Tag Archives: Bead

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Five Great Gifts to Give – Etsy Shops

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Image representing Etsy as depicted in CrunchBase

Image via CrunchBase

 

Hello, 

 

 

 

Happy Wednesday.  

 

 

Since there isn’t much going on in the studio at the moment, and we took a trip with Curiosity to Mars yesterday, and I am instructing classes on Thursday and Saturday, lets take a look at some really lovely things from Etsy shop owners.

 

 

 

We have a couple of new shops for you too.  Tomorrow we have a brand new featured artists and Friday is a mystery, even to me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description: You are sure to get noticed with this bracelet!
Made with blue and purple color plated glass gem cut brilliance beads, silver metal corrugated beads and elastic.
Bracelet measures just over 7″.

 

 

Fall is around the corner and and these fire leafy earrings are just right to brighten up those chilly days ahead. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description: Beautiful leaf earrings for fall! Made with opal orange firepolished faceted czech glass beads, orange glass gem cut beads, silver metal leaf charms and wire hooks. They measure about 1.50″ in length.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description:  Set of 3 handmade hair grips / bobby pins/ hair slides which look beautiful if worn as a set or individually. All handmade by The Dorothy Days in England.Each hair slide/ bobby pin is 44 mm long and is on a bronze style pin which adds to the vintage look. The rose is pink and made from resin.

The set comes carded on a handmade stamped gift tag which means it is perfect to give as a gift and is a great alternative to a card.

Would look lovely for a special occassion such as a wedding or equally beautiful for everyday wear. They suit all ages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description:Very elegant and classy three row pearl bracelet with a large nave blue and white flower bead.See matching necklace.

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

 

 

Try pairing with this matching necklace.  What an elegant and sophisticated look for a special occasion! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description: Gorgeously elegant pearl necklace with a large navy blue and white rose.

The pearls are glass and the flower is a Femo bead.

See matching bracelet.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

 

 

 

 

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  

 

 

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

 

 

 

Unknown's avatar

Six Great Gifts For Giving

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Tuesday, one of my favorite blog days!  I get to check out all the cool stuff and the neat shops to bring you Five nifty items.  Gifts for you, a loved one, special occasions, birthdays or just because you want to show some one you care.  
 
I can count!  Today I offer an extra Gift to Give, some of these are so wonderful I can’t post jut one!  We have two offerings from each shop today.  A returning shop, and some new folks to check out too.

I usually don’t gush over items, but these are so cute!  Somebody snap these up before I do!  There are several to choose from, and the hoops are adorable.  Would make a fabulous addition to any Steampunk’s jewelry box or Girlie-Girl wardrobe.

From: Sues Arts
Description:  SOLD SEPARATELY: PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHICH ONE YOU LIKE♥ CRYSTALS CLEAR or
♥ WHITE PEARLS
♥ CRYSTALS WITH WHITE PEARLS

Amazingly gorgeous, elegant, classy and chick Swarovski crystals chandelier earrings.

Delivered in a gift bag.

Custom orders welcome.

Thanks for looking.

and to go with those fabulous earrings…
 
Description: Gorgeous cluster necklace created out of Swarovski crystals. Very sparkly, elegant, dressy and unique.

Bow is removable.

Delivered in a gift bag.

Custom orders welcome.

New Shops to Check out!  And are these wire-wrappings cool!  Cobra’s and Butterflies and other things!  Oh my!
 
This is a very clever design, and it really does resemble a Cobra.
 
Description: Beautiful copper wire wrapped cobra snake pendant with a lapis lazuli stone bead.  It is 6.5 cm long and 1.8cm wide. 
This one just fascinates me… How’d she do that????  Reminiscent of Arwen’s pendant from Lord of the Rings, is Diana’s
 
 
 Description: A reinterpretation of the stunning necklace worn by Arwen in LOTR.
Copper wire wrapped, with small beads, measuring 6cm long and 3.5cm wide
 
Alrighty Mad Hatters and other Tea Teetotalers!  These are for you!  Elevenses, High Tea or just a cup because you want one, these English Tea cups are bound to make tea taste better!
 
 
Description: An unusual tea cup trio by Meakin. The set includes a teacup, saucer and cake plate. This set is really beautiful and is in a matte lustre finish which is unusual for teacups. This gives it a lovely silk like feeling to the cup. The motif is a pink flower with a mint green/ blue type colour and green leaves. The motif is also inside the tea cup. The actual shape of the teacup is also unusual for this design.

Very elegant and in great condition. Would be lovely for afternoon tea.

Description: A 1950’s teacup trio including teacup, saucer and cake plate.  Made in the 1950’s by Duchess.  English Bone China with gilt edges.


Violet/ Viola flowers motif on teacup as well as saucer and cake plate. Very dainty and beautiful. The teacup is footed.

Condition: Mint Condition. Looks as if it has not been used. No cracks, rubbing or chips.

More available on request if you are looking for a pair or a set. Please contact me.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

Unknown's avatar

Monday’s New Shop Items

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Happy Monday,
 

The beginning of the work week always brings me to new items in the shop.  We have some fun things to look at this morning and a brief introduction to Gems for Gents a new line of jewelry with a more masculine appeal.

For the ladies:
These adorable earrings can add a little oomph to any outfit. Half smooth silver, half scaly, these awesome textured metal earrings are sure to catch the eye of your favorite serpent! Great for Goths, Rockers, Halloween Costumes or your favorite Snake Owner.

Silver metal donuts and genuine Jet beads make up this simple and short pair of earrings. Suspended from silver plated ear wires.

In the Mood for something Retro?
The Seventies were cool, hip and happening. Harken back to that fab era with these super groovy black and white circular earrings! Natural shell encircle genuine Jet beads for a fun retro look. Perfect for the office, a casual outfit or just for fun. Retro and Kitschy!  Great for 80’s New Wave and Boho styles, too!

Natural Shell donuts and genuine 6mm Jet beads are threaded on silver plated findings suspended from silver plated ear wires.  Also available in Green Australian Jasper.

Very Hippie…
These are plain, simple and very cute. I left them as unadorned as possible to show off the gorgeous yellow of the genuine natural Citrine beads.

Would be a great alternative to Topaz for a November Birthday.

Sterling Silver plated jewelry wire is threaded through the side drilled beads, twisted to hold a loop and attached to Silver plated ear wires.

Gems for Gents 
Although there is no specific Etsy Shop Section for these, there will be a dedicated page up shortly on The Alchemists Vessel website.  Bookmark it and check back for new items and deals only available on the site.

In an attempt to create a simple but handsome and elegant line of jewelry for men, these necklaces would be appropriate for women as well.   Many of our chainmaille designs are crafted with the male wearer in mind, however, one a smaller scale the patterns also make wonderfully delicate and feminine chains and earrings as well.

 
Below is the beginning of what we hope will expand in to a broader and more diverse line of masculine or unisex jewelry.
 
From the “I’m in the Band” Collection
 
 
Part of our Gems for Gents line of jewelry, this masculine and attractive necklace is very handsome, and would be appropriate for women as well, it hangs at 18″ total length. A beautiful flat oval Brecciated Jasper Bead is centered and framed by oval shaped Pyrite, the intermittent pattern of Jasper and Pyrite continue around the length of the necklace.

Genuine Brecciated Jasper (Red Jasper with Black Matrix), and Pyrite beads are strung on Tiger Tail beading wire and completed with a silver base metal Lobster Claw clasp.

Oval coin shaped Black Onyx beads travel along the length of this 18″ necklace, and are interrupted by the occasional flat oval pyrite bead. Masculine, bold and very dapper.

Genuine Black Onyx and Pyrite beads are strung on Tiger Tail beading wire, and finished with a Lobster Claw Clasp.

“Hit the lights!” The words every concert goer longs to hear, it means the show is starting! This masculine and handsome necklace would be perfect for the stage. Matte black Jet beads separate the unique type of Jasper called Camostone (it looks likes camouflage).

18″ total length. Genuine Jet and Camostone (Jasper) beads are laced on Tiger Tail beading wire and finished with a Lobster Claw clasp.

 
Genuine Jet and Pyrite beads chase each other along the 18 length of this heavy duty necklace. Masculine and handsome.

Genuine Jet and Pyrite beads are strung on Tiger Tail beading wire and completed with a Lobster Claw Clasp.


Mechanix

 
Masculine and understated is this very muted color genuine Hematite and Pyrite necklace. Perfect for the Mechanic, Warrior or Musician in your life. 18″ long.

Genuine Hematite and Pyrite alternate around the 18″ length of metal Tiger Tail beading wire. Finished with a Lobster Claw clasp.







Monster of Rock

Part of our Gems for Gents line of jewelry, this is a unique and sturdy necklace. Zoesite is a lovely green stone from Australia, occasionally it is encrusted with natural ruby inclusions across the stone’s surface in a stunning mix of reds and purples against the green background of the Zoesite.

Perfect for your Man of Metal, or that special Zombie in your life, or it would make a fabulous addition to a Halloween themed costume or outfit.

Flat oval shaped genuine Pyrite separates clusters of Zoesite with Ruby beads along a strand of Tiger Tail beading wire, finished with a silver base metal Lobster Claw clasp.

Something for the Steampunk Dapper Dresser…


Bomber

A rare form of Tiger Eye is Pietersite.  This gorgeous brown and red stone has flecks of green, gold and blue and yellow running through in the bead in beautiful striations of muted color.  Resembling a well worn leather “Bomber” Jacket, this makes a bold and masculine piece.


World War II Air Force Bomber Jacket (Leather)

…and for the Bad Boy in Leather

Motorcycle

Simple and stream-lined, light weight yet looks tough, is this rugged Jet and Silver bead necklace.  Finished with a Lobster Claw Clasp.  Goth, Rocker, Vamp, Biker, fits any style, even the suited-work-day business man.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read this marvelous Monday.


The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful work week!

 

Unknown's avatar

In My Studio – New Beads

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Happy Wednesday.
 
I do like the middle of the week.
 
Sunday afternoon was spent with my friend, Sarah, we swapped beads, chatted and had a nice afternoon.
 
I thought I would share some of what I got in the swap.

Clockwise: Tiger Eye, Pyrite (donuts), Silver Findings (donuts), I think that is Serpentine (oval), Shell (donuts), Marble (triangles), Carnelian, Agate, and Turquoise (diamond shape).  

Why do I feel like I just described a bowl of cereal?

Many of the pieces above have already been used to craft and create earrings, among other things, and will be listed in the shop shortly.
 
Most of what the shop has to offer is One Of A Kind, and a good deal of time is spent in the design process.  Not necessarily just stringing beads or linking jump rings, but things like bead size, shape, color, texture and even drill-style (top, side, vertical, half) are taken into account when putting together a piece of jewelry.

I try not to mass produce items, there may be a style that will be repeated, and as much joy as I get from making the piece I would like the customer to experience the joy of wearing something unique and different.

 
Also, preparation for the August tutorial is going on.  Interested in learning the basics of Chainmaille?  The lesson will be on Dragon Chain (aka Double Chain) so get those pliers and jump rings ready!  Yes, that’s all you need.  If the piece I cast is returned there will be look at the process of cuttle bone casting.
 
Thank you for reading.
 
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a warm and pleasant Wednesday.

 

Unknown's avatar

New Items In The Shop

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Monday is here, and we’re all ready to take on this week’s challenges, yes?
I had a very  pleasant if not eventful weekend.  After accidentally locking my poor wee beast, Nora, the cat, in the Office / Studio closet for a couple of hours, I opened the door to find my supplies, boxes of beads, ribbons, wire, leather cording, et al, strewn across the carpeted floor of the tiny hole I call a supply closet.  Five hours later I think I have managed to find and retrieve the majority of the bits and pieces.  I apologize to my animal-friend for such unintentional harsh treatment, but you could have just meowed to be let out!
 
Sunday afternoon was spent trading / swapping beads and other goodies with a friend, so I now have new supplies to play with as well, be on the look out for those!
 
New items in the shop include watches and necklaces this week.
Description:  7-1/2″ total length, this watch wears like a bracelet or bangle.  The face is stainless steel, the strap is Nickel wire, hand spun, cut into jump rings, and linked in the Full Persian Chainmaille weave, accented with beautiful Sapphire blue Czech glass silver-lined beads.  The watch comes with a battery, the plastic safety tab is in place and intact.  Currently available in three styles, Square, Oval, and Round Watch Faces in the bead color of your choice.  The “Clever Clasp” is magnetic, two ends connect and are locked into place with a screw down barrell for a secure fit.
 
Custom Order:
 
It is an absolute pleasure when someone asks me to create something special for them.  The necklace below was created as a gift upon request.  The rings are Silver Plated, and woven in the Half-Persian 4-in-1 Chainmaille pattern.  Smaller in scale than the bracelets this is sleek and sinuous, but substantial enough to make feminine statement.  At 18″ long this is a bit weighty, but not so heavy as to be uncomfortable.  Available in Silver Plated, Nickle, Jeweler‘s Bronze (aka Merlin’s Gold),  Antiqued Copper or Bronze, and Gold Tone rings.
Silver Lining

 
Description:  18″ total length. This sinuous and supple necklace is slinky, sensual, sleek and positively serpentine and it slides smoothy across the skin. Would look smashing with that little black dress or you can dress up that casual outfit with this simple but stunning chain.

Silver Plated metal wire is hand spun, cut and the linked jump rings are scaled down in size to create this feminine length of 4-in-1 Half Persian chainmaille weave pattern for a necklace. Finished with a Lobster Claw Clasp.

Available in a variety of metal choices, including Nickel, Sterling Silver Plate, Antiqued Bronze or Copper, and Gold Tone jewelry wires, upon request. Sizable and customizable!

 

NOTE:  Gunmetal Wire will no longer be offered.  Although it is pretty cool, and shiny, it has come to my attention that it is not a proper material for jewelry.  It does not stand up to wear, the color / coating will wear off and the wire apparently loses its shape.  Not good!  If you have purchased a Gunmetal Wire piece please contact me for details on replacement.
 
Thank you for stopping by and having a read.
 

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

 

Unknown's avatar

Friday Fifteen Fun Links For Jewelers and Crafters

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Happy Friday to all of you!
 
The weekend is here, and just in time for lazing on a Sunday afternoon is a list of fifteen (15) fun and informative links for jewelers and crafters.  Some link to easy projects, others to supply stores and there is a surprise or two in store for those that complete the list.
 
SUPPLIES: (Looking at these sites could get a girl into trouble!)
 
Jewelry Findings, Gemstones, Metals and Tools, I drool just thinking about it.
I like this supplier and order many of my beads from them.  Wide selection, nice variety, great customer service, and “Everything is Assortable” for discount prices on all orders!  Catalog is also available.  Express Ordering, Tips, Contests.  Check them out!
Just wow.  Lapidary Equipment, Jewelers tools and more.  A bit pricy on things, but really nice equipment.
Again a bit pricy, but well worth the peruse for the selection of item alone.  With an A to Z list and pdf / interactive flip through catalogs, there is a lot to look at and desire.
Beautiful Gemstones at affordable pries.  Wonderful selection and variety to choose from.
SELL OR BUY SITES
 
Many of you are aware of these, some of you may not be, below are a couple of links to some neat sites, where you can sell your items, or buy those wonderful handmade goodies!
 
This site is for sellers of handmade and vintage items.  You can find, Fine Art, Photopraphy, Arts and Crafts, and of course jewelery.  If you haven’t check it out give a look see.  Accounts are free.  Just be sure to set up the appropriate account for you, either as a Buyer or a Seller.
This site is strictly for handmade items.  Jewelry is the bulk of the site, but look around and you can find cool knits, great toys for the kids, handmade books and a lot of other neat stuff.
Or you can check out:
Recently purchased by the good folks of Handmade Artsist (above) this neat site featuring more handmade items to look at and choose from.
DIY PROJECTS
 
Looking for a diversion on a sunny day?  Maybe you’d like to try your hand at one of these.
 
Cute, and super simple.  You can make one in an afternoon.
So simple a Caveman could do it!
They ain’t kidding! Now it really is OK to play with your food!
Super simple fun project for any age.  More knot tying.  These instructions will teach you to make this pattern.
Want to try your hand at weaving Chainmaille?  This site lists free downloadable pdf instructions.
Surprise Link.  Oh go on, click it!  You know you want to…
This link will take you to a blog that gives clear and concise instructions on making these very pretty decorations.
Thank you for stopping and having a look and hurray, you made it to the end of the blog!  Hope that you found something to inspire or interest you!
 

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

Unknown's avatar

Four Great Gifts to Give 7/17/12

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Good Day All,


Tuesday means we look at five neat items that would make good gifts for any occasion, well almost any occasion.  Today I have four as I am short a participant this week.

Without further ado for your shopping enjoyment, Four Great Gifts.  First up a couple of returning shops, Wire Witchery, owned by my personal friend Sarah Shannon, and Green Witch Designs, owned by Shelly Moody another favorite friend of mine.

NOTE: Sarah’s work has become more intricate and complicated.  The piece below is an example of some of the new jewelry items you can find in her shop.

Description: This is an absolutely gorgeous black lip mother of pearl oval bead wrapped with silver plated copper wire. It hangs on an 18″ fine link chain. 
NOTE: I have a penchant for monsters, the macabre and things that go bump in the night.  These are absolutely adorable and would make a fabulous everyday of daring dangles or just a fun pop of color at Halloween.

Description: These fun little earrings are sure to make someone look twice. Featuring a small skull bead, with red accent beads to really make a pop. Perfect for anyone with an appreciation of the macabre. A nice addition at Halloween, or anytime you want to make a statement



Description: 15-1/2″ long. Truly elegant, slender, slinky, silky silver and black go with everything! Very feminine. Makes a pretty accent to any outfit. May be worn to the office, on an evening out, and with that little black dress. Would make a great birthday present in any of our birthstone glass bead colors.

Silver plated wire is hand coiled, cut, beaded and linked in the European 4-in 1 Chainmaille weave to create this simple and elegant chain.

Description: This sweet, loving original teddy bear is made by Home Time Art. Unable to contain her love she wears her not not only on her sleeve but all over for the world to see. She is accompanied with a certificate of adoption, which is customized with the child’s or adopters name and their choice of name for the new family member soon to join them on their life’s journey.

The Teddy Bears is 12 inches (30.5 Cm) tall from head to toe and are wearing a collard vest and a brimmed hat.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Unknown's avatar

Monday Means New Shop Items

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Happy Monday Morning,

Now that the custom orders are completed and on their way to their new owners, I took a moment to take some pictures of a couple of new items in the shop.  Not only are the items new, but so are the materials.

White Metal Chains, Glass Beads and “Tibetan Silver“, just to name a few.  It should be noted here that like “German” or “Indian” Silver, “Tibetan Silver” usually contains little or no silver whatsoever.  It resembles an antiqued silver piece and is highly popular in jewelry creation for today’s current fashion trends.  It is mostly Tin and Zinc, and is usually nickel and lead free, due to allergies to these metals.
One of my favorite items and already listed on Etsy is:
7-1/2″, this lovely beauty is one of a kind.  This sparkly three strand bracelet is a combination of  three different styles of chain link chains, and glass beads in a bi-cone shape, in purple hues ranging from deep purple to a soft pink.
Deep purple, pink, wine, and lavender glass beads.

Next is a cute and very Gothic “Día de los Muertos” themed jewelry set.  Tibetan Silver Pendant and Charms compliment the very pretty Black, Smoky Purple and Silver Glass Bi-cone beads that form the rosary style chain.  Finished with a white metal link chain for durability.

Detail Photo
Although the earrings do not match exactly, they carry the flower motif with a cute daisy perched atop their heads, also crafted with black and smoky purple glass bi-cone beads.

Detail Photo

These items, listed as a set, may be sold individually upon request.

I don’t have pictures the new beads, but we have new Australian Green, Fancy, and Leopard Jasper, Fluorite and Lava beads for stretch bracelets and coming soon new Charm bracelets!

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant work week.
Unknown's avatar

New Items in the Shop – Twisted Tier Earrings

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Good Monday Morning,

It promises to be a lovely day here in Boise.

This morning we have a new item in the shop, a very pretty pair of wire wrapped earrings.  All pairs shown are completed with Sterling Silver plated Copper Jewelry Wire with Silver Plated jewelry findings.  Yes, the copper does show through the wire, but it is not noticeable when worn.

These are also available in Precious Metal on a Custom Order Basis only.

Shown below are “Twisted Tier” Earrings.  Each pair is unique in size, color and shape.  Each earring is individually hand wrapped.

Twisted Tier Style One
Twisted Tier 2

Twisted Tier 3

*Twisted Tier 4
Genuine Amethyst Beads stacked 4 stones high instead of three.

*Currently available in Amethyst and Aquamarine and Clear Quartz Crystal.

Other jewelry wires available are Copper, Nickel, Jeweler‘s Bronze and Gunmetal Wire, this wire is dyed a steel-blue color over copper jewelry wire.

More earrings will be listed as I make them.  Don’t see your favorite?  Custom orders are welcome.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

Unknown's avatar

Studio Time – Class Projects from Jo-Ann Fabrics

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Hello and Happy Wednesday!

As many of you know I occasionally have the pleasure of teaching / instructing a class at Jo-Ann’s Fabrics, and also involved in the process of getting my own classes started up as well.

Today I thought we would take a brief look at a Jo-Ann’s Class Project.  All the materials for these were purchased at Jo-Ann Fabrics, 1085 Milwaukee, Boise, ID.
Dare To Dangle Earrings

Class Session: 1
2 Hours 
Skill Level: 2
Jo-Ann’s List of Materials:
Stone Chips bead tube – Quartz Mix
24 Gauge Wire
Ear Wires (Hooks)
Jump Rings
I used 
Stone Chips bead tube – Quartz Mix
22 Gauge Wire (Sterling Silver Plated Copper)
Ear Wires (Hooks)
Jump Rings
 FRONT

Stone Chips are threaded on to a length of wire (Sterling Silver Plated Copper in 22 Gauge).  The wire is twisted back on itself to form a loop, adding one Stone Chip at a time, the bead and wire wrap around the base stones to form a cluster.  Simple, pretty and may be done in any color or selection of Stone Chip Beads.  These are genuine Semi-Precious stones and include, Fluorite, Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Aquamarine, and other varieties of quartz.

BACK
This is a super simple and easy project that makes a cute pair of earrings.  I like this project because it is totally “organic” and very primitive in nature.  The Craft-person decides on stones and designs the earrings as they go along, the wire wraps naturally (where it wants to) around the beads dictated by the bead shape, creating and additional element to the design. Class Space for this project and others are still available.   This Saturday, June 9th,  1:00pm – 3:00pm, Jo-Ann Fabrics will be having an “Open House” classes are 50% Off for in-store registration, and completed projects will be on display!

There will also be other projects on display as well as other instructors and Jo-Ann team members are always there to help!
Other Projects Available – August
“Crystal Life Bracelet” – using Swarovski elements
“Pearls of Time Watch” – using Glass Pearls and a Watch Face
“Pearl” Earrings -using wire and a Glass Pearls to match the Watch.
There is one more pair of earrings that classes will be given for as well.  Come on down and check it out.

Thank you for stopping by.  

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful Wednesday.