Six Great Gifts For Giving List 15 ~ Adult Content

Good Morning,

Tuesday is here and just a gentle reminder before we get to the gift ideas, Mother’s Day is May 12th, just one week from Sunday.

Yes, I know it is usually five, but some of these are just so adorable, that I can’t help but present two or more from each participating shop this week.

This is a new shop the the team and thread.  I love the name and the t-shirts are just too cute.  I think I need to buy a couple for myself.  As a note on the featured items below, Tee adn Sweat provides Size Charts for their tees, check out the shop / listing for size details.

From: Tee and Sweat

Hellvetica Helvetweetca Twitter tshirt Geeks , White and black Tshirt

### PRODUCT DETAIL ###

High Quality 100%Cotton , Standard Fit
Printed using high performance digital printing technology
Brand : Gildan, Anvil, Jerzees, Alstyle or Hanes
Turn the garment inside out before washing and drying
Use only cold water and low to medium dryer settings
Never worn, brand new and factory sealed (Sealed in plastic wrap).
Very Comfortable and Looks GREAT with a pair of Jeans.
Custom T-shirt Only (Not an original T-shirt).
Mention your size in the payment note or send me a message

OK, all you Walking Dead fans, here is the shirt for you!  I don’t know who Daryl is,  but I certainly hope is larger enough for everybody to hide behind.

Walking Dead – Keep Calm and Hide beshind daryl , White , grey and Black Tshirt

### PRODUCT DETAIL ###

High Quality 100%Cotton , Standard Fit
Printed using high performance digital printing technology
Brand : Gildan, Anvil, Jerzees, Alstyle or Hanes
Turn the garment inside out before washing and drying
Use only cold water and low to medium dryer settings
Never worn, brand new and factory sealed (Sealed in plastic wrap).
Very Comfortable and Looks GREAT with a pair of Jeans.
Custom T-shirt Only (Not an original T-shirt).
Mention your size in the payment note or send me a message

I love original art, and are these prints every original and whimsical.  They would great for any decor.

From: The Button Bird

Pirate Fish Print Illustration 8×10

Pirate fish print illustration 8×10″ titled “Merrily, Merrily.” Several fish gaze up at a beautiful night sky, drifting away..

The print measures 8×10″ and is made using archival paper and inks. Please note that computer monitors can shift colors and what you see on your screen might be a bit different color from the print you receive.

Watermark “Katie Cusack Fine Art” will be removed from your print.

Shipping: Prints will be placed in a plastic sleeve with supportive cardboard backing then sent in a padded mailer. Tracking is included with shipping cost.

All images copyright Katie Cusack

Animal Orchestra Print Illustration 10×8 Fantasy Art

“Animal Orchestra” print illustration fantasy art. Zoo animals play a symphony on stage, against a backdrop of red and purple.

The print measures 10×8″ and is made using archival paper and inks. Please note that computer monitors can shift colors and what you see on your screen might be a bit different color from the print you receive.

Watermark “Katie Cusack Fine Art” will be removed from your print.

Shipping: Prints will be placed in a plastic sleeve with supportive cardboard backing then sent in a padded mailer. Tracking is included with shipping cost.

All images copyright Katie Cusack 

*****************************************************

ADULT CONTENT

From Voluptuously Hip

Made to Order Panties- Sexy Panties-Custom Panties-OOAK Panties-Shown Here With Matching G36 Bra

Sexy Custom made panties
Shown here made with black lace with a pink velvet ruffle
Beautiful and sexy
Sure to please your man
These sexy panties can be made custom just for you
These panties are available in sizes xs-xxL
Matching custom made bras are also avaialble, shown here with matching bra in a G36 size
Many color options are available
msg me for more info 

  
Sexy Demi Cup Bra- Handmade Bras-Made to Order Bras

This Bra is so sexxxy!
This is a Demi cup Bra, It sits very nice and low on the breast, just above nipples. LOL
This bra will get you the sexy response you are looking for from your man!
Shown here in a G36 cup
This bra also feels great on, the stretch vinyl hugs you in comfort
Sizes available D32-HH48

Thank you for stopping in and doing a little gift shopping / looking.

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

Monday – Starry Starry Snowflakes New in the Shop

Good Morning,

Monday is here and so is the snow!  Winter has arrived in earnest.  A quick shipping tip:  Next Monday, December 17th, is the last day to have your packages to the US Postal Service or other carrier of your choice to be sure your gifts arrives on time.

This morning  I have one new item that can me made into anything you like, from Pendants to Key Chains for the larger version, and bracelets, earrings and other items for the mini version.

16g and 18g Aluminum (anodized) Pendant 1-1/2″

 The pattern, called Celtic Star Visions, Patchwork, or Dahlia, weaves quickly and makes a lovely and interesting lacy pattern depending on the size of the rings used, and can create a Star or Snowflake like pattern.

Available in a variety of colors, mix and match or solid single color.  With or without beads large or small.  I am still trying to figure how to list them for customization, you can find the earrings listed below.

Holiday Themed Stars – Ornaments 1-1/4″ 18g anodized Aluminum

Black and Red

 This item can be made in a variety of metals with or without beads.

Earrings Celtic Star Mini Chainmaille and Glass Beads

 

These down-sized Chainmaille earrings make a great addition to any jewelry box. This pattern is one of my favorites, lacy, feminine and very pretty. Silver-plated with a single silver-lined Czech Glass bead in Emerald that drops from a point of the star for a lovely accent.

3/4″ wide, Silver plated wire has been hand-spun, cut, beaded and linked in a Celtic Star pattern. A single silver-lined Czech Glass bead in Emerald hangs from the bottom point of the star as an accent. Hypo-allergenic silver tone ear wires finish the pair.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Customizable in your favorite metal or bead color. Please contact us for that special pair.

*Precious Metals are available upon customer request.

Colors and Color Combination Suggestions

L to R: Rose / Purple, Rose (solid), Rose / Blue / Green, Green / Rose, Green/ Red, Red / Green, Natural / Blue, Turquoise / Rose, Turquoise / Blue / Purple, Black / Red.

Base: Large Rings
Inner / Outer: Small Rings.

To Order: 
Select a base color: Natural (silver), Rose, Red, Black, Green, Turquoise, or Purple.
Select inner / outer colors: Natural, Rose, Red, Black, Green, Turquoise, Gold, Purple or blue.  
You may choose two of these, one for the inner color and one for the outer color.

Base: 16g Natural Aluminum, 18g Inner Turquoise Rings, Mixed Dark Blue and Turquoise 18g Outer rings.

Base: 18g Rose, 18g Green Inner rings, 18g Blue Outer rings.

 
Don’t see your colors?  We will be happy to spin or order the rings in the colors of your choice.  Team, School, Company colors, multiple pieces are available.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

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

 

Cuttlebone Casting Part II – Model and Mold Preparation

Good Morning,

 

Wednesday’s are devoted to what’s happening in the studio here at The Alchemists Vessel, and this morning is Part II of the three part series, Cuttlebone Casting.

 

Monday we discussed materials and the very basics of beginning to model and mold the pendant.  Today we are going to continue the project with making the model and creating the mold itself.

 

If you would like to follow along, I recommend a quick review of Monday’s post, Cuttlebone Casting Part I – Materials and Model Making.

TOOLS:
Pencil

Paper

Pin or Sharp Pointy Object

Modeling (Jeweler’s) Wax
Flat File

Jeweler’s Saw

Lighter Fluid

Soft Cloth

Brass Rods

Unsharpened Pencil

Prepared Cuttlebone halves

Last time the design of the piece was decided upon, sketched and cut out.  The sample project shown throughout the instruction will be  simple Cross shape.

This is about 1-1/2″ tall x 1-1/4″ wide.  Sketched in pencil (then traced with ink for a clearer photo), cut out of the paper, this will be the Paper Template from which to trace or “scribe” the design on to the wax block.

PREPARE THE MODEL

Cut out and place your Paper Template on top of the modeling wax and with a pin or other sharp object draw or “scribe” your design into the wax.  Trace the template.  Below is a T-pin, which I use to scribe the design in to the wax.

Note: You can see that the template is a little too long for the wax, you may adjust your design to fit with in the wax area before your trace the design.

Next with a Jeweler’s Saw and a Spiral saw blade (these cut modeling wax best, and straight blades work just fine, too) cut out your model.

Here is the beginning of the wax model.  Using a straight saw blade the block has been cut along the scribed lines in the wax.  Once completely cut out the model will be ready for final preparations.

Once your model is cut out, use a wax file to smooth and true the edges up, keeping them straight and even.  They make specific files for wax, if one is not available a flat jewelers / craft file will work as well.

Using a tiny bit of lighter fluid and a soft cloth, smooth out the surface, corners, and sides of the model.  This will remove any imperfections, nicks and scratches, and smooth the surface for a better impression.  Remember every imperfection will transfer to the finished product.  Be careful, over working the wax will distort or destroy any detail you may have carved into the model.

I have drilled tiny pilot holes in my design, the center hole will house the gemstone, and the others are to keep the design consistent.

NOTE:  I failed to take a picture prior to completing the next steps.  What you see here, is the final model, after it has been pressed into the cuttlebone halves.  The white material is dust from the bone.   Also, I dropped it, as I mentioned the wax is very brittle and I managed to break the arm of the Cross on one side.  However this happened after creating the mold impression!

Whew!  Almost there!

MAKE THAT MOLD

Now the fun starts!  Using one side of your cuttlebone, press your model into the flat surface of the bone.  The bone is soft, use gentle even pressure.  Next place the other half of the cuttlebone on top of the wax model and other half of the bone-mold and press the two sides together.  GENTLY!  If you press too hard the cuttlebone will break and another one will have to be prepared before continuing.  The wax model is now embedded in the cuttlebone.  It does take some pressure, and you can hear the model sinking into the surface of the cuttlebone.  The halves do need to touch, but press the wax into them enough for a well-defined impression.

With a pencil, mark several places on the outside of the bone so you can align the halves later.  This is important, the sides of the mold must match up for the inside to cast properly.

Remove the model.  The impression will be left behind.  This model may be used again to make another mold.

 

Here you can see the impression the wax model has made in the bone, along with the natural striated patterns of the bone itself, they are distorted by the the impression of the cross.  (The other side of the cuttlebone looks just like this).

If desired, very, very carefully sand the impression for better definition.  Do not overwork the area or you can distort the impression.

ADD SPRUE CHANNELS AND VENT GATES

Choosing one side of the mold, lay it flat and using the end of a pencil (not sharpened) create a SPRUE CHANNEL by gently pressing the pencil into the bone, just above and at the edge of the impression.  What’s a sprue channel?  It is a channel that allows the material you’re pouring to enter the mold for casting.  Make sure that this just touches the edge or of your model impression, but not so much to distort your design.  (Simon didn’t say to remove the pencil).

Next using brass rods or something with a smaller diameter than the pencil create VENT GATES.  What’s a vent gate?  It is a channel that will allow air to escape the mold during the casting process.  Just like you did with the pencil, using two (2) Brass rods (or tool) lay them just at the end and edge of the arms of the Cross.  These should also just touch the edge of the impression.  With the pencil and then the rods in place, place the second half of your mold over the pencil and rods and press down, keeping in mind to align the pencil marks on the outside of the cuttlebone.  The channels must be created in both sides of the mold.  Take the halves apart, remove the pencil and rods.

Are you still with me?  Still want to make a piece of jewelry?   Alrighty then!  Here we go!

Now match up the halves with the lines you made on the outside.  Find the Sprue Channel. Very carefully mark the top of the mold (both sides), on either side of the Sprue Channel.  This is where you will cut the SPRUE HOLE.  What’s a sprue hole?  It is a larger opening in the mold, which allows you to pour material into the Sprue Channel and into the mold.  This makes it easier to pour the material from whatever you have melted your material in, into the mold itself.  If you try to aim for the Sprue Channel you will wind up with material on the outside of the mold and possibly severe burns.  Molten Metal is HOT HOT HOT!  This project only gets up to about 400 degrees, but that can still do some serious damage!  Be careful.

Here you can see the Vent Gates, Sprue Hole, Sprue Channel, and the pencil marks I made on the outside of the bone to align the pieces.

Now align the Mold again.  Using Mold Wire, Rubber bands, or other type of binding (I do not recommend Duct Tape or other adhesive strips or bindings), match up the halves and secure (close) the mold.

The photo above is the closed mold, with Rubber band binding.

You just made a mold.  COOL!

WHEW!

Set the mold aside, some place safe and dry.

The preparations are now done and the mold is ready to begin casting the piece.

Take a break, have a little sit down and enjoy some tea, coffee, a beverage, or snack of your choice!  You’ve earned it!

Next time.  Part III – Casting the piece. 

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

Featured Artist – A List Designs

 

Happy Saturday!

 

Yes, yes the blog is late, but better late than never.  This weeks Featured Artist is A List Designs a mother and daughter team.  Don’t miss out on this fun and unique shop.

Bio:  We are a mother & daughter team, who love creating original jewelry designs. Daughter began creating beaded jewelry in 2004. In 2009, daughter enrolled in classes with a professional metalsmith. Mother joined the world of jewelry design in 2007, with daughter’s instruction. Together they launched A List Designs in 2010.

A List Designs offers handcrafted earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings using sterling silver, 14k gold fill, precious/semi-precious gemstones and pearls. Custom made sterling silver pieces are also available. A List Designs jewelry can be found online at www.AListDesigns.Etsy.com. Our retailers include Edenside Gallery and Les Filles Boutique in Louisville KY, as well as The Watchmaker’s Daughter in York, PA. 

This is just clever and so cute!

Swiss Cheese Bracelet – Sterling Silver, Metal Work 

Description: Swiss Cheese Bracelet- custom order your very own! Each sterling silver bracelet is handmade and tailored to fit. Wrist measurement required – please convo.

Texture can be added to prevent scratches – include your preference when you convo.

Allow 3 weeks for your custom order.

Gift box and jewelry polishing cloth included.

Peacock Gemstone Earrings – Amethyst, Green Onyx, Blue Apatite, Gold Filled Wire Wrapped

 

Description:  Peacock Gemstone Earrings- Faceted Green Onyx stones dangle from gold filled rings with faceted Amethyst & Neon Blue Apatite stones wire wrapped inside.

Overall length: approx. 2 1/2 inches (including handmade earhook)

Option: Handmade nickel free earhooks for sensitive ears available upon request.

Gift box, earring stoppers & jewelry polishing cloth included.

Pearl Drop Necklace – Gold Filled with Chalcedony and Hessonite Garnet.

Description: Pearl Drop Necklace- Keshi Pearls with Hessonite Garnet centers trickle down a gold filled drop with a Honey Brown Chalcedony gem at the end. Freshwater Pearls accent the chain on one side.

Necklace length: 17 1/2 inches. Drop adds 2 inches.

Matching earrings listed here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/104933214/pearl-cluster-earrings-gold-filled-with

Gift box & jewelry polishing cloth included.

Silver Lightening Bolt Necklace – Oxydized Chain and Peridot Inspired by Mila Kunis in Friends with Benefits – FREE SHIPPING

Description: Sterling Silver Lightning Bolt Necklace- Inspired by the one Mila Kunis wore in Friends with Benefits. Pendant is handmade. Peridot accents the oxidized chain & clasp.

Pendant measures approx. 1 1/4 inches.
Overall length of necklace is 17 inches.

Since Peridot is August birthstone, enjoy FREE SHIPPING during August.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Enter SHIPMEFREE at checkout ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Gift box is included.

Custom Order Option:
For custom order with specific stones/colors, please view gemstones in photo and convo your preference from the list below:

Green – green onyx
Brown – smoky quartz
Light green – peridot
Red – garnet
Aqua – apatite
Gold – hessonite garnet
Purple – amethyst
Orange – carnelian
White – moonstone
Indigo – iolite
Pink – pink topaz
Grey – labradorite
Black – black onyx

* Allow 2 weeks for your custom order.
* Free shipping offer only applies to Peridot.

Labradorite Moonstone Earrings – Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Hoops Hammered Wire with Gemstones

 

Description:  Labradorite Moonstone Earrings- Wire wrapped faceted Labradorite stones hang from handmade sterling silver hoop. Faceted Moonstone & Labradorite stones hang inside. Faceted Labradorite stones top earrings.

Overall length: approx. 2 inches (including handmade earhook)

Option: Handmade nickel free earhooks for sensitive ears available upon request.

Gift box, earring stoppers & jewelry polishing cloth included.

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  These two have a lot more wonderful jewelry to look at and shop through.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

In My Studio – New Beads

 

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.

 

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.