Party and Prom Parures – New in the Shop

Happy Monday to all!

I would like to once again thank Terry for handling the blog posts and the internet responsibilities while I was doing other things that required my attention.  She did a fabulous job and I appreciate it.

It is that time of year, parties, picnics and proms are right around the corner and The Alchemists Vessel has some absolutely beautiful accessories to punch up the punch bowl patron’s attire, or have them swooning at that Summer soiree.  No Prom attendee should go dancing without a gorgeous parure fit for the Prom Queen in a matching or contrasting color of her dress, or perhaps to match her date’s dashing accents of color, tie and cummerbund.

These are created with the Half-Persian 3-in-1 Chain Maille weave, in choker (14″ – 15″), collar (16″), and necklace (up to 18″) lengths that drape the decolletage and accentuate the lovely curve of throat and shoulders.

The choker below, dubbed Phoenix Phire, is full of passion in that just right fiery red that looks stunning on everybody!  The beads glow with an inner warmth and sparkle of their own, absolutely outstanding when worn.  The chain is crafted from Silver Plated wire, and red Silver Lined Czech glass beads.  This item may be found on Etsy by following the link above.  It comes with matching earrings, arrives boxed, ready for gift giving. 

Would make a stunning and attractive present for a January or July birthday.

Here we see it in Sapphire Czech Glass beads, labeled “Luster” these shine and gleam in any light and are a wonderful deep blue color.

Upon the recommendation of a fellow Shop Owner, I tried different backgrounds while taking photos, and wouldn’t you know it!  My memory card winds up full after only three photos of this stunning beauty.  I think the garden lion statue is a no go, but for the blog, it is fun and an interesting segue to the usual tailored gray board I use.

I do love this color!  Would make a wonderful September Birthstone alternative.

After new batteries and background change, we have a couple of more photos for you. 

Matching Earrings are included.

 Emerald Czech Glass Beads and Silver Plated wire are used to create this version of the choker.  14″ long, the makes a nice band just above the decolletage around the throat.

Earrings too!

Also available in Amethyst (aurora borealis finish), Aquamarine, Silver lined Black, Matte Black, Crystal Blue lined, and Pink beads.  More colors are available, we are awaiting shipment!

Don’t forget, custom work is available!  Convo us using the Etsy Shop’s contact link, send us an e-mail, check us out on Facebook, find us on Google + leave a comment here.  We’d love to hear from you!  (Even if you’re not placing an order).

Thank you for stopping by.  We would like to wish you a pleasant and enjoyable week!

**REMEMBER:  Metal is heavy, and even though these are light and lacy in appearance, adding additional rings and glass beads will add weight to the piece.  18″ is long enough to hang below a collar, but not too heavy as to feel like you are wearing armor (which you are, by the way).  I would also like to mention that in no way will these delicate jewelry pieces protect you from anything, bullets, knives, sharp, or dull sticks, and Cupid’s arrows included!

What’s New In The Shop? Beads and Bracelets

Happy Monday!

Is everyone ready for a fabulous work week filled with fun and excitement?  No?  Can’t say as I blame you.  Busy with Easter activities last weekend and inspired by spring and the beautiful things mother nature has to offer, I sat down, racked my alleged mind, and came up with these Springtime festive and fashionable beaded beauties! Yes, they are available in the shop!  Finally something new!

First, however, I would like to give an example of the weave without all the additional beads.  Although jewelry is a very forgiving medium / art form that allows you to play with ideas and styles, patterns, textures and colors, the traditional pattern must be incorporated as a basis from which to start.  So let us begin at the beginning, as that is usually best.

Here we see the Full Persian Chain Maille weave, completed in 6mm *Nickel silver jump rings, which have been hand spun and linked.  A strong, supple, and striking pattern, it is appropriate for either men or women.  Would make a great gift for a Boyfriend!

I should mention that “Nickle Silver” is not Silver, and has no Silver content at all.  Also called “German” or “Indian” Silver it is actually an alloy containing copper, nickle and zinc.

The usual formulation is 60% copper, 20% nickel and 20% zinc.  

Nickel 

These next two pretties are designs and patterns of my own creation.  Full Persian Chain Maille is not usually beaded, but the creativity bug grabbed me and said, “You SIMPLY MUST bead these bracelets”.  So like a good Craft-person, I listened to my inner muse and went with its decision.  After all if I didn’t, it would annoy, pester, harass, harangue me, and be a nuisance in general until I did so.

Dubbed “Chunk Maille” for their large size, which is all the rage this season.  Big, bold, colorful jewelry or statement pieces, are very in vogue this year.  I have created two distinct patterns for these bracelets, Walking Beads and Serpents Spine.  Although I am sure other Maillers have thought of this before, I haven’t seen / found an exact pattern to match.

Done in Black and Red Silver lined Czech Glass beads, is March of the Lady Bug, in honor of my friend Shelly Moody.  The beads appear to walk, or march across the surface of the bracelet a versatile pattern the beads may also be worn “in front” instead of on “the top” for a different look.  The Walking Bead pattern is available in a variety of colors, single or multiple as seen here.

March of the Lady Bugs

This is one of my favorites and has two versions, the second is not shown here, and is a basic bead addition to another version of the Full Persian where a single connector ring is beaded.  That pattern will be shown later.  Serpents Spine is modeled after Dragons, Sea Serpents / Monsters (Nessie!), and of course, snakes.  The beads appear to be tucked or set inside the bracelet.  Using even intervals of non-beaded units to allow the pattern to flow and move, the beads appear to undulate through the bracelet like something through the water, a snake in the grass, or a Dragon in the clouds.

Dragon’s Back

We also have some new Chain Maille Earrings and some fun and simple jewelry for those that like something a little more understated, but still shiny.  Shown here in Gunmetal jump rings in Dragon Chain and Byzantine weaves, and Red round glass beads, these are also available in a variety of shapes and colors.  At $5.00 a pair and Free Shipping, you can’t go wrong!

Chain Maille Dangles 

Red Dragon

Busy Byzantine

Light

Light Blue Splatter Paint Glass Beads (Also available in Purple)

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  We wish you a pleasant work week.

Five Great Gifts To Give: 3/28/12

So it’s not Tuesday.  But this week has been extremely hectic and I am just not organized.  That’s right I can admit when the days get away from me and I’m suddenly behind in the schedule.

This weeks gifts ideas are all from my Etsy shop.  I must go looking again for more fun and interesting items, as well the permission to post them.

Don’t have an Etsy account?  Never fear, you may also e-mail us at alchemistsvessel@g-mail.com and tell us your item of choice, or order through The Alchemists Vessel fan page on Facebook, yes you can now purchase items directly from Facebook.  Click the “Etsy Theme Shop” button, under the cover photo, and receive special discounts not available on Etsy!  Every item shown here is also available there, and all purchases are secure!  These links may be found to the right on the side menu bar.  We hop you’ll click through for a visit.

Custom work is welcome, please visit the website The Alchemists Vessel website for details or e-mail us at the address above for a complete list of available materials.  Have a design in mind, but don’t know how to bring to life?  Give us a call or e-mail us, we’d love to help you get that special piece from your head in to a beautiful and wearable piece of  your art!

These items may be found by following their link. 

Hoop de Hoops

Sterling Silver and Genuine Garnet, flat oval shaped beads.  Perfect for January Birthdays, or the Gothic Vamp appeal!

Flow

Silver Plated and Aquamarine Czech Glass Bead hand linked Chain Maille bracelet.  These come in a variety of colors and can be made to order, from specific length, bead color or bead color combination.  This would be terrific for a March Birthday Present.

Raphael

Silver Plated and Antiqued Copper hand linked Chain Maille Bracelet.  Something for the Men!  Yes we do make Masculine style jewelry, this would also be a great unisex piece.  Smaller diameter jump rings may be used to create a delicate feminine chain.  Why not get matching his and hers for fun!

Maiden Faire

Sterling Silver and Genuine Malachite Chain Maille Earrings.  18 Gauge Sterling Silver wire is hand spun, cut and linked to create these unique earrings.

These beauties are also available in Natural Copper, Silver Plated, Rose Gold, 24kt Colored Copper Jewelry wire, or in a Precious Metal wire of your choice.  Available in a variety of semi-precious gemstones, these would make an excellent May Birthday gift.

Flight

Sterling Silver Plated Pegasus Charm and Genuine Amethyst Earrings. These are cute, ready to wear, light weight and PURPLE!  You can’t go wrong.  Great for the Horse Obsessed teen your household!

 

Thank you for stopping in, we hope you enjoyed looking and that perhaps found something to your liking.

In My Studio – Jump Rings 101

Good Morning,

In an effort to keep things fresh, interesting, and entertaining we are going to try something new today. Upon the suggestion of a friend, I have created a 2:00 minute video on how to open and close a jump ring.  

A staple of all jewelry design and creation, at some point you’re going to have to open and close one.  Jump rings are circles of metal wire that have been cut at a specific place to create an “open” ring, the ends are brought together to “close” the ring.  Finishing techniques, like soldering, can seal the cut in the ring to keep it closed permanently.  They can be made in a variety of sizes and shapes including circles (most common), ovals, triangles, or squares, and are not limited to just metal.  Rubber O-rings, Glass, Neoprene, and Gemstone “Doughnuts”, as well as other materials can be found in may modern Chain Maille jewelry designs.A variety of jump rings in Aluminum, Gunmetal, Gold Tone Brass, 
Silver Plated, Copper, very small surfaced dyed copper, and silver plated copper jewelry wire.

 

For Maille, hand position and movement is very important, it helps to keep the piece from getting marred or work damaged and to keep the Mailler’s wrists healthy!  In the video below I attempt to show the correct or proper way to open a jump ring.

Adding a video should be free.  I will not pay to add video when every other blog allows this for FREE!  I do apologize for Greedy Media outlets.  If you would like to see the video please click through to my Facebook page or blogger blog.  Thank you.

Thank you for stopping by.  Please feel free to leave a comment, feedback is always welcome.

Five Great Gifts to Give 2/28/12

As always Tuesday is gift ideas or suggestions on the blog.  This morning I am a gift short so we have two gifts to give and a two treasuries to look through.  There are three new shops to peruse, too.

From SuesArts

Hamsa love charm necklace

Description: Created with vintage antique bronze frame charm pendant and chain.
Very elegant, unique and one of a kind. Custom print and designed with a Hamsa hand for protection, good luck and prosperity.
Necklace is about 18″ long but can be adjusted per request with no extra charge.

ALL MY ITEMS ARE HANDMADE AND ONE OF A KIND.

MGGems created Aquamarine For March Babies a beautiful Treasury collection full of, you guessed it, Aquamarine things for March Birthdays. She has chosen some wonderful items as well.  You’ll have to click through for photos, I can’t post all 16 here.

Aquamarine Crystal

The idea behind Treasuries is to showcase your favorite items from around Etsy, promote others, as it were.  The above Treasury includes one of my items and in return I have curated my own list and added an item from MGGems.

Just Mad About Maille is my own list of Chain Maille items from the shops on Etsy, in other words, my competition.  However as each Mailler is unique so too are their pieces.  No two are alike, many of the weave patterns are the same, there is only so much you can do with a jump ring, but what some of those artists do with those jump rings is pretty amazing.

  

Square Aluminum Twist of Fate Bracelet (from the collection)

From So Blue Jewelry

Cezanne Spring Abalone  Shell Silver Bracelet Armband

Description:  Handmade by Soblue. 

Inspired by Cézanne‘’s work.

From beautiful and high quality abalone shell pieces. It’s rich in colors, it’s pure from the nature. it looks like a oil painting, it’s stylish. Under the light, it gives amazing reflection which changes the colors.

All the metal parts are from sterling silver.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look, I hope we have inspired you to think outside the Department or Big Box Store for your gift-giving ideas.