Friday, March 30, 2012

Friday Links

Happy Friday!  The weekend is finally here and that means relaxation!

Today I had a lovely conversation with a friend of mine.  We spent a couple of hours on the phone discussing business, marketing, Business names, strategies for everything, including where to find material.

Since this week has been all about The Alchemists Vessel, let's put all of links in a list, of course they can all be found to the right on the side menu bar, but this is maybe easier to look at.

Tutorial Videos on Facebook (These may also be found on Youtube)

We also have listings, stacks and stuff on Delicious, Pinterest, Linkedin, Google Plus pages, a wordpress blog, and all kinds of places to find us across the web!

**[This app is from Facebook, you may buy directly from the page without leaving facebook or requiring an Etsy Account]

Thank you for stopping by, we would like to wish you a pleasant weekend.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

JEWELRY CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT

Hello Thursday!

Today The Alchemists Vessel is pleased to announce the winners of the Free Jewelry Contest.  Congratulations to the following people.

FIRST PRIZE:  
Winner - Shelly Moody
Shelly will be the recipient of  this lovely up-cycled Sterling Silver and Citrine Pendant.


 SECOND PRIZE:
Winner: Denise and Sabrina Bacher
They have chosen this wonderful Antiqued Brass and Chain Mail Necklace featuring a filigreed Stag motif Pendant, from the $25.00 price rage shop selections.

THIRD PRIZE:
Winner: Evie Friend
Evie has been notified, has not made her prize selection yet.
She may choose anything in the Shop up to $15.00, for her prize.

I would like to thank all who participated and helped me reach the goal of 100 likes.  I would love to have 500 by the end of the year, lets see if we can't make that happen!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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. 

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


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.


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!

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.


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.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

An Announcement

I know, Tuesday's are usually reserved for Five Great Gifts To Give, but it is good to change things up every now and again.  Need to keep you all on your toes.  We will have a gift idea post this week, I promise.

The Alchemists Vessel is pleased to announce that the owner and principle designer, Alixandra, will be returning classes next month.  Always interested in updating her skills, learning about new materials and machines currently out on the gemstone and lapidary jewelry suppliers market, as well as obtaining certification for precious metals, repair, gemstone / metal testing equipment, and general jewelry-smith training.  Also on the list of continued education is lamp-work or glass bead crafting.

Continuing education is an important part of keeping up with today's market.  If one expects to succeed, one must continually polish and up grade their skills and general knowledge of available materials; new, old, and in some cases the new composites currently out on the market.  Current trends and fashion styles may dictate color and components used, they are strong contributors to the creation process, as are new tools, treatments and techniques.  All play a part in creating beautiful, unique, durable and sustainable hand crafted jewelry. 

Costume or Fine, Folk Art or Artisan, adornment / jewelry or other accessories, have been a staple of trade, social interaction and celebrations in many cultures across our world.  The fascination continues today, and there is a certain satisfaction in making something beautiful with your own hands.  Self taught or classroom trained, each hand and eye bring their own flair and sense of balance to a piece.  Sculpture, paintings, landscape, home decor, all have a rhythm and flow that make them work and the same applies to jewelry.  Sparks of light and flashes of color draws the eye, intrigues the observer, and delights the wearer. It appeals to a variety of tastes from bold and bright, to delicate, feminine and understated.  Great jewelry design is always in style and can be worn with a multitude of things and never loses its emphasis or over powers the wearer or outfit.  Jewelry as an accent, can also be the main attraction.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.


Monday, March 26, 2012

Monday

Good Monday Morning to you all.

There is no blog post this morning, The Alchemists Vessel spent the weekend at an indoor Market Venue.  Unpacking and cleaning the jewelry begins today in preparation for next month's show.

The next show will be April 14th and 15th, and we hope to see you there.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Links and Promotions

Good Morning,

There won't be a blog posting tomorrow as I am in a flurry of activity trying to get ready for the market.  So this morning will be a mix of Thursday's and Friday's usual post.

And then again maybe not.  I am short a featured artist this week, so perhaps instead of visiting them on line, might I suggest a trip to a local Art Gallery, Boise has several, and you can walk right in.  Unlike the museum, they are free to browse, and many are in cool locations, below street level or tucked away in buildings that looks like it holds financial offices.  Checkout your town's local Art underground.

The Treasure Valley Flea Market is this weekend.  March 24, and 25, 2012, at the Expo Idaho Buildings at the Fair Grounds. 5610 Chinden Blvd.  See the Google Map a the bottom of this blog for directions and location.





Top Ten Free TV Websites (Watch for Free, no download)

I know, not much going on in here today. We'll try to get it together for next week.

Thanks for stopping in.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

What's New In My Shop - Cafe Press

I am not currently working on any new items in the shop as to speak. Getting ready for the monthly Market at the local Fair Grounds and Exposition Buildings, in lovely Garden City, Idaho, takes a lot of time and effort when you're a one-woman band.

However, we do have a new shop.  It is different from the jewelry I create.  Many Moons ago I designed and drew simple and stylized graphic versions of the Zodiac symbols for fun (and I admit, profit).  Having forgotten about them, I came across them searching through a computer disk looking for something else.  I love it when buried treasure appears out of no where!  Not wishing to attempt to stock the house with yet more stuff, but wanting to do something with them, I have opened a cafe press store.  You can find it by following the link in this post, or by clicking the "Shop Cafe Press" link in the menu to your right.

The cool thing about Cafe Press is that you can have pretty much any graphic printed on any item you want.  There is a huge selection to choose from on the site, from T-shirts to Teddy Bears, Wall Clocks, puzzles, and accessories abound!  All printed with the version of your Sun Sign.  All twelve signs may be found there and I intend to see about getting other items up for printing or customizing as well.  Currently working on a popular motif, Skulls, I'm sketching in a very stylized Rabbit...  Below are the twelve designs I created.  As public domain, any one may play with and finagle the images.  These are mine, and belong to me, and may only be used outside the sales or shop sites with the express written consent of The Alchemists Vessel and the owner, proprietor.

The Alchemists Vessel on Cafe Press

All twelve signs are included.  As soon as I figure out how to get these changed or configured to be appropriate art flash for dark material for the site, I'll do that too. Right now they are available in Black Print on Light Shirts and Sweats.  Although there are all kinds of items in the shop, from Cell Phone covers to Lap top skins, stationery, stuffed critters, bits, baubles and decor.

The Zodiac beings with Aries.
 Aries, the Ram - Symbol represents the Horns and nose of a Ram or the brows and nose of a human face



Taurus, the Bull - Symbol represents the Horns and head of a bull, or the chin and throat of the human form, it is also a representation on a rising moon over a full sun, or over the earth, depending on culture.



Gemini, the Twins - Symbol represents the lungs of the human body.



Cancer, the Crab - Symbol represents the out stretched claws of a crustacean. 
 
 
Leo, the Lion - Symbol represents a sleeping cat, a lion in repose, the head, back and finally the tail.
 
 

 
Virgo, the Virgin - Symbol represents the female reproductive organs (closed). In some cultures it represents sheaves of wheat that have been harvested and bundled.
 
 

Libra, the Scales - Symbol represents a set of scales in balance,it is also the representation of the sun rising over a horizon.
 
 

Scorpio, the Scorpion - Symbol represents the male reproductive organs, it also mimics the movement of a Scorpion, the extended "swish" being the tail or stinger of the Scorpion.
 
 

Sagittarius, the Archer - Symbol represents the human knee in motion, or an arrow in flight.


Capricorn, the Sea Goat - Represents the head of a Goat and tail of Fish, sometimes called the Terrestrial Goat.




Aquarius, the Water Bearer - Symbol represents energy or flowing water


Pisces, the Fish - Symbol represents two fish, tied together.


Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Five Great Gifts To Give: 3/20/12

Good Morning,

Today is the first day of Spring, and we have some a couple of really cute things from Etsy shops and a web find or three.





Description: Young Dutch Bunny Rabbit Sculpture Handmade in Polymer Clay

This Dutch Rabbit is a OOAK (one of a kind) Original Sculpture.
He is #2 in my 2012 collection '30 Bunnies for Spring'

He is a realistic scale miniature sculpted on a 1:3 scale. He measures just over 3 inches in length

As with all my work this little guy is 100% handmade without any molds. He is sculpted from Premo Polymer Clay over a strong foil armature core. He is baked to manufacture directions and detailed with a mixture of Liquid Sculpey and Genesis Heat Set Paints





Description:   
***Pay shipping on only 1 item! Buy 10 and it ships for 1!***

To see the full line of key fobs and pacifier clips available check out my shop at:

I have always loved these beautiful key fobs or key chains and now I make them to share my love for them with my customers. They are light weight so they don’t weigh down your keys and durable so they can take the beating in your purse. It makes a world of difference when you’re blindly trying to find your keys in your purse. They are big enough to slip on your wrist so you never fumble for your keys again.

 


Description: This fiery bangle has bright, deep, shiny ruby red beads. Lined with silver for an extra spark inside the bead. Add a touch of color to an Office Suit, a fun accessory for a casual outing or heat up the little black dress with warmth around your wrist.

Would make an excellent July Birthday Gift.

Hand woven in silver plated jump rings with Ruby red silver line Czech glass beads.


This is kinda cool, and we can't eave the boys out, at a $100.00, this is a steal of a deal and won't they be happy terrorizing the family pets!
  
Rover App-Controlled Spy Tank with Night Vision


Whether following friends and family, navigating the office or investigating the activities of your dog, it’s all possible with this audio/visual-enabled and photo-taking Rover. Its built-in microphone transmits sound back to your device in real time. So you can hear everything as it’s being said. The manually adjustable camera streams live video and takes still photos. Giving you total access to see what’s going on in other rooms.

 n’ICE Cubes™Stainless Steel Drink Chillers



These cubes are the new ice. Because n’ICE Cubes™ will never melt and dilute your drinks. Simply place in the freezer for a few hours, then slip a handful into a glass and pour on your favorite potent potable, like a top-shelf single malt. In minutes, your drink is nicely chilled—and full strength. Afterwards, just rinse, dry and replace the stones in the freezer for next time.

Always ready to chill when you are.
n’ICE Cubes™ are made of stainless steel. Each measures approx. ¾" square with smoothed edges that won’t mar glasses. Available in sets of 3 or 6. Great for cooling down non-alcoholic drinks, too.

That's all the ideas we have for today.  Those Stainless Steel Ice Cubs are cool!  Thank you for stopping by and taking a look, and Happy First Day of Spring to you!


Monday, March 19, 2012

New Items in the Shop

Two new items are up for sales this morning.

Unisex Necklace:  Antiqued Bronze jump rings are spun into a version of a Half Persian Chain Maille weave pattern, are connected by a larger ring at the center and a stylized Stag pendant drops from the larger ring.  About 20" in total length including pendant.  This would be great for theme or cos-playing.  Aspiring "King Arthur's" or "Guinevere's",  this is for you!





These are cute, fun, really simple, and will add a splash of bright color to your outfits, and absolutely a must have fashion accessory this Spring and Summer season.  Department stores carry these for $12.99 to $15.99 a pair, we carry our hand made beauties for $5.00!  Natural Shell (surface-dyed) buttons are re-purposed into these adorable, native-chic, and colorful earrings, available in Blue (shown), Pink, Green and Gold (Sunshine Yellow), these are a limited selection item and once they are gone, they are gone.  The wire is wrapped around a mandrel, the button is then positioned and the wire allowed to "relax", the wire is then manipulated by hand to form an organic spiral shape as decoration and to secure the button.  A Fish Hook ear wire is added to complete the pair.  Simple, uncluttered, and a fabulous accent for any Spring or Summer outfit.

Sterling Silver Plated Copper Jewelry Wire and Natural Shell (Blue) Earrings.


Natural Shell Buttons surface dyed in Pink, Light Green, Gold (Sunshine Yellow), the back of the shell is shown in comparison to the dyed surface face.

Thank you for stopping by we would like to wish you a pleasant week.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Friday Promotions and Links

Happy Friday to all!

Let me begin with the Jewelry Contest.  Although it was a complete and utter flop, (perhaps it was the piece offered), there is a winner, and Second place is a tie.  With Facebook changing the Fan / Business pages, I am having trouble finding all the posts.  I will get to the announcement next week!

It's that time again!  The Treasure Valley Flea Market is next weekend, March 24 and 25th, Saturday and Sunday.  There is only one more in April.  Come on down and meet the artists, have a look at some of the jewelry pieces shown on the site, see what there is to see, and find your something.  5610 Glenwood, In Garden City, Idho Expo at the Fair Grounds.  See the Google Map at the bottom of the blog for location and directions, admission is $2.00 at the door.




Due to some customers feeling uncomfortable purchasing from the The Alchemists Vessel website, I have been asked, and have complied, to list the Ravens Nook items on Etsy.  I have done so.  They are under the Shop Section Ravens Nook, and all the items from the website may be found there as well. If the darker things do well, I may go ahead and open up a second shop for just the darker things, although Etsy frowns on such a  thing.

We also have a new third party app (widget) here on the blog.  Now you can shop The Alchemists Vessel and all it's listings on the side bar menu.  No need to leave the page, and all transactions are secure!

For the Pinterest Users out there.  Pinterest has a dashboard, Pinerly, that I have gotten a sneak peak at (Thank you Cindy Honig-Fong, for clicking!)  It looks very useful and I would like one.  The link below will take you to the invitation page, where you can get your own unique code, copy and paste it for your friends to click and get an invitation too.  Pinterest Dash Board or


Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

It is Friday!  We would like to wish you all a happy and joyous weekend.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Featured Artist - Alizey of Alizey Clothing

 Good Morning,

Today we are please to present the Featured Artist of the Week, Alizey of Alizey Clothing.  I love knitting, and she has some wonderful light airy and gorgeous things for spring.

She writes about herself:

Who I am:
- Wife
- Mother
- Psychologist
- Friend
- Dog lover

I'm absolutely crazy about knitting, I'm doing that since I remember myself, my grandmother taught me when I was a little girl, almost it was my hobby, but when I became a mother, everything changed, I start knitting all the time, than I find Etsy, and here I am :) all my creations are 100% handmade by me, I'm the author of every item, and I'm a model on every picture, so I'm 3 in 1 :)

Here are some of her hand-knitted items for sale on Etsy.  The colors are lovely, and the clothing is very fashionable, some of the pieces would make great beach or warm weather wear, or a fabulous date night wrap!
  


Description: Black One Shoulder Knit Cotton Kimono Blouse / OOAK Clothing / Gothic Lolita / Summer Top

This item is 100% handknitted, it's very soft and light

WEIGHT
less that 3,52 o.z. (100 gr)

MATERIAL
High quality italian cotton yarn

COLOR
Black

READY TO SHIP IN SIZE:

International: XS-S
chest : 32”-37” / 81-93cm



Description: Red One Shoulder Knit Cotton Shirt / OOAK Clothing / Summer Knit Tank / Shirt / Woman clothing

This item is 100% handknitted, it's very soft and light

WEIGHT
less that 5,2 o.z. (150 gr)

MATERIAL
High quality italian cotton yarn

COLOR
Red

READY TO SHIP IN SIZE:

International: XS-S
chest : 32”-37” / 81-93cm


This next one is a personal favorite, I love the colors!  Just gorgeous, scrumptious and sumptuous!  For a little light lacy wrap, I love this! 



Description: Multicolor Cotton Hand Knit Kimono Sweater / OOAK Clothing / Summer Blouse /rusteam

This item is 100% handknitted, it's very soft and light

WEIGHT
less that 5,2 o.z. (150 gr)

MATERIAL
High quality italian cotton yarn

COLOR
Multicolor in orange beige and white tones

READY TO SHIP IN SIZE:

International: XS-S
chest : 32”-37” / 81-93cm




Description: Green and White Knit Cotton Summer Tank / OOAK Clothing / Summer Shirt / Womans Clothing

This item is 100% handknitted, it's very soft and light

WEIGHT
less that 1,7 o.z. (50 gr)

MATERIAL
High quality italian cotton yarn

COLOR
Multicolor in green and white tones

READY TO SHIP IN SIZE:

International: XS-S
chest : 32”-37” / 81-93cm
 



 Description: Light Blue Knit Cotton Beach Shawl / OOAK Beach Wear. 
This item is 100% handknitted, it's very soft and light

WEIGHT
less that 1,7 o.z. (50 gr)

MATERIAL
High quality italian cotton yarn

COLOR
light blue

SIZE
length around the hip aprox. 38 " (100 cm)

WASHING

Handwash in warm water
Dry flat

SHIPPING
This item is ready to ship in 2 business days after receiving a payment, by regular airmail with high priority class

You may also reach Alizey on Twitter, or e-mail and a direct link to her Shop is below.

You can find more creations here - www.etsy.com/shop/AlizeyClothing?ref=pr_shop_more
Follow me on Twitter - twitter.com/AlizeyClothing
Or email me - Alizey84@gmail.com

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Wednesday in My Studio - Tutorial Video

Once a month I will try to include a tutorial video on the blog about  jewelery, a process in creating jewelry or a look at materials.  If you'd like to see other videos or tutorials, let me know I don't mind posting and sharing other people's tutorials, as long as I have their permission.

This morning we have a brief look at inner and outer diameter of jump rings, basically measurements and why they count.

I do have other things going on in the shop, but as it is an on going learning process, and a messy one at that, I haven't taken progress pictures, but once I get the hang of it we'll show you what I have been up to.

Without further ado - Jump Rings 102, Diameter

 
Copy Right 2012, The Alchemists Vessel

As it is Wednesday, we would like to wish you a lovely rest of the week!

*These Videos and the copies on Youtube are the sole property of The Alchemists Vessel and may not used in any way, shape, form, forum, or other site or media, internet or otherwise, without the express written consent or permission of The Alchemists Vessel.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

5 Great Gifts To Give 3/13/12

Good Morning,

It's Tuesday and that means new items and shops to look at and favorite.

So Blue Jewelry has had three of her lovely Cezanne Jewelry Collection pieces in the blog, this is the last one.  I hope some one has taken a look at her lovely abalone jewelry it really is spectacular! 

Cezanne spring abalone shell silver long necklace
 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.


It goes perfectly with black, white, gray, green...
It's about 66cm long.
In the last two photos please see the bracelet and earrings in set.
Earring sale link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/93895061/cezanne-spring-abalone-shell-silver
Bracelet sale link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/93894858/cezanne-spring-abalone-shell-silver?ref=v1_other_1

Copyright © Soblue Jewelry 2012 


Passover is coming up, if you are attending a Seder, this would make a lovely gift for the Hostess.  Sue has some wonderful things that would make excellent Thank you gifts.  Perhaps you might find her Matza Holder and Vintage Victorian Style Salt and Pepper Shakers an appropriate gift for the table, perhaps all three would make a splendid gift as a complete set, something for the hostess, something for the Seder table and a lovely every day gift as well.

Hamsa Bracelet in Silver

 
Description: ♥♥♥♥♥ SOLD SEPARATELY: Blue or Red ♥♥♥♥♥

Gorgeously elegant and very attractive silver Hamsa bracelet that is so unique and one of a kind design.


For those of you who are not familiar with the "Bad Eye" emblem, well, it’s a symbol that’s been around for thousands of years and is believed to protect and shield against the evil eye, generate positive energy, provide good fortune, health, prosperity and happiness.

About 8" long with an added 1" extention. Size can be adjusted per request at no extra charge.


ALL MY ITEMS ARE HANDMADE AND ONE OF A KIND


CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME


DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG


Feel free to contact me with any questions
 

(She's not yelling, she's just highlighting the important points.) 

Lovebug Wraps

Not just for babies, she has things for Mommies, too.  These are cute, and as someone who has had to go out at 2:00 a.m. to replace a Pacifier, I wish I'd had one of these!  She also offers brand options!  Click through to see them all.

5 Pacifier clips - Special SALE - Check out shop for over 150 to choose from

Description: ***Pay shipping on only 1 item! Buy 10 and it ships for 1!***


For the full selection of pacifier clips check out my shop at:

LoveBugWraps.etsy.com


No more digging through the dipper bag for the spare paci or attempting to reach around in the back seat to retrieve the binky that was thrown on the ground…No more! I vow to sell things in my store that are must haves for all moms and this is definitely a top 5 item. I know, I have 3 with one on the way.


Isn't this adorable, and wouldn't it be cute with a matching Pacifier Clip from the above shop!  New to Etsy, It's Sommertime has some super cute clothes and accessories for boys and girls! 



 Description:  This baby boy onesie would be perfect for Easter. The bowtie is detachable so your little boy can wear it with other shirts if you would like. If you would like a certain color convo me and let me know. It can be made in the following sizes:
NB
3-6 mos.
6-12 mos.
12-24 mos.



This is lovely, realistic and very cute, and there will be a second sculpture in next week's blog as well.  Fantastic, and just adorable as can be, this life-like rabbit would be a wonderful addition to any collectors shelf or make a fabulous decoration for a Baby's Room.

Polymer Clay Bunny Rabbit OOAK Scale Miniature by MagicByLeah

 Description: Brown Bunny Rabbit Miniature Hand Sculpted in Polymer Clay.

This little guy is a OOAK (one of a kind) original, the first in my set of '30 Bunnies for Spring.As with all my work he is 100% handmade by me without the use of any molds. 

He is sculpted from Premo Polymer Clay over a foil and wire internal skeleton. Bunny's features are the result of hours of attention to detail and meticulous labors of love

He was baked to manufacture directions and left to cool slowly in the oven for increased durability. 

He was painted with a mixture of genesis paint mixed with liquid sculpey to ensure that the colors are 'baked in' and will not rub off or fade.  

He stands approximately 3 inches tall (7.5 cm)

Thank you  for stopping by and having a look.