected to a fan page via their site.  Etsy also has several free widgets by third party developers that can help promote you shop on blogs, Facebook, Google Plus, and your own site.  Of course the work is up to you, finding these things, getting the links and connecting it all falls to the Shop Owner, no one will do it for you.

Wow, Alix, that’s a lot of work.  When do you find time to actually make anything?  Scheduling my time has always been something I have always done well.  I find a groove with a flow, and I stick with it.  One has to discipline themselves.  Yes, I’d love to go play in the park, but I have to finish this first!  Diligence is just a quarter of the battle!

The reality of The Alchemists Vessel

On average, I make about two (2) sales a month from Etsy, and nothing from any of the the other sites I use or have a presence on.  THAT SUCKS!  Because I have other ways to supplement the income, I can live with that, but in reality that is terrible!  I should be making two or more sales a day!  How does one accomplish that with hundreds of thousands of other jewelry makers vying for those same shoppers dollars?  I haven’t the foggiest idea.

Below is a list of what I do to keep up my skills, my traffic flow, customer base and new items when I have them.

Currently enrolled in Jewelry Design and Repair Classes: Certification for repair will be given after course completion.

Jo-Ann Fabrics, Contracted Instructor: Currently teaching Jo-Ann’s Brochure Projects

Treasure Valley Flea Market:  This is a once a month venue open to the public, and it exactly what it sounds like an open market venue to hawk your wares.

Facebook

Etsy

Blogs

Google Plus

The Offical Website

Cafe Press

My Webees

Linkedin

Delicious Stacks

Pinterest

Wise Stamp (E-mail signatures)

Word of Mouth

Business Cards

Tutorial Videos on Youtube (once a month)

I think I have forgotten one or two, but that’s about it, and I do that every day!

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  In hope that discouragement is not the main theme of this post.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant week.

Friday Links

Happy Friday!  The weekend is finally here and that means relaxation!

Today I had a lovely conversation with a friend of mine.  We spent a couple of hours on the phone discussing business, marketing, Business names, strategies for everything, including where to find material.

Since this week has been all about The Alchemists Vessel, let’s put all of links in a list, of course they can all be found to the right on the side menu bar, but this is maybe easier to look at.

Office Website

Facebook Fan Page

Etsy Showcase on Facebook

**Shop on Facebook 

MyWebees

Tutorial Videos on Facebook (These may also be found on Youtube)

Cafe Press

Etsy Shop

We also have listings, stacks and stuff on Delicious, Pinterest, Linkedin, Google Plus pages, a wordpress blog, and all kinds of places to find us across the web!

**[This app is from Facebook, you may buy directly from the page without leaving facebook or requiring an Etsy Account]

Thank you for stopping by, we would like to wish you a pleasant weekend.

JEWELRY CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT

Hello Thursday!

Today The Alchemists Vessel is pleased to announce the winners of the Free Jewelry Contest.  Congratulations to the following people.

FIRST PRIZE:  
Winner – Shelly Moody
Shelly will be the recipient of  this lovely up-cycled Sterling Silver and Citrine Pendant.

 SECOND PRIZE:

Winner: Denise and Sabrina Bacher

They have chosen this wonderful Antiqued Brass and Chain Mail Necklace featuring a filigreed Stag motif Pendant, from the $25.00 price rage shop selections.

THIRD PRIZE:

Winner: Evie Friend

Evie has been notified, has not made her prize selection yet.

She may choose anything in the Shop up to $15.00, for her prize.

I would like to thank all who participated and helped me reach the goal of 100 likes.  I would love to have 500 by the end of the year, lets see if we can’t make that happen!

An Announcement

I know, Tuesday’s are usually reserved for Five Great Gifts To Give, but it is good to change things up every now and again.  Need to keep you all on your toes.  We will have a gift idea post this week, I promise.

The Alchemists Vessel is pleased to announce that the owner and principle designer, Alixandra, will be returning classes next month.  Always interested in updating her skills, learning about new materials and machines currently out on the gemstone and lapidary jewelry suppliers market, as well as obtaining certification for precious metals, repair, gemstone / metal testing equipment, and general jewelry-smith training.  Also on the list of continued education is lamp-work or glass bead crafting.

Continuing education is an important part of keeping up with today’s market.  If one expects to succeed, one must continually polish and up grade their skills and general knowledge of available materials; new, old, and in some cases the new composites currently out on the market.  Current trends and fashion styles may dictate color and components used, they are strong contributors to the creation process, as are new tools, treatments and techniques.  All play a part in creating beautiful, unique, durable and sustainable hand crafted jewelry. 

Costume or Fine, Folk Art or Artisan, adornment / jewelry or other accessories, have been a staple of trade, social interaction and celebrations in many cultures across our world.  The fascination continues today, and there is a certain satisfaction in making something beautiful with your own hands.  Self taught or classroom trained, each hand and eye bring their own flair and sense of balance to a piece.  Sculpture, paintings, landscape, home decor, all have a rhythm and flow that make them work and the same applies to jewelry.  Sparks of light and flashes of color draws the eye, intrigues the observer, and delights the wearer. It appeals to a variety of tastes from bold and bright, to delicate, feminine and understated.  Great jewelry design is always in style and can be worn with a multitude of things and never loses its emphasis or over powers the wearer or outfit.  Jewelry as an accent, can also be the main attraction.Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

Monday

Good Monday Morning to you all.

There is no blog post this morning, The Alchemists Vessel spent the weekend at an indoor Market Venue.  Unpacking and cleaning the jewelry begins today in preparation for next month’s show.

The next show will be April 14th and 15th, and we hope to see you there.

Links and Promotions

Good Morning,

There won’t be a blog posting tomorrow as I am in a flurry of activity trying to get ready for the market.  So this morning will be a mix of Thursday’s and Friday’s usual post.

And then again maybe not.  I am short a featured artist this week, so perhaps instead of visiting them on line, might I suggest a trip to a local Art Gallery, Boise has several, and you can walk right in.  Unlike the museum, they are free to browse, and many are in cool locations, below street level or tucked away in buildings that looks like it holds financial offices.  Checkout your town’s local Art underground.

The Treasure Valley Flea Market is this weekend.  March 24, and 25, 2012, at the Expo Idaho Buildings at the Fair Grounds. 5610 Chinden Blvd.  See the Google Map a the bottom of this blog for directions and location.

Top Ten Free TV Websites (Watch for Free, no download)

I know, not much going on in here today. We’ll try to get it together for next week.

Thanks for stopping in.