In My Studio – Jump Rings 101

Good Morning,

In an effort to keep things fresh, interesting, and entertaining we are going to try something new today. Upon the suggestion of a friend, I have created a 2:00 minute video on how to open and close a jump ring.  

A staple of all jewelry design and creation, at some point you’re going to have to open and close one.  Jump rings are circles of metal wire that have been cut at a specific place to create an “open” ring, the ends are brought together to “close” the ring.  Finishing techniques, like soldering, can seal the cut in the ring to keep it closed permanently.  They can be made in a variety of sizes and shapes including circles (most common), ovals, triangles, or squares, and are not limited to just metal.  Rubber O-rings, Glass, Neoprene, and Gemstone “Doughnuts”, as well as other materials can be found in may modern Chain Maille jewelry designs.A variety of jump rings in Aluminum, Gunmetal, Gold Tone Brass, 
Silver Plated, Copper, very small surfaced dyed copper, and silver plated copper jewelry wire.

 

For Maille, hand position and movement is very important, it helps to keep the piece from getting marred or work damaged and to keep the Mailler’s wrists healthy!  In the video below I attempt to show the correct or proper way to open a jump ring.

Adding a video should be free.  I will not pay to add video when every other blog allows this for FREE!  I do apologize for Greedy Media outlets.  If you would like to see the video please click through to my Facebook page or blogger blog.  Thank you.

Thank you for stopping by.  Please feel free to leave a comment, feedback is always welcome.

Links and Promtions Friday

Happy Friday to you all,

I would like to begin with a brief and simplified explanation for the Free Jewelry Contest Participation / Entry.

Purpose:  To reach 500 likes on The Alchemists Vessel Facebook fan page by March 5, 2012.

1.  Create a post on The Alchemists Vessel Facebook Wall: 

“I am entered in the Free Jewelry Contest”.  Click here to post

2.  Click the LIKE button at the top of the The Alchemists Vessel page, if you have not already done so.

3.  Get YOUR friends to click the LIKE button on The Alchemists Vessel Facebook page, AND on YOUR Wall Post for the contest, ask them to leave a comment “Your Name sent me”.  That is two clicks and one comment total.  Easy-peasy!

4.  The POST that has the most LIKES / Comments will win the Sterling Silver and Citrine pendant. 

There are second and third place prizes, too!

*NOTE:  Remember you or your friends can hide the feed from the page at any time!  I will never spam, e-mail or other wise contact your friends, no records (except Facebook’s archives for the page) will be kept of any names, id’s, personal profile or fan pages.

This week I was kind of stuck for links.  And instead of sharing the same old ones I just surfed the web for a while and came up with five interesting if not unique links to be clicked, checked out, surfed, bookmarked or deleted at your leisure.

I love the weird, the odd, the off beat.  “Stumbling” is a great way to find some pretty cool stuff.  Like these realistic Disney Princesses, what if these girls really did exist?  What would they look like?  Click here to find out.

Here is a link to Pearltrees a load screen will appear and you will taken to the home page.  This is another Social Site I am guessing, I have not signed up or created an account, but it looks likes delicious or Pinterest at first glance.  Sellers, Artists and others, perhaps this is worth a look as another venue to share and get your items out to the public.  They are also connected to Faceboook and Twitter and Google (there is a Plus, Google + folks!)

We can’t be all business all the time.  That gets boring, so in the spirit of fun and Friday the links below are purely for entertainment value, there isn’t a serious one in the bunch!

Warning bright colors follow abruptly from this link Draw on the screen with your mouse.   (Maybe later…)

More fun, run your mouse over the dots (keep going, make them really tiny) to discover something new… Koalas to the max (it’s not a Koala, honest!)

And a last bit of entertainment from Deviant Art, a neat little drawing program that you can play with for free or upgrade to a more powerful version.

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

Featured Artist – Photographer, Stacey DeBono

I am pleased to present and introduce my personal friend, and fabulous Photographer, Stacey DeBono. 

Stacey has written a brief bio about herself and her work, I have grabbed several of my favorite pictures that capture her amazing and wonderful talent.  Not limited to landscape and nature scenes, she also takes Portraits, and is available for private sittings, public venues and other events.  Contact Stacey if you’re in the San Francisco, Bay Area.  Links to her professional pages may be found below.

BIO:

Photography. Its one of those “catch” words for me. I love it, every single aspect of it, especially vintage type stuff. Capturing images that convey emotion, any emotion, is my goal. I love shooting people (photographically, of course…although I do admit to some feelings of love for shooting people with Nerf guns at times) and capturing subtle nuances of emotion in a contrasting background, with a vintage flair.

I’m Stacey, and Im a City chick, through and through. I’ve lived and traveled extensively in Europe and California, but I always come back to the Bay. I shoot musicians, bands, and people but specialize in vintage portraits – ’40s Hollywood glamour, ’60s mod, ’70s hippie chick – I love it all.

I’m also working with a few film production companies as a director/dir. of photography and am finding that quite rewarding. I’m opening a new studio March 1 in Oakland where I will be not only creating more vintage portraits with great props, but will be working with some of the best stylists and musicians the Bay has to offer. Exciting things happening in 2012!

You can find Stacey at the links below:

Facebook

LinkedIn

Some of Stacey’s Work – 

Home!  San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge

Seagull!

Beach Glass along the Hayward, CA shore.

This is one of my personal favorites of Stacey’s shots.  It evokes emotion at a glance, subtle tones of black and white capture the lone, gnarled, and stately tree in a California park.  Simply stunning!

What’s New in The Shop?

I am sorry to say that there is nothing new in the shop today.  

Last weekend was the Treasure Valley Market, and I was working my booth.  This is an Antique/ Artisan / Flea Market that occurs once a month, beginning in September and running through April.  There are vendors, food, entertainment, Tarot Readers, and of course shopping.

The Alchemists Vessel’s booth table (1) and neighbors.

Attendees looking for that something.

We do however have something new for you!  
Currently on The Alchemists Vessel fan page on Facebook, we are running a Free Jewelry Contest. You may see Friday’s blog for Rules and Regulations or join us on Facebook.

A Featured Website

Usually on Thursday’s I try to feature an artist or something that is unique and interesting.  I would love it if those that read the blog (or just know it exists) would like to participate by sending me bios and links to your products, artworks, jewelry, whatever, and we can feature you and get you out to the masses or at least a new audience!

Today’s featured site is a new one that I have come across called “Pinterest”.  Many of you that have an Etsy account may have seen the new button “Pin It”.  This is a direct link to the Pinterest site, like clicking the F for Like on Facebook or the +1 for Google.

Pinterest in currently an invitation only sign up.  I can invite friends!  If Digg is for links than Pinterest is for pictures.  Set up like a bulletin or cork-board, you can “pin” things you like on to separate boards, create categories on anything, and save these things on your Pinterest Boards.  You can look at, share and “re-pin” other users finds and boards as well.  I am unsure if you can view the boards without an account, but the link to mine is below.  I just started yesterday so I don’t have much “pinned” yet.  If you would like an invitation, please e-mail or leave a comment here. Or follow the link and sign up at the page.  All that is required is an e-mail address.  They do ask that you sign in with Facebook, you cannot, however, directly pin things from Facebook to Pinterest, which is stupid, but that’s the way it works.

Pinterest.com

Alix’s Boards

They do ask that you do not use the boards for self promotion and this where your friends and networking comes in!  You may pin something that you made, sure, but do not use the boards to sell, promote or push yourself, your items or other things down the throats of others.  Get your friends organized, pin each others items, products, whatever to each others boards.  You will not only get views but an entirely new group of people will see your stuff!

So get in there and start pinning!

Friday Friends and Finds

Changing up the blog was a good idea, next week we will return to our scheduled days.  This morning I have some friends work to offer and a link or two.

First up.  Giclée (pronounced zhee-clay) prints from American Artist, Allan O. Mudd.  The word giclée is actually a neologism coined by artist Jack Duganne, he wanted a name for the new prints that were being made by IRIS or Ink-Jet Printers.  The term applies to any piece of fine art that is digitally reproduced using computer-generated copies or ink-jet printers.  The word is taken from the french “gicler” – meaning to squirt, spurt or spray.  You may find Allan’s offerings by following this link.  Giclee Prints For Sale.  He has two nature prints available, a Tiger and Wolf.

 

 

Next is a SUPER AWESOME pair of earrings by Dark Mountain Treasures on Etsy.  These are adorable!  Red Hot Candy Earrings 

I’m sure many of you have seen the button that reads “pin it”, this is a new Social Site for your photos, Pinterest.  Sort of like Digg, but apparently you can actually interact, leave messages and notes on the “virtual corkboards” etc.  It is an Invitation only sign up now, you may request an invitation by visiting the link on the home page and clicking the big red box at the top, “Request an  Invitation”.  I see all kinds of networking possibilities here!  There is one catch, Pinterest asks that you not use the boards for self-promotion.  If you belong to an Etsy team, are a designer or planner, this might be a place to share a board with clients or friends to promote each other without “spamming” the pin boards.

Networking is so important.  Do you have, a site, project, item that you would like promoted?  E-mail me and we can include you in a post, Great Gifts To Give, Promotions, Links, Featured Artist, let’s find a niche posting for you!

And finally a reminder!  The Alchemists Vessel will be attending the February 18th – 19th, Market at the Idaho Expo at the Fair Grounds!  Admission is $2.00.  Food, fun, friends and finds!  All under one roof!  Come on down and say Hi, and check out some of the new inventory!  Next Weekend!

Thursday’s Featured Tools and Tips

You thought I was going to say artists didn’t you.  I would like to, but so many of them are busy creating and crafting and promoting that it is difficult to do one more thing!  So in light of an artist this week, I thought we would discuss Macro Photography and then Etsy’s coupon code entry.

For the longest time I put off internet sites and shops because I felt my pictures were not good enough to use as a selling point.  A friend, who is a wealth of knowledge, taught me about Macro Photography, or more appropriately taught me about the menu on my camera, which as luck would have it, has a MACRO setting.  Macro photography is for taking clear, close up shots of tiny objects.  Below are two examples of Macro Photography.  A bracelet of my own (Brecciated Jasper), that I photographed using the Macro option on my camera, and a professional photograph of a baby octopus.

Detail of the focal stone.  Shot at home on a gray velvet display board.

Professional Macro photograph.

 Macro settings allow you to capture the smallest detail.  I use a Canon Power Shot A480 – the Youtube video below was originally e-mailed to me by my friend.  I love this camera.  I will say that the manual is lacking in instruction on the menu and the settings the icons represent.  This young man will walk you through the basics.  If you are unsure if you camera has a Macro setting, search Youtube or other tutorial pages for your camera’s make and model.  Your shop items or whatever you’re photographing will look better for it.

A quick note about coupon codes.

As most of you have probably seen, I post the occasional coupon code for a percentage off your purchase price or free shipping.  Either you all forget to enter the code or not sure of where or when to do so.  Like so many I am guilty of rushing though a purchase at times, the information is automatically entered for you, what’s there to think about!  That darned coupon code!  That is important, it saves you money!

I urge you to REVIEW you orders or whatever you are doing on the net, before pressing that “Submit” button.  This first picture shows your order before you click the check out button.  Notice the Apply shop coupon code link in light blue between the payment options and the order summary.  Click that before clicking the check out button!

This second picture shows your order before you click the check out button and after you have clicked the Apply shop coupon code link.  Notice the Apply shop coupon code link has been replaced with a text box between the payment options and the order summary.  Enter the coupon code here if one is provided before you click the check out button.  Your discount or Free Shipping will be applied and subtracted from your total!  Your new total will appear and your order will reflect the discount in the order summary.

Now you can shop to your heart’s content and get all the good discounts offered by so many of the shop owners / vendors.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  Comments are always welcome!

How To Get Those Five Great Gifts For Giving

For the last month or so, every Tuesday I have posted links to either  my own offerings around the web or other items for sale by fellow artists and artisans.  It has been brought to my attention that I have been remiss in explaining exactly how to acquire the items that are linked in the posts.

 I am guessing that many of you either have an Etsy account, whether Buyer or Seller, or you have seen the logo, the big orange square with the letter E.  This is Etsy, as a friend once quipped, “it’s like the world’s garage sale.”  Etsy is actually a venue, not a service, that brings Artists, Artisans, Craft-people and Professionals together in a central location allowing them to sell their wares and communicate with each other as well as reaching new customers, fans, and making those all important networking connections and opportunities.  Etsy is free!  However you must register for an account if you wish to buy or sell on the venue’s site, again registration is free, but a credit card or a debit card with the Master Card or Visa logo is required to sign up.  The card will never be charged, Etsy is free.  They make their money from Vendor listings and percentage takes from sales.

Other People’s listings and shared links are provided by the Artist or vendor, and posted with their permission.  These people either have an Etsy shop, a website or page and all are account holders on Facebook.  The link to the item is provided and may be clicked on to carry you through to the item’s page or description.  Many of the Artist / Vendors welcome e-mails and will readily answer questions in regards to custom orders, payment methods, or general questions about the item of interest.  No solicitations please.

Alternatives to Etsy:

If you don’t want or would prefer not to register / sign up for yet another internet account there are alternatives!

E-Mail: Ask what other ordering or payment arrangements might be made.  “Contact Us” buttons and e-mail addresses aren’t just window dressing, they are meant to be used!  Don’t be detoured because of the “Buy Now” button.  Many vendors will work with a customer to provide the best payment option for them.

Snail Mail:  The United States Postal Service is still open, operational and ready to take your envelope to its destination!  The Alchemists Vessel accepts personal, electronic or cashiers checks or money orders via USPS.  It is also how your items will be delivered to you!  Don’t forget those brave men and women in light blue who trudge through rain, sleet, and snow to bring you your mail!  They are useful!

Phone: The Alchemists Vessel is pleased to announce that we will have a Toll Free Customer Service phone number up and running soon!  If your chosen vendor (seller) has a contact phone number listed give them a call during their hours of operation.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

We are happy and excited to bring you a new service!  TAV, The Alchemists Vessel, is now capable of processing your ATM or Credit Cards, either over the phone or at the local markets and venues.  No cell phones or e-mails to contend with, we have a real Slide Imprinter and your receipt will be provided to you right on the spot!  How convenient and easy!

Thank you for stopping by and reading or just having a brief look.  Please feel free to leave a comment or contact us via any of the links to the right.

A Featured Artist Website

If you have been wondering where I have been and what I have been doing, I have spent the last several days creating a Website.  It was published yesterday and I think I look quite professional.

The Alchemists Vessel 

You will find a lot of photos, a Custom Order page, Mini Etsy Shop and you can also buy directly from the site.  Click the type not the picture.

Here is the information on where to go what to do who hosts it etc.

Kudos and a big shout out to Zain Orion of Dark Mountain Treasures for directing me to: 

dynadot.com for Domain Name registration

Host Gator for Web Hosting

Business Site $10.95 / month (There are cheaper options)

Toll Free Number for your business (rings through your regular line)

And any other number of goodies for you and your site.

It should be said here that I was looking for a site similar to that of Dark Mountain Treasures, and I am in way over my head with Host Gator, they are a fantastic and powerful site, with a lot of wonderful tools, 3/4 of which I don’t need, get, or have a clue on what to do with.  The site was created with a pre-made template and I dragged, dropped, added, typed and edited, all with in their BaseKit Sitebuilder, it was a very pleasant experience.  Yes, I said pleasant experience, no screaming and tearing of hair or renting of clothes.  The builder is simple and intuitive.  They have live chat assistance or you may call them 24/7 at a 1-800 number.  I have used both and was thrilled with the results of both help lines.

I am also a .net, I had a site alchemistsvessel.com for years on Yahoo, no one ever used it or even looked at it, never made a sale or anything.  Due to the way Domain registration works, I am now alchemistsvessel.net, you must type http:// instead of www. to reach a net site.  Not a biggie.

Thank you for stopping by.  Now back to the work table to do what I do best, make jewelry!

Changes Are Coming

Salutaitons,

That’s right changes are coming to the blog and to The Alchemists Vessel sites all over the web.  We still have absolutely fabulous jewelry to choose from and new items are on the way, we are hoping to expand our lines and create additional items for Men and Teens.

Changes are also coming to the blog!  There will be Monday through Friday Posts, *Guest Bloggers, and of course pictures!

Mondays: “What’s New in the Shop“.  Expect posts of new items and materials and links to those listings.

Tuesdays:  “5 Great Gift Ideas“, maybe not all from Etsy, but Etsy Shops will certainly be featured!  Not only will this be fun, but I get to cruise the web for cool stuff.  Readers, please feel free to comment and post your own gift ideas and always please feel free to share!

Wednesdays:  In My Studio: I will try to post pictures and progress shots of current and past projects, along with short explanations of what is currently on the work bench, um dining table.

Thursdays: Interviews and Miscellaneous.  I hope to feature Etsy sellers, Facebook friends and other talented artists and crafts people I have the pleasure of meeting either over the net or in real life.

Fridays: Links and Promotions. Not only will I will be providing links to my own shop and promotions but other sites and shops as well.

*Would you like to be a Guest Blogger?  A Featured Etsy Shop Interview?  How about that item you are trying to sell?  Please leave a comment here I will get in touch with you.  Or follow the links to the menu sidebar at your right for Facebook or Google pages and send me a message, I can be reached any number of ways!

Watch this blog, we begin the new and improved blog next week, January 9th, 2012!