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.

Five Great Gifts To Give: 3/20/12

Good Morning,

Today is the first day of Spring, and we have some a couple of really cute things from Etsy shops and a web find or three.

Magic by Leah 

Dutch Bunny Rabbit Sculpture in Polymer Clay by MagicByLeah

Description: Young Dutch Bunny Rabbit Sculpture Handmade in Polymer Clay

This Dutch Rabbit is a OOAK (one of a kind) Original Sculpture.
He is #2 in my 2012 collection ’30 Bunnies for Spring’

He is a realistic scale miniature sculpted on a 1:3 scale. He measures just over 3 inches in length

As with all my work this little guy is 100% handmade without any molds. He is sculpted from Premo Polymer Clay over a strong foil armature core. He is baked to manufacture directions and detailed with a mixture of Liquid Sculpey and Genesis Heat Set Paints

Lovebugwraps 

5 Beautiful Key Fobs/ Keychains/ Wristlets Ready to ship or custom orders welcome

 

Description:   

***Pay shipping on only 1 item! Buy 10 and it ships for 1!***

To see the full line of key fobs and pacifier clips available check out my shop at:

I have always loved these beautiful key fobs or key chains and now I make them to share my love for them with my customers. They are light weight so they don’t weigh down your keys and durable so they can take the beating in your purse. It makes a world of difference when you’re blindly trying to find your keys in your purse. They are big enough to slip on your wrist so you never fumble for your keys again.

 

The Alchemists Vessel

Phoenix – Silver Plate and Ruby Czech Glass Bead Bracelet

Description: This fiery bangle has bright, deep, shiny ruby red beads. Lined with silver for an extra spark inside the bead. Add a touch of color to an Office Suit, a fun accessory for a casual outing or heat up the little black dress with warmth around your wrist.

Would make an excellent July Birthday Gift.

Hand woven in silver plated jump rings with Ruby red silver line Czech glass beads.

This is kinda cool, and we can’t eave the boys out, at a $100.00, this is a steal of a deal and won’t they be happy terrorizing the family pets!
  
Rover App-Controlled Spy Tank with Night Vision

Whether following friends and family, navigating the office or investigating the activities of your dog, it’s all possible with this audio/visual-enabled and photo-taking Rover. Its built-in microphone transmits sound back to your device in real time. So you can hear everything as it’s being said. The manually adjustable camera streams live video and takes still photos. Giving you total access to see what’s going on in other rooms.

 n’ICE Cubes™Stainless Steel Drink Chillers

These cubes are the new ice. Because n’ICE Cubes™ will never melt and dilute your drinks. Simply place in the freezer for a few hours, then slip a handful into a glass and pour on your favorite potent potable, like a top-shelf single malt. In minutes, your drink is nicely chilled—and full strength. Afterwards, just rinse, dry and replace the stones in the freezer for next time.

Always ready to chill when you are.
n’ICE Cubes™ are made of stainless steel. Each measures approx. ¾” square with smoothed edges that won’t mar glasses. Available in sets of 3 or 6. Great for cooling down non-alcoholic drinks, too.

That’s all the ideas we have for today.  Those Stainless Steel Ice Cubs are cool!  Thank you for stopping by and taking a look, and Happy First Day of Spring to you!

Friday Promotions and Links

Happy Friday to all!

Let me begin with the Jewelry Contest.  Although it was a complete and utter flop, (perhaps it was the piece offered), there is a winner, and Second place is a tie.  With Facebook changing the Fan / Business pages, I am having trouble finding all the posts.  I will get to the announcement next week!

It’s that time again!  The Treasure Valley Flea Market is next weekend, March 24 and 25th, Saturday and Sunday.  There is only one more in April.  Come on down and meet the artists, have a look at some of the jewelry pieces shown on the site, see what there is to see, and find your something.  5610 Glenwood, In Garden City, Idho Expo at the Fair Grounds.  See the Google Map at the bottom of the blog for location and directions, admission is $2.00 at the door.

Due to some customers feeling uncomfortable purchasing from the The Alchemists Vessel website, I have been asked, and have complied, to list the Ravens Nook items on Etsy.  I have done so.  They are under the Shop Section Ravens Nook, and all the items from the website may be found there as well. If the darker things do well, I may go ahead and open up a second shop for just the darker things, although Etsy frowns on such a  thing.

We also have a new third party app (widget) here on the blog.  Now you can shop The Alchemists Vessel and all it’s listings on the side bar menu.  No need to leave the page, and all transactions are secure!

For the Pinterest Users out there.  Pinterest has a dashboard, Pinerly, that I have gotten a sneak peak at (Thank you Cindy Honig-Fong, for clicking!)  It looks very useful and I would like one.  The link below will take you to the invitation page, where you can get your own unique code, copy and paste it for your friends to click and get an invitation too.  Pinterest Dash Board or

www.pinerly.com/i/14MAQ

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

It is Friday!  We would like to wish you all a happy and joyous weekend.

Featured Artist – Alizey of Alizey Clothing

 Good Morning,

Today we are please to present the Featured Artist of the Week, Alizey of Alizey Clothing.  I love knitting, and she has some wonderful light airy and gorgeous things for spring.

She writes about herself:

Who I am:
– Wife
– Mother
– Psychologist
– Friend
– Dog lover

I’m absolutely crazy about knitting, I’m doing that since I remember myself, my grandmother taught me when I was a little girl, almost it was my hobby, but when I became a mother, everything changed, I start knitting all the time, than I find Etsy, and here I am 🙂 all my creations are 100% handmade by me, I’m the author of every item, and I’m a model on every picture, so I’m 3 in 1 🙂

Here are some of her hand-knitted items for sale on Etsy.  The colors are lovely, and the clothing is very fashionable, some of the pieces would make great beach or warm weather wear, or a fabulous date night wrap!

  

Black One Shoulder Knit Cotton Kimono Blouse / OOAK Clothing / Gothic Lolita/ Summer Top /rusteam / tpt

Description: Black One Shoulder Knit Cotton Kimono Blouse / OOAK Clothing / Gothic Lolita / Summer Top

This item is 100% handknitted, it’s very soft and light

WEIGHT
less that 3,52 o.z. (100 gr)

MATERIAL
High quality italian cotton yarn

COLOR
Black

READY TO SHIP IN SIZE:

International: XS-S
chest : 32”-37” / 81-93cm

Red One Shoulder Knit Cotton Shirt / OOAK Clothing / Summer Knit Tank / Shirt / Woman Clotning / rusteam

Description: Red One Shoulder Knit Cotton Shirt / OOAK Clothing / Summer Knit Tank / Shirt / Woman clothing

This item is 100% handknitted, it’s very soft and light

WEIGHT
less that 5,2 o.z. (150 gr)

MATERIAL
High quality italian cotton yarn

COLOR
Red

READY TO SHIP IN SIZE:

International: XS-S
chest : 32”-37” / 81-93cm

This next one is a personal favorite, I love the colors!  Just gorgeous, scrumptious and sumptuous!  For a little light lacy wrap, I love this! 

Multicolor Cotton Hand Knit Kimono Sweater / OOAK Clothing / Summer Blouse / rusteam

Description: Multicolor Cotton Hand Knit Kimono Sweater / OOAK Clothing / Summer Blouse /rusteam

This item is 100% handknitted, it’s very soft and light

WEIGHT
less that 5,2 o.z. (150 gr)

MATERIAL
High quality italian cotton yarn

COLOR
Multicolor in orange beige and white tones

READY TO SHIP IN SIZE:

International: XS-S
chest : 32”-37” / 81-93cm

Green and White Knit Summer Tank / OOAK Clothing / Summer Shirt / Womans Clothing / rusteam

Description: Green and White Knit Cotton Summer Tank / OOAK Clothing / Summer Shirt / Womans Clothing

This item is 100% handknitted, it’s very soft and light

WEIGHT
less that 1,7 o.z. (50 gr)

MATERIAL
High quality italian cotton yarn

COLOR
Multicolor in green and white tones

READY TO SHIP IN SIZE:

International: XS-S
chest : 32”-37” / 81-93cm 

Light Blue Knit Cotton Beach Shawl / OOAK Clothing / rusteam

 Description: Light Blue Knit Cotton Beach Shawl / OOAK Beach Wear. 

This item is 100% handknitted, it’s very soft and light

WEIGHT
less that 1,7 o.z. (50 gr)

MATERIAL
High quality italian cotton yarn

COLOR
light blue

SIZE
length around the hip aprox. 38 ” (100 cm)

WASHING
Handwash in warm water
Dry flat

SHIPPING
This item is ready to ship in 2 business days after receiving a payment, by regular airmail with high priority class

You may also reach Alizey on Twitter, or e-mail and a direct link to her Shop is below.

You can find more creations here – www.etsy.com/shop/AlizeyClothing?ref=pr_shop_more
Follow me on Twitter – twitter.com/AlizeyClothing
Or email me – Alizey84@gmail.com

Wednesday in My Studio – Tutorial Video

Once a month I will try to include a tutorial video on the blog about  jewelery, a process in creating jewelry or a look at materials.  If you’d like to see other videos or tutorials, let me know I don’t mind posting and sharing other people’s tutorials, as long as I have their permission.

This morning we have a brief look at inner and outer diameter of jump rings, basically measurements and why they count.

I do have other things going on in the shop, but as it is an on going learning process, and a messy one at that, I haven’t taken progress pictures, but once I get the hang of it we’ll show you what I have been up to.

Without further ado – Jump Rings 102, Diameter

Word PRess does not support videos, if you  like to watch the tutorials please visithttp://alchemistsvessel.blogspot.com/2012/03/wednesday-in-my-studio-tutorial-video.html

or or you may visit the Youtube Cahnnel by clicking the link on the right hand menu.

VIDEO SHOULD GO HERE

Copy Right 2012, The Alchemists Vessel

As it is Wednesday, we would like to wish you a lovely rest of the week!

*These Videos and the copies on Youtube are the sole property of The Alchemists Vessel and may not used in any way, shape, form, forum, or other site or media, internet or otherwise, without the express written consent or permission of The Alchemists Vessel.

Friday Links, Promotions and Facebook

Hello, 

Friday is here!  Happy Day!  Today’s blog is packed with links and pictures and a look at the new Facebook Time Line for Fan or Business pages.  Some of you may have read the post on the new Etsy Theme Shop application that Facebook has rolled out, and we’ll get you the link for that, too.  If you’re an Etsy Shop owner click on through and check it out.  I know many users are unhappy about the constant changes that Facebook forces on the site and people’s profiles.  This isn’t so bad, really, it just takes a minute to get used to, once you have discovered where they have hidden things, you’ll be cruising the pages like a pro again in no time.

Let’s take a look at the Header first.

The large photo at the top is called the Cover.  You may change this picture at any time by clicking on it.  Your Cover Photos will be stored in the Photo Albums of the page automatically.

Next up, the new Link Buttons, this is where you can place the applications you like, such as Events, Photos, Notes, Maps, Favorite Games, etc… 

This area is also where your new Etsy Theme Shop Button goes.  Mine can be found at the right hand top of the row.  If you would like to have the app for your Etsy Shop you can follow this link: Etsy Theme Shop App

If you would like to see what a Shop looks like before clicking Add To Your Facebook Page, you may follow this link.  

The Alchemists Vessel Etsy Theme Shop on Facebook.  

You will have to log in to see the page.  You, too, can create your own shop’s look, discounts, coupons, or promote another shop!  Yes, you can do that, as well!  Shop from this page and receive an automatic 10% off the regular Etsy price,  (Your price is shown in green.)  The simple page looks like this, page 1 on top and a menu at the bottom that will continue with your entire Etsy Shop inventory.

Are you having trouble finding your comments or posts?  It’s not a wonder.  Some one decided that it would be an excellent idea to stuff them in a box at the top of the page, where no one can see, find or read them.  There is no changing this, and yes, I, too, am not happy about it.  But if you are looking for a comment or post from a a fan, customer or friend this is where you can find them now.  This box is permanently “pinned” to the top of your page.

The box beneath the Posts and Comments is where you will find the “Likes”.  These are the pages that you have liked while logged in as the Admin or while  using your Fan Page to peruse Facebook.

Everything else works pretty much the same.  You can post a status update, link to your Etsy Shop items, post pictures, and keep track of your activity and insights.  

Happy Facebooking!

Here is the link to a new open group on Linked In, Northwest Artisans Guild. I started the group in hope of connecting and networking with people closer to home.  I am the only member so far.  The purpose of the group is to network, connect, showcase your art, work, wares, photography, what have you, and most important it is to share and exchange ideas and to have fun!  Help will be offered to all who ask.  Jewelry designers, painters, sculptors, artists, artisans, craftspeople of all kinds are welcome.

We have launched Ravens Nook!  There are items up for sale on the site and as always custom work is welcome.  We take requests.  This weekend I will be chained in the dungeon, I mean sitting at the work table crafting some new, dark and unique items for your perusal.

 Macabre, Magical and Metaphysical Jewelry

Did you know that there is now a Youtube Channel for T.A.V.?  That’s right.  We have created a Youtube channel for Jewelery Tutorials.  There is only one video up now, but we plan on adding some basic ones soon.  In the mean time you can check out Jump Rings 101, it is uploaded, and playable.

Remember you can find any or all of these links on the right hand side menu bar.  We even have a video bar, right on the menu, you can watch the video without leaving the page. How cool is that?

What Customers are saying about the Alchemists Vessel: (remarks taken from Feedback on the Etsy Shop.)

“Just received my order today, and I simply couldn’t be more satisfied! The packaging and shipping protection was great, the product was in perfect condition and appeared exactly as it was shown in your shop. I received my package in a timely manner and was given a printout of my order. Thank you so very much for your professionalism! I will be sure to recommend your store & products to every crafter/beader/maker/creator I know! I also plan to buy again and often in the near future. Again, many thanks and much appreciation for your excellent service and quality!” ~ Sincerely, Rainbow C. Lavendar

“Beautiful large beads! Thrilled with my purchase!!! Thank You!”

“The cinnabar pieces are awesome!!!!” ~ C.R.S.

If you made it to the end of this blog, CONGRATULATIONS!  As a special Happy Ending, if you enter the Coupon Code: LUCKYME, now through March 18th, on The Alchemists Vessel Etsy Shop you’ll receive 10% off your order.  Keep an eye out, for more incentives and sales available only to those that read the blog, you don’t have to follow it, but you have to read it to find those goodies!

 

As always,  thank you for stopping in and having a look.  Since it is Friday as well, we would like to wish you a pleasant and wonderful weekend.

Featured Artist – Shelly Moody

Today’s Featured Artist is my personal friend Shelly Moody, Jewelry Designer, Photographer, Mother, not necessarily in that order.

Not only does Shelly live and work in Boise, she also has some of her Photography at Exposure, a Gallery here in town.  A woman of many talents, she knits, makes jewelry and knitting accessories, has a wonderful eye for composition, is clever and resourceful.  Many of her times are “Upcycled” (I like that word), recycled or re-purposed everyday items that she crafted into some unique and wonderful things.  She is one of the nicest people I know.  I pounced on her yesterday evening, “You’re the featured Artist for tomorrow.”  “OK”, she says.  Did I mention she is cooperative, too.

So without further ado, Here are several things she offers in her shop.  I’m not posting the Octopus Earrings, because they are MINE!  I mean I own them, so they are gone from her Etsy Shop.  You may navigate to her items by clicking on the title.

Dark Dragon Earrings

 

Colorful Blooms Magnet Set

 

 

Stitch Markers – Skulls (For knitting or Crochet)

Puzzle Piece Earring Set

 

I did not get permission to post some of Shelly’s Photographs, I will ask her if I might later and come back and add a couple.  If you are in Boise, and would like to check out some of her work in person, you can find them in:

Exposure

Location:
213 North 10th Street
Boise, ID 83702
(10th and Bannock)
Phone:
208.424.8158
Current Hours:
Mon – Fri:    10:00 am- 6:00 pm
Sat: 12:00 am- 4:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 pm- 2:00pm

The gallery is also for a good cause, an a.l.p.h.a. shop benefiting HIV and AIDS Awareness and Education.  They do have a website, but the link is not working.  If you are on Facebook, you can find them there as well.

Thank you for reading.  We would like to wish you a pleasant day. 

 

In My Studio – It’s Dark In Here

Wednesday is here and I am in my studio creating wonderful things.

In a continuing effort to bring variety into the shop, and after several requests for things with a darker theme, I have some fun and spooky things soon to be incorporated into jewelry pieces.

There is only ONE of these available.  Sterling Silver Hinged Jaw Skull Charm. 

We also have a very limited selection of Sterling Silver charms and beads along with a a variety of dyed gemstone carved skull beads.

 

We also have some some Bats, sterling silver charms for earrings, bracelets, or chain decoration.  Too small to be a focal point, they are very cute and very tiny.

Can’t have bats without spiders!  These eight-legged lovelies are more spider than charm, but they are shiny and lend an thread of spookiness to any piece they adorn.

I have several requests for Metaphysical Jewelry, from Healing Bracelets to Ritual Wear and Malas (Prayer Beads) to Rosaries.  We’re working on this, but in an effort to keep up with requests we have this Sterling Silver “First Degree” Pendant.

Not pictured:  We also carry Hand-wrapped Clear Quartz Crystal Points, Snowflake Obsidian and Rose Quartz Pendulum / Focal Point points.

That’s all for today.  Thank you for stopping in, keep your eye out for completed pieces with these beauties in the shops soon!

Friday – Flash, Pass and Drop Your Cash

Well, it’s happened,  The Alchemists did not do her homework in favor of creating lovely items and is not only pressed for time, but is pressed for something to share as well.

Last week or the week before, I talked about the not so new Social Site “Pinterest“.  This week I’d thought I share the link for Wanelo.  Pronounced wah-nee-lo an anachronism for “Want Need Love”, is another online Social Shopping site of sorts.  As a user, you “Save” a store or item you like from any online shopping venue, Wanelo puts it up on their home page and categorizes it under things like Forever 21, Urbanoutfitters, Etsy and Pinterest etc…, it gets seen or it doesn’t, the more “saves” an item has the higher up in rank and placement on the graphs it goes.  I have not ventured into the Wanelo world as of yet, but you may click through, and of course sign up with Facebook.  Wanelo Home

If you’re a designer and looking to have a shop or things printed.  Try Cafe Press.   Create a design and have it printed on over 250 item of choice, T-Shirts, Coffee Cups, Hats etc…

I have posted this link before but it bears repeating.  If you own an online shop or are looking to get started this is a cool article.  50 Social Sites That Every Business Needs a Presence On.

I must say I am terribly disappointed in Etsy and the new way they are handling things.  It is awful.  On that note, there is a third party app that will take you to yet another version of my store, http://www.facebook.com/alchemistsvessel/app_259525164100619, not directly on Etsy’s site, this also has automatic discounts, coupons, and various other things.  I may be deleting my Etsy shop in favor of promoting my Website http://alchemistsvessel.net.  Same stuff, same prices, just less hassle and headache.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  We would like to wish you a wonderful weekend.

Thursday – New Features On Facebook

Good Morning,

Today instead of featuring an artist, I thought we would take a look at the new Facebook Time Line pages for Business, as well as a brief discussion about what happened to your Etsy Shop on the Facebook pages.

First let’s look at the new Header.  You can have a cover picture now.  I would suggest an item that you sell to show people what you do at a glance.  The old menu bar is gone and in its place are the boxes below the Cover Photo, you can select the application you would like to have appear here: Notes, Map, Events, etc.  This is also where your Etsy Theme Shop button can go, but we’ll talk about that in a minute.  The About section is also here, just like your personal profile time line.

The Administration tools have been parred down and can now be found by clicking Admin on the top right hand side of you Business pages.  The box will show a list of people who liked your  page, their activity on your page and “Insights”  a brief line graph that shows you the pages stats. Useless, unless you click the “See All” button, it will then take you to another page and give  you details.

One of the nicest things about the new Time Line Business pages is that customers / visitors can now leave you a message directly from your business page.

About Etsy and where your My Etsy App went.  As usual the powers that be have screwed things up pretty good.  Facebook and Etsy “retired” the My Etsy App in favor of NOTHING!  You can still share your new items on Facebook, but your shop will no longer be available directly.  You can promote Etsy’s “Theme Shops” with a button but not your own shop.  I am not interested in promoting Etsy, I am interesting in promoting  my shop and my items on the venue.  If you have an Etsy shop or are an Etsy customer you may want to have a look at the article by following the link below.  I am not the only one that is unhappy about this, it is a horrible idea.

From Etsy:

“Thanks for contacting. We have removed the My Etsy app from Facebook to support our more recent connectivity, which your shop is already set up for. You can read more about these changes in the forums: http://www.etsy.com/teams/7716/announcements/discuss/9837631/

If you’d still like to have your Etsy shop appear on your Facebook page, you’re more than welcome to download the App, Themes. You can download this third party app here: http://www.etsy.com/apps/555054982/etsy-theme-shop

I would like to  mention that this “Themes” button is NOT for your shop, it is an ugly third party button that takes you to Etsy and a “theme” dummy shop to show you what it looks like.  I repeat, this is a horrible idea.  I would very much like to have the My Etsy App back.

Thank you for stopping by and taking a look.  Have a pleasant day.