Friday Links

Hello,

Today I thought it might be fun to share some of the other blogs on the the blog ring.

A Bead Thing
http://abeadthing-pam.blogspot.com/2013/05/my-newest-feature-is-colette.html

Thunder Rose Leather
http://thunderroseleather.blogspot.com/2013/05/featured-artist-colette.html

I Knit Quilt Sew
http://iknitquiltsew.blogspot.com/ 

The links above will take you to their post for the featured artists and theme posts for the week.  I am sure there is other stuff to do and read on their blogs as well.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Thursday Featured Artist ~ Colette's Boutique

Good Morning,

I would like to apologize for the lack of a blog post yesterday.  Due to technical difficulties, the silly thing would not publish.  Today I seem to be having better luck.

It's Thursday, and that means a Featured Artists of the Week.   Colette of Colette's Boutique is a member of the Handmade Artists Forum, she has a blog and a facebook page.  She does some amazing wire wrapping work, this takes talent!  She also offers tutorials.  Fancy trying your hand at one of these beautiful pieces?  Or maybe you can just purchase a pre-made pretty instead.  Featured today is a brand new shop here on the blog, from the Etsy Shop:

Colette's Boutique

Andrea wire wrapped necklace in sterling silver

A handmade, classic wire wrapped pendant with a twist, literally :-). I created the wire wrapped focal pendant using sterling and fine silver. A dainty and classic piece that can be worn for any occasion. The wire wrapped pendant measures 0.75" in diameter, and hangs on a beautiful 16" sterling silver chain.
Please let me know if you would like a longer chain. An extenter can be added or The chain can be adjusted free of charge ( up to 20 inch total chain length).

Raspberry wire wrapped necklace hot pink

This handcrafted wire wrapped necklace is really feminine and fun, featuring a 20 x 15 mm Bright Pink Jade Faceted Teardrop Bead. The necklace has been wrapped in sterling silver and fine silver and hangs on a 16" long sterling silver chain. A spark of color to cure the winter blues.
Please let me know if you would like a longer chain. An extenter can be added or The chain can be adjusted free of charge ( up to 20 inch total chain length).

See more of my jewelry here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Colettesboutique

Tutorial Dhalia wire wrapped necklace focal

This listing is for a tutorial only, materials are not included. This is an intermediate project that requires basic knowledge of wire handling. Learn a new wire wrapping technique while creating a beautiful and elegant necklace focal component. The tutorial will shows you how to shape,form,weave the wire to construct your your focal necklace component.
The tutorial will give you the list of tools and materials and clear step by step instructions illustrated by pictures, and tips along the way to help you complete the project successfully.

Materials:
18 gauge half hard round wire
26 gauge fine silver round wire
20 gauge wire
24 gauge dead soft wire
14 inches of chain
2 split rings
1 lobster clasp
1 briolette bead about 18 mm long
2 small beads ( 4mm)

Tools:

Round nose pliers
Chain nose pliers
Flush cutter
A ring mandrel or thick dowel
Raw hide mallet ( optional)
Fine point sharpie marker
for All tutorials come in a PDF format. The file will be emailed to the address on your Paypal account, within 24 hours of payment.

I encourage you to click through and see what else Colette has for sale.  Not only can you find her on Etsy you may also follow, find and read about her jewelry at any of the links below.

Blog: Colette's Collection
Facebook: Colette's Boutique
Twitter: twitter.com/coletteboutique
Website: Colette Collection
Flickr: Colette's Boutique

If you just want to look at some gorgeous hand made artwork / jewelry, I highly suggest the flickr account.  Her pieces are incredible, and so reasonably priced.  If you're looking for a gift or something for yourself, stop by her shop or website first!

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Five From The Alchemists Vessel

Good Morning,

I hope everyone is well rested and relaxed and ready to start the work week.  As we slowly seep into summer, and think about bringing out the strappy sandals and sundresses, out door concerts on the lawn and pick-nicks in the park, it is also time to accessorize for those fun-filled days.

I would like to apologize in advance, Etsy has once again changed things and it is now difficult to copy the actual listing and re-post it here.  If things look funny or strange, I do apologize.

We are currently working on a line of pretty, light weight, sturdy anklets, and other bright summer-time items.  Currently in the shop we have several things available:

Instead of Five Gifts from separate shops, we feature five items from The Alchemists Vessel.  Please note that these items are also available at The Alchemists Vessel on the Handmade Artists site as well.

This item is brand new and also recycled.  Yes, things work like that.

Recyclabauble

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U.S. Size 8-1/4. This fabulous bright blue glass cabochon organic shaped statement ring is one of a kind. Crafted from recycled materials, found or neglected items, that with much love and little attention were up-cycled into this beautiful and unique ring. Would make a great Cocktail ring, a terrific piece for dancing in the club or some flashy sparkle as you rock the night away on stage.

Definitely looks hand made, the shape of the stone has dictated the formation of the bezel, soft edges and waves accent the cabochon's shape well. An elegant ring with a very primitive appeal.

Hand forged from start to finish. The Sterling Silver shank was cleaned and the damaged metal removed. The metal was annealed (heated), re-shaped on a mandrel, sized, sanded, and soldered to the bezel back. Finishing touches include polishing.


The Fine Silver bezel is also repaired and up-cycled Empty of a stone, the missing stone has been replaced with a lovely glass cabochon that fit the setting nicely. Split along the seam, it has been soldered, sanded, cleaned and formed around the glass cabochon, which just happened to fit the bezel cup.

The glass cabochon has bubbles and inclusions inside the piece itself. These may be seen in the photos, although not immediately visible when worn, they add a nice natural look to the ring.

*Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving. (Ring box may vary)

This ring is not customizable, and may not be re-sized again.

Please see our selection of other rings in the shop as well.

*Free Shipping this item. 



How about this pretty pink Zircon ring.  You don't have to be a Princess or a Bride to wear this fabulous and feminine ring.

Princess Bride

"As you wish." The Farm boy said.

Pink, perky, pretty. This adorable ring is just right for the Princess in your life. Would make an excellent alternative for October Birthdays or a unique and different ring for that special question one might like to ask.

The lovely ring is fashioned from a vintage 10K White Gold ring shank with a delicate spiral along the sides that carries to the four prong setting adding a lovely twist on a traditional design. Genuine pink Zircon gemstone is hand set. Zircon is a mineral that comes in a crystalline form, it ranges in colors from yellows to reds, the most common being Hyacinth (yellow), not to be confused with Cubic Zirconia (CZ),a synthetic material also called synthetic gems.

White Gold is Gold. It is an alloy of yellow gold usually combined with a white metal like palladium to achieve the white color. 10K refers the the amount of pure gold in a piece. 10K is about 41.7% pure gold.

How about this really cute pink and silver plated chainmaille bracelet.

Paramour 

 

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. 

Or how about these super cute mimi-maille Celtic Star / Snow Flake Earrings.  

Celtic Star Mini Maille Earrings

  

  

These down-sized Chainmaille earrings make a great addition to any jewelry box. This pattern is one of my favorites, lacy, feminine and very pretty. Silver-plated with a single silver-lined Czech Glass bead in Emerald that drops from a point of the star for a lovely accent.

3/4" wide, Silver plated wire has been hand-spun, cut, beaded and linked in a Celtic Star pattern. A single silver-lined Czech Glass bead in Emerald hangs from the bottom point of the star as an accent. Hypo-allergenic silver tone ear wires finish the pair.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Customizable in your favorite metal or bead color. Please contact us for that special pair.  Available with or without bead accent.

*Precious Metals are available upon customer request. 

Here is a cute bracelet that is in the Steampunk Style, very fashionable.

 Steam Charm

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8" including clasp, this unique Steampunk style bracelet is sure to be a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser. Sturdy, substantial and decked out with gears, disks, stars and lovely glass beads in amber, brown and clear shades.

"Merlin's Gold" aka Jewelers Brass has been antiqued and finished with an aged bronze look. Brass gears, bronze stars (these charms are hallow), bronze disks, and glass bi-cone shaped beads in amber, brown and clear surround the length of European Weave Chainmaille pattern.

Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.

*Customizable, may be made to desired length at no additional charge. Please indicate wrist circumference when ordering. If no measurement is given a standard 7-3/4" to 8" bracelet will be sent. Please use the Contact button to ask about customization. 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look, perhaps inspiration may strike and find you surfing the shop for more fun items.

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

Memorial Day

Good Morning,

Memorial Day is here, it is not about Bar-B-Ques and touch football in the backyard.  Today I would like to remember those that have served their country, and one that has passed*.

Family

Wesley Steiding - Army
Albert Browning - Air Force
David Browning - Navy
Robert Clay Branch - Navy
*Sayle Sherrow - Army

Friends

Kathy Robertson - Air Force
Josh Olson - Army
Michael Garrison - Marines

Thank you all for your service.

Take the time today to say Thank You to a Veteran, they will appreciate it, and they deserve it.

Using Social Media Responsibly

Good Morning,

Happy Friday!  I would like to wish one and all a very happy Memorial Day Weekend, get out there and have some fun, or simply rest and prepare for Tuesday!

This morning I would like to discuss using social media sites, because they are a wonderful tool.  Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and others, all have the capability and the potential to be fabulous marketing tools for sellers, and a great place to window shop for free.

However there is a downfall to these modern marvels, and it is the very public you're trying to reach.  These sites are neat, I belong to several to help promote my wares; however what I present to the public has the possibility of be re-posted and shared.  That is great, and is also the site doing it's job, connecting me with strangers that like my jewelry.

However; many of these re-pinners or re-posters, do not take the time to think things through.  Posting something an artists has made on a board entitled DIY, Things For My Hands To Do, Jewelry Ideas, is tantamount to stealing.  That's right, I said stealing.  Writing a detailed materials list underneath a shared post, or an explanation of how the artist may have created the piece and announcing that the poster intends to craft one using a different color or bead is still in essence, stealing.  It is not flattery, it is not admiration, it is taking something from someone else and using it as their own.  That is not only bad form, that person/re-poster/re-pinner may have just stripped the artist of a sale, their livelihood!

If you like the artists work, say so, perhaps you could write them a note and express your admiration, maybe ask what is the price of that lovely piece you like so much.  Perhaps an arrangement could be met.

Items posted to boards as the ones mentioned above not only cheapen the artist, but tends to make them very angry at the same time.  What that re-pinner has done is diminish the time, effort and work the artist put into their piece.  The artist designed, crafted, assembled that piece, item, painting, ceramic, pin, button what have you, whether to sell or for pleasure, they chose to share their work with others.  This is not a license, as so many think, to start to copy or re-make the artists item for themselves, or their own gain. 

So how does one use social media responsibly?  Start by not marking things "Do It Yourself", because in most cases you won't be able to re-create or make the item yourself.   Maybe title a board, "Art / Artists I Really Admire", "My Favorite Products", "Wish I Made That" or something that doesn't suggest you're going to re-make the item.  There are ways and words that get the point across without thieving from someone else.

Something to think about.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Thursday Theme Feature: Spring with Handmade Artists

Good Morning,

Today we feature the theme of the blog ring Spring.  Indeed Spring has sprung, flowers are in bloom, the rain comes and goes, Summer is just around the corner.

The blog ring has changed in that the featured theme runs for two weeks.  Last week I featured the owners of Handmade Artists, The Kitchens.  If you have not checked out that post, treat yourself and do so, lots off cool stuff to look through.

So in theme of Spring here are some things from handmadeartists.com that keep the spring in your step and a smile on your face!

Nothing says Spring like birds in the trees. OK, so these really aren't in trees... but you get the idea.

From: The Merry Raven
  
Folk Art Birds Kitchen Decor Country Home decor

Product Details:
8X8 matte folk art birds print of a flycatcher on a cream background with  pink border. Perfect for the country home décor, or the kids room décor. Absolutely great in the retro kitchen décor, especially grouped with other of my folk art birds pictures.
This is an 8X8 art print of my original folk art birds work.
This listing is for one unframed print.
The particulars:
In my original folk art wall art, I used a combination of techniques that span the history of illustration, from the oldest, hand printing to modern digital painting, and a few wonderful techniques in between. I am inspired in my birds art by the shapes and colors of nature, and try to capture a little bit of the soul of the beautiful plant and birds that live in my large garden.
This print is an archival digital print of my original work, printed on wonderful archival paper, ready to pop into a standard frame, or mat.
It comes with an acid free backing in a protective sleeve, mailed in a rigid, no bend mailer.
　If you like this print but don’t have a paypal account, please visit my shop at etsy where you may checkout using a credit card.
www.themerryraven.etsy.com



I absolutely, positively MUST introduce you to Micro Pendants.  Rarely do I gush over a shop, but they deserve to be gushed over!  What a clever and fabulous idea, I am completely jealous I didn't think of this first!  Have a look, they are cool! Yes, this fits with spring, it is green, the color of new leaves.

From: Micro Pendants  

Digits of PI Necklace 

Product Details:
***Use the GRAD20 coupon for an additional 20% off through May 31.
ITEM: PI Pendant Necklace (Digits of PI) - 2mm Leather Cord - Sterling Silver Bail - Hammered Rhodium-Plated Pendant - No Jeweler Loupe
ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS
***Be sure to let us know what Length and Color you want.  Available Leather Colors: Black, Red, Lilac, Pink, Turquoise, and Green. These may vary at certain times. Lengths are 16", 18" or 20". 
This beautiful piece of math jewelry is a PI Pendant Necklace featuring the first 3,456 "right of decimal" Digits of PI.
NOTE: The digits on the PI Pendant are too small to comfortably read with a standard magnifier you might have at home. A loupe with at least 20x magnification is recommended. 
PHOTOS
An image of the PI Digits is provided so you can read the actual text. The sample necklace and pendant photo(s) might contain a different text selection than that stated in the item title. Any blurriness in the closeup photo(s) is only in the photos and not in the actual pendant.
SPECS
-PI Digits Pendant Necklace - 2mm Leather Cord w/Silver Findings (sterling or plated depending on supplies) and Hammered Rhodium-Plated Pewter Pendant
-Silver Jump Ring
-Sterling Silver Bail
-Number of characters is 3,476.
-Pendant Dimensions: Outer (w/o loop): 20mm x 20mm, Inner: 15mm x 15mm.
-Pendant is lead-free and Made in the USA.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
The PI Digit Pendant Necklace and a laminated postcard size version of your PI Digits text selection. We'll include a couple of colored jump rings as well. If there is something specific you're looking for, let us know.


Speaking of green and thinking Spring, here is something from my own shop.  These come in a variety of colors and can be made in Sterling Silver or Gold Filled jump rings.  *Please contact the shop for all Sterling Silver and Gold Filled order requests.  925 solid Sterling Silver is also available on a per order basis.

From: The Alchemists Vessel

Ivy Chainmaille and Czech Glass Beaded Bracelet

Product Details:

Subtle, supple, slinky and sensuous, this lovely mini maille bracelet has a hint of green peering through the chain, making a very pretty accessory for any outfit.  Emerald is the must-have color this season, fresh and vibrant, clean and light it evokes thoughts of Spring and Ivy covered trellises in the garden.

8" long including clasp, sterling silver wire has been hand-spun, cut and linked in two patterns of Round Maille and accented with gorgeous silver lined Czech Glass beads in Emerald.  Completed with a Lobster Claw clasp, may be changed to a spring or toggle clasp at no additional charge.

Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.

Customizable in your favorite bead color or may be made to desired length.

Available in Emerald, Black, Ruby (Red), Sapphire (Dk Blue), Aquamarine (Lt. Blue), Amethyst (Light and Dark Purple), Gold, Silver, Copper, Bronze, or Gunmetal color beads.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  We encourage you to click through and check out what else is available at these shops.

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