New Things and DIY Fun

Good Morning,

Due to unforeseen circumstances, like dental emergencies, Little Shop of Artists is closed today.  We will be open Thursday through Sunday!  Stop by and check out the new items in the shop, including hand-painted trinket boxes.

These simple, fun and cute little wood boxes lend themselves to any number of uses.  I found mine at an art supply store.

Materials:

Wood Box – 1
Paint Brush – 1 (Medium sized flat bristle for good coverage)
Sea Sponge / Stippler / Foam Headed Pouncer – pick one or use all
Two (2) Colors of Acryalic Paint (Artists Choice) – Three is a good maximum, don’t want your box getting “muddy”.
Water
Paper Towels (dry your brushes or remove excess paint)
News Paper (protect your work surface)
Gloss-Luster Finish Mod-Podge – Sealant 
Sandpaper (Optional) – Recommended if the wood is rough.

First find a box, any box will do.  Round, square, oval, hinged, not hinged, lid or no lid.  It should be wood or other paint-able surface.

If the surface of the box feels rough, sand it lightly with 120 Grit or higher sandpaper until it feels smoother beneath your finger.  Remember to sand with the grain of the wood.

I highly recommend using a base or sealer first.  I used Gesso, a product used to prepare the surface of canvas (in this case wood) for acrylic paint.

Welcome to the Studio or “The Dungeon” as my Mom likes to call it.  Pardon the mess, but I really do work here!

Using a brush, I painted the outside of the lid and sides of the box with a light coat of Gesso.

Next (and this is the fun part, it is messy, too, I love that!)

Choose a base color ( I chose black for this box) and with a Sea Sponge, “Stippler”, or Foam Tiped “Pouncer” – Dab, daub, dot, blot, pounce, press, push, shmush and down right smash that chosen tool all over the box, until you have covered the surface and it is a pattern you like.

Remember to work quickly. Do not over wet the sponge or other tool, use just enough water to get the paint is moving. (Use news paper to protect your work surface).

Allow to dry thoroughly. Acrylic paint dries fairly fast, allow about ten to fifteen minutes in between coats, or touch test, if it is still tacky (sticky) to the touch allow it to dry a little more.

With your second color (I chose Crimson), fill your tool and go over the surface of your box until it is covered or it has the desired effect or pattern you like.

Allow you box to dry once again.

Last step, I recommend NOT skipping this, it not only seals the wood, but will help protect your pretty art work.

Using a clean brush, paint the exterior of the box with a light coat of Mod-Podge in Gloss-Lustre Finish. Allowing the box to dry thoroughly in between coats will assure no smudges or dragging of the paint will occur when finishing your box. Allow to dry one more time.

Your box, she is complete! You may if you so choose allow the box to dry and paint the bottom, or using a spray adhesive and a scrap piece of material adhere the material to the bottom of the box and cut it away until it is flush with the edges of the box. Line the inside with something if you like. Put your secret stash, treasure or basic stuff in your finished trinket box and tuck it on a shelf or a dresser or wherever might need a little a color in your world.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look. This box, and more are available at Little Shop of Artists.

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

ARTISTS / ARTISANS WANTED

Happy Friday,

It is the weekend, and we are closer to opening Little Shop of Artists.  However we are still in search of Artists and Artisans to display their work at the store.

ARTISTS / ARTISANS WANTED

For Small Retail Venue

Display your Work

Little Shop of Artists

6713 Fairview Ave, Ste. B

Boise, ID, 83704

(Behind A-1 Video Exchange)

*$50.00 a month

Artists keep all sales monies

*Includes – Website Links, Gallery Photos, Radio and Newspaper Advertising, Class Space, Shop Business Cards, Other Business Amenities

Contact us at askus@littleshopofartists.com 

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.  

Dark Maille In The Studio

Good Morning,

Is it inappropriate to expect Children of the Night to be up at this hour?  Probably.

New items have appeared in the shop, and with a darker twist.  Subtle, surprising and unusual, these Chainmaille bracelets are woven with Gunmetal tone (over copper) and enameled Aluminum jump rings.  Part of the Captured Color Collection, they allow for an accent of color about the wrist while keeping the mystique of your attire in tact.

From Raven’s Nook

Enchantress Chainmaille Bracelet

Wicked, wild, wonderful and sure to enchant even the darkest of hearts. This unusual and attractive bracelet is just right for those with a penchant for a darker wardrobe steeped in black and clothed mystery, this bracelet is no exception. Purple peers out through its cage of rings, the puzzle-like construction suggests they may be trying to free themselves from captivity, as they float, between ring and empty space. Great for a subtle pop of color at the office, a sleek and intriguing date night accessory, or perhaps and evening in stripy stockings at the local dance club. Whatever you choose, your outfit will catch the eye of many an admirer.

Makes an excellent adornment for Goth, Rocker, or Biker Fashions, Fantasy costumes, Film, Stage or Event attire.

8-1/4″ total length, including clasp. Gunmetal tone (over copper) and enameled aluminum jump rings in Violet are woven in the Inverted Round Maille pattern and secured with a strong magnetic clasp that holds well during everyday activities and movements.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

*Customizable,may be made to desired length or color of choice. Multicolor request please add $5.00 or choose from our line of ready-to-wear selections currently available in the shop.

Free Shipping this item. Custom orders please allow 2 – 3 Days for shipping we will need time to create your item.

Siren Chainmaille Bracelet

Sing your own Siren Song in this stunning and subtle bracelet. Appropriate for Professional Office attire, Date Night or wandering long forgotten halls at twilight. Perfect for Goth, Rocker, or Biker fashions, or Film, Stage and Event costume design. You’re sure to lure many an on-looker in this lovely and fun bracelet. Although associated with the sea, Sirens (Greek Mythology) are actually beautiful and dangerous half-women, half-bird creatures, that live on one of several Islands near Cypress. The daughters of the River god, Achelous, they lure sailors to their rocky shores with enchanting music and song. Although they lured mariners, for the Greeks the Sirens in their “meadow starred with flowers” were not sea deities, but “winged-daughters of the earth”.

8-1/4″ total length, including clasp. Gunmetal tone (over copper) and enameled aluminum jump rings in Olive Green are woven in the Inverted Round Maille pattern and finished with a strong magnetic clasp that hold well during those evening flights of fancy.

Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.

Customizable, may be made to desired length or clasp may be switched to toggle or Lobster Claw at customer request. Multicolor request please add $5.00, or take a look at our selection of ready-to-wear pieces available in the shop.

Free Shipping this item.

Custom orders, please allow 2 -3 Day shipping, we need time to create your item.

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner. 

 Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

  

Five Great Gifts For Giving List 11

Tuesday is here, and as usual we have five items that would make awesome gifts.

Today I am trying something a little different.  These items are taken from brand new artists on handmadeartists.com.  They are not part of the blog ring or any other feature.  These are artists that have caught my eye, not to mention make things that I covet!

Ladies, are you stuck for something to get the man in your life?  Check these out. Not only are they cool, they are very masculine, and come in a variety of items, including movie monsters, backhoes, Sports Figures and much more.  These sculptures are amazing and I would recommend just having a look at what else is in the shop.  Not only are these are awesome they are totally affordable!

From: Art From Steel

Chopper

Product Details:

 Note the wider ball bearing wheels at the back and the V twin engine made from cut off spark plugs. 

–  Expertly Hand-Made from recycled scrap metal

–  Dimensions : 9″ X 4″ X 4″ (22 X 9 X 9 cms)

–  Weight : 2.3 lbs (1 kgs)

–  Extremely Limited Supply!

–  Note: This statue may vary slightly from photograph due to the scarcity of materials.

This artist has an incredible talent for the tiny!  Check out her other sculptures as well.

From: Electronic Girl

Red Pandas hang around unique gift for her cool gift for teenager mothers day gift

 

Product Details:

This adorable little Red Panda is just hanging around enjoying his time with you! This unique necklace will melt your loved one’s heart instantly!!!
If a special someone loves red pandas, this is the coolest gift ever! This carefully designed {hand sculpted} wearable artwork was created with incredible attention to detail. The pictures do not do it justice.
This pendent comes with a 18″ ball chain. Pendant is about 1″ x 1″. The purple flower is a Swarovski crystal.
Get him now! This necklace will go fast and will not be re-listed until another one is made. They are very labor intensive.
**Please read my shop policy’s before making a purchase.
**note: since the panda has very fine details the appendages are delicate. I recommend being gentle when wearing this necklace. (aka: don’t kick box while wearing it)
——————————————————————
**all jewelry that leaves my shop is swabbed with antiseptic.
**yes, I have cats but they are not allowed near my jewelry components, in process pieces or finished pieces…as it would be a choking hazard.
**smoke free environment

These are truly unique, one of a kind and amazing affordable for the time and effort that must have gone in to making them.

From: Glitzy Glass Studio

Lampwork Boro Focal Glass Blown Vessel Bead Purple Blue Crystal Swirl by DeMarie SRA

Product Details: I made this lovely one of a kind glass blown lampwork boro hollow vessel in my glass torch. This vessel is very three dimensional with crystal swirls around the entire design, each swirl magnifies the shades underneath and captures the light. Your vessel can be used for essential oils, perfume or cremains if you desire.

The vessel is 3 inches tall and 1 1/2 inches wide. It has a custom glass stopper that fits snuggly in place
Size: 3 inches tall and 1 1/2 inches wide.
I have been making and loving glass work since 1993
All GG beads are properly cleaned, annealed and packaged.GG Boro beads are created using Northstar, Glass Alchemy and Momaka Rods.GG encased boro beads are wrapped with high quality crystal clear Pyrex Glass from Corning.GG beads are kiln annealed, carefully examined, and cleaned by ultrasonic power and then by hand.
Policy – I strive to always be available to meet my Bead Families needs .I can be reached via the web or phone at 951-239-1777 (California time)Please try not to call me at 3am – I get a bit grumpy 

Now here is something truly unique and different.

From: Jane Priser

Geometric Sunrise

Product Details:
Geometric Sunrise is an original pen drawing created by me, Jane Priser. This is the only one and there is no other. This sunrise scene is a fantastic and interesting abtract. Permanent marker upon sturdy Bristol paper. Free shipping within the U.S.!

ACEO stands for Art Card Editions & Originals. The standard size is 2.5 x 3.5 Inches. (Size of a sports trading card). They are highly collectible works of art that are the perfect size to collect and make wonderful gifts. To learn more, search ACEO on the web! 

From Norma’s Bath and Body

orange sherbet soap float

Product Details:

 Mmmm.. how fun is this orange sherbet soap float. give as a nice gift. smells good enough to eat. display on the sink. your family and friends and guests will love it. comes with or without a straw.

If you need bulk to let me know!

 

Friday Links and Promotions

Happy Friday,

The weekend is here and promises to be a good one. 

I have been trying to think of something to post today, and because I am coming up short, I think I will share a date instead.

November 24th, 2012, is Shop Small Day!  Why just keep it to one day?  What not shop small all the time.  Just what does that mean? 

It means to shop your local and independent businesses.  I don’t mean hit the mall with  the other lemmings at 5:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning for “Door-buster” sales.  I mean take your time and seek out Main Street, those fabulous little shops owned and operated by a person, not a giant faceless corporation.  Take your time and look on line at some of the wonderful and unique handmade goodies from Artists and Designers all over the country.  

This image was downloaded from the Facebook Fan Page for Shop Small Day.

Places to shop small:

handmadeartists.com
The Alchemists Vessel – Jewelry and Gifts
Studio RGC – Twisted Little Things

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Jens Pind Chainmaille Photo Tutorial In My Studio

 

Good Morning,

Today in the studio I have been working on a new Chainmaille weave for a variety of items and the post is packed with photos.  The Jens Pind Linkage or JPL for short is a spiral weave and very much like a rope pattern.  The tight AR (Aspect Ratio) of the rings locks them into place and keeps the weave from unwinding.

The Jens Pind weave, in three colors, to show the pattern.  This is a favorite way to weave this pattern, the colors show off the spiral twist of the chain.

Each jump ring is placed through the two prior rings and lines up with the ring of the same color.  The jump rings must be linked precisely and in the correct position to achieve the zig-zag stacking effect.

Aspect Ratio is measured by dividing the Inner Diameter (ID) of the jump ring by the Wire Diameter (WD = gauge). It is important to convert the wire gauge into millimeters before dividing.  Yes, you have to do math!

AR = ID ÷ WD    
Example: 3.0  ÷ 1.024 = 2.92  
This would be equivalent to a 3.0mm ID 18 gauge wire jump ring, with an AR of 2.92

It is important to take this into account when working a weave pattern.  If the wire is too thick, the inner diameter will not be large enough for the number of the rings that need to pass through it, too thin or the ID too large, the weave (knit) will be too loose with an airy or lacy look.  Some Chainmaille patterns are very AR sensitive, as I have found out attempting the Jens Pind.  Not terribly complicated, but done with an incorrect AR and you a have an unattractive mess.

Two Color Jens Pind weave, although the rings look the same, they are not, the silver rings are 16g and the Brown are 18g, both rings are 10mm, however for some odd reason they both have an inner diameter of about 5.2.  The pattern has a more open weave then the three color chain in the same gauge.

You can see the contrasting rings through the weave, showing that the weave is a little loser than the three color example above.

As you spin or turn the chain the illusion of twisting or spiraling occurs.

Although the position of the rings never changes, they appear to twist through each other depending on the angle of view.

In order to show the detail, I have used 14 g, 16, and 18g, 10mm Anodized Aluminum jump rings purchased from a craft store in all of the example photos.  These have an ID of 5 (perhaps 5.2)  the AR is 5.2 ÷ 1.628 = 3.2 (3.19) This is a good AR for this particular Chainmaille weave. The correct or optimal AR is somewhere between 2.76 and 3.1

A good tight Jens Pind weave will be supple enough to move fluidly, making it ideal for bracelets, necklaces, and other ornaments and items.  Another word about Aspect Ratio, if the AR of any weave is too tight the chain will be stiff and unsuitable for much, including armor, decorative or other wise.  Placing the rings properly is crucial if the chain is to be flexible enough for wear or use.

Single color Jens Pind weave.  The chain can look different depending on whether you use multiple or single colors of jump rings.   I find the single color to be most attractive, but more difficult to weave without the color variation as a visual guide for the ring placement.

These are large chunky chains to show detail.  I dislike the rings I purchased, they are poorly cut, some have large burrs or Gargoyle heads and were unacceptable to use, some effort went into sorting and trying to clean them up before the project began.   Unfortunately I think another material or another supplier is in order.

Now that we have seen the different looks you can achieve lets take a quick look at how to make this pattern.  If you are just learning to weave (knit) maille, may I suggest learning the Half and / or Full Persian weaves before attempting the Jens Pind, it will make more sense if you are familiar with those patterns.

Instructions:
I have tried to be clear, concise and brief in my tutorial, I expect the pictures to be of more help than the written instruction.   I will be using Green, Blue and Purple jump rings as in the photo above for easy ring identification and to show the step by step placement of each ring as it is linked into place.

Materials: 
Twist Tie 
Lot and Lots of jump rings in the correct AR
Two Pairs of pliers (preferably Flat Nosed) 
Direction: “Up” = away from you, Down = towards you

 

1.  Close one ring (Green) and connect a twist tie to mark the beginning of the chain.

 

2.  Put one jump ring (Blue) through the first one, close it, and lay it flat against the first one.  This will determine how the spiral will form.

 
3.  Add a third jump ring (Purple), by passing it through the eye created by the first two rings and lay it flat against the second ring.

 

There are now three rings, Green, Blue, Purple (or 1, 2, 3).  The purple ring is in the correct position.

4.  Add a fourth ring (*Green), this ring should align with the first ring (The one with the twist tie).  Slide the ring up through the eye in the previous two rings (blue and purple) making sure it lies behind the first Green ring.  Close the ring.  *The pattern repeat begins.  You can see the zig-zag stacking begin.

 

5.  Rotate the chain so the Blue jump ring arcs over the work.  

  
 
6. Add the next ring (Blue).  Slide the ring down and through the eye of Green and Purple rings and UNDERNEATH (in front of) the previous Blue jump ring.

Each color of the rings must lay in the same direction, as the chain grows it will be easier to see where to place the next ring.  Each color ring goes through the same eye as the previous one of the same color.

7.  Rotate the chain so the Purple Ring arcs over the work.  Add the next ring (purple).  Slide the ring up and through the eye of the Green and Blue rings and behind the previous purple ring.  

The pattern is beginning to form and you can see how the jump rings are placed in relationship to each other.  The Chain needs to be turned to make sure that the rings are lined up in the right position and placed opposite each other.
8.  Continue with steps 4 through 7 adding each color (Green, Blue, Purple) of jump ring in order until your length of chain is complete. 

There are now seven rings total in the chain, and the third Green, Blue, Purple sequence begins.

 

Finish with a clasp or link together with a jump ring.  Here is a short length sample of the chain we just made, supple enough to make a circle.

 Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

Other Sources:

zlosk.com: Maille – Jens Pind Linkage Ring Calculator
Table of AWG Wire Sizes

 

In My Studio – Random Thoughts

 

Image via CrunchBase

 

Hello there,

I did not have anything specific in mind for today’s blog, thought about a couple of subjects, but they just didn’t seem to grab me.  So I’m just gonna ramble I think.  Gotta post something.

 

I had an excellent conversation with my good friend, and incredible sculptor, Ralph Cordero of RGC Studios, you can find his work on Etsy under Twisted Little Things.   I actually own a couple of those gruesome cuties!  We discusses the state of employment for artists, what’s available and what’s not, and what to do or how to re-create your offerings to appeal to the masses, or get that coveted job that was applied for.  The industry is full of kids just graduating from their respective colleges and looking for work that doesn’t exist.  Competition is tough in an industry job-market that is already overrun with want-to-bes.  So what does the established artist do when this happens?  That is a conundrum.

First of all you sit down on your tushie and git that hamster on the wheel, and start thinking about how to create interest and drive customers to your site, shop, table, display, store, or what have you.  Contemplate, evaluate, decide, rearrange, organize, and have a cup of coffee in the middle of all that, narrow your focus to laser-beam precision and begin the process of elimination or addition to make the items stand out, or to make it all happen.

After attending the Treasure Valley Flea Market this weekend, I sat down and did some serious thinking and reorganization as well as re-evaluating and deciding what to do about the lack-luster performance in sales.  Several things have come to mind and may be worth passing along.  

 

The economy is terrible right now,  Just awful, this is an obvious given, no one is blind to the fact that gas is now creeping up over $4.00 a gallon, again, and with that goods and services are also going up, which leaves little money for the aspirational (not necessary) things like art, and jewelry.

The Treasure Valley Flea Market occurs once a month, I have attended since 2005, I have been a regular vendor at Booth #28 for seven years.  I see the same vendors and the same customers every show, occasionally there will be something new to see, but for the most part it is the same stalls over and over again.   I have come to the conclusion that I have run the gamete at this particular venue.  

In the interest of keeping myself sane and my bank account in the black, I will be reducing the number of TVFMs I attend.  I will of course be attending October and November Markets, however during the 2013 Season, I will perhaps attend one Market, and one Market only.  Save those pennies, because The Alchemists Vessel will only be there once.

There will also be several changes coming to The Alchemists Vessel as well.  We will still provide quality off the rack jewelry, but the focus will be on high end One Of A Kind pieces, and not your average everyday manufactured comes-in-everything department store jewelry.

The website alchemistsvessel.net will also see some changes, as well as a complete and well stocked items page for your shopping pleasure.  The handmadeartists.com shop The Alchemists Vessel , will also be seeing some changes as we add to and remove some items listed on the site.  I know many people get lost on Etsy or e-Bay with the overwhelming amount of products there are to peruse.  We will also be closing the Cafe Press shop.  There isn’t any traffic and even though it is free, there is no sense in monitoring or putting energy into something that is not performing as one would have liked.

 

A quick reminder, Halloween is coming up and we have cool themed items in the Ravens Nook for your costume or just for fun.  Spiders, bats, skulls, black and orange gemstone beads, ooooo spooky!  Blog readers this is a special for you!  Starting October 01, 2012, there will be a coupon code for 20% off all themed items in the shop.  Bookmark your favorites now and come back and get them when they are on sale later! 

OK, I think I have run out of random stuff to discuss.  Tomorrow’s blog will feature a fellow Handmade Artists jewelry designer.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

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

 

 

Studio Shuffle – What’s Going On At The Workbench

 

Happy Middle of the Week to you all!

 

After last weeks fun with Cuttlebone Casting,  I took a little break and did something simple.  Sort of.

 

Occasionally I will buy Estate Jewelry in bulk, usually it’s pretty much costume jewelry that is broken or will be taken apart for its bits and pieces.  Every once in a great while I come across something exceptional, a wonderful surprise of promising buried treasure.

 

I failed to take a photo of the piece before I took it apart.  But the thought of blogging about it didn’t occur to me until the piece had been re-worked and finished.  Oops!  Also I have come to find out that the Photo Editor on my computer is having problems, so I have been reduced to attempting to take pictures with the cell-phone’s camera.  Not and easy feat!

 

“Blue Tile” is the up-cycled outcome of the salvaged necklace.  Originally 18″ long, with clusters of glass baubles and several damaged tiles.  It was attractive, but I saw potential for something unique and interesting.

 

I removed the damaged pieces and the clusters of glass beads, cleaned and polished each tile, restoring the mirror finish and high shine.  Using the original jump rings and clasp I re-linked each tile individually, re-creating the necklace.  It now looks like this.

 

Blue Tile – Sterling Silver and Gemstone Necklace

Description: A fabulous piece for Egyptian, Southwestern or Turquoise admirers. Occasionally I purchase Estate Sale Jewelry in bulk, and every once in a while something exceptional appears. This absolutely gorgeous necklace is up-cycled from its original 18″ length. Damaged tiles, links, pieces and clustered glass doo-dads were removed, the original parts salvaged and re-created as this fabulous and unique 15-1/2″ necklace.

Would make a wonderful alternative for a December Birthday!

 

Other things going on in the Studio:

 

I made my second ring, and the first one I am willing to put in the shop for sale.  After a lot of practice and several failed attempts I have something that I think I really like!  I need to make more, I am obsessed with the process now.

 

Hot off the anvil

 

Malachite and Sterling Silver Genuine Gemstone Hand Forged Ring

Description: Hand forged Sterling Silver and genuine Malachite ring. Size 6 – 6-1/2. Will fit pinky or ring finger.

Would make a wonderful alternative for May Birthdays!

Created with Sterling Silver sizing stock (stamped “Sterling”), sterling silver bezel and sterling silver jewelry solder (for attachments and accent swirls). Genuine Malachite cabochon is 6mm, setting is 7.5mm to 8mm. Sterling silver wire has been used to create the swirl accents on the sides, they are soldered to the sides of the shank. The shank has been soldered at the bottom to keep the double strands together.

All elements of this ring have been crafted by hand, the cabochon stone was purchased through a gemstone supplier and is A grade Malachite.

Detail Photos

 

Next weekend is also the first Market of the season, we are getting prepared and packed to attend! 

 

 

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

 

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

 

Thursday Workbench Woes

 

Good Morning,

 

As I await the Blog Ring to begin again, I am left with empty space for posting.

 

Some of you are aware of the household incidents that have been plaguing me of late, leaks, floods, electrical wiring weirdness, wasp infestation…  In the midst of all that my poor workbench has become the catch-all for odds and ends bits and pieces.

 

I am usually a very organized craft-person, everything in its place, cubby-holes, bins, boxes, baskets, bags, nooks, crannies, shelves, drawers, the odd table corner even.  I am finding it most difficult to work under these conditions.

 

Destruction Productions presents – Alix’s Workbench, Portrait of Horror.

Yes, I used to sit in that chair, and work on that table, you can see some of the items I have discussed here including a color wheel, sandpaper, a set of craft knives, my mini-torch, light box, and various tools and other equipment.  

 

With the workbench in such a state, I have been delegated to the Dining table in the great room.

 

You guys are laughing now…

 

Since a good portion of my materials and supplies are small they require little space, or so one would think.  Right.  Due to the mentioned mishaps much of my shelf space has vanished, so I have managed to cram everything into the closet.  When I say I work out of my closet, I ain’t kidding.

The supply closet, whether you work in an office or at home, eventually you need someplace to put those things you use for work.  Cubby-holes, bins, boxes, baskets, bags, nooks, crannies, shelves, drawers and the file cabinet corners are full to the brim with beads, wire, string, clasps, buttons, clay, twine, charms, ribbon, just about every conceivable and imagined item can be found with in the depths of the Supply Closet…  Happy Hunting!

That’s all for today.  Now you have a little inside peak at the madness that is my method.

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

 

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

 

In My Studio At The Work Bench Wednesday

 

Good Morning,

The middle of week arrives, bright, shiny and hot!  It has been over 100 degrees here in the lovely City of Trees, and yesterday the high was a scorching 105!

 

I am so glad that there is air-conditioning in the office / work area.

 

I have been working on a number of things, including the fourth module or unit of my own class.  Excited about finishing up one or two of the graded assignments as well.

 

Currently we are designing a line of rugged, strong, handsome, durable and sustainable jewelry for men.  Gemstones, Chainmaille, and natural materials for bold, solid, statement pieces that work well for costume or casual attire.  We are also working on a line of finer jewelry accessories like tie-tacks and rings and are in hope of showcasing those items soon.

Primitive and  rustic is “Thane“, an Antiqued Bronze and genuine Pyrite necklace woven in the Full Persian Chainmaille weave.  Perhaps the Badge of Honor or Mark of Rank with in the Clan or Village.  The pendant is a genuine Pyrite “Doughnut” left in a natural state with pits and polish along the surface.  (I said PITS).  A natural Pyrite oval bead accents the center of the pendant.  The toggle clasp is manufactured and fits the style of the chain well.

 

*The word Thane usually means any person holding an aristocratic status somewhere between Baron and Freeman under an Anglo-Saxon Lord.

Antiqued Bronze jump rings are linked together in the Full Persian Chainmaile weave, formed by beginning on either side of the pendant and ending in a double-loop toggle clasp closure. 

Detail: The genuine Pyrite Doughnut has been strung on Jeweler‘s Bronze (Merlin’s Gold) wire, and a genuine Pyrite bead has been centered as an accent, creating a unique and interesting focal point.

The Full Persian Chainmaille weave is intricate and beautiful.  Strong and supple, it feels smooth when running a hand along the surface.  It has the  appearance of interlocking individual units, although the chain is created two jump rings at a time.

 

The Toggle clasp is a simple and sturdy closure.  A bar is attached to two lengths of chain in this style and it’s circular “lock” is attached to the opposite end of the chain, the bar is slipped through the circle and holds itself in place, as seen here.   This particular toggle clasp works exceptionally well with this chainmaille weave it allows for the double row of jump rings to remain consistent and even, ensuring a balanced and secure fit.

 

Also along the same rustic and primitive lines is a piece I haven’t decided what to title it yet.  Based on a Rohirric ideal of design is “Horse Lord”.  

 

Created using natural bone carved into to a horse head toggle clasp is just the start of my version of what is commonly called a “Torq” (also spelled Torc and Torque).  A Torq consists of long strands of metal that have been twisted or woven together to form a rope, the ends are capped with balls, squares, and sometimes the heads of animals worked or cast in metal.  Some torqs were meant to be worn for life and were very difficult to remove if made of metal bars bent in to shape and closed or secured with heavy metal end caps.  Many modern jewelers still use a method of twisting or weaving metal strands sometimes called “Viking Knitting”.  This piece is a twist on the traditional design idea, incorporating chainmaille instead of strands and a toggle clasp for easy on off, instead of a permanent adornment.  A work in progress there is only about 3-1/2″ total completed.  The two inches of chain is Antiqued Copper spun in a smaller diameter for a sleeker look.

 

Highly detailed carved natural bone Horse Head toggle clasp, its mate is a round piece of bone shaped to fit over and rest with the curve of the neck.  May be worn in front, back or on the side to show off this very handsome and well done equine portrait.

 

The other side of the toggle.  Mouth, nose (even nostrils), mane, eye, and ears are easily seen.  The eye has been painted with a tiny dot of black for definition.  The short length of chain beginning the Torq can also be seen.

 

Soon to be listed for sale.

 

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

 

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant rest of the workweek.