Happy New Year

Good Morning,

The Alchemists Vessel will be closed Monday, December 31, 2012 - Tuesday, January 1, 2013.  We will return with new blog entries on Wednesday, January 2, 2013. 

Links, Promotions and 2013

Happy Friday one and all.

Here we are the final Friday of 2012, as Monday is New Years Eve, I bet the celebrations are beginning early this year.

I had nothing planned for today's post and Monday and Tuesday we will be closed.  I think some of my favorite links and other things deserve another look see.

On-Line Sites and Services

Handmadeartists.com
Etsy
Pinterest
Fire Mountain Gems
The Alchemists Vessel

Featured Artists and Friends

Mudfipp Photography - Nature Photography
Stacey Beck Photography - Studio Themed Sittings
Studio RGC - Ralph's Wax and Cool Collectibles. 

Shops

Wire Witchery
Yankee Burrow Creations
Rasmussen Gems
Uniqlets
Making The Best of It
Reef Botanicals
Thunder Rose Leather
Lisianblue
Wyndwalker Creations
My European Touch

 We have plans in the works for next year.  Busy revamping and organizing the studio and on-line shops and sites.  In hope of bringing a new line of material and items into the shop and if all goes well searching for another location for Little Shop of Artists.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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


 




 

Featured Artist: Lil' Bit Sassy

Good Morning,

Thursday is here and with the day of the week comes the featured artist.

Handmade Artists Shop Owner: Lil' Bit Sassy

BIO: 
I live in Meadville, PA and love to make items that are useful as well as fun. This is why I enjoy making baby and children items so much! I can use my imagination to come up with unique things that babies and children will love to play with.

I come from a rather large family so this is where most of my inspiration comes from. I am always making things for my family and a great many ideas have been their suggestions.

Along with sewing, I also love to cross stitch, read and ride on our motorcycle.

But what does she make?  You name it, she'll make it.  Baby Bibs, and burp clothes, blankets, cases and covers for your electronics, purses, totes, banners, hair accessories, there are fabricated items on hand, and she accepts custom orders as well.  Got a Natal need, check out Lil' Bit Sassy.  My goodness her list does go on!  Whew! 

What little girl wouldn't go bonkers over this adorable Personalized Kitty Tee, with their name on it.

Kitty Personalized Shirt

Product Details: This adorable shirt features a cute kitty that's similar to Hello Kitty and is perfect for a little girl. Your name choice is included on the shirt. Shirt shown is only available in size 4T. If you need another size shirt just let me know (will probably be a solid color T-shirt--not style shown). 

* Machine appliqued * * Kitty face is flannel * * No limit on name size *

Not everything she makes is for the little ones.

This is one of my favorite items, and it is a BOOK COVER, not a Kindle, not a Nook cover.  Nope, a real-honest-to-gosh-paper-pages-book cover.  It rocks, and it comes with its own bookmark sewn right in.  How cool is that?  (She's has more designs / fabrics in stock too!)

Flying Skulls Book Cover

Product Details:  These book covers are the perfect item for the reader who likes to keep their books clean and damage free--or who just likes to keep what they're reading private :) Covers fit a standard paperback book. Larger sizes can be made upon request.

* Made from cotton fabric. * Padded on front and back so it feels nice and soft.  * Will fit even the thickest book. * Slips easily onto the book's front and back covers.  * Matching ribbon attached so you don't have to worry about a bookmark!*  * Measures approx. 7 1/2" high x 10" wide.

Or how about making your next party memorable with these cute Cup Cake Toppers, kids or adult party, weddings, showers, you name it, she has a topper for it.  These are cute and would work well for your little Monster's next Birthday.

Monster Cupcake Toppers

Product Details:  Toppers are made when ordered so please allow at least 7-10 business days turnaround after ordered. If you need more than four sets or an odd quantity, please contact me and I will set up a special listing for you.

DESCRIPTION:
* Come in a set of 12*
* Made with card stock and 4" candy sticks*
* Toppers are 2" in diameter. Images are 1"*
* Cannot change images in any way.*

There are a lot of other really cool things in her shop, or you can check out her in-stock fabrics here and start creating something customized just for you.

You can also follow her on these sites, too:

Blog

Website  You can also order directly from there as well.

We hope we have inspired you to take a look or pass the information on to expectant parents or others.

Thank you so much for stopping in and having a look.

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

Studio News - Revamp That Overhaul

Good Morning,

I hope all had a wonderful and joyful Holiday, or at least did something fun and enjoyable.

Over the Holiday I had an opportunity to really take a good look at somethings, assess and re-evaluate them, and make some decisions, and choices about how to move The Alchemists Vessel forward in the coming year.

We will still offer the highest and finest quality materials we can find to create our pieces, however in the interest of quality over quantity, many of the items in the shops will no longer be available on-line.  If there is something in the $10.00 or Less section, get to them now before they disappear.  We will continue to carry the handmade $10.00 and Under line, but inventory will be greatly reduced and no longer a shop section on the sites.

There will be new banners, avatars, and a new design / look to the shops and the website.   Of course, the blog has already been done, nothing really new, but a different design and freshening up never hurt.

There will be new jewelry, designs, materials and we are in hope of ramping up the way custom orders are placed, as well as Design Your Own Dragonscale, and helpful things to get you the item you really want and truly custom made just for you.

I would also like to announce the winner for last weeks Handmade Highlight Contest; Debbi, of Yankeee Burrow Creations.  Debbi rose the challenge with her terrific Highlight based on the theme "Fly Me To The Moon".

350 views and 16 comments by fellow Handmade Artists members, had Debbi in the lead from the first day of the contest.  This is a wonderful take on the theme, "Fly Me To The Moon, and let me play among the stars..." ~ Frank Sinatra; and Debbi certainly found the stars to play among!

Yes, she did win a prize.  The Alchemists Vessel hosted the contest and put up the prize for the winner.  Debbi will receive this stunning handmade Celtic Visions design, aluminum Chainmaille bracelet, custom made to fit her.  (The one in the photo is mine).

This bracelet showcases the new aluminum rings, natural and anodized that we will be incorporating into our pieces, and purchasing from one of the premier Chanmaille Jewelry and Supply houses in the U.S.


Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

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

Happy Holidays

Good Morning,

The Alchemists Vessel will be closed for the Christmas Holiday.  We will return December 26th, 2012.

Featured Artist - Jewelry by Lady Fatih

Happy Thursday,

As always it is my pleasure to share with you another wonderfully creative lady and talented artisan from the Handmade Artists site, and Forum.  Jewelry by Lady Faith

What Lady Faith has to say,

BIO:
When I was about 5 or 6 years old, my grandmother the manager of a ladies dress shop here in West Texas brought home a bag of broken jewelry for me to play dress up. I immediately began putting all kinds of things together and using safety pins to mend the broken necklaces. So began my jewelry making career. After a few necessary slowdowns and a couple of stops, I began my career again. I believe every woman should have pretty and fun jewelry. So I have designed and made this jewelry just for that woman. Some of the pieces are entirely handmade by me and are One of a Kind. Some are vintage pieces re-purposed for wear in today’s world. Visit and enjoy with me my journey of jewelry designing and making.

Her jewelry is really fun!  I am always impressed with another designer's take or vision on their pieces.  Beautiful and always unique, no two are ever alike.  Below are three of my favorite necklaces made by Lady Faith.

How cute is this?  The propeller is adorable.  Just right for understated Steam-punk fashions or a Flyboy's lady love.

The Flying Star

Product Details:  The Flying Star is a mixed metal pendant.  The star is hand forged, cut and textured in copper.  The industrial wheel is antiqued brass.  The industrial cog is antiqued silver toned metal.  The propeller is raw brass naturally oxidized.  The wheel, the cog and the propeller are riveted to the star.  The propeller turns, the cog turns and the wheel also turns.  The star is connected with a gun metal jump ring to a copper chain and the closure is a gun metal S hook and jump ring.  You will be the Flying Star with this pendant.  This moveable propeller will interest all that see it.  It is a fun piece for your work day or a fun evening out.  Good with dresses or jeans.

There is also a matching Propeller Ring.

This is fabulous, original, definitely One-of-A-Kind and perfect for SCA attendees, or medieval fashion fans.

 British Amethyst Beauty OOAK

Product Details:  This beautiful Amethyst Pendant, started is life in the form of a Brooch from Britian and found its way to Palma de Mallorca.  The Anglican Church was have its annual Christmas Jumble Sale in 1978 and I spotted it . For a few pestas I got this treasure with idea of repurposing it.  Well I finally got it done this year.  It is circa 40's to early 50's. It is marked .830 the way the British marked silver then and has a gorgeous faceted light colored amethysy bezel set in the center. It is hung from a ball chain of .925 sterling silver with a lobester claw closure that 22 inches and the pendant is 2 3/4 inches.  The entire piece is 24 3/4 inches long.

This is a truly unique artisan piece, it is one my favorite things in her shop.  I don't know what to say about this other than, WOW!

Fused Sterling Silver Necklace

Product Details:  This beautiful pendant is made of sterling silver with fused silver designs.  A sterling silver design has been fused on the pendant with a riveted brass bolt at the top.   This focal piece has sterling and copper dangles made with head pins of sterling silver and copper holding copper and sterling beads.  The chain is mixed metal of copper, silver toned metal and brass with a sterling and copper toggle.  The chain measures 22 inches with the focal being 3-3/8 inch long making the necklace a total of 25 3/8 inches long.  It is a one of a kind piece.

There are many more items in the shop ranging from earrings, and bracelets to vintage and re-purposed goodies for you to peruse.

We hope we have peaked your curiosity and you will stop by the shop Jewelry by Lady Faith, or you can always follow her on her blog.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

  

In My Studio - A Weave and Whatnots

Good Morning,

As the end of the year nears, the blog will be winding down as well.  A gentle reminder The Alchemists Vessel will be closed for the Christmas and New Year Holidays.

If you read Monday's blog post, you saw the sample of the Large size Dragonscale Bracelet I have been working on.  I love this weave, beautiful and deceptive in its intricacy, once you have the basic pattern down it is a fairly simple and very fun weave.

I thought I would show off the finished product.  This is mine, I made it for me.

Dragonscale in Aluminum, silver, aqua and purple rings.  Although made from aluminum, this piece does have some weight, about 188 to 200 rings complete the piece.

Finished with a bar clasp that came with the rings, in a just smidge too short size, it still works wonderfully.

Surprising supple for its interlocking pattern, it feels absolutely amazing when worn.  Smooth and silky, it slithers across the skin, sensual and serpentine.  Strong, sturdy and a sensational conversation starter, perfect for a subtle pop of color at the office, or to brighten up that favorite pair of jeans, date night, girls day out, this will go with everything in your closet!  Fits any fashion style, Rocker, Goth, Biker, Steam-punk, Hipster; and as an added bonus girly-girls can have them made in pink!  Bracelets will be available in pre-made color combinations or custom colors of the customer's choice.  These take a while to weave, unless a pre-made piece is selected expect at least a week turn around time, to create, package and ship your bracelet to you.

Slinky, shiny, stunning and mine!

How to order a Dragonscale Bracelet: Anodized and Natural (Silver) Aluminum only.  

1. Choose your colors -   Select two to three colors for your bracelet from the chart below.

2. Measure your wrist, allow the tape measure or string about a 1/4" or finger width slack.  An average bracelet measures 7-1/4" and should fit most wrists.  Include your wrist circumference in inches, for a secure and custom fit.

3. Decide on a color scheme, how do you want your colors placed, or choose "Free Reign" and allow The Alchemists Vessel to arrange your colors for you.

Pre-made color combinations or custom request bracelets are $50.00.
Wristwatches $55.00
Wristband replacement / change out $40.00

Mini Dragon Scale, due to the size and number of rings it takes to weave this pattern (300 or more) in a smaller version, custom orders will be required.  
Bracelets - $65.00

*Precious Metal is available upon request, serious inquires only, please.  May be made in the materials listed, any alteration or substitution will be discussed on a per order basis.  A 50% non-refundable deposit is required before any Precious Metal custom order beings.

Large: 
Sterling Silver:  $500.00
Sterling Silver / Niobium Blend: $375.00

Mini: 
Sterling Silver: $350.00
Sterling Silver and Niobium Rings: $360.00
Silver and Gold Filled: $475.00

Two color, alternating rows with silver aluminum outer rings.

The Chart below shows three color combinations, "Samug", "Keir's Dragon" and "Sample", the sample is the palette for the bracelet shown above.  Keir's Dragon also has a pattern incorporated into it, the colors represent the smaller colored rings only.

Each line of color represents two or three jump rings as they are placed in the weave.  Reading the scheme for "Smaug" we see, two gold rings, three orange rings, two yellow rings, and three Red rings, the pattern skips and changes colors around for a different sequence every two rows.

*Jump Ring Color Chart copy and pasted from the internet.



Please feel free to leave a comment, suggestion or question.  You can always e-mail us or check us out at any of the links below and inquire about your very own dragonscale bracelet.

Handmade Artists
Facebook 
Etsy
The Alchemists Vessel

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

The Gifts of Giving

Happy Tuesday,

Christmas is just a week away and today instead of offering shopping venues and present ideas, I would like to take a moment to discuss other ways to give and be in the Spirit of the Holiday without spending money (well maybe a little), or rampant consumerism.

I'm not even talking handmade items that you can whip up at the last minute.  I am talking about the gift of giving, giving of yourself, your time, your smile, a kind word, a helping hand.

This time of year there are lots and lots of pleas for your hard earned dollars for this or that charity, cause or fundraising event.  Instead of writing a check, why not offer your time, volunteer to serve a meal or two at a soup kitchen, offer your gently used blankets, or clothing your kids have out grown to shelters, grab an extra bag of cat or dog food when doing your own shopping and drop it off at the local animal shelter, put a toy in the Toys for Tots bin.  These are simple small acts that will be felt and appreciated in ways that you can only image.

Be kind to each other, let some one go ahead of you in line, smile just because you are capable of doing so.  People are rushed and hurried this time of year, take a moment to breath, slow down, instead of shouting at the idiot that just cut you off, focus on the song on the raido, sing at the top of your lungs, you'll feel better, and it's better for you.  Sit down and have your favorite beverage and write your friends a letter, I said a letter, not an e-mail, a letter, with pen and paper.  Remember those?  A short "I was thinking about you" note is always more than welcome and a lovely surprise.

I know in this day and age it is a risk talking to a stranger, or offering assistance, put if we all did just one little thing, one small act of kindness a day, without thinking about ourselves or what we'll possibly get out of it, the world would be a gentler, better place to inhabit.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

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

Monday Celtic and Dragonscale Weaves

Good Morning,

In hope that many of you spent the weekend doing something pleasant with your children or for yourself, instead of dwelling on the tragedies of last week.

Although there is nothing new in the shop, there are still plenty of beautiful things to look at, or perhaps you still need a gift, Tuesday December 18th will be the last GUARANTEED mail date for your gift to arrive by Christmas.  Order soon.

Today I would like to introduce you to two new weaves, to be available at the end of January, when the new line of Aluminum Chainmaille jewelry is introduced.  Aluminum?  You ask.  This is not the aluminum your beer can is made out of, no indeed not.  This is high quality, natural (silver tone) and anodized aluminum, in absolutely gorgeous colors.   Ranging in a variety of gauges, we would like to begin to purchase our supplies from Blue Buddha Boutique, a Chainmaille Jewelry and Supply company.  Due to some recent changes, equipment failures and several other incidents, I simply need a supplier.

The Celtic Bracelet, shown below in 16 gauge Natural Aluminum and 18 gauge Aqua (Anodized) jump rings, makes a beautiful, shiny and substantial bracelet.  With proper care and feeding, this piece will last a lifetime and longer.  Available in an array of colors and two sizes, super light weight, easy to wear and to care for.  It should be noted that the construction of maille usually does not allow for soldering, so the rings remain "open".  Rough handling, pulling or other stress may cause the rings to come apart.

This is one of my very favorite weaves and I have finally conquered it.  Dragonscale is another version of European 4-in-1, that involves exact size and placement of the jump rings to achieve this scaly appearance.  Simply gorgeous in this Large Size sample, it takes a while to weave.  18 gauge Natural Aluminum and 18gauge Aqua and Purple Rings are placed and linked in this stunning pattern.  The Aqua rings lend this piece an iridescent quality that the photo just does not capture.

Available in an array of metals and anodized colors, and three sizes, Large, Medium and Small, this refers to the size of the rings used and width of the piece, not the length.  Average length is 7-1/4" in length including clasp, longer chains may be made upon request.

These are not for sale because they are mine.

The chart below shows solid anodized aluminum colors that are available for projects, however inventory / count is required before new material may be purchased.  If you are interested in one of these lovely items, please do not hesitate to contact us and we'll be happy to assist you and provide an estimated delivery date as materials are unavailable until after January 7, 2013.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

Remember comments, suggestions, and questions are always welcome.

NOTE:  Due to circumstances beyond my control the Brick and Mortar location for the Little Shop of Artists is no longer available at the is time.  We will continue to keep you up to date on our new location or move in date as soon as possible.  (Boy is my face red)

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.

Featured Artists - Handmade Highlights

Good Morning,

Thursday is here and today's feature really isn't an artist, but artists make them, so that's OK.

I'm sure some of you have shopped Etsy or have a friend that has sent you a "Treasury" full items they like.  A Highlight is just like that.  They can be found on handmadeartists.com, and are put together by the wonderfully creative and talented folks on the site, shop owners, Forum members, and sometimes buyers.

  Sometimes they are entries to a contest, other times they are created because someone has an urge to share the truly beautiful and always 100% handmade items from other artists and artisans on the site.  They are always fun to look at, and have wonderful and unique things available for purchase.  Whether themed selections or random picks from around the site that have caught someone's interest, they are way to see what's available in a nutshell.

The last Highlight contest was the theme of Cranberry Red and Hunter Green items, pretty specific, and people rose to the occasion and found works by others in those colors.

 
Some contests are hosted by a shop owner and a prize will be offered, usually an item from their shop sold at a deep discount, or an offer of an item of the winner's choice.  Other contests are hosted by a site offering a spot on their page for promotion, Gift Guides, advertisement or other beneficial "prize".  Competition is fierce, and always friendly.  The Highlights are about promoting and supporting others, the fabulous art, jewelery, candles, home decor, accessories and other goodies that can be found on the site.  Besides they are just fun to make.

Others are just, because, well, Mewes Mountain Arts really likes Snowmen!

Curious?  Want to check out more?  You don't have to be a member, register or anything else to click on through and have a look.

Handmade Highlights

The Alchemists Vessel

Thank you for stopping in and have a look, we hope we have inspired you to take a peek at more of the Highlights.

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

In My Studio - Little Shop of Artists

Good Morning,

As some of you may know, it has been a dream of mine to open my own store for quite some time.  Yes, I have on-line sites and shops, but that is just not the same thing as having a real physical brick and mortar building.

My friend Michele Deller and her husband Fred, own A-1 Video on Fairview, here in lovely Boise, Idaho, along with the property the business is on.  They have offered me the building next door / behind them for my own store.  This week Michele e-mailed me to say that the space was ready for me!  I am so excited I could burst.

Little Shop of Artists

I can't fill the store myself, so I have invited other local artists to share in the retail space.  The shop will be more like a bazaar, with select artist's wares displayed and available for sale.  A Retail Venue instead of a "Flea Market".

Participating Artists

Green Witch Designs
Mudfipp Photography
Wire Witchery
The Alchemists Vessel
The Bridal Path
Delphi Oracles
Dreathen Leathers
and more.

I am in hope that after the Holidays I will be able to get in there and paint, tidy up, and have the vendors moved in for an opening in February.  I know it is cold and snowy, but the store will be warm and full of gorgeous items.

Nothing is ever written in stone, and flexibility is good.  Things may change, but for the moment, that is the plan.  We hope you will continue to follow us and keep up to date on what's happening and once we're open that you'll stop by and see what we have in store.  Pun absolutely intended!

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 - Ideas

Greetings,

There are only two more shopping Tuesday's left.  This morning, in lieu of actual gift suggestions, I thought I might list a couple of sites where you can find some really cool handmade items this Holiday Season.

If you haven't been to handmadeartists.com, I urge you check out the site.  There are wonderful artists and items, and I don't mean just jewelry.  Hand-crafted Soaps, Candles, Fine Art, Clothing, Home Decor, Accessories, Toys, and yes, jewelry.  Why not stop by and have a look at the front page, perhaps something will catch you eye.

Four of my favorite shops:
Blue Highways - Handmade Books
Reef Botanticals - Handcrafted Soaps 
Yankee Burrow Creations - Hand-knit and other accessories
A Bead Thing - Hand Beaded Jewelry

Most of you are familiar with Etsy by now, although they have gone from Handmade items to offering garbage from anybody with a computer and cramming the site with manufactured stuff from China, there are still some pretty cool shops to check out.

T.A.V. Announcements:

As of today, December11, 2012, linkedin, the business connection site, will no longer be supporting third party applications, like your wordpress blog and others, they are also changing groups and the way you share your information on the site.  I dislike change for changes sake, especially when the change destroys all of your hard work.  If you follow Alixandra Browning on linkedin or are a member of Northwest Artisans Guild Group, I am sorry to say that I will be canceling my linkedin account and deleting the group.

Please note that T.A.V. will be closed on December 25, 2012, and through December 31, 2012, not only for the Holiday, but for end of the year inventory and other business necessities. 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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