In My Studio – Chain Maille and Beads

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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.

Links and Promotion Friday!

Since yesterday’s blog was dry and long let’s have a little color and fun today.  Below are several links to sites around the web. And I promise to keep the commentary down to a minimum this post.

On FaceBook: People and Pages

Saundra L Designs

Stacey Debono Photography

Skin Deceptions Tattoo Studio, LLC

The Alchemists Vessel

Around the Web:

Dark Mountain Treasures – This is the Website that features my friend’s, Zain Orion, Jewlery, which is fun, eclectic, exciting, a little off beat, and truly original.   Her “Violet Coil” bracelet shown below and available for purchase in other colors.  Visit the site for more details.

Rio Grande Jewelry Supplies

Fire Mountain Gems

Blue Buddha Boutique

Google Tricks – I have never gotten any of these to work

Promotions:

For blog readers only! Now through February 20th, when you enter the Coupon Code LOVEYDOVEY (that’s one word ) in the Etsy shop you will received 10% off your total purchase price on ANY ITEM in the store.  Any item, public promotion is for any Valentine’s Day themed item, for Blog readers it is ANY ITEM listed in the shop!  The Alchemists Vessel on Etsy

Do you have a shop, page, place, link or other site or item you would like to see featured on Links and Promotions Friday?  Leave me a comment, message or other communique and I will be happy to post it or at least discuss which day would be best to share your link, site, page etc…

Have a wonderful weekend.  For the Entrepreneur’s work is never done!

A Long Look At Birthstones

After a lengthy discussion with an inquisitive customer, I thought it might be a good idea to post a note on birthstones, what they are, where they come from and the traditional as compared to modern lists we use today.  I certainly don’t expect anybody to read the whole thing!  It would be my idea that one skim through the verbiage and find their own stone or information they are wanting.

There have been many sets of birthstones throughout history, different cultures and countries. In 1912, in an attempt to standardize them The American National Association of Jewelers, Jewelers of America adapted the Traditional to the Modern list below, it is currently the most widely used list in America and other countries such as Australia and Thailand.

In 2002 the AJA added Tanzanite as another or alternate birthstone for December.

Original	Traditional	Modern	Alternative	Alchemists Vessel
Garnet	Garnet	Garnet	–	Garnet
Amethyst	Amethyst	Amethyst	–	Amethyst
Aquamarine	Aquamarine	Aquamarine	Bloodstone	Aquamarine / Alt
White Spinel	White Spinel	Diamond	Cubic Zirconium	Quartz Crystal
Emerald	Emerald	Emerald	Malachite	Malachite (Alt)
Agate, alexandrite	Agate / Carnelian	*Pearl	Alexandrite / Pearl	Agate / Carnelian
Pearl	Pearl	*Ruby	Ruby	Pearl / Ruby
Jasper	Peridot	Peridot	Jasper	Peridot / Jasper
Blue Spinel	Sapphire	Sapphire	Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli
Rose Sapphire	Opal	Opal	Tourmaline	Opal / Tourmaline
Golden Topaz	Topaz (All colors)	Topaz	Citrine	Topaz / Citrine
Blue Zircon	Turquoise	Turquoise	Tanzanite	Turquoise

However, there has been some indecision in regards to June’s and July’s Birthstones.  Originally it was thought that your birthstone corresponded to your Zodiac Sign.  In later years that changed to the Roman calendar months and the birthstone was associated with the month the sign dominated, not the sign itself.  Traditionally Pearl has been July’s Birthstone as it corresponds to Cancer the Crab, as the Zodiac sign is dominate in July.  Recently the list has been changed with no date of record, to include Ruby.  The lists have omitted Agate and Carnelian for June and replaced them with Pearl. (The Zodiac sign of Cancer begins at the end of June)

It is believed that the birthstones originated from the Bible and are taken from the Breastplate of Aaron, Exodus 28: 15-21; they represent the twelve tribes of Israel. Set in four rows they correspond to the Zodiac at that time.  In order they are listed as:

The First Row: Sardius, Topaz, Carbuncle (or Emerald)

The Second Row: Emerald (or Carbuncle), Sapphire, and Diamond

The Third Row: Jacinth, Agate, and Amethyst

The Fourth Row: Beryl, Onyx, and Jasper

The stones may also be taken from the foundations for the walls of the New Jerusalem, and may be found in the book of Revelations 21: 19 -21.  Listed in order of the Roman calendar and the layers: Jasper, Sapphire, Chalcedony, Emerald, Sardonyx, Sardius, Chrysolite, Beryl, Topaz, Chrysoprase, Jacinth, and Amethyst.  There are also twelve gates, each made of Pearl.

Many of the names are a general description for any number of stones.  Emerald is a Beryl Stone. 

Alexandrite: A grass green “chrysoberyl” that changes color to red in transmitted or artificial light..

Beryl is a mineral made up of silicate of beryllium (a toxic substance) and aluminum.

Carbuncle: Garnet, or a red precious stone

Chalcedony (kal-se-d-en-ee) is translucent quartz in various colors and waxy luster, like Jasper and Chrysoprase.

Chryoprase: An apple green chalcedony.

Chrysolite: also called “Olivine”, it is also a chalcedony.

Jacinth: is a gem orange in color.

Ruby is corundum, a mineral in hard crystalline form of aluminum oxide.  Sapphire is also corundum.

Sardius: also called Sard is an iron oxide mineral, usually reddish-brown in color. Sometimes confused with Carnelian.

Sardonyx: Is an Onyx that has bands or stripes of Sard.

Spinel: a mineral consisting of oxide, ferrous iron rich, with zinc and manganese.

Sources:

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11^th Edition

The Crystal Wisdom Book, Stephanie Harrison and Barbara Kleiner

The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need, Joanna Martin Woolfolk

The Hidden World of Birthdays, Judith Turner

The Complete Book of Astrology, Caitlin Johnstone

The Holy Bible, American Standard Version, 1929

Various Websites

American Jeweler’s Association

Birthstones, Alternatives, Metaphysical Meanings and Facts

January – Garnet (a crystalline stone)

The Stone of Constancy

Physical Description: Deep, red-purple in color.

Metaphysical Properties: Encourages imagination, a stone of devotion to lovers, passion for others and oneself. Self esteem.

Interesting Fact: Garnet comes in several colors, but it is the red variety that is used as a gem.

In the Victorian era garnet was favored in woman’s jewelry; it symbolized fidelity. Sometimes generally referred to as a carbuncle.

February– Amethyst (a crystal)

The Stone of Sincerity

Physical Description: Ranges in color from light, transparent lavender to a deep, opaque royal purple.

Metaphysical Properties: Promotes creativity, intuition, inner peace and spiritual awareness or understanding.

Interesting Fact: Thought to prevent drunkenness, in ancient times wine goblets were lined with or made entirely out of Amethyst. From the Greek word amethystos (“not drunken”).  Traditionally ranking members of the Catholic Church wear a ring set with a large amethyst as part of their office.

March –  Aquamarine (a variety of beryl)

The Stone of Serenity

Physical Description: Translucent light blue, blue-green or grass-green in color.

Alternative 1:  Blood Stone

Alternative 2: Amazonite (a variety of feldspar)

Physical Description: This versatile stone comes in many colors. I have chosen its aqua color for its resemblance to Aquamarine and the soft blue color of water.

Metaphysical Properties: Bestows truth and integrity the wearer.

April – Diamond – formed from coal

The Stone of Purification

Physical Description: Transparent stone with brilliant shine and clarity when expertly cut.

Interesting Fact: In 1912 in an effort o standardize the Birthstones White Spinel was replaced with Diamond as a less expensive alternative.

Alternative: Clear Quartz (a crystal)

Physical Description: Clear Quartz is an excellent amplifier and transmitter. I have chosen it for its clarity and resemblance to the Diamond.

Metaphysical Properties: Balances healing energies, directs and transmits thoughts. Used for divination.

Interesting Fact: In ancient times referred to as “Frozen water from Heaven”; due to its glass-like appearance it was also called “Solidified Light.” From the old Saxon quertz  meaning “cross vein ore”.

 

May – Emerald (a variety of beryl)

The Stone of Success and Love

Physical Description: a deep to light green translucent stone,

Metaphysical Properties:  Traditionally used to enhance memory

Alternative: Malachite (a copper stone)

Physical Description: I have chosen Malachite for its Emerald-like grass green color.  Layered with deep, forest-green that mimics the moors. It brings to mind the outdoors, hills, trees, and grass.

Metaphysical Properties: Promotes harmony and emotional balance, and reduces stress.

Interesting Fact: Used as a pigment for paint until about 1800. Malachite has been mined for about 3,000 years at Timna in Israel, also called “King Solomon’s Mines”.

June – Agate (Traditional): Blue Lace, Black, Red and Golden Leaf varieties.

Physical Description:  An aggregate of various forms of silica, chiefly chalcedony (a quartz). These lovely stones have a myriad of colors and appearances. I have chosen Blue Lace Agate for its soft blue tones and striations throughout each bead.

Blue Lace Agate: enhances grace and lightheartedness.

Metaphysical Properties: All Agate offers acceptance, emotional and physical balance, connects  one to nature and fosters love.

Interesting Fact: In 1912 in an effort to standardize the Birthstones Agate was given the alternative of Carnelian, a variety of agate that when heated becomes a brilliant orange color.  Recently the list has changed with no date of record and Pearl has replaced Agate and Carnelian.  We offer all three birthstones for this month.

Alternative: Carnelian – a variety of Agate

Physical Description: originates as a dull brown agate but when expertly heated it becomes a bright orange color.

Metaphysical Properties: Protection against envy, fear and rages.

**WE have pearls for June too!

July– Pearl (Traditional) a “gem” created by oysters

The Stone of Regeneration

Physical Description: Fresh Water and Oyster Created Pearls are prized for their white color and high luster.

Interesting Fact: Pearls have many faces, they are said to be dragon tears and lanterns to light one’s way. Many ancients depicted their gods wearing pearls as a symbol of their purity and divinity.

Alternative: Ruby – red corundum

The Stone of Leadership

Physical Description: The “Queen of Gems”  it is an aluminum oxide mineral in crystalline form.

NOTE: Traditionally Pearl has been July’s birthstone, recently with no date of record Ruby has been included (once associated with Leo) as July’s Birthstone, we offer both of these stones for this month.  

August– Peridot  a variety of olivine

The Stone of Friendship

Physical Description: A light green color, it is a mineral of complex silicates of magnesium and iron.

Metaphysical Properties: Gives off a warm and friendly energy, brings happiness, aids in overcoming anger or jealousy.  Often used to heal bruised egos.

Alternative: – Jasper – a chalcedony

Physical Description: An earthy, terra cotta colors it is Chalcedony; translucent quartz in various colors and waxy luster.

Metaphysical Properties: Aids in remembering dreams, brings balance, thought to warn of or rescue from danger.

Interesting Fact: Jasper means “spotted stone”. Part of the quartz family, its color comes from iron oxide. It was used as an amulet to protect one from venomous creatures, drought and general disturbances.

September –  Sapphire – blue corundum

The Stone of Healing, the Stone of Clear Thinking and the Stone of Prosperity.

Physical Description: a Light to deep blue stone, aluminum oxide mineral in crystalline form.

Metaphysical Properties:  Eliminates frustration and fulfills dreams.

Alternative: Lapis Lazuli – a rock

Physical Description:. This beautiful stone is a dark blue or soft denim color with streaks or flecks of pyrite through out the bead.  To be a mineral it would have to have a single constituent, Lapis is made up of several and therefore it is a rock.

Metaphysical Properties: Aligns the ethical, spiritual and mental bodies, all knowing, invoking wisdom and expression. Traditionally it is the Stone of Royalty.

October – Opal – a silica

The Stone of Clear Thinking

Physical Description: a mineral of hydrated silica softer than quartz, noted for its iridescence or “fire” play across the stone’s surface.

Metaphysical Properties: Used to invoke visions and enter “dreamtime”.

Interesting Fact: The Aborigines say that opals were born when the Storm god, jealous of its beauty, shattered the rainbow with a lightening bolt.

Alternative 1: Tourmaline – a borosilicate

Physical Description: a stone of various colors, valued as a gem when transparent and cut.

Interesting Fact: Tourmaline was once thought to be an evil stone that connected one with the dark powers of the universe

Alternative 2: Rose Quartz (a crystal)

Physical Description: Delicate and soft, the variation of pink mimics the qualities of Opal.

Metaphysical Properties: Forgiveness, comfort, representing unconditional love and harmony. Used to heal broken hearts.

Interesting Fact: Natural crystals are rare and are usually seen as rounded beads or tumble stones (Alchemists Vessel uses natural beads and nuggets). In some instances when cut, the stone may produce a star-like effect, caused by inclusions of rutile needles.

November: Golden Topaz – a mineral

The Stone of Fidelity

Physical Description: a mineral of silicate of aluminum, it is the golden variety that is used for November’s Birthstone,  Topaz also appears in white and blue variations.

Alternative 1: Citrine – variety of quartz

The Stone of Wealth

Physical Description: A yellow or golden variety of quartz crystal

Metaphysical Properties: used to attract wealth and ward off evil thoughts.

Alternative 2: Snow Quartz

Physical Description: Snow Quartz is an opaque soft white color.

Metaphysical Properties: Purity, associated with blessings and initiations, aids in cleansing and rejuvenating mind and spirit.

Interesting Fact: It is a physical representation of pure white light. White light is made up of all the colors of the spectrum – therefore this stone holds all the colors of the rainbow and creates perfect balance and harmony.

December – Turquoise –a mineral

The Stone of Communication

Physical Description: Sky-blue in color with a black matrix, a basic phosphate of copper and aluminum

Metaphysical Properties: Sometimes worn as a healing stone or a stone of protection.

Interesting Fact: Symbolizes the sky. Highly prized for its appearance when sky-blue, it is primarily mixed with or set in silver for rings, necklaces, earrings and other adornments.

 

In My Studio

I got a rather pleasant surprise yesterday as I cam across some components that I had completely forgotten about, as I was searching for the ever elusive clasp to finish the piece I was stringing.  I love that!  Now I have to figure out what to do with them.  Zodiac Pictoglyph Sterling Silver Charms and these things are very small.  I can’t measure them with the calipers.  In fact they are so small, I wrote the supplier and asked if I could use their photos of the charms.  They agreed, bless their hearts and sent me the files to all twelve!  All twelve signs are here and I have a lot of them.  I want to incorporate them into earring, necklace and bracelet designs and if I can figure out how I want to offer some for sale as components and supplies on the shop.  In order of the Zodiac, they are shown below.  The pictures are enormous to show the detail of the charm.

I am telling you these things are tiny!  They are also stamped 925 on the back.  925 is the number of Sterling Silver, it is 92.5% Silver, and 7.5% copper.

I also came across some Antiqued Silver Bead Tips, Wire Ends, Cord Ends, Knot Covers… they are called a variety of things they come in three styles Star Shape, Swirl pattern and Crescent Pattern.  The photo below is of a plain undecorated one.  They are also very small and although I use them, I have WAY to many and again would like to offer them through the shop as supplies as well.

 Here are the ones with designs and shapes

No slouches here at The Alchemists Vessel, we are also working on other things as well, like these very pretty Sterling Silver Flower Charm earrings with Malachite and Azurite or Lapis Lazuli beads.  Two pairs available and they will be listed for sale soon.

Please note:  The Zodiac Charm pictures are the property of Silver Enchantments of Arizona, and are used by permission.  None of the photos of the charms above may be copied or used without the EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT of Silver Enchantments, Arizona, U.S.A.

Thanks for stopping by!

What’s New In The Shop?

Greetings

I am so excited to exhibit these new items.  The Alchemist has been busy creating earrings and other jewelry themed especially for Valentine’s Day.  Oh yes, for those that think she sits idly by, nay, I say, the efforts of her joyful labor can be seen below!  Limited edition heart charms with pink or red stones or glass beads are the production order of the day!  We also have a One-of-A-Kind Heart Charm bracelet with genuine natural Garnet beads!  Garnet is the stone of romantic, passionate love and fidelity; it was often set in Victorian weddings rings as a symbol of loyalty and love.  We also have super cute and kitschy heart charms, sterling silver, 3-D puffed hearts, winged hearts, and cute little heart lock charms!  And I am absolutely thrilled to introduce a totally new item!  Gemstone Stretch Bracelets!  There are only twelve (12) available now, but never fear we have more stringing planned and more stone selection on the way!  Requests and custom orders are always welcome!

Remember these select heart charm items are only available for a short time and limited to what you see available at the shop!  Get yours before they’re gone!

The Alchemists Vessel Shop

A quick note about TAV Blog, it will be revamped a little bit.  Thursdays will be devoted to various and numerous things!  This Thursday we are going to have a very long look at Birthstones.  Not so long as to bore you (I hope), but may be you’ll find something new and interesting!  Comments are always appreciated and welcome.  Let me know if I am boring you to death or if this remotely interesting.  What are you looking for?  Is there a link or a site you’d like to see promoted or featured on the blog?  Networking is important!  Drop me an e-mail, I am always open to ideas and discussion!

Now what you came in here to see! The new items! 

3-Dimensional Sterling Silver Puffed Heart Charms and various gemstones.

Sterling Silver Heart Lock Charms These are flat and one sided.

  

3-Dimensional silver base metal winged hearts and various stones and glass beads.  Only two more pair will be made!  Five available!

 

Sterling Silver Double Sided 3-Dimensional “Love” Heart charms and genuine natural Garnet, in a flat oval coin shape, repeat and flow from one to another to create this cute and charming bracelet.

Gemstone Stretch Bracelets.  These are strung by hand on stretchy elastic cord specifically designed for jewelry making.  They vary from 7″ to 8″ and have sterling silver plated (over brass) spacer beads, come in a variety of single or multiple stone combinations.  Don’t see your favorite?  We have more on the way, and requests are always welcome.  For men or women.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

Links and Promotions

Happy Friday to one and all.  This morning I offer  two things to check out and a promotion for you as well.

I work with various metals, and some are hard some are very soft, and some metals are just too soft, with a melting point of 85 degrees, Gallium melts in your hands, but please don’t lick your fingers! Non-toxic, this cool element metal will pool in to a liquid when held.  It returns to a solid piece after a while, and can be used to make mirrors or other reflective surfaces, among other uses.  Gallium Metal

I order most of my supplies from Fire Mountain in Oregon.  On occasion they will feature a project.  It is impolite to dismiss another’s work, but it is wonderful to study another’s work as well to see what you can learn from their mistakes, lessons or tutorials on how to do things.  Queen’s Maille , this is a brief how to for the “Inca Puna” weave, called “Queen’s Link” by Fire Mountain.  The photo below is from the website, it is the finished project.

Last but not least is the a promotion from The Alchemists Vessel.  For blog readers only!  When you enter the coupon code LOVEYDOVEY you’ll receive 10% off your order now through February 20th on any item in the shop!  Currently featuring Red and Pink gemstone and glass Valentine’s Day themed jewelry.