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!

In My Studio – Charms and Parts

This morning I would like to share some the cool components I use in crafting and creating.  Some are purchased from a local supplier here in town, others were purchased from Pims Supplies on Etsy.  With the market coming up this weekend, production has been put on hold in favor of packing and preparing for the Public!  We have things in the works at the Vessel, never fear!

We have some new Brass components in the studio. Never be afraid to shop your local stores for unique and interesting finds like this brass Octopus Locket with a magnetic closure.  We have several new items with a sea theme.

Some of the cutest charms I have seen for jewelry in a long time are these brass Filigree or latticed Fish / Dolphin charms.  For the Earring Pair “Fishing Gear”, soon to be available on Etsy, these were purchased from Pims Supplies.  Her shop has wonderful things!  Give it a look see!

Requested by a friend for a Frog Bracelet, I have found these adorable Sterling Silver Plated Frog Prince charms, and you just know I bought a lot more than one design!  A local supply store find!  Soon to be available in the shop charm bracelets, earrings and perhaps a necklace or two with Swans, and Dragons, and Airplanes, and Frog Princes!

Last but not least in an effort to continue to bring new things to the shop, The Alchemists Vessel will be offering custom Chain Maille watch bands and complete Watches.  First up to be chained will be this one, a Unisex style square watch face.  Stainless Steel with a fresh new battery.

Just a gentle reminder, the Market is this weekend!  5610 Chinden Blvd., at the Fair Grounds, Expo Idaho Building!  Admission is $2.00 at the door, and there are lots of cool booths to check out and shop!

What’s New In The Shop? (Photo-packed!)

Today we are going to show case some of the items in the new Shop section: Supplies.  These are de-stash items and quantities are limited.  Check out Wednesday’s, 2/15/12, blog “In My Studio” for some of the new inventory and materials we have in stock to create more beautiful things for you!  These items are for sale via the internet only!

These are cute, useful and multi-purpose.  Antiqued Silver Bead Ends / Knot Hiders, these little accent finishers come in three styles, Swirl Pattern and Star Shaped, the third is a smooth ball with a crescent stamped into the side of the metal (not shown).  Add a little secret to your necklace or bracelet clasps.  Great for small gauge Wire, Tiger Tail, and thread, or connecting thread or wire built sections on to chain!!!!

Star-shape

Next we have these wonderful Sterling Silver Zodiac Sign charms, perfect for earrings, necklace or bracelet accents.  All twelve signs are here and stamped 925 on the back.  The set includes all 12 signs, packaged separately in 20 count bags, each bag contains 20 or more jump rings.  That’s 240 pieces plus additional materials.  An over purchase, I would like to share at a discounted rate.

Brick red, and rust colors are in this year, and nothing says brick red like Cinnabar.   Styled with Chinese Motifs there is a set of 2 Dragons, 2 Fu Lions and 6 Chinese Character beads.  All are carved on either side and range from 1″ to 1-5/8″ tall.  Sold individually, why not try pairing them together.  These are sure to make a statement in any piece they adorn.

Cinnabar Dragon pair 1-1/4″ x 1-5/8″

Cinnabar Fu Lion pair – 1-1/2″ x 1’3/4″ – He comes with a buddy!

Chinese Character Rectangular beads

We have one assortment of Glass Leaf-shaped beads left.  Comes in a 12 color variety, and differing counts, not a bag under four leaves.

We also some fun base metal things.  Triangles with a Celtic or mid-eastern feel swirl design and very cute filagree or cut-out heart circular earring findings.  Comes in sets of five and three pair.

I have to save a few surprises for the shop!  Feel free to click on through and see what else is listed.  There are gemstones, red coral (dyed), more silver plated findings to help you create that special piece or bring your jewelry vision to fruition!

Feel free to contact me on Etsy, leave me a comment here, e-mail me via any of the links to the right, visit alchemistsvessel.net, “Like” us on Facebook.  Ask me about multiple item and larger lot discounts!  Remember these items are limited to supplies on hand, once they are gone, they are gone!

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

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!

In My Studio – Chain Maille Weaves

Over the weekend I taught myself new chain mail weaves.   I am always on look out for new patterns, ideas and ways to improve my skills or provide a variety of design and styles.

The Spiral – “Magic Maille”- This is a fun and super simple pattern that I am hoping to incorporate it into some pieces.  The problem with this pattern is that in order to maintain the twist it must be made as an “eternity” chain, no clasp, no beginning or end. Below is a 8-1/2″” eternity bracelet in base metal gold tone manufactured jump rings.  The “Magic” part, when the chain is loose, it has a very light twist and looks open and messy, with a couple of turns of the wrist, the chain becomes a slinky, silky, and fluid spiral that rolls over itself and undulates across the length of chain.  The set of pictures in silver shows the process of twisting the chain.  You can make it as twisted or loose as you like.

Finally, after all the jump rings are connects and tidied up, you have a very pretty eternity wave or spiral chain.

The detail photos below, show just that, the detail of the spiral as the jump rings are linked or locked together.  In silver and gold base metal jump rings.  Different metals and colors lend the piece a different look although it is the same pattern.

Gold:

Silver:

The Celtic Knot:  I love it when friends find things that they think I can do and pass them along to me.  Shelly Moody of Green Witch Designs found this photo of a stunning pair of earrings. Unbeknown to me I actually had instructions on how to make this weave in a note book!  My images are not cooperating this morning, so I borrow the image Shelly sent to me.  (I will replace it later today)

 Why only two patterns?  Because I am only one person, and capable of just so much.  It does take time to spin the correct size jump rings, unless I am using manufactured or pre-cut rings.  Chain Maille, like any other craft, is a process.  Opening, linking and closing the rings is done by hand, and I mean by hand, a pairs of pliers in each hand and off you go!

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.

Links and Promotion Friday!

Good Morning,

Today we will be Shameless Self Promotion Friday and we will begin with a promotion or two and then the links will be up.  These promotions are for a LIMITED time, now through February 20, 2012!  Don’t delay, grab your favorite piece before it is gone.

PROMO 1: 

Take 10% OFF any item in the Etsy shop, The Alchemists Vessel when you enter the coupon code LOVEYDOVEY.  That’s any item in the shop!  Valentine’s Day themed and other items, too.  Now through February 20, 2012.

**Returning Customer?  Send us a message BEFORE you click that BUY button for your selected items, and we will set up a special listing just for you with an additional discount – FREE SHIPPING!

PROMO 2:

Purchase the Pink Parure Chain Maille Choker and get FREE SHIPPING plus if you enter the coupon code LOVEYDOVEY you will receive an additional 10% the total purchase price.  This includes every item in the shop!  Now through February 20, 2012!

PROMO 3:

Visit the Website The Alchemists Vessel , e-mail the last three words from the Mission Statement on the About Page to us (use the CONTACT US button on the site), include your name and e-mail address and receive a special offer, and it’s a good one!  But only for those that follow the instructions.

PROMO 4:

Facebook Contest – Watch The Alchemists Vessel page on Facebook for a fun and exciting contest.  Beginning February 20th, I will hold a contest for FREE JEWELRY, I haven’t decided on the prize piece but it will be in the $30.00 to $50.00 value range I create.  If the winner is unhappy with the piece I select for a prize, another may be offered.  This is about promotion and getting my name and my store out to the masses and you get something pretty!

Something like this maybe.

LINKS from above and a fresh one or two.

The Alchemists Vessel on Etsy

The Alchemists Vessel Website

The Alchemists Vessel Facebook

If you have a Google + Account, look us up!  We have a page there too!  Click any of the links on the right side Menu bar to be taken to any of the pages above!

Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful weekend!

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!

In My Studio – Parures

I have been busy working on several new pieces for the store and reacquainting myself with soldiering and the various processes thereof, and remember now why I do not make those things any more! 

First up from the Work table are two Chain Maille parures.  What’s a parure?  It is a matching set or suite of jewelry, usually including a necklace, earrings, sometimes a ring or  a bracelet is part of the set as well.  I just really like that word!

This is “Pink Parure” for lack of a better name or term.  Silver Grey colored Copper wire is  hand spun and cut (the copper does show through the cuts if scrutinized long enough), jump rings are linked together to form a 16″ length of Chain, additional jump rings are added for the decorative drops that form little points ending in a pretty and very pink glass bead.  Woven in a “Speed Maille” version of European 4 in 1 traditional weave.  This is an open pattern.

Matching earrings are are created from the same coil of Silver Grey Copper wire, and are formed in the traditional European 4 in 1 Weave closed pattern.  They are created on a Horizontal line, the necklace is created on a Vertical line.  The Earrings mimic the drops of the necklace.

This is the same pattern as above, with a very different look.  Created in Gunmetal Wire jump rings, it has a monochromatic appeal as the silver glass beads match the wire nicely.  Not black, a very deep steel blue color with a high sheen.  Finished with a manufactured toggle clasp in the shape of a heart.

The earrings (as above) mimic and match the choker / collar wonderfully.

Last but not least is this “Upcycled” pendant.  Created with Citrine both faceted and natural gemstones, and sterling silver wire, the piece was built up and added to from the manufactured bail that I believe is also Sterling Silver but not stamped (and not all 925  items are stamped).  Pretty, interesting, or pretty interesting, I think it resembles an insect of sorts.  This is the only piece available!  $50.00, soon to be available on alchemistsvessel.net.

Five Great Gifts to Give

Since it is the end of the month, I thought it might be fun to recap what was on the List this month just in case you missed something.  A featured item “Woodland Witch” Pendulum from Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery sold and it was on the very first blog of 5 Great Gifts to Give.  Networking works!

From Dark Mountain Treasures – Elvish Necklace

From Green Witch Designs:

Magic Dragon Earrings

Puzzle Piece Earrings

Stitch Markers

From Studio RGC and very dear friend, these are sold through Dark Djinn Designs on Etsy, these are incredible and highly detailed!  While you’re there check out the Tie-Dyed Clothing from the Host Shop!

Bone Burner – Incense Burner

Glow in the Dark “Terry-Toeman”

Zombie Heads!  I just love these and should ask for a life size replacement for my own.

The Brick Boutique offers some terrific knit things, like this lovely warm Blue Scarf.

Purple Passion – A Treasury of items on Etsy and curated by The Brick Boutique.  Everything is purple!  I am honored to be included in  this collection.

American Artist, and my friend Allan O. Mudd, has started to offer Giclee Prints of his art work.  You’ll have to contact Allan on Facebook, via the link below. It will take you to the photo album.  The first print is a Tiger’s Eye.

And there is always great stuff at The Alchemists Vessel

This bracelet is One-of-A-Kind and is available through February 20th!  Love Chain