Tag Archives: craft

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Featured Artist on a Tuesday – lisianblue

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Hello and Happy Tuesday!

Switching things up a little bit this morning, just to keep everybody on their toes!

This morning’s featured artist is another clever and creative person from Handmade Artists, lisianblue.

Lisianblue creates hand-knitted and crocheted items for babies to babes, and she has a lot of terrific things.  I admire her skills, although I knit, and am pretty adept at it, Lisainablue can crochet, a skill / talent that eludes me.

Here are some fun and wonderful items from her shop and a couple of them would make fabulous gifts for Summer, or the new Mommy in your circle of friends.
Like these fingerless gloves.  These would be fabulous for a Summer Date Night, don’t need a jacket, but bring something to keep the chill away.  These are great and lovely!

Product Description:  Sparkly ivory and lace elbow length fingerless gloves are a fun yet elegant accessory.
Made with sport weight acrylic yarn in ivory with bits of sparkle throughout, these three quarter length fingerless gloves are 13″ long and 8″ around.  With an all around lacy pattern they can be worn on either hand.  Comfortable thumb opening, but they do not cover part of the thumb.  They will comfortably fit up to a 9 1/2″ arm. 
These unique hand crocheted fingerless gloves have a lacy hand edge and I’ve added a row of picot stitching at the elbow end to extend the lacy effect.
Want these lovely fingerless gloves in a different size, please feel free to send me a message and I will make a pair just for you.  Want a different color?  That’s a possibility too.
Product Details:  Cool summer white cotton  thread crocheted in an open stitch with an elongated picot edging makes this sweet flowered hat flirty and romantic. 
Simply elegant to wear for a beach wedding, and your honeymoon too!  Dress up a summer outfit for a night out dancing, or out and about around town.
A stretcy 20″ will fit most adult women up to 23″ with an 8″ cap long enough to cover the ears.  If you need this shorter or smaller, let me know and I can adjust it before mailing it out.
This juliet style cap is lovingly hand crocheted  with white cotton crochet thread.

Product Details:  Pretty ruffled baby bib with a sweet flower made with 100% cotton in purple, lavender, yellow, and white to keep your sweet baby clothes clean.
Thick cotton tie bib measures 9.75″ wide x 13.5″ long. Machine washable and dryable.
Mary Jane style matching baby booties coming soon.
Custom orders gladly accepted.
I know, we’re just entering the summer months, but this is one of my favorites of her items.  This would be great for that Office Christmas Party, or just to add a little Holiday spirit to that bulky winter outfit. 
Product Details: Fun Santa hat to keep you warm while out and about, skiing, sledding, hanging out.
Made with acrylic yarn with eye lash or “fun fur” yarn along with the white for the brim and pompom.  This one is 20″ around and 20″ long.   Fits 21″ – 24″  heads
If you need a smaller one let me know and I can adjust this one, or make a whole new one if the original one is sold.  Please let me know head circumference if you want a smaller or larger one.
**Note: after clicking on Add to Cart, you need to click on Shopping cart in the upper right hand corner. Please wait for PayPay to return you to the shop to complete the transaction.
To contact me for any questions or size adjustments, click on “contact” on the right hand side – by the shop avatar, while on the product page.  It’s on the left side on the main shop page.
What lisianblue has to say about herself:
Bio:
I enjoy doing so many things, painting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, drawing, photography. I have many years of experience in all these areas. My grandmother taught me how to knit and crochet when I was about 8. I am the mother of 2 and a grandmother to 3 beautiful children from 9mo’s to 12 yrs old.

HATS & SCARVES
All hats and scarves are hand crocheted or hand knit in a smoke free, cat friendly home. I try to use a smaller hook or needle so you get a hat with a tighter weave to help keep the cold air out. Each hat and scarf is washed with a mild detergent without the use of fabric softener, and put away to limit any further contact with my furry friends. If your hat does not fit, I will gladly make another one for you as soon as I receive the original back in the same great shape it was mailed, or adjust the original. Custom orders: I will be happy to work with you on colors and yarn choices – except for wool. I love wool, but unfortunately, I am highly allergic to it. I can get away with working with a mohair blend, but otherwise I pretty much have to stick with acrylic, cotton or bamboo.
All orders are mailed through USPS, as soon as possible after your payment is cleared through PayPal.
If you have any questions, comments, please feel free to contact me

I hope to be adding some clothes for children in the near future. Spring – Summer 2012

Thank you for coming by and have a great day.

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Thank you for stoping by and having a read.  I hope that some of hte above items may inspire you to have a look at her shop.
The Alchemsits Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Tuesday.
 
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Featured Artist: BlueHighways

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Good Morning,

Today I have the pleasure of introducing you all to BlueHighways hand bound Journals, from the site Handmade Artists.

Ever wonder what is on that road less traveled?  Perhaps you travel those little blue lines on a map to someplace different, unique and off the beaten track.  That is what Blue Highways has to offer, different, unique and original hand bound books that are not your average Barnes and Noble aisle find.

Beautiful fabric covers and pages of lined or drawing paper complete the books. I have included five of my favorites below (and it was hard to choose).  Great for sketching, a day at the beach or jotting down your journey in a journal!  This is how people used to blog!

What Blue Highways says about her shop:
Old road maps used to have the back roads printed in blue, they’re 
the roads less traveled…those are the ones I prefer. 
Welcome, and travel some Blue Highways with me!
All books, art & writing journals, sketchbooks & albums are made 
with nice thick durable fabric covered covers, they are 
beautifully handbound and have generous page counts.I have a 3 
book maximum on any one fabric design then it will be retired, 
even then each of the 3 will either have different paper or binding 
or both.
An encouragement to buyers; if you don’t see something already 
made that you like please contact me so that together we may 
collaborate to make a custom book or journal that is absolutely 
perfect for your tastes and needs. Page counts, fabrics, paper colors, 
binding technique…all up to you. Deeply Entwined

Description: Maybe I can explain the odd title on this handbound book (though many are odd I must admit). I was in Charleston, SC not long ago to visit a sweet friend, we went to the aquarium… there were sea turtles with amazing grace swimming right before our eyes…and that’s the rest of the story!

Twittering on The Edge


 
Internal Storm
I hope that some of these have inspired you or perhaps caught your attention that you might click through and check out her Shop.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

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

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Links and Promotions – Jo-Ann Fabrics Classes with Alix

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Happy Friday!

The weekend is upon us!  Although I have to work, I hope the rest of you have a wonderful and super relaxing couple of days off from the hustle and bustle of work!

If you have been paying attention then you are aware that Jo-Ann Fabrics is having an Open House this weekend on 
Saturday, June 09, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
1085 Milwaukee, in the Central Plaza
I will be there with all the projects for you to look at and decide if you would like to take one.  No task master I, we have a good time in a relaxed environment.  Wire cutters, material and yourself are all that is required to take the class.  They are given at Jo-Ann’s in a back classroom, come be social and learn a new skill or technique in the process.  What a great way to fill up a Saturday afternoon.

Class sign up is 50% off the regular price if you come in and sign up on Saturday.  Also there are coupons and in-store sales and specials.  If your a Craft-person with some extra cash now is the time to visit the store and find some great deals.A Materials list is available for all the projects you see below, and not all items required for the class may be purchased at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft Stores.


Jewelry-Making Classes with Alix

Beginning Jewelry-Making is also taught, by my self as well as another Instructor.  Instruction is given on how to open and close jump rings, different sizes of wire, what findings are and how to use them, and when the class is complete you go home with a nifty something you made yourself.

Skill Level 1 = Easy
Skill Level 2 = Intermediate

Skill Level 3 = Advanced

Dare To Dangle Earrings
Skill Level 2
Wire Wrapping and Jump Rings
Crystal Life Bracelet 
Skill Level 2

An improvised design using suggested and some substituted supplies.  The great thing about jewelry class is you can follow the instructions to the letter or purchase the suggested material or using the instructions and sample as a guide, create your own unique piece!
Wire Wrapping, Jump Rings, Chain and Selected Elements.



These next three pieces make a set, Earrings, Watch and Necklace.  I purchased one strand of each of 8mm, 6mm and 4mm Glass Pearl beads from Bluemoon Beads, and was able to complete all three projects.  Economical classes to say the least.

Pretty in Pearls Earrings
Skill Level 2 
Wire Wrapping, Jump Rings, Findings and Beads
Time for Style Watch
Skill Level 2 
Wire Wrapping, Findings, Selected Elements and Beads


Floating Pearl Necklace
Skill Level 2 
Wire, Findings, Crimp and Glass Beads

 


Can’t make it to the store Saturday?
You can also sign up and find a Current and Upcoming list of Class times and schedule the one that is best for you at Jo-Ann Store Events page, or you can have a look at the brochures as well.


June – July’s Brochure

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

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

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Featured Artist Dee 38753 Southern Country Creations

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Hello,

This weeks featured artist is Dee38753 from handmadeartsits.com


What Dee says about herself:
I am a 50 something teacher that has been “crafty” from a young age and decided recently that I should sell some of my art.
Dee had an item on a Tuesday blog for Five Great Gifts to give.  Here are a couple more items from her shop.
Product Details: This handmade item is a little different from most I have. It is a very versatile piece in that it can be worn as a necklace, anklet, or a bracelet.
It is crocheted using Irish linen in a chain stitch with antique copper colored seed beads added for interest. The piece is 21 inches in length and has a red stone flower button closure…for that little POP of color.
Product Details: This set of coasters are in the shape of a flower and in the brightest, boldest colors of summer. The colors are Bright Blue. Bright Lime, and Bright Orange.

The coasters measure 5 1/2 inches in diameter and are made of super absorbent 100% cotton. Because they are 100% cotton these coasters can be machine washed and dried.

 
Product Details: This little bracelet is created using green bead cord and pink crackle glass beads. The closure is an antique silver Celtic Knot button.
The bracelet is approximately 6 3/4 inches in length.


As you can see Dee crochets, and uses that technique to create jewelry and other wonderful items.  The items above are but a small sampling of what can be found in her shop.  Won’t you stop by and give this artist a look?

Thank you for stopping by.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful day.

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Five Great Gifts To Give – A Summer’s Day

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Greetings on this fine and lovely Tuesday morning.

We have a mix of things today.  Handmade Artists and Etsy Shop offerings.  Gift ideas perfect for a Summer’s day.

Hand Crocheted Pink Super Skinny Scarf cs004

Product Details:  This hand crocheted 100% cotton pink skinny scarf is a versatile fashion accessory, drape it or warp it several times around your neck, loop it around your waist as a sash with skirts or jeans.
Versatile, fashionable, and a bit flirty too.  This unique scarf is 1.5″ wide x 90″ long with 4.5″ fringe on the side.  Fringe is hand knotted with it’s neighbor creating a simple lacy effect.

Can be machine washed & dried.  However, I recommend hand washing & wrapping it up in a towel to soak up excess water & laid flat to dry.  You can squeeze, but please don’t wring.

 
Product Details: Don’t you think there’s something about polka dots that just says fun? This cheerful bracelet is filled with bright colors, sparkle and yes, polka dots! Lampwork beads in pink, red, amber,lime, teal, blue and purple all have a sprinkling of those delightful white dots! Silver plated discs and beads add sparkle as does the 4mm clear beads. It is all strung on flexible beading wire, and finished with wire guards and crimp covers. A smooth toggle clasp keeps it secure on your wrist. When laying flat is it 8″ long and will fit a 6.75″ to 7″ wrist.
From: The Alchemists Vessel

Orange Creamcicle (Carnelian and Sterling Silver Genuine Gemstone Earrings)
Description: These are a fabulous choice for Summer. Oval shaped genuine Carnelian beads hang in a pretty orange curtain reminding on of refreshing Sorbet, Orange Slices or a Creamcicle on a hot Summer day. Would make a great July or August Birthday Present.

Sterling Silver Six Drop Hoop Earrings with Natural Grade A Semi-precious Gemstones – available in a variety of stones.

Life Aquatic
Description: 7-1/4″ in length. Cute, fun, different! Aquatic life, stunning statement bracelet. Charms measure about 3/4″ across at widest or longest points,Leaping Dolphin, Turtle, Seahorse, Swan, and a Penguin in sterling silver plated charms adorn this adorable bracelet. There is plenty of room to add your collection of charms, too!

Elegant Chainmaille Choker Silver Plated with Black Czech Glass Beads
 
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. 
Thank you for having a look.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

 
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Thursday’s Featured Artist Jennelle

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Thursday has arrived, bright and sunny.  The weather promises to be a bit cooler today, I think a day outside may be in order, inspiration, textures, and a reconnection with nature after a long Winter indoors.
It seems as if handmadeartists.com has gotten a lot attention this week, and as such this weeks Featured Artist is,
On the site she was known as Janelle5.
This came as quite a shock to me, I had no idea that this remarkable artists has passed.  Handmade Artists and Janelle’s friends have continued to run her shop.  There are five items left and it would be a pity to see them unsold.  I have never exchanged messages with her nor did I come across her amazing wood jewelry until researching for this blog post.

This wonderful tribute to a forum member is on her Bio page.  I place it here, so those reading may get a sense of who she was and what she meant to those she befriended on Handmade Artists and in her everyday life.

Janelle was a passionate lover of handmade and a tireless promoter.  She was also an active member of our community. On her passing, we have experienced a great loss.  Janelle left a hole in our group and our hearts.  Janelle was unique in many ways, but what she did with a piece of wood was remarkable!  Though she may be gone, her talent, passion and art remain in the pieces she so lovingly created.  All of the proceeds from this shop will be contributed to her estate.  We know you will be as taken with Janelle’s pieces are we are!  All of her friends here at the Handmade Artists Shop thank you for taking the time to look at, appreciate, and purchase her work.
Thank you for stopping in, The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day. 
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Three Great Gifts To Give Presenting Handmade Artists Site

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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:

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
 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.

 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.

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Good Morning,

Once again. I would like to think that I am saying this as gently as possible.  Just so you all know, when you look at my blog, and then do searches for things like “How Many Jump Rings Are Required For A Dragon’s Back Bracelet”, I can see that!  My blog tells on you!  If you have questions, comments or other ideas, please feel free to contact me via any of the links, e-mails or site addresses.  In most cases I am happy to share.

I am absolutely thrilled that my jewelry is appealing enough for some one to wish to copy it. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, in this case however; no, it is not.

These are my designs, that come out of my head and made with my hands. Although  Chain Maille and it’s patterns / weaves may be “public domain”, my designs are not, they are mine, they belong to me, and are copyrighted the minute I post them. I am a real, licensed, tax-paying, permit holding business entity! If you would like to make a bracelet, I am more than willing to offer instructions and assistance, pdf.s or what have you.

Please, don’t steal my or an other artist’s designs, not only is it tacky, it is unprofessional, unethical, and you will be caught!

Thank you,

Alix Browning

The Alchemist

The Alchemists Vessel

Owner / Designer / Sole Proprietor

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A Random Friday

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The weekend is here and I don’t think I have ever been so happy to see one!

Friday’s are usually links and promotions, I have been busy with classes this week and haven’t had time to look for much.  My plate is suddenly very full, which is a good thing.

I have been talking about starting to teach classes at Jo-Ann‘s.  Here is there website.  Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.  From here you can find a store, look for a class, sign up for offers and even shop some of their items.  If you’re a craft-person this is a neat site.  You can even buy a class for a friend as a gift.
Yesterday’s blog discussed tools, a rotary or Dremel tool being the prominent tool.  Here are three links to the tool.
Dremel.com – Website Homepage.

Video Projects – What should I do with my Dremel?

Customer Creations Gallery – What other people did with their Dremel tool.  Some of the projects are amazing!

Like this Curly Maple Clock
A Hardwood Ark

Or this Wooden Sign

Tools are pretty cool.

Next weekend is the last Treasure Valley Market of the season, and I will be attending.  We’ll link the commercial and the event one more time next week.  I hope to see the locals there.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend!  Rest.  Relax.  Rejuvenate!