Links, Promotions and a New Look

Happy Friday!

Surprise.  Yes, the blog has a new look.  The old template was getting rather boring, and I needed a change, and change can be good.  Freshen and liven things up a little bit.  A links and photo gallery page have also been added.

Other things are also getting a face lift.  The banners and cover photos for sites and pages will be changing as well as some of what The Alchemists Vessel has to offer.

Levity is required on occasion.  I would like to introduce you to my boss, the Design Coordinator, Art Director and Quality Control Department Manager, Miss Nora, The Overseer.

The Overseer.  Making sure I'm doing it right.

Do you know about On Fire for Handmade?  onfireforhandmade.com, is a little like an enormous artisan catalog on the web.  Shops, Treasuries, Contests, Blogs,  and if your an artist the Gift Guide is the place to be seen!  Supporting artisans world wide.

It's Better Handmade, run but the same folks who operate handmadeartist.com and partner with many other sites of like kind around the web including Handmadeology.

About IBH: 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.

Check them out: itsbetterhadnmade.com

Today I am at the workbench, as you can see above there is neating up to be done.

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

Featured Artists Brooklyn Bead Goddess

Good Morning,

Today I am pleased to present fellow Forum member and handmadeartists.com shop owner April, the Brooklyn Bead Goddess.

April has always been intrigued with glass, and remembers watching the Glass Artists along the boardwalk of Cony Island, captivated by the sparkling and delicate sculptures they made.  As an adult April has taken that childhood fascination and turned it into a business.  She is also  a registered SRA member G-122, and SRAJD # 2147 member.

Created by lampworking or flameworking, April takes glass rods turns them into beautiful glass beads, which she then incorporates into her own lovely jewelry designs.  She over sees all aspects of the process including kiln annealing and final cleaning with a special bit for her dremel tool.

Recently  she has started to make large hole beads that are so popular right now, like the Pandora bracelets.  I like hers better, though.

Handmade Lampwork Bead Large Hole Wearable Art

Product Details:
Works on the big hole bracelets and necklaces like the Pandora, Chamilia,Troll, Biagi Wearable Art ~ Or on a plain silver necklace, leather cord, ribbon as a pendant.  Black, White, Red colors
All lampwork glass beads are made by myself in a torch flame. They are digitally kiln annealed for added strength and durability. I clean the bead holes myself using a special dremel diamond drill bit. They are closely inspected before using in my designs. I take pride in my work and you will too when you wear a piece of Wearable Art.

Registered SRA member G-122 and SRAJD # 2147 member.

My jewelry is always packed well to ensure safe shipping. I send them gift boxed too.

Thank you for supporting independent artists and feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

Lampwork Glass Bracelet Handmade Beads Handcrafted Wearable Art Jewelry SRA and SRAJD

 

Product Details: Ten lampwork glass handmade beads made one at a time in a torch flame. I created these using a mixture to make a deep red base with opaque mauve/purple designs and opaque medium orange yellow. I love the combination of colors and the swarovski crystals in a deep ruby color really brightens the look. Also added are sterling silver 4 mm and 6 mm ball beads. Wearable Art~

Sterling silver toggle clasp, crimps,wire guards.

  Measures for a 7 1/2 inch wrist End to end measures 8 1/2 inches.   My jewelry is mailed in a padded envelope .I send them gift boxed too.

All lampwork glass beads are made by myself in a torch flame. They are digitally kiln annealed for added strength and durability. I clean the bead holes myself using a special dremel diamond drill bit. They are closely inspected before using in my designs. I take pride in my work and you will too when you wear a piece of Wearable Art.

Registered SRA member G-122 and SRAJD # 2147 member.

Thank you for supporting independent artists and feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

Lampwork Earrings Handmade Glass Beads Handcrafted Wearable Art Jewelry SRA SRAJD

 

Product Details: Handmade brown and green glass beads made by melting glass in a torch flame. I love the contrast of these two colors. Bottom brown bead has a green swirl design, top brown bead has raised green dots and drops of crystal clear glass on each dot. Intricate, one of a kind pair of earrings.
Sterling silver ball beads on top, middle and bottom. Sterling silver wire wrapped onto a soldered jump ring connected to Sterling silver french ear wires.
Measures from top of ear wire to bottom 1 1/2 inches.
These lampwork glass beads are made by myself in a torch flame. They are digitally kiln annealed for added strength and durability. I clean the bead holes myself using a special dremel diamond drill bit. They are closely inspected before using in my designs. I take pride in my work and you will too when you wear a piece of Wearable Art.

April has more wonderful items for you to shop through, and you can find her creations or just follow along with her projects and new skills at any of the sites below.  

Etsy
Facebook
Blog
Twitter
Website
  
Thank you for stopping and having a look, we hope we have inspired you to stop by and have a look at her marvelous handmade glass beads and jewelry.

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

TAV Studio - Apoxie Sculpt Pictorial Tutorial

Good Morning,

Wednesday, and the middle of the week has arrived.  I always liked Wednesday, you can wind up those projects, finish what has been started and plan for something new, with two more days to get organized.

Today, I want to take another little diversion and discuss a cool product, material to which my friend introduced me.  It is called Apoxie Sculpt, and it is a two part colored epoxy material.  Rather like play doh for adults.  Not clay and not really a polymer clay either, it is sticky and gooey and an enjoyable medium to with which to work.

It comes in a variety of colors and weight packaging.  I purchased the 12 color sample pack for $39.00.  A little goes an ENORMOUSLY long way.  You receive three packages of four colors each.  It comes with brief instructions and the rest is up to you.

The colored piece is Part 1, the other is Part 2 or A and B.  I have chosen red and black for the following example.

First you will need equal amounts of parts 1 and 2.  I highly recommended wearing gloves during this part, the color will transfer to you fingers.  Parchment or Freezer paper works well as a work surface.

Now the fun part, knead the two parts together until the grey streaking is gone and the ball is a uniform color.  I do not suggest a pasta machine at this point, the Apoxie will stick to it.  Did I mention this stuff is sticky? I mean it will adhere to anything!

Smash it good!

Remember, no streaks!  Knead it until the color is uniform.  The color has also transferred to the fingers of the gloves I am wearing.   I told you to wear gloves.

Now the hardest part of all... waiting.  Wait one half hour to forty-five minutes before continuing to work with it.

NOTE:  The black ball is WAY TOO much for what I needed.

I said wait...

Tick.  Tick.  Tick.

This is where I stopped taking photos, during the process.  Bad me!  After the allotted wait time is up, you will have about two hours to work with material before it begins to harden / set.  You can even bake it if you so choose, but I would allow it to cure over night, after you have completed your project.

NOTE: You may work with the material after the mixing is complete, however it is difficult to work with as it will STICK to everything including you, your work surface, clothing, etc.  I did say this stuff was sticky right?  In fact, if you plan to stick on or to something now would be a fabulous time to do that.

Using a Pasta Machine or any kind of round or flat object, roll out the Apoxie as you would clay or dough.  Mold it, shape it, sculpt it.  Critters, flowers, jewelry, the choice is yours.  Sand it if so desired when dry.  You can even paint it if you like.  The possibilities are endless and the colors mix nicely.

Rolling out the Apoxie, and using a clay cutter, cut the Apoxie shape out of the flat piece.  Textured with a design plate and adding a grommet and a rope of Apoxie for the bail, let dry over night.  Painted it with a "dip" technique, the finished piece is lovely.

Painted with a dip technique colors included, copper, silver, blue and lime green. 

Although I have stopped selling the Apoxie jewelry on line, it is still available.  However we have new uses for it, and I hope the project will be one that I can share.

Thank you for stopping and having a look.

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

Five Great Gift Ideas 1 of 3

Good Morning,

Did you know there are only three more Tuesdays until Christmas, besides today, I mean.  Let's don those jingle bells, hop in the sleigh and do a little shopping. 

First up a new participant Harem Design , with a special Free Shipping Offer until December 31.  Also offering Multiple and Wholesale discounts.
  

Handmade Crochet Cotton Lace Collar, necklace - White- Woman Accessories - White Color - Woman Applique - OOAK

Gorgeous Handmade Crochet Cotton Lace Collar, necklace.
Sports or classic, dressed use.

Night or day, sports or classic clothing used in concert spectacular.

One and only..!
Very elegant and very sophisticated ..
This collar is one of a kind..

Use creativity and imagination have been totally.
Collar, necklace of your dreams.

Evening if you want your clothes, or sports on the use of a blouse.
There is a long chain at the back and a solid locking mechanism.

..PICTURED ITEM IS READY TO SHIP... ( The package will come to you within 20-25 days.)
Delivery times may vary, especially during peak periods (as christmas, as valentines day...)

PS. Metal chain and lace, away from moisture / water and perfume.
Water, moisture and perfume has damage to the product.

 From: Emily Andrews

Green Hippo T-Shirt (hand painted)

"Invisible Hippo"
Hand painted original hippo design with text reading "Why can't we all just get along?" on a green preshrunk 100% cotton t-shirt. This shirt is a boys large but is suitable for anyone who fits into it!

Measurements:
Width: 18''
Length: 21.5''

All of my shirts are hand painted, featuring original artwork and created with love. They are mostly made using hand crafted stencils, not silkscreens. Other colour schemes and sizes are available for every design upon request. Custom designs are also available.
Iron on reverse.
Wash inside out. 

From:  Sue's Arts 


Shema cameo necklace, Chai necklace, Hebrew charm necklace, Hebrew prayer necklace, Chai for life necklace

SOLD SEPARATELY:

CHAI or SHEMA

Beautiful and unique necklace created on glass with silver chain.

About 18" long which can be adjusted per request at no extra charge.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

Suzan ♥ 

From: The Alchemists Vessel

November Swarovski Crystal and Silver Plated Necklace

This lovely necklace is a beautiful alternative to genuine topaz, November's Birthstone. The silver plated metal circle shines and reflects the image of the crystal in its surface. An eye catching and stunning pendant.

18" long, chain is silver plated, silver plated metal disk has a soldered bail. The Crystal hangs from a silver plated jump ring and its mirror image shines behind it in the highly polished disk.

Arrives boxed ready for gift giving. 


These are so cute, I just have to post both of them.  Give this gals shop a look-see, she is very talented, her items range from whimsical characters to beautiful fine art glass wear.  And the best of all, they are on sale!

From: I Paint It Pretty

Jolly Snowman Holiday Gift Bag/ Ornament/ Decoration/ Keepsake

❘❘❙❙❚❚ ON SALE ❚❚❙❙❘❘

This is a hand painted and decorated gift bag/ gift card holder/ ornament/ keepsake. The pine bag is painted a bright holiday green with twinkling snowlakes. On the front the cute snowman is all smiles, adding to the holiday cheer. The bag is decorated with three glittering sprigs of holly. There is a touch of glitter on the snowman so he twinkles in the light. This gift bag is a great way to present a gift card or small gift or perhaps for jewelry. The box can also be displayed as an ornament or even hung on the tree. Let someone know how special they are when you give them this permanent memento along with a gift. Or treat yoursef to a decoration you'll enjoy for years.
5 1/2 in x 4 in x 2 in

I used acrylic paint to paint the gift bag. After curing for 48 hours I added three coats of varnish. I painted the snowflakes with glitter and then glued them to the bag. *Additional ornaments are for display only.

Great effort has gone into accurately describing and photographing products, but please note color representation alters depending on individual screen settings.
Packaged with lots of care and love and will ship 1-2 days after payment is received.

Happy Snowmen Holiday Gift Bag/ Ornament/ Decoration/ Keepsake

❘❘❙❙❚❚ ON SALE ❚❚❙❙❘❘

This is a hand painted gift bag/ gift card holder/ ornament/ keepsake. The pine bag is painted a bright holiday red. On the front Mr. and Mrs. Snowman are all smiles, making this a delightful holiday scene. The bag is decorated with three glittering snowflakes. There is a touch of glitter on the snow couple so they twinkle in the light. This gift bag is a great way to present a gift card or small gift or perhaps for jewelry. The box can also be displayed as an ornament or even hung on the tree. Let someone know how special they are when you give them this permanent memento along with a gift. Or treat yoursef to a decoration you'll enjoy for years.
5 1/2 in x 4 in x 2 in

I used acrylic paint to paint the gift bag. After curing for 48 hours I added three coats of varnish. I painted the snowflakes with glitter and then glued them to the bag. *Additional ornaments are for display only.

Great effort has gone into accurately describing and photographing products, but please note color representation alters depending on individual screen settings.
Packaged with lots of care and love and will ship 1-2 days after payment is received

 Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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