Featured Artists Theme: Vacation

 Good Morning,

Ah, the Summer Vacation, I remember those.  Most people can’t or don’t take them any more for whatever reason that may be, but it is fun to think about going someplace exotic, or tropical, perhaps to another country or state you have never been to before.

This week’s Featured Artist for the blog ring is none other than myself.  I think we can take care of those vacation accessory needs!  You may shop either The Alchemists Vessel on Handmade Artists or The Alchemists Vessel on Etsy.

Going to the beach? How about these adorable Sea Horse earrings.  Perfect for Steampunk Summer fashions or just something to match sand and surf, you’ll look fabulous in these highly detailed earrings.

Earrings Seahorse Charm and Glass Bead In Antiqued Bronze

Adorable aren’t they? Just short of 1-1/2″ when worn, this cute and charming pair of sea creatures are filigreed and 3-Dimensional with the pattern on either side of the charm. Topped with a Bronze / Brown Bi-cone Glass Bead these are light weight, and a fun summery addition to any wardrobe.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Free Shipping for this item

Available from handmadeartists.com

Or how about this interesting Chaimaille Bracelet?  Light, pretty, and just right for a Summer outing or Fourth of July Fire Works display.

Candy Apple Chainmaille Bracelet

Product Details:

Bold, bright and beautiful, this firey and racey little bracelet is not for the timid.  Red rings accent the length of chain and makes for a stunning accessory.  A fabulous pop of power color at the office, a lovely accessory for a romantic evening out, or a livley and electric addition to a casual outfit.  You’re sure to dazzle them with this vibrant bangle.  Would make a great July Birthday present.

8.25″total length, including clasp.  Silver-plated wire and enameled aluminum jump rings in Red are woven in an Inverted Round Maille pattern and finished with a strong magnetic clasp that holds well during everyday activities and movements.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Customizable, may be made to desired length or in a favorite color of choice.   
Multicolor request please add $5.00

Check the shop to see if there in not one in your favorite color in our ready-to-wear collection of pieces.

“Starry, Starry night, paint your palette blue and grey…” Vincent, Don McLean.

Although written about or inspired by Vincent Van Gogh, the song is a wonderful tribute to the beauty that is a Summer evening sky.  These perfect little stars will do nicely as an accessory for your warm starry nights this summer.

Oh My Stars Sterling Silver Star Charm Earrings

Product Details:

It’s full of stars!  These super  cute earrings are Sterling Silver, findings, chain, stars charms and ear wires.  That’s it, Sterling Silver nothing else.  Great for Bohemian Fashions!

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Summer is time for things that sparkle in the sunshine and this bracelet certainly does that!  Glass beads throw rainbow colors across their surface as you move or when they catch the light.

 From the $10.00 Collection

Rainbow Memory Wire Wrap Bracelet

Product Details:

This pretty little bangle is simple and shiny.  Coated glass beads in silver rainbow in iridescent blues, pinks, purples, greens and yellows.

16″ total length, beads are threaded along the wire in an alternating pattern.  Finished with simple loops, matching beaded dangles may be added at the customers request.

Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.

Last but not least, this lovely pretty in pink timepiece.  No one wants to to keep track of time when having a good one, but alas, time is of the essence on occasion and you might as well be stylish and unique when keeping it.

Precious Time Chainmaille Watch

Product Details:

Pink and precious, this pretty time piece is feminie and fabulous!  Great for the office, date night, or that casual outfit.  Adorned with a Swarovski Crystal Heart charm in matching pink.

8-1/2″ long.  Silver plated wire is hand spun, cut, linked and beaded in the Full Persian Chainmaille weave.  Stainless Steel watch and Locking Magnetic Clasp finish the piece.

Available in Red, Purple and Crystal Clear beads.

Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

If you’re in the Boise area, remember to stop by Little Shop of Artists opening July 01, 2013, all these and many more items will be available in the store.

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

Inside Little Shop of Artists

Good Morning, 

Today, I am pleased and very excited to tour the interior of the building for what will be the home of Little Shop of Artist.

Taken with my cellphone, it may not be the best quality, but rent is paid, and clean up will commence on or about June 15th, 2013.

We, the participating artists, are hoping to open the doors July 01, 2013.

We hope that you will come and visit us if you are in the Boise, Idaho area.

We apologize for a lack of video but WordPress SUCKS when it comes to uploading them.  Get it together WordPress, you are the only service that is this much of a pain in the ass!

Once the participating artists have set up their displays, these now empty rooms will be filled with Art, Handmade Goods, Jewelry, Gifts and other items to delight the eye and treat the senses.

If you are an artist in the surrounding Boise, Idaho area, stop by and see if we might assist you in showcasing your work.  We welcome all kinds of wares, pottery, knitting, woodworking, sculpting and more, a monthly rental fee applies we offer both participating and featured artists space.  (Currently LSoA is not accepting any more Jewelry Designers at this time). 

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

 

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

Merry Go Round Chainmaille and Jasper Necklace on Handmade Artists’ Shop

 

Merry Go Round Chainmaille and Jasper Necklace on Handmade Artists’ Shop.

Paramour Bracelet Pink Chainmaille Bangle on Handmade Artists’ Shop

 

Paramour Bracelet Pink Chainmaille Bangle on Handmade Artists’ Shop.

One Ringy Dingy, Two RIngy Dingy – New in the Shop

Happy Monday,

I took sometime off schoolwork for a little creativity.

Many of you have seen the first version of the Chainmaille rings that are available in the shop.  Did you know you can now custom order one in your favorite size or metal of choice?  These fun, fashionable and simple rings can be made just for you.

Single Jump ring design

Ring A Ding Sterling Silver Plated Chain Maille Ring

 

Simple, stunning and sturdy, and surprisingly smooth surface feel, this lovely chain maille ring is a wonderful addition to any jewelry box. Attractive and eye-catching the band slips over your finger easily and fits comfortably. Suitable for women, men or teens. Not meant to be worn during heavy work or lifting, with proper care and gentle treatment your ring will last a life time.

Created from 18g Sterling Silver plated wire, hand spun, cut and linked in a simple maille weave, the ring above is shown in an average US size 7-1/2 to 8. Measures 3/8″ wide.

Also available in beaded styles.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Customizable in your preferred ring size and the metal of your choice.

*Precious Metal rings available per customer request only.

Double Jump Ring Design

Two Ringy Dingy Ring Chainmaille Sterling Silver Plated

 

This fun, fashionable and adorable Chainmaille ring will fascinate your friends! No beginning and no end, no elastic or clasp, the circle of interwoven jump rings creates an eternity band. It slips easily on and off the finger and fits comfortably when worn. Smooth and silky, it is a sturdy and strong piece. Not meant to be worn during heavy work with your hands, with proper care and feeding your ring can last a life time. Makes a terrific decoration and is perfect for those that like the look of maille but do not want to wear a big piece.

20g Sterling Silver plated Wire is hand spun, cut and linked in a version of the European weave. Customizable in your size. Sample shown is a US size 8. Band measure 3/8″ wide.
Arrives boxed, boxed ready for gift giving.

Chainmaille Rings Custom Order

 

This Listing is used in place of the individual Chainmaille Rings currently listed for sale. Order here and include your

Ring Size

Ring Title – See Below *

Ring Material – includes, but is not limitied to 18g or 20g Sterling Silver Plated, Gold Tone, Bright Copper, and precious metals including Sterling Silver or Gold Filled, available upon request.

Ring Samples Shown Top to Bottom:

*Ring A Ding, 18g Single jump ring weave.

*Two Ringy Dingy, 20g Double jump ring weave

If you do not know your ring size you may try the following method.

Tie a piece of sting or twist tie around your finger loosely, allow it to fit, but slip on and off easily. (string or yarn works best)

Slide the string off your finger.

Cut the string just below the know and measure it against a ruler. The average size 7-1/2 to 8 ring will measure about 2-1/2″ in length. If you require a larger ring, please indicate your ring size, or include the measurement in inches you took. This will ensure a proper and secure fit.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

 

 

Friday Random Jump Ring Surprise

Happy Friday,

I might as well tell you now, there is no surprise, well maybe some of you will be surprised.  I don’t know.

I am at a loss for subject matter today, and as I sit here and stare at the blank screen, mocking me, and urging me to type something, I got nothing.

As many of you know I am just mad about Maille, Chainmaille that is.  Spelled properly, Chain Mail is the process of connecting metal rings to each other to create clothing or other items, commonly referred to as Armor.  Although Chain Mail is the accepted spelling many Maillers use the spelling maille, as do I, to separate the terms from the mail you receive at home or “Chain Letters“.  Some are attempting to have the word changed to “Maille” in the dictionary.

So what does that have to do with anything?  Absolutely nothing, just a neat piece of information.

Some of you are aware that I am in the process of attempting to fulfill an invitation / request to create an on-line or e-book about Maille, “In Chains“.  In my research and trying out different weaves, I made a mistake in a pattern, and thought it looked kind of neat. I continued playing with the position of the rings until I came up with a short length of chain seven units long with individual links that resemble an eye or lace.

Nicknamed “Odin’s Eye”, until I can come up with something better, this weave is from the European 4-in-1 family.  The “Helm” weave, of which Odin’s Eye is a variation, consists of two outer rings connected to each other, supporting an orbital or floating ring that is sandwiched between them.  This weave is thought to originate in Scandinavia.  This sample below is Mini or Micro Maille, with an AR of 4.8 and 2.9 for large and small rings, I cannot manage to get the same twist to occur with larger scale rings.

“Odin’s Eye”

This variation turns the pattern inside out, with the floating rings connected and capturing the inside chain with smaller rings on the outside and twisted, knotted, or mobiused through each other, creating an X or crossed shape at the edges.  This gives each individual unit the appearance of an eye.  Created from hand–spun and antiqued Copper wire.

“Odin’s Eye” a Helm Weave variation

There are similar patterns to this one, and after a little more research I will be submitting this to M.A.I.L. (Maille Artisans International League) as a weave variation for their gallery.

“Odin’s Eye” – Twist may be formed to left or right

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

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

 

Monday – Market Report

Good Morning,

Monday’s are usually devoted to new items in the on line shops.  This morning, due to my participation in the Treasure Valley Flea Market over the weekend, I do not have much to share.

I can’t say I am happy with the results of this months Market, and as such I think it is time I look for another venue.  Today will be devoted to sorting, cleaning, and re-organizing inventory!  Doesn’t that sound like fun?

Although I enjoy the socializing and talking to customers, it has become more of a chore than an event I look forward to participating in.  I would like to thank those of you that came out, said hello, and did a little shopping.

There are still plenty of lovely items on-line and custom work is always welcome.  Get those orders in early as I gear up for the Holidays.

The Alchemists Vessel – Handmade Artists
 
The Alchemists Vessel – Etsy

 The Alchemists Vessel – Official Website

 Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

New Items and a Special for Blog Readers

Good Morning and Happy Monday.

Not only have I been gearing up for the last Market of the year, I have been busy creating beautiful gifts and items for this Holiday season.

This pretty time piece comes in different colors, including Pink, Purple, and Red.  Also customizable in your favorite bead color.  The face is Stainless Steel and all will be the same for this particular pattern / style.  The Heart or Tear Drop accent is a Swarovski Crystal suspended from a jump ring and attached to the watch band.  Makes a great Christmas or a January or July Birthday Present.  Each watch is currently one of a kind and no more than five (5) will be made in any one color, so you are sure to have a unique and dynamic piece!

Time Enough For Love

Description: Why wear your heart on your sleeve when you can wear it on your wrist instead. As the watch ticks so too your heart. Pretty, bright, very feminine and one of a kind. This lovely time piece is just right for the Holidays, or any time! Titled after the Robert Heinlein story “Time Enough For Love”, the band is adorned with a Swarovski Crystal heart charm and accented with beautiful Czech glass beads in Ruby Red.

8-1/2″ – Stainless Steel watch face is 26mm (1/2″), silver plated wire is hand-spun, cut, linked, and woven with Czech glass silver-lined beads in Ruby Red creating the sturdy and stunning band. Finished with a magnetic locking (screw down) clasp for a secure fit.
Not really interested in Watches?  This style is also available in Bracelets.  Shown below in black, these are also customizable in your favorite bead color and metal of choice.

“Ants” – Beaded Chainmaille Bracelet

Description: 8-1/2″ total length, sleek, sophisticated, and just right for a night out on the town.

Silver plated hand spun, cut and linked jump rings are woven in the Full Persian Chainmaille weave and beaded individually with Czech Glass beads in a matte black. A matching silver plated toggle clasp finishes the piece.

Available in a variety of metals and class bead choices. Please convo the shop with your special requests. Custom work is always welcome.

There are lots of other items and gift ideas in the shop.  Why not have a look, it is always free.  The Alchemists Vessel

Etsy not your thing?  These items are also available on-line at Handmade Artists The Alchemists Vessel 

SPECIAL FOR BLOG READERS

Now through December 15th, 2012, when you enter the Coupon Code HOLIDAY10 at check out (Etsy Shop only), you will receive 10% off your total purchase.

Many of our items have been reduced, and don‘t forget the $10.00 and Under section.

Sea-Horse Charm Earrings

Only $10.00

Description:  Adorable aren’t they? Just short of 1-1/2″ when worn, this cute and charming pair of sea creatures are filigreed and 3-Dimensional with the pattern on either side of the charm. Topped with a Bronze / Brown Bi-cone Glass Bead these are light weight, and a fun summery addition to any wardrobe.

Arrives safely packaged in a padded envelope.

Gift boxes available upon request.

Free Shipping for this item

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

Featured Artitsts – Blog from Handmade Artists

Good Morning.

I hope all have recovered from the frightening festivities of last night.

Thursday’s are devoted to an artist and their work, as we have reached the end of the blog ring, and there is no other artist to feature, I have decided to copy and paste another blog post.  Shameless self promotion?  Sort of.

You may read the feature here Featured Artist : Alixandra of The Alchemists Vessel, as posted on Handmade Artists Blog, by Making The Best of It.  or you can read the article below.

Featured Artist Alixandra of The Alchemists Vessel

Crayons, play-doh, painting, knitting, anything to keep her hands moving; this is how Alixandra describes herself from the very beginning. Born and raised in sunny San Francisco,California; Alixandra spent her childhood surrounded by the wonderful art of the area whether is was going to the Japanese Tea Garden or the California Academy of Sciences or DeYoung Museum surrounded by form and color.  This love of art has followed her throughout her life.

Alixandra is currently a self supporting artist but has been a volunteer Docent/Animal Handler or the San Francisco Zoo and managed large crews for a landscaping company.  When she is not busy working, Alixandra loves to read and spend time in the great outdoors of her new home base of Boise,Idaho.  She takes these beautiful nature scenes and allows them to feed her passion for life.

While this talented lady still dabbles in many different mediums, her heart has found a home with jewelry, which ironically, she does not wear herself!  She leaves herself open when it comes to raw materials and works with everything from PMC (Precious Metal Clay) to natural gemstones as well as traditional materials such as wire and beads.  She also does the most amazingly beautiful chainmaille I have ever had the honor of seeing.  She is self taught, seeing a process and teaching herself through research and trail and error to make it for herself.  Alixandra is always learning and has even recently enrolled in a Jewelry Design and Repair Tech class in order to upgrade some of her natural skills and learn some new materials and equipment.

Alixandra says that it is the sparkle of metal in the sun or romantic candlelight as well as how different elements combine to create something wonderful that keeps her creativity flowing.  She loves to take the ordinary and create something extraordinary that will make the wearer feel special.  This drive to create soon meant that her home was filled to rim with her creations.  In her own words, “Racks of earrings, hangers bowing beneath the weight of necklaces and bracelets, boxes and organizers full of beads and strung cluttered the living area.”  Her, up until then, patient housemate finally announced that some of it had to go and The Alchemist Vessel was born!  Since them, Alixandra has had the honor of working with boutiques as well as creating custom work for birthdays and weddings as well as selling her creations in person at the Treasure Valley Flea Market where she gets to enjoy the social atmosphere and seeing customer’s reaction to her work first hand.  She is also currently sharing her talents with clients by teaching classes at her local Jo-Ann Fabric store.

After some trial and error, Alixandra is willing to share some information to those looking to become self supporting artists themselves.  The biggest thing to remember…it is a lot of HARD WORK!  She understands that too many fall into the trap of believing it will be all fun and games and once you put your creations out there, the orders will just roll in…ummmmm…..no.  The first thing you must do is research and figure out what is going to make you different from what is already out there, your time and cost (including time for creating, photographing, editing, promoting, shipping…and you better schedule some sleep time!) as well as if you are willing to let go of your hard worked piece.  Alixandra readily admits to putting in 12-14 hour days regularly and as soon as you slow down so will your sales.
This is not to say it can’t be done!  The Alchemists Vessel is living proof that a woman with a passion and a talent and a drive can create a very successful business!  Alixandra is easy to find all over the web starting with HandmadeArtists and Etsy as well as her own Website.  You can like her on Face Book, YouTube, Dailymotion and LinkedIn and follow her adventures through her Blog!  Once you see her work, I have no doubt that you will quickly fall in love with her clean designs and interesting combinations that can only come from an artists’ mind.

Find other articles and fabulous gifts or something for yourself at Handmade Artists.

A very special thank you to Kimberly Kitchen for putting together the article.

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

 

New Item and News Item

Good Morning,

Monday is here and with it a new item.  

Blue Streak Sterling Silver Plated and Czech Glass Bead Bracelet

Description: Micro Maille is named for it’s size. At dimensions smaller than a dime, this stunning and feminine bracelet is an eye-catcher. Tailored enough for the office, great for date night, or that casual weekend out fit that needs a little jazzing up, the simple design will go with everything in your wardrobe.

8-3/4″ long, this average length bracelet is made from Sterling Silver plated (over brass), wire, that is hand-spun, cut and linked in the European 4 – in 1 chainmaille pattern. Accented with Czech glass silver-lined beads in a gorgeous Sapphire blue. Finished with a solid Sterling Silver Lobster claw clasp

Customizable, may be made to desired length and in your favorite bead color or metal of choice.

*Precious metals are available upon customer request, please read the shop’s policies for details. 

For those of you that have been following along with the sporadic posts, may have guessed by now that I am attempting to open a physical location for local and not so local Artists.

We have a great location off Fairview, in Boise.

Instead of calling it the location, it will now be known as “Little Shop of Artists“.   Not a consignment shop, but a vendor venue.  Participating artists, can rent space for a month or longer, or have a “permanent booth” in the store.  Perks include a physical address, a place to send customers to shop besides on-line, and eventually we hope to be involved in some of the larger Fairs and outdoor venues, like Hyde Park Street Fair or Art in the Park.  We are not involved or connected with or part of Etsy Street Teams.  This Shop is independently owned and operated by the participating artists.

The building is being prepared and cleaned out, so I can get in there and paint and freshen up the space then we will have vendors move in, and then a Grand Opening!  Look for the actual shop to open sometime after the Holidays, after all there are only two more months in 2012!

We are also looking forward to having weekend outdoor markets on the property when the weather permits.

Interested in participating?  Want to know more?  Please feel free to contact me at any of the following:

e-mail: alchemsitsvessel@gmail.com

facebook: facebook.com/littleartistshop

Please include your name, contact information and your craft, paintings, ceramics, etched glass, etc. and we will contact you for an appointment at your convenience.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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