Studio News Jewlery Classes New for the Holidays

Trick or Treat!

I do love the middle of the week, and what more can I say, other than of course I have a treat for you!

I spent yesterday at the work bench, assembling samples for the brand new Jewelry Class projects starting in November and available through December at your local Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store
1085 Milwaukee
Boise, ID 
208-323-5373 
Instructor: Alixandra Browning of The Alchemists Vessel

Jewelry Making Basics or Jewelry 101 is always offered and includes an overview of supplies, tools and basic jewelry making terms and techniques.  Students take home a project they choose to make during class.  $35.00 for a 2-1/2 hour session.  Includes a field trip through the aisles.

This months projects are pretty and versatile! Simple, fun, fabulous, and  just in time for the Holidays!  Sign up and make presents for your Mom, sister, daughter, Grandmother, or all your girl-friends, in their favorite colors!  Easy and quick these projects have endless possibilities for color combinations!

Jewelry 102

Solar Chic is the first project.  $30.00 for a 2 hour session.  The Class includes both the Earrings and Bracelet.  Project materials are purchased in advance by the student, and tools are provided in the classroom.  In keeping with the Class Instructions and using the suggested materials, and still managing to keep the project unique and different; the goal of the class is to teach the techniques and let the student use their design idea to complete the piece.

Material lists and Class Schedules are provided at time of sign up.  

Suggested materials
Ear Wires
Memory Wire
6mm and 4mm *Bi-cone Beads in your favorite color.
*Project instructions call for Swarovski Crystals in Green (Mix)
Sturdy wire cutters (Memory Wire fights back!)
Round Nose pliers

Solar Chic Earrings

Memory wire and two sizes of Bi-cone shaped glass beads make up this cute and illusion-like pair of earrings.

Solar Chic Matching Bracelet

Memory wire and the same Bi-cone shaped glass beads with an added color or two create this cute, super simple, and very shiny bracelet.

Jewelry 201

I don’t design the projects I just make the samples and teach the class, like they tell me.

Bow Tie Necklace – $30.00 for a 2 hour session.

This pretty project has a surprise, not constructed as you think it might be, the double strand is an eye-fetchingly sparkly and charming bit of decoration.  Great for teens, the office, or to match that Holiday outfit!  The Bow Tie may be attached or removed for two different looks.

Suggested Materials:
Silver Chain
4mm *Bi-Cone Beads
*Project instructions call for Swarovski Crystals in Siam
6mm Jump Rings
Head Pins
Lobster Claw Clasp (or choice)
Beading Wire (7 Stand)
Round Nose pliers
Wire Cutters

Silver (white metal) chain is the basis for this piece.  Shown here without the beaded Bow Tie Accent.

Option:

Shown here with the addition of the Bow Tie. 

Detail

Bow Tie accent.  Bow is created with 4mm beads.

This pieces can be made in any color combination or solid color of choice.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a very Spooky Halloween!

 

Links, Promotions and Things to Click

 

Friday! 

 

The weekend is here.  Hurray!

 

PROMOTION:

Tomorrow at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft Stores 

Open House

Saturday, August 11, 2012

1085 N. Milwaukee

Boise, ID

(208) 323-5373

Jewelry Making Flyer Page

 

Come on down and sign up for a class.  The coupon on the page is good for 50% off any and all classes for which you sign up.  Sewing, Cake Decorating, Knitting, Painting or take a Jewelry Class with me!  Contact your local stores for their dates and class lists.

LINKS:

 

I know that there are an awful lot of links to pages and videos and the odd website now and again.  Listing several seems like a good idea, remember to bookmark them if you visit the page again.

 

Twisted Little Things – The Etsy shop where those wonderful little monsters can be found.  There is a whole new crop of marvelous macabre for your collection.

Gimp –  Free downloadable Photo editing software.

Rio Grande – Jewelry Making Supplies

Handmade Artists –  On line shopping

 

Craft Stack – On line shopping, the page is not “open” yet, but they have gone from just a logo to an actual homepage, looking forward to a new venue.

 

You know where to find me, any of the links to the right will re-direct you to any of the sites, pages, or videos you are interested in.  

Have a question, comment or just curious.  They are welcome here!

 

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

 

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant and wonderful weekend!  Relax and be good to yourself.

 

Friday Local Links and Promotions

 

Friday is here, and the weekend is right around the corner!

 

Speaking of the weekend, this is a big deal up here, and it is fun.  The Western Idaho Fair is this month.  August 17 through the 26th, 2012.  Contests, Farm Exhibits, Rides and Funnel cake.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts Stores has new Jewelry-Making classes, with Alixandra Browning of The Alchemists Vessel.  Come on down and have an enjoyable afternoon of fun and crafting.  Projects suitable for all ages, taught in a classroom at the store in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.  These are the projects for August.  Don’t forget to ask abut special deals when signing up for class, many have up to a 50% discount on the listed price.

Green Chutes

 

I don’t know anything about this other than they are up the street from my house.  The appear to be an Artists Co-Op that sells food.  I have never been there, and should probably go.  Off State Street in the Collister Shopping Center near the Bowling Alley. If any of you have been there, a review would be wonderful.

 

Thanks for stopping by and having a read.

 

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

 

Links and Promotions – Things To Do in Boise

Good Morning,

The weekend has arrived!  It is Friday!  On Friday’s I usually share links to sites or information and promote something or someone, shop, art, something.  In today’s vernacular, “I got nothing”, so let’s see what we can’t find on the web.

Looking for something to do this weekend?  There is always Pride, or you can check out the Boise Weekly for activities and events happening around your neighborhood.

Also going on this weekend is the Ye Olde Renaissance Fair at Eagle Island State Park.  Fear Not they say IHOP is giving away $5.00 Certificates for Cart Parking ($5.00 a car to get in!)

I will be the instructor for this weekend’s Jo-Ann Fabrics Jewelry-Making Class.  

Looking for something else to do?  Check out the Boise Calendar of Events, music, art, education and governmental goings on.  

That’s all for today.   Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

Studio News from The Workshop

Happy Wednesday!

Yes, the elf (because there is only one) is working on getting new things into the shop, and not only that, but The Alchemists Vessel has been asked to create Bridesmaids Jewelry for a wedding.  Excited about that!  Beautiful things for a wonderful and happy occasion.  I really do enjoy creating things for special and pleasant events. 

Thinking about your Wedding attire?  Let us help you create that unique piece for the Bride or fabulous matching sets for the Bridal Party!  Glass and Genuine Pearls available, and special orders for colored pearls to match your wedding pallet can be made.

Also pleased and happy to announce that we now have two new ways to purchase from us.  Don’t like Pay Pal?  You can use the Direct Check Out feature on Etsy.  Credit or Debit Card is all that is needed and like magic you are on your way to receiving that something special just for you!

Now accepting SQUARE!  At the show?  No need to run to the ATM!  Swipe your card and sign, and off you go with your goodies in hand!  How convenient!

Speaking of shows the next Treasure Valley Market will be July 14 and 15th!  More information about that in July, after the 4th of course.

Teaching another class on Saturday, June 16th, and there are other projects in the works!  Classes at Jo-Ann’s

Thank you for dropping by and having a look.

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

Links and Promotions – Jo-Ann Fabrics Classes with Alix

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

Boise, ID.  

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.

May-June’s Brochure

June – July’s Brochure

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

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

Studio Time – Class Projects from Jo-Ann Fabrics

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.

5 Great Gift To Give Summer Idea I

Although Summer is not quite here, I thought it would be fun to look at gifts and things to do this summer.

Summer Classes and Camps.  These can be anything from a couple of hours learning how to create jewelry, knit or crochet, paint, draw, to an active Day Camp for kids that may include hiking, swimming, biking, a day at the playground, or the zoo.  Many of these camps not only welcome but encourage patents to join in the activity as well.

Jo-Ann Fabrics has several Summer Camps for kids from Sewing to other fun activities both educational and fun, that are geared especially for little one.  There are also adult classes available.  This Saturday, June 9th, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Jo-Ann Fabrics is having an open house. Class sign up is 50% off, come on down and see what they have in-store for you or for your little one this Summer.  My class projects will be on display as well.

Jo-Ann Fabrics (Boise, Idaho)

1085 North Milwaukee Street

Boise, ID 83704

Get directions

Milwaukee Marketplace‎

(208) 323-5373

joann.com‎

I try to inject a little humor into things here is a fun and unique gift for the Accident Prone individual in your life, and someone is bound to wind up with a scraped knee. Fortune Bandages

From Toy Splash

This neat Lizard Pool Lounger.

This is neat for a day at the beach.  

From: Designed by Felisa

 

Sea-Water Octopus Compact Mirror

Description:  This compact mirror is beautiful!!! Fantasy blue sparkles fill the foundation of the front side of the compact. I adorned a lovely Octopus to the top center of the compact mirror. Compact has a combination of a smooth feeling along with perfect texture of the adorned metal Octopus. Perfect match for your accesories!!!!

I used a super sealant with to ensure stability of my design on this compact mirror.   100% designed by Felisa

From: The Alchemists Vessel

Elegant Chainmaille Collar in Silver Plate and 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.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.

 

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

Post 100 Links and Promotions

Good morning,

Friday is here!  I hope all had a good work week and are ready for some fun in the sun for the next couple of days.

Here we are at the 100th Post of the blog.  Amazing.

Thank you all for coming along, reading, commenting and in general helping to make the blog interesting and different.

With the schedule being very full, I had intended to have another jewelry tutorial this month, but my camera is not cooperating, so we’ll have to wait until I return from California to get that going.

We will be making a pair of earrings!  Pliers, beads, a couple of head pins and some ear wires are all you will need to follow along!  You may also wish to have some jump rings on hand for this as well.

Today, I share a link for The Muddfip Photographer, my friend Shelly Moody will be a featured artist in the near future.  Shelly takes some incredible photos, the link will take you to the facebook page.  I’m not saying too much right now as I want to save the good stuff for her feature!

The Alchemists Vessel has a new look on Facebook and Etsy.

Thanks to Harrison Richards of HRthinkstorm on Etsy, for the new Cover Photo and Banner for the shop.  Harrison has some great products at affordable prices to help you get your on-line or brick and mortar store up, running and noticed.

On an interesting and news worthy note.  Facebook’s Stock goes public today, about 11:00 a.m. EST.  $38.00 a share, those that hold shares now stand to make a nice little profit for themselves.

Don’t forget Jo-Ann Fabrics is still taking students and my classes are wide open, June will be copper chain and stone chip earrings and a very pretty Swarovski Crystal “Life Bracelet” from the in-store Brochure, pick one up and register for class today.  Bring a friend, learn a new skill, meet some new folks, and harass the teacher!  What a fun way to spend a couple of hours.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful day and a most pleasant and relaxing weekend.

NOTE:  There will be no blog posts next week, I will be out of town and my friend, Terry, (she did the blog last time I was out) is unavailable this time.

Studio Time

Greetings,

This morning’s post will be brief.

This afternoon I will be attending an introductory class at Jo-Ann‘s Fabrics as a sit-in, to watch the class, the instructor, and to see how things go with lesson plans and schedules.  I am kind of excited.

The studio is currently in state of disarray as I attempt to get prepared for the Flea Market this weekend, beads, wire, bits of stuff is everywhere and needs to be packed and put away.   We do have some new items on the table, so come on by and have a look.  We’ll be at the Fair Grounds.

Treasure Valley Flea Market

Enrolled in a Jewelry and Metal Arts Class, the first project is due soon and I am in need of materials to finish it up, shopping is also agenda.

Yes, all of that is wonderful, but what is going on in the studio?

Weaving Bracelets.

Making Earrings.

Re-doing the Etsy Shop

Paring down and reorganizing the sites and web presence.

Yes, always busy.

Thank you for stopping by, it is Wednesday, and the work week is almost done!