Inside Little Shop of Artists

Good Morning, 

Today, I am pleased and very excited to tour the interior of the building for what will be the home of Little Shop of Artist.

Taken with my cellphone, it may not be the best quality, but rent is paid, and clean up will commence on or about June 15th, 2013.

We, the participating artists, are hoping to open the doors July 01, 2013.

We hope that you will come and visit us if you are in the Boise, Idaho area.

We apologize for a lack of video but WordPress SUCKS when it comes to uploading them.  Get it together WordPress, you are the only service that is this much of a pain in the ass!

Once the participating artists have set up their displays, these now empty rooms will be filled with Art, Handmade Goods, Jewelry, Gifts and other items to delight the eye and treat the senses.

If you are an artist in the surrounding Boise, Idaho area, stop by and see if we might assist you in showcasing your work.  We welcome all kinds of wares, pottery, knitting, woodworking, sculpting and more, a monthly rental fee applies we offer both participating and featured artists space.  (Currently LSoA is not accepting any more Jewelry Designers at this time). 

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

 

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

Featured Theme: PEACE

Good Morning, 

Today we have Part 2 of the Blog Ring Theme from the team at handmadeartists.com, this week it is Peace, and couldn’t we all use a little peace in our lives.  Last weeks artist, Colette’s Boutique, was featured with her beautiful and amazing wire wrapped jewelry, if you have not given that a look, might I offer an invitation to have a peek, her items are intricate and lovely and should not be missed.

We have three items from three different shops on the web, that symbolize or evoke the feeling of peace, or peacefulness.  What says Peace better than the most recognized symbol of the word, the Peace Sign.

From: Peace LoversArt

Peace Sign Sea Glass Mosaic art on Canvas with Battery Operated LED Lights built in.

Peace Sign Sea Glass Mosaic art on Canvas with Battery Operated LED Lights built in. 4″ by 6″ $ 85.00

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.

 

 

From: The Muddfip Phortographer

When I think of peace or peaceful places, it brings me to the outdoors, quiet streams, the wind through the trees, birds calling and critters rustling in the bush.  This gorgeous photo of a peaceful fawn, was taken by Shelly Moody, The Muddfip Photographer.  You can find this and other nature shots at her Facebook page.  Shelly also takes some marvelous stills.  I highly recommend a trip to her page just to see some of her lovely photography.

There is also Keeping the Peace, and I think this necklace is just right for those inclined towards doing just that.

From: The Alchemists Vessel

Caught Couture Steampunk Style Necklace

Antiqued bronze chain, Handcuffs, star and key charm are combined to create this bold and beautiful lariat style necklace. Terrific for Steampunk Fashions, or something unique and unusual for your jewelry box. Adjustable for three different looks. Wear the charms clustered together like a pendant, or change up the length and position of the chain, by gentle pulling handcuff charm in a downward motion. Adjust to a collar and long lead, or shorter length as shown above.

27″ total length, there is no clasp. The chain slips easily over the head and can be adjusted to the desired style. Created with antiqued bronze chain, two pairs of handcuffs, a star and key charms The handcuffs do not open.

Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.

Free Shipping for this item.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day, and Peace, man!

*Photo note:  Although this is currently the sign for “Peace”, it was originally “V for Victory”.

 

Five Great Gift Ideas 1 of 3

Good Morning,

Did you know there are only three more Tuesdays until Christmas, besides today, I mean.  Let’s don those jingle bells, hop in the sleigh and do a little shopping. 

First up a new participant Harem Design , with a special Free Shipping Offer until December 31.  Also offering Multiple and Wholesale discounts.
  

Handmade Crochet Cotton Lace Collar, necklace – White- Woman Accessories – White Color – Woman Applique – OOAK

Gorgeous Handmade Crochet Cotton Lace Collar, necklace.
Sports or classic, dressed use.

Night or day, sports or classic clothing used in concert spectacular.

One and only..!
Very elegant and very sophisticated ..
This collar is one of a kind..

Use creativity and imagination have been totally.
Collar, necklace of your dreams.

Evening if you want your clothes, or sports on the use of a blouse.
There is a long chain at the back and a solid locking mechanism.

..PICTURED ITEM IS READY TO SHIP… ( The package will come to you within 20-25 days.)
Delivery times may vary, especially during peak periods (as christmas, as valentines day…)

PS. Metal chain and lace, away from moisture / water and perfume.
Water, moisture and perfume has damage to the product.

 From: Emily Andrews

Green Hippo T-Shirt (hand painted)

“Invisible Hippo”
Hand painted original hippo design with text reading “Why can’t we all just get along?” on a green preshrunk 100% cotton t-shirt. This shirt is a boys large but is suitable for anyone who fits into it!

Measurements:
Width: 18”
Length: 21.5”

All of my shirts are hand painted, featuring original artwork and created with love. They are mostly made using hand crafted stencils, not silkscreens. Other colour schemes and sizes are available for every design upon request. Custom designs are also available.
Iron on reverse.
Wash inside out.

From:  Sue’s Arts 

Shema cameo necklace, Chai necklace, Hebrew charm necklace, Hebrew prayer necklace, Chai for life necklace

SOLD SEPARATELY:

CHAI or SHEMA

Beautiful and unique necklace created on glass with silver chain.

About 18″ long which can be adjusted per request at no extra charge.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

Suzan ♥

From: The Alchemists Vessel

November Swarovski Crystal and Silver Plated Necklace

This lovely necklace is a beautiful alternative to genuine topaz, November’s Birthstone. The silver plated metal circle shines and reflects the image of the crystal in its surface. An eye catching and stunning pendant.

18″ long, chain is silver plated, silver plated metal disk has a soldered bail. The Crystal hangs from a silver plated jump ring and its mirror image shines behind it in the highly polished disk.

Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.

These are so cute, I just have to post both of them.  Give this gals shop a look-see, she is very talented, her items range from whimsical characters to beautiful fine art glass wear.  And the best of all, they are on sale!

From: I Paint It Pretty

Jolly Snowman Holiday Gift Bag/ Ornament/ Decoration/ Keepsake

❘❘❙❙❚❚ ON SALE ❚❚❙❙❘❘

This is a hand painted and decorated gift bag/ gift card holder/ ornament/ keepsake. The pine bag is painted a bright holiday green with twinkling snowlakes. On the front the cute snowman is all smiles, adding to the holiday cheer. The bag is decorated with three glittering sprigs of holly. There is a touch of glitter on the snowman so he twinkles in the light. This gift bag is a great way to present a gift card or small gift or perhaps for jewelry. The box can also be displayed as an ornament or even hung on the tree. Let someone know how special they are when you give them this permanent memento along with a gift. Or treat yoursef to a decoration you’ll enjoy for years.
5 1/2 in x 4 in x 2 in

I used acrylic paint to paint the gift bag. After curing for 48 hours I added three coats of varnish. I painted the snowflakes with glitter and then glued them to the bag. *Additional ornaments are for display only.

Great effort has gone into accurately describing and photographing products, but please note color representation alters depending on individual screen settings.
Packaged with lots of care and love and will ship 1-2 days after payment is received.

Happy Snowmen Holiday Gift Bag/ Ornament/ Decoration/ Keepsake

❘❘❙❙❚❚ ON SALE ❚❚❙❙❘❘

This is a hand painted gift bag/ gift card holder/ ornament/ keepsake. The pine bag is painted a bright holiday red. On the front Mr. and Mrs. Snowman are all smiles, making this a delightful holiday scene. The bag is decorated with three glittering snowflakes. There is a touch of glitter on the snow couple so they twinkle in the light. This gift bag is a great way to present a gift card or small gift or perhaps for jewelry. The box can also be displayed as an ornament or even hung on the tree. Let someone know how special they are when you give them this permanent memento along with a gift. Or treat yoursef to a decoration you’ll enjoy for years.
5 1/2 in x 4 in x 2 in

I used acrylic paint to paint the gift bag. After curing for 48 hours I added three coats of varnish. I painted the snowflakes with glitter and then glued them to the bag. *Additional ornaments are for display only.

Great effort has gone into accurately describing and photographing products, but please note color representation alters depending on individual screen settings.
Packaged with lots of care and love and will ship 1-2 days after payment is received

 Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

 

 

Featured Artist I Knit Quilt Sew

 

Good Morning,

It is my pleasure to introduce you to an other clever and artistic person from handmadeartists.com, I Knit Quilt Sew. This woman is not kidding about that either!  as a fellow knitter I am in awe of some her wonderful and just plain fun designs and items, lets show you a few of my favorites.

I Knit Quilt Sew

Aren’t these just the cutest things!  She hand knits, quilts and sews some marvelous and whimsical, and practical items with a touch of flair and fun!  These are so neat and a fabulous take on the Baby Bootie.

Cowboy Booties Hand Knit in Red and White

Product Details:  These unisex hand knit Cowboy or Bowgirl Boot-ees are so cute!  They are hand knit from high quality acrylic yarn in bright white and really red.  These cowboy booties are easy care and can be machine washed and dried on cool settings.

The booties will fit a newborn to 3-month-old baby, measuring 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) heel to toe.  They are 4.25 inches (10.75 cm) tall.
Perhaps your school colors are red and white.  Maybe you’re a Cardinals fan.  These booties are perfect!

Handmade Log Cabin Style Baby or Lap Quilt in Blues

Product Details: Again trying to capture that heirloom, vintage quality, I’ve constructed this log cabin baby or lap quilt in shades of blue. The quilt is machine assembled, and entirely hand-quilted. The navy blue binding is sewn on by hand then over-stitched by machine. All the fabrics used are polyester cotton blends, with polyester medium loft batting, making this quilt machine wash and dry on cool/delicate settings. It can also be dried flat or hung to dry.

Laid flat, the quilt measures 38.5 inches (97.8 cm) wide by 42 inches (106.7 cm) long. It’s a wonderful size for traveling, covering a car seat, or for a play mat. This certainly would be a wonderful shower gift, too! The last of my pictures shows this quilt on my quilt frame being quilted.

This quilt does have my tag in it and meets all US Government regulations. The shipping weight on this quilt is two pounds.

Cream Fleece Handmade Teddy Bear

Product Details:  This handmade teddy bear is made from cream-colored Polar Fleece® and is so soft and cuddly!  This toy teddy stands 17 inches (43.25 cm) tall to the tip of his ears.  He has safety stay plastic eyes, a hand-embroidered nose and mouth, and a acrylic-blend knit black and white striped scarf.  This teddy bear has moving arms and legs too – he is jointed using the very old-school string-and-button method, which is all internal.

My tag is securley sewn into a seam in the back of this teddy bear, making him in full compliance with US Government regulations for toys.  Shipping weight on this bear is 2 pounds.

What the Shop Owner says:

 I truly love what I do… whether it’s knitting that perfect pair of booties or hand-quilting my latest creation, it’s a labor of love. Though I’m creating a commercial environment for my work, I don’t want to lose that passion. For this reason, you won’t find hundreds of items in my store. Each and every item will be made with care and great attention to the details.

My grandmother taught me to knit and sew before color TV was invented! Most of my knitting comes from her patterns which she claimed were her mothers – which would date them in the late 1800s! This is what gives my knitting its old-fashioned, classic style.

I am a self-taught quilter. I learned that from books years ago. But primarily, I’m an artist. My medium is fabric and yarn!

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  We hope we have inspired you to take a look at I Knit Quilt Sew and see what warm and wonderful thing you may find for your winter needs!

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

 

Thursday Featured Artist – Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry, LLC

 

Good Morning,

Thursday’s are devoted to a featured artist, wherever they may be on the web.   Today we are featuring a fellow handmadeartists.com Vendor, Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry, LLC.

Their welcome announcement explains what they do briefly, but they shop carries so much more than what you would expect to find.

Shop Announcement: Artisan jewelry shop featuring two artists. 

Debora Lee Rasmussen designs and crafts all beaded items. 

John Atwell Rasmussen is the lapidary, gemologist and artisan jeweler

 / metalsmith. All cabochons are hand cut in our lapidary. The two 

artists produce uniquely beautiful jewelry. Custom orders our specialty.

 

This dynamic duo produces beautiful jewelry from high end up scale 

pieces, to beading projects.  As the shop is also a Lapidary, they even

mine their own stones.  These folks really make every thing from the 

ground up.

 

D Zircon and Marcasite Ring

 

Description: Faceted Zircon (do not confuse this natural stone with 

the man made CZ)d and Marcasite flanking stones set in Sterling 

silver. Size 8

 

Lapis Lazuli Cabochon 25 x 18

 

Description: 24.6 carat oval cabochon cut in our lapidary from natural Lapis Lazuli purchased in the bazaar of Kandahar, Afghanistan.  This beautiful cabochon is 25 x 18 mm.  The dark blue lazulite is accented by the golden pyrite crystals.

DZ Mixed Bead Cross Necklace

Description: Mixed beads (Blue, pink, silver colored, metal) 

accenting a 1.5 inch tall Christian Cross focal in this 22 inch 

necklace.

 

CR Garnet Pendant 

 

 

 Description:  A 20 carat handcut freeform cabochon garnet 

wrapped with Sterling Silver wire.  18 inch Sterling Silver chain is 

also available in the Pendant and Necklace Section.

 

I usually don’t gush over a piece when I feature an artist, but this

Chrome Diopside pendant is just gorgeous! One of my favorite

gemstones, and it is rare.  It usually comes from Russia and can also 

be found in the United States.

 

BL Chrome Diopside Necklace

 

 

Description: Beautiful faceted chrome diopside gem set in 14 karat gold pendant and hung from a 14 karat gold chain.

BIO: 

John Atwell Rasmussen was educated in Geology at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. He then taught geology and after ten years switched professional course to prehospital medicine. He retired from emergency medical services and is pursuing his love of rocks, minerals and gems as the lapidary and jeweler at Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry LLC. He has been educated in Gemology and Jewelry Design and Repair at: International Gem Society, Gemological Institute of America and Penn Foster Career School.

Dr. Rasmussen is assisted in the shop by his wife, Debora Lee Rasmussen. She is disabled and does bead design and crafting making all of the beaded pieces in the shop. Debora previously designed decorative swags and wreaths custom made for home decor.

Blog: http://rasmussengemsandjewelryllc.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rasmussen-Gems-and-Jewelry/123028303885

 Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  In hope that the post has inspired a want to go take a gander at what those crafty Rasmussen’s might be up to next.

 

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

 

 

In My Studio Tunes

The middle of the week is here.  It’s Wednesday!

The birds are singing, the Japanese Lily is in bloom, a magnificent vibrant orange, perhaps I’ll post a picture in a later blog.  

Posts about the studio have included tools, materials, new and old finds, and the occasional piece I am working on.  What really goes on in the studio?  In truth a lot of this…

Yes, it truly is pandemonium around here sometimes.  Racing to class, trying to get orders out the door in a timely fashion, thinking of entertaining, interesting and informative things for the blog, the list does go on.

However, besides creating something beautiful, the one pleasure I do get is music.  Music is not only a wonderful motivator, it can also serve to set the mood in the studio (energetic) and sometimes even plays a part in the design process.  Inspiration comes from my surroundings, and to keep my self in tune with what I am doing, the rhythm of the music helps.

What does a Metalsmith listen to?  Metal, of course.  I won’t subject the reader to that, although some that read the blog will be appalled at that statement, so instead we’ll go with something friendly and appropriate for everybody.

Currently on the CD Player is:

Then we change things up with

From B to Y, we have a unique and eclectic mix of music that changes on the player at random.

Other music that shuffles throughout the day:

Concrete Blonde

Gov’t Mule

The Black Keys

Slayer

Testament
Clutch

Foo Fighters

Them Crooked Vultures 

James Murphy

Destruction

Just to name a few.  Of course those bands aren’t for everybody, but I do appreciate a good driving force tune while I am working.  Sitting at the workbench for most of the day requires something to keep the mind occupied as well as the hands.  Some tasks are repetitious and a beat in the background can help make those mundane repeats go much faster.

Thank you for stopping by and perhaps having a listen or check out some of the other music listed.

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

The Muddfip Photographer: Featured Artist Thursday

Good Morning,

The weekend is almost here and that means fun in the sun, down by the river, the creek, the pond, the swimming hole, a walk in the woods, along the beach, things to do, people to see, and pictures to take.

This weeks Featured Artist is my Multi-talented friend, Shelly Moody, The Muddfip Photographer.  I can’t take a photo to save my life and am amazed at the composition and quality of other people’s photos.  Shelly has an an amazing eye for composition and her black and white photographs are stunning.

The Muddfip Photographer may be found on Facebook, won’t you stop by and give her a Like.

What Shelly has to say about her page:

Hello and Welcome! My name is Shelly and this page features photographs, all of them taken by me. All photos are copyrighted, so please do not use without permission. All photos on this page are available for purchase. Please contact me regarding prices and sizes. Photos will be signed and numbered. I am happy to ship them to any location. Thank you for taking time to browse my photos!Have a blessed day!

The photos below are taken from her Facebook page.  I have tried to include a variety of subjects that she takes, from nature to industrial buildings and machinery.   All of the prints are available for sale.

I love frogs! 

Any of these photos would make excellent prints or  posters, cards or stationery.  Decorating in a “Steampunk” theme?  Those huge gears on the water would make the perfect wall hanging!

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.  I hope you will also stop by and take a The Muddfip Photographers page.  There are more wondrous and wonderful photos to look at and choose from. 

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

Three Great Gifts To Give Presenting Handmade Artists Site

Good Morning.

Today I would like to feature some truly unique, clever and beautiful, handmade from start finish gift ideas.  All of today’s featured gifts are from shops on handmadeartists.com.  A great site to find things handcrafted by some amazing artists and craft-people.  There is no question here about re-sellers, these items are handmade by the shop owner.

Although I invited any and all shop owners to participate, I only received three entries for this weeks blog, so I turn the post over the them.  Hoping to pique your curiosity enough to click the link and have a look see at some of their other offerings as well.  Looking is always free!

Without further ado:

From Southern Country Creations

Brown Leather with Green Tree Agate Beads and Peace charm

Product Details: This bracelet was handcrafted using brown leather and round green tree agate beads. It sports a shell button for closure and a Peace charm.

It measures approximately 7 1/4 inches

From: Blue Highways

Hand Bound Book Wings of Scarlet

 Product Details: It may be fall but I’m holding on to warmer weather with this gorgeous 6″ x 9″ book covered in a fabric of red tulips. The colors are shades of scarlet and greens popping on a black background. The red was difficult for me to photograph perfectly, the 4th photo is the actual cover scanned on my scanner and represents the colors a little better.

Inside I have bound 160 pages (front & back) of premium 80# acid free white drawing paper excellent for pencil, colored pencil and charcoal also good for pen and ink, marker and oil pastels. I have them sewn with a hand waxed red cotton thread and ribbon bound them with a 7/8″ scarlet grosgrain ribbon. As with all my ribbon bound books, refills can be ordered once the book has been filled, please contact me if you are interested in one – it’s simple to replace, I’ll be happy to walk you through it.

From: My European Touch

Handmade Mosaic Tray shabby cottage chic china broken plate rims Mosaic Tray clay roses pearls

 Product Details:   Glamorous shabby chic cottage Mosaic Tray. This was a vintage silver plate tray, Silver plate all gone, I sanded it down, primed it, it got a coat of cottage white paint. A lil bit of distress to give it that worn well loved look. I then proceeded to cut up my already damaged fine bone china plate rims and stained glass and filled the inside with this lovely mosaic. Roses and blooms are climbing on this tray like a briar bush in the wild, so romantic.

I then filled the rim with lil pearls and tulle roses all the way around to give it that finished look. A lil arrangement of handmade clay roses in the left corner and this Mosaic tray is brimming with beauty.
The mosaic is grouted in an antique white grout and sealed. I showed it photographed in different light and it can be hung up on the wall too.

It is a footed tray and I tied a pale cream organza ribbon to two of the the feet, tied it in a nice bow and it can hang on your wall..
The colors are the truest on the close ups of the pictures.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.   The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant week.