Friday News and Things

Good Morning,

There have been some changes here at the Vessel and I would like to briefly discuss those today.

The pages that were created on Google + and connected to my personal profile have been deleted.  There are several reason and mitigating factors as to why, but Ravens Nook, The Alchemists Vessel and The Alchemists Vessel stand alone profile have been removed.  I would like to thank those that took the time to "follow" or added me to circles.  It is appreciated.

The blog will continue as usual.

We have closed the shop Blackbird Metalworks, and will be incorporating the pieces from there to shop sections on the established sites Etsy and Handmade Artists.  I think I just got a little over ambitious, and there is only so much I can do, and stay organized at the same time.

We are currently awaiting a large order and are in hope of producing some new and fun things as soon as the material arrives.

On today's agenda is trying to find someplace quiet to work.  Some idiot decided that 6:30 a.m. is the perfect time to run power tools.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Featured Artist ~ The Kitchen's Wares

Good Morning,

Today it is my pleasure to once again showcase the dynamic duo, Andrew and Kimberley Kitchen.  This wonderful couple not only own and operate handmadeartists.com, they are also shop owners; and on top of that, they also run the site It's Better Handmade.  You may click through from the Badge to the left or follow the links at the end of this post.

The theme for today's feature is Spring, and not just the season, we  have things that are wound like springs, look like springs, things that evoke Spring and the feelings of cool breezes, fresh cut grass and blooming flowers.

Let's begin with some of the wares from their shop ~

Makin the Best of It

They carry gorgeous wire wrapped sea glass pendants and some wonderful and inspired original artwork, including Painted Glassware and Re-purposed books from the hands of Kimberley Kitchen.

In keeping with the theme of Spring, we have this pretty wire wrapped pendant, the coil or spring, wraps around the stone ending in a lovely bale for attaching to your own chain.

Cobalt Blue Sea Coils Sea Glass Pendant BL007

Product Details:

 This little treasure began life as a blue, glass bottle that was tossed into the ocean many years ago.  Broken up by waves and sanded smooth by years of rolling water and sand, it eventually landed on the beach in New Jersey to begin its new life as wearable art!
This piece measures 2 inches (5 cm) from the top of the bail to the bottom of the sterling silver coil and approximately 1/2 inch across the width.  The coiled cage holds the glass securly and has been hand wrapped in sterling silver wire.
This piece comes ready to wear on an 18 inch, sterling silver chain held secure with a sterling silver spring clasp.  If you would like a longer or shorter chain, just let me know upon checkout and I will happily adjust it for you.

I am always on the search for new Sea Glass (Beach Glass) pieces to create wearable art with, so keep checking back for new pieces to add to your collection.  Because of the nature of sea glass, each piece will always be one of a kind.

Spring brings new life, and what says new life better than new leaves on plants and trees.  This beautiful Sterling Silver leafy branch is decorated with fresh green sea glass and a contrasting white piece, perhaps meant to resemble an apple blossom.

Sterling Leaves Sea Glass necklace

Product Details:

This darling necklace features a hand soldered branch and leaves of sterling silver and shades of green and white sea glass on a sterling silver chain.  
While this piece looks like a short lariat, the glass will not pull through the final leaf.  The sterling silver chain is clasped with a sterling spring clasp.
 This piece was created to wear high on the neckline at between 16-18 inches.  If you would prefer a longer chain with a lower drop, just let me know and I will be more than happy to change out the chain for you.  If you would like a similar design with different colors of glass, I can do that for you also.
What is sea glass?  Sea glass or beach glass began life as trashed bottles and broken windows dumped into the ocean.  The action of the sand and waves soften the broken edges and frost the glass before it is washed ashore to be found and given a new life.  Each piece of sea glass I use was hand picked off the New Jersey shore and then carefully made into wearable art.

I have always been fascinated with the inner working of clocks and machines, spring driven mechanisms that can tell time, create movement in a puppet or simply act as an artistic centerpiece.   This would make a great decoration for any Steampunk style room or decor.

Clockwork Orange Altered Book Art

Product Details:

Sometimes art speaks to one in a different way. This altered art piece is my interpretation of the novel Clockwork Orange. The book was cut and highlighted with an old clock face, spring, dial and gears before being set into a 6x8, black shadow box frame. Because of the nature of this type of art, each piece is definitely one of a kind...I mean, I can only hack up a book one time and it is gone! This piece can be used in any decor. I am working on a number of other novels so check back often and see how I see some of the classic novels.

The next shop is 

Chainnmaille by MBOI

Specializing in high quality chainmaille jewelry, they have some amazing pieces for sale.

Like this springy Stretch Maille Bracelet, they come in several colors, I just happen to be partial to red and black.

Stretchy Black and Red Chainmaille Bracelet

Product Details:

 Drama at its finest!  This chainmaille bracelet was created in a Half Persian 4in1 pattern using black neoprene rings and red aluminum to create a perfect, stretchy circle with no clasp!  Easy to wear and available in a variety of colors.
This piece will fit approximately 6" - 7 1/2".  If you need the size adjusted, please leave me a not upon checkout and I will be happy to customize it for you.
If you are interested in different color combinations, let me know and I will be happy to make one in any combination of available rings.

Spring is the time of renewal, new crops, new leaves, new beginnings and new faith.  The lovely Romanov pattern maille bracelet is just right for bright and colorful spring time attire, and the rites of Spring as well.  This bracelet tells a story through the use of its colors.

Sterling Silver Romanov Salvation Bracelet

Product Details:

The colors tell a story in this stunning sterling silver salvation bracelet.  Each Swarovski crystal is encased in a sterling silver Romanov chainmaille round.   According to Christian beliefs, each color tells a part of the salvation story.  Black is for the sin of all mankind, red is for the blood of Christ, white is the salvation we receive, blue is for the baptism waters, green stands for new growth in your spiritual journey, amber is for the streets of gold in heaven and purple stands for Christ’s royal robes as he rules the world.
This bracelet measures 7 1/2 inches from the sterling silver lobster clasp to the ring.  If you are looking for a different size,  just drop me a note and I would be happy to customize the length.

Nothing says Spring like flowers, this cute pair of earrings will go with everything in your closet from Tailored Office Suit, Dressy Date Night to those favorite pair of Comfy Jeans.  You can't go wrong with these beautiful and delicate flower earrings.

Sterling Silver Daisy Earrings

Product Details:

Simple and dainty-perfect for softer fashions. Sweet little clusters that look like spring flowers done in sterling silver chainmaille style. These dainty earrings measure just over 1/2 inch across and about 1/2 inch from the bottom of the sterling silver hook.

These are just a sampling of the beautiful items they have for sale at either shop.  If your interested in something customizable, don't hesitate to contact them.  Perhaps we have inspired you to do a little window shopping and see what they might have for you or your gift giving needs.

It's Better Handmade 

I can't say it better than the owners of the site.  In their own words this is what It's Better Handmade is all about.

 Welcome to It’s Better Handmade where artists can work together to show the world just how special handmade is.
It’s Better Handmade (IBH) is comprised of crafters and artists in all types of mediums who come together to support each other both personally through growing friendships as well as in business through advice, support, critiques and discussions.  Each member brings different gifts to the table both artistically and business minds and by creating a centralized place for them to come together, each artist can continue to learn and grow in both art and business.
IBH is planning to offer various tools for artists to help get their work seen by those that seek out and love handmade as well as sponsoring promotions and contests that will help individual artists stretch their creative muscles.  IBH plans on allowing artisans to post articles in their areas of expertise in various mediums as well as helpful information about selling handcrafted treasures online.
I would encourage members to check back often for helpful information as well as to post comments on others work as I’m sure they will do the same for you.  If you have any questions about our group, our goals, or would like to contribute an article to the site and gain some personal exposure, please contact me

These are not the only sites and pages they operate or participate with.  Constant promoters of other shops and artists as well, tireless efforts are put into making sure all of their clients, both on an off line, customers and forum members are happy and very well looked after.  It is an honor to be part of handmadeartist.com as well as a pleasure to watch their time and passion pay off as their sites and shops grow in leaps and bounds.

Facebook

Blog
Sites:
Chainmaille by MBOI 
Makin The Best Of It


Thank you for taking the time to have a look.

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

 
 

Silver Spoons and Solder

Good Morning,

The middle of the week brings me to my studio and what's been going on at the workbench.

This week we have a couple of in process up-cycled pieces to share.  They still require a little refinement and several hours in a tumbler, but we can show off a little bit of what's new.

I am sure many of you have owned or currently own a spoon ring.  This is a simple ring made from a spoon handle.  Taking a twist on the battered utensils for other uses, I tried my hand at making pendants.  Sawing the handles from the bowl, the bowl is put aside and the handle is then heated, hammered and harangued into submission.

I would like to mention the utensils I used were gifted to be by my Mom, and they come from her various trips to the "Junk Shops" or "Antiquing" as she likes to call it.  They are well used items that is for sure.

These are very simply pendants.  This handle was severely damaged, using a hammer the damage was incorporated into a hammered surface texture.  The "stone" is from an other jeweler's "junk bag", also gifted to me.  A handwritten note read "Assrtd Real Gems".  These were pre-set and meant to be used in leather or a belt buckle.  Also terribly damaged and tarnished, the prongs were cut from the setting, the setting was cleaned, filed and then soldered to the spoon handle.

I really like the primitive look this has.  It reminds me of something one might find at an archeological excavation or perhaps unearthed by accident. I think this stone is a deep green Tourmaline.

An other example, and this one I am not sure about.  The stone is either a dyed quartz or apatite.  There is a little seed or inclusion in the stone which leads to me think it is either a dyed crystal or a man-made (imitation) stone with an imperfection.  It is a pretty light blue color.  The camera tends to make things darker than they really are.

Here there are marks and imperfections across the surface of the spoon handle.  Tumbling the piece will polish and remove the small surface scratches creating a uniform surface and shiny finish.

Up-cycled means just that, pieces and items are reused and re-purposed to create something new.  It also means that surfaces do not meet exactly due to curvatures and other factors of the materials being used, giving each one a unique character and style all it's own.  These are meant to look like they have been made long ago and far away and to appear handmade, as a Blacksmith may have made them.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

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

Five Great Gifts To Give List 17

Good Morning,

Today we are just going to jump right in there with listings.

We have some returning participants as well as new shops, let's have a look.

From: Sue's Arts

Hamsa necklace, Charm necklace, evil eye jewelry, silver hamsa charm, silver necklace, silver hamsa

 

Beautiful, charming, elegant and one of a kind Hamsa charm necklaces to choose from.

Since Hamsas are considered a gift of love they make the perfect gift idea.

The Hamsa Hand is believed to protect and shield against the evil eye, generate positive energy, provide good fortune, health, prosperity and happiness.

Approx length about 18" long and can be adjusted per request at no extra charge.

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

Combinations can be mixed and played with per request at no extra charge... feel free to contact me

Suzan ♥ 


From:  zlala959

Agate geode pendant No10411

If you want to make jewelry yourself, this item is a very good accessory.

material: geode
size: 20mm x 50mm x 50mm
color and pattern: please see the picture.
condition: new and never been used.

If you have any questions about shipping, payment and return policy, please check my shop policies.


From:  The Alchemists Vessel
  
Paramour Chainmaille Bracelet

Feminine, and super cute. Pretty in pink, this fun, flirtatious and colorful piece is just right for any occasion, a pop of color at the office, or for a casual weekend get away accessory. From the Captured Color Collection, this lovely piece would make an excellent alternative for a Breast Cancer Awareness lapel pin ribbon. Light weight and comfortable for extended wear.

8" long including clasp. Silver plated wire and enameled aluminum jump rings 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 color of choice. Check the shop to see if one isn't already available in your favorite color. Multicolor requests, please add $5.00

Currently available in: Dark Blue, Purple, Olive Green, Pink, Teal, Red, Black and Copper (enameled aluminum or natural)

Free Shipping on this item.

Custom orders, please allow 2 - 3 Day shipping, we need time to make your item. 


From: Fable and Fury

Seahorse necklace in black stainless steel - nautical fashion seahorse silhouette steampunk jewelry

 

Original-design seahorse specimen silhouette pendant is intricately cut in stainless steel with black powder coat finish, measures just over 2.25" (59mm) tall and includes the following components: 18" black enameled chain, black findings and sturdy black lobster clasp.

✒ 15% DISCOUNT on orders of $50 or more (excluding shipping). Enter coupon code 15OFF50 during checkout to receive your discount. ✒

Fable & Fury silhouettes depict nature-inspired designs that you'll adore. Modern techniques enable us to design intricately-detailed pendants that are still extraordinarily durable. We are committed to creating unconventional jewelry using materials of the utmost quality and strength, providing you with necklaces that are ageless, enduring, and uniquely... Fable & Fury.

✒ If you prefer a stainless steel (silver color) chain or a length other than 18", please include your request in the "message to seller" box during checkout.


From Dark Djinn Design

Not only is this the shop where you can find my favorite macabre monster miniature sculptures  but there are some other really beautiful things in the shop as well.

Not only will you find these little guys
  
Biter Zombie Head

 

1/6 Scale solid cast resin zombie head
Sold individually 

but you can also find lovely things like this pretty wooden box.

Wooden Keepsake Box

 

Burned, dyed, stained, aged, and flog.. I mean flocked. Box has been tortured into submission.
Stained Glass look with a tie-dye sensibility and the flaws left in for a wabi-sabi - this has been around awhile - feel. One of a kind, signed on bottom.
Box is 11 x 7 cm hexagon (approx. 4.5 x 2.75 inches)

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner. 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

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