New Items and a Word or Two About Change

Good Morning,

Monday is here and the workweek begins.

This morning, I have one new item to share with you.
 
Today we will be doing things a bit differently.  Etsy, in its infinite stupidity has managed to destroy my on-line business in one fell swoop.  Long gone are the fabulous handmade artists shops and fun shopping experience.  Now you are lost in a sea of manufactured $2.00 garbage and crap made in China.  You might as well be shopping at Walmart.

I still offer the Etsy shop, as well as another Venue that isn’t new, but is more intimate and truly devoted to the handmade artisan and their work.

Beaded Chainmaille Bracelet (Etsy)

Full Persian Weave and Czech Glass Bead Bracelet

You can also find this same item listed at handmadeartist.com, by following this link Ants Chainmaille and Czech Glass Bead Bracelet.  There are several other items listed there as I am still building the Shop, but eventually this will be the only place to shop with me on-line, besides the official website.

The Alchemists Vessel official website will also be going through some changes, we will include individual items for purchase as well as implementing new sections and removing others to offer customers and students a more cohesive site.  Please bear with us as we remodel!  The site is up and running now, stop by and see if there isn’t something we can do for you today!

Last bit of news which I may have already talked about, but being busy may have forgotten.  Mind like a steel sieve.  I will be opening a Brick and Mortar location in the next several months.  I have a location that just kind of fell into my lap, (Thank You Michelle and Fred Deller of A-1 Video, Boise), and am looking for more artists to fill the space available.  Looking for Painters, Ceramic Artists, Wood Carvers, Sculptors.  Know an artist looking for a physical venue to showcase their work?  Direct them my way!  So there is no confusion, this is a PAID Participation, artist will pay a set price for their “Booth Space” within the shop and all monies in regards to sales are theirs to keep.  Artists may work their booth, or leave it in shop as there will be an On-Duty-Sales-Person at all times! (Me).  More details will be coming soon.

Participating Artists:
The Alchemists Vessel – Chainmaille and Gemstone Jewelry
Green Witch Designs – Jewelry – Knitting Goodies
Wire Witchery – Wire Wrapped Jewelry
Dreathen Leathers – Gorgeous Masks and leather accessories
Mudfipp Photography – Photographic Prints and more

I am in hope of many more participants!  On a sad note, I will not be taking anymore Jewelry Artisans.  As it happens people come and go and this may change.

Space permitting we will also be holding classes at the new store, and engaging other fun and entertaining alternatives for your gift giving needs!

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

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

 

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!

In My Studio – Beads and Baubles

I thought it might be fun to take a look at some of the new beads and items we have available for creating beautiful things for you!  The Alchemists Vessel specializes in Sterling and Semi-precious gemstone jewelry, but lately has had an in flux of or custom orders asking for glass beads.  I have listened and obeyed!  Greens, Reds Blues, Faceted, Bi-cone, Round, we have a nice selection and are in hope of receiving the Japanese Seed beads soon!

Many of these beads have been purchased per customer request to complete their orders.  Upon completion of the custom orders these beads will begin to appear in many of the pieces created by Alix, The Alchemist, Designer and Owner of The Alchemists Vessel.

 Also available in limited quantities new gemstone and brass beads, along with a brass finding or two.

 

Precious Metal vs. Jewelry Wire

Many people have asked me why precious metal is so much more expensive than a plated jewelry wire, and why I do not offer ready-made Chain Maille pieces in Gold or Sterling Silver.  Precious metal is just that, precious and it is also more expensive.  Things like copper and brass are more abundant.  The Alchemists Vessel does not determine the price of precious metal; we watch the market for the current price, as it fluctuates, currently Sterling is $34.02 an ounce, and Gold is $1753.44 an ounce.  Sterling Silver is usually available in 5 or 25-foot spools to be spun, soldered, wrapped, and hammered or other wise fashioned into jewelry.  It is common of Gold wire to be “Gold filled” or a brass core with a .15 mm to .25mm outer layer of 14kt gold.  Current Supplier prices are about $90.00 for 25 feet spool for Silver and $150.00 for Gold Filled.  Manufactured jump rings may be purchased, but size cannot be guaranteed as many manufactures measure outer diameter instead of inner diameter, which is used when calculating appropriate jump rings size for Chain Maille.

Precious metal pieces are available per custom order only.  A 50% non-refundable deposit is required before your work begins.  Pricing works as follows.

We charge per foot of wire. 5 feet of wire makes one pair of earrings, it takes 12” of wire to create a 1” coil from which jump rings cut.  Depending on gauge, Sterling Silver wire is $25.00 (20g) to $45.00 (18g)

A 20 gauge pair of Byzantine Weave earrings in sterling silver would cost, $40.00, $25.00 for wire, $5.00 for findings,  $2.00 for beads, and $8.00 for spinning and assembly.

A Necklace takes about 30 feet of wire, depending on the weave.  It takes about 459 jump rings to create a necklace and earring set, depending on Gauge.  To create on of the “Parures”,  $175.00 for wire, $5.00 for beads, and findings, $100.00 to spin and assemble.  Total cost $280.00.

Necklaces, bracelets, or different weaves require different amounts of wire.  The above Precious Metal prices are quoted from the suppliers catalog. All materials and costs will be discussed prior to ordering the necessary material for your project.  The above is an example of possible cost to the customer, your cost may vary depending on your project.

Jewelry wire is usually copper, either colored (dyed) or tinned (plated) with a thin coating of precious metal.  Sterling Silver Plated copper wire is used in many of our projects and is just as pretty, and an affordable alternative to precious metal pieces.  The wire is plated or surface dyed, and some copper will show through the cuts, this is a mark of a hand made item, and although we try our best to keep these marks to a minimum, they do appear on occasion.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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.

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.

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!

In My Studio

As I am always on the look out for new weaves and techniques, I thought it would also be fun to show off a simple weave in different metals.  As size of the jump rings matter during a project so does the color or tone of the metal, even though the pattern is the same.

European 4 in 1 weave in Sterling Silver Plated copper 3 mm jump rings

Here it is done in 3mm Copper

and once again in 8mm “Gunmetal” wire

Currently working on the additions to the silver chain and the gunmetal chain will be a bracelet. 

Not just limited to chain maille at the Vessel, work is also progressing on some cute new items for  Valentine’s Day.  Adorable heart charms and nature charms have arrived and design mode is enabled.  Here is a look at one or two new items soon to be available from The Alchemists Vessel.

Sterling Silver Heart Charms and Garnet beads.

Sterling Silver Turtles with Malachite with Azurite beads

The studio is in full swing.  New patterns to learn, new materials to sort through and listing to post.  It is good to be busy.  Stop by the shop and see what else is on the virtual rack.

Thank you for dropping in and having a look.