Maille Call

Good Morning,

Hail and welcome Game of Thrones fans, Vikings, Valkyries, Shield Maidens, Warrior Women, and Knights of the Realm.  Today I would like to share a little about chainmaille.   What is it?  Where did it come from?  Why is it spelled three different ways?

Chain mail in the Novodevichy Convent Museum in Moscow, Russia.

Spelled properly as mail, it is also spelled maille or maile in some instances.  Many maillers think that "Chainmaille" is redundant, because you maille to make chain.  I spell it Chainmaille, Chain Maille or Chain Mail, not only to differentiate from the junk mail one receives in their mail box, but so that others searching for jewelry or other things can find the blog or items.
 
 
The word maille comes from the French meaning "mesh or stitch".  Chainmaille is an ancient art form, dating back to the 5th Century Celts, and most likely made from iron rings.  Creating maille is called, weaving, knitting, or linking.  Linking individual metal rings together creates Chainmaille; occasionally these rings may be welded or riveted.  Commonly referred to as Jump Rings or O Rings, each ring is cut from a coil of metal, creating uniform rings with which to work.  

Jump Ring

Maille may be made out of a variety of metal including, copper, jeweler's brass also known as Merlin's Gold, stainless steel, iron, aluminum, and precious metals.  Many modern day weavers choose Niobium, glass and Neoprene rings to incorporate into their work.  Copper is the oldest metal mined by man and was used for any number of items from weapons to tools, and jewelry.  A set of maille jewelry is usually called a parure and is comprised of a necklace, bracelet, earrings and sometimes a ring is included as well.

Helm Weave Necklace.
 Accented with Swarovski Crystals, by The Alchemists Vessel.








Matching Helm Weave bracelet.

Matching Helm Weave Earrings, also accented with Swarovski Crystals.


This set would make a wonderful gift or a fabulous and unique Wedding Set.







There are many names for some weaves, and others are simply called what they are called for whatever reason that may be, in some cases the name of the weave has little to do with its origins.  Weaves like the Box Chain are also called Inca Puno and Queen's Chain.  Double Chain also known as Dragon Chain is not to be confused with Dragonscale, a complicated and beautiful maille pattern.

  Dragonscale Weave in Silver and 14Kt Gold-plated rings.  

Dragon Chain 

(aka Double Chain, but that's boring.)







Now would be a good time to mention that although Maille was and in some cases is still used to create armor, the designs shown and described here are meant for jewelry, adornment and decoration, and will not protect you from anything!  Yes, it is made out of metal, yes it is strong, sturdy, durable and sustainable, a good piece of maille will last a life time and longer with proper care and feeding.  However chunky or delicate, it will not protect you from knives, needles, swords, maces, axes, bullets, or projectiles of any kind, including harsh words or Cupid's arrows.



We would like to invite you to have a look at the Photo Gallery here on the blog for more unique jewelry and Chainmaille Weave patterns.

Find and Follow at any of the links below.

The Alchemists Vessel (official website)
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Shop with Us - You may shop directly from the blog via the Shop Square Market tab.  Please be aware it may take a moment for the page to load.

Etsy - Open through Christmas 2014
Handmade Artists
The CraftStar

 Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

 

Featured Artist Lisian Blue / Refelctions

Good Morning, 

I would like to share a wonderful Handmade Artists member with you.  Talented and clever Kris has two shops on the site.  One is home to marvelous stained glass objet d'art, and the other is full of wonderfully warm hand-knit items.

What Kris says about her shops:

Welcome to Reflections by Lisianblue.   Thank you for visiting my studio, where you will find original paintings, unique stained glass creations, as well as artful painted glass,  stained glass & hand painted pendants.    Each  stained glass wind chime and  hand painted ornament is carefully designed and  hand crafted with the idea that they will be one of a kind creations,  and will not be reproduced.   The small fetish bears and chili sun catchers  are the only items that are reproduced, hand cut one at a time.  Even these can become a unique creation, as the  striated and mottled glass is never the same.   I will also reproduce a few of my holiday stained glass sun catchers in a limited amount, that are offered only during the holiday season.  Some of the  hanging candle holders are similar, but each one is finished and adorned differently.  Wishing you a wonderful day.    

Reflections 

Hand Painted Celtic Tree of Life Glass Heart Ornament 

This glass heart ornament with a hand-painted Celtic Tree of Life on one side and a pink and red flower on the other, makes a unique exquisite gift for Valentines Day.  One of a kind designer made Valentines Day gift. 

I have slightly adapted a late 7th or early 8th century Celtic Tree of Life as shown in "Celtic Art" by George Bain, to make it more into a heart.
This 2 3/4" x 2 1/4" clear glass heart has been carefully hand painted with quality glass paints making this beauty a true keepsake.   The Celtic Tree of Life has been painted with transparent candy apple red, a frosty light pink and frosty green.  A frosty  green vine grows from the heart of the tree and surrounds it on a  background of frost.  The flower is painted with frost and candy apple red with soft frosty green leaves also on a background of frost. 
A beautiful reminder of your love that can be displayed throughout the year, hung from a mirror,  among a plant, displayed in a window, or hung on a wall, so many possibilities.   
Not just for Valentines day, this lovely one of a kind ornament would also make a sweet anniversary gift,  or a unique  gift to say I love you any time of the year.
Each heart ornament comes nestled in it's own special box, then wrapped up in bubble wrap and mailed 1st class within 48hrs after payment clears PayPal. Please return to product page to complete transaction.

Imagine my surprise as I went searching for stained-glass pretties  and found these amazing hand-painted canvases as well.

Red Poppy ACEO Original Watercolor Painting

This bright Red Poppy is a great little original painting to brighten those small spots on your wall.
Red Poppy dances among dark green leaves brightened by the sun with a clear blue sky. 
Painted on 2.5" x 3.5" watercolor paper this original ACEO (Art Cards Editions and Originals) is titled, signed & dated on the back, and lightly signed on the front.
Mailed in a sturdy cardboard mailer within 48hrs after payment clears PayPal.  Please return to product page to complete transaction.
Thank you for visiting my studio and have a great day.
*** The purchase of my paintings or prints does not transfer reproduction rights of my work.
- Please note that colors often vary from screen to screen. The colors of the painting may appear different when physically in front of you.
Item No. aceo 0014

Almost White Black Bear Stained Glass Wind Chime wc0023

A wonderful mottled clear, white, and very litght brown stained glass almost white North American Black Bear frolics in the grass bringing sweet twinkly music to those nearby.
Hand cut stained glass is taped with copper foil and soldered Tiffany style, into this delighful 7 1/4" long & 5" tall bear wtih various green stained glass chimes that have been ground and polished to remove any sharp edges. 
**Note: The middle and hind section appears much darker than it actually is. 
As a symbol, bears have many meanings; Celtic: A lunar power, attribute of the goddess of Berne. Chinese: Bravery, strength.  Greek; Sacred to the lunar goddesses Artemis and Diana and an attribute of Atalanta and Euphemia.  Japanese: Benevolence, wisdomn,  strength.  A culture hero and divine messenger among the Ainu.  Shamanistic; A messenger of the forest spirits.  Amerindian: supernatural power, strength, fortitude.
Even if you don't attribute any symbolism to the bear, they are amazing creatures.   A great gift for bear and nature lovers. 
Worried about the glass breaking during high winds?  Me too!  I have had my wind chime of small bears hanging from my patio for about 2 years, and like real bears, they're pretty tough! They  have survived some fairly strong winds, around 40 mph.  I do recommend that you bring your wind chime inside with strong winds. 
This unique bear windchime will be carefully packed to ensure it's safe arrival to it's new home and mailed within 48hrs after payment clears through PayPal.  Please return to product page to complete transaction. 
Thank you for stopping in and have a wonderful day.
Item no wc0023

 Let's have a look at those hand-knit items.

Lisian Blue

Knit Red Snake Lariat Necklace Sash or Toy sk0105

The very versistle deep red snake with turquoise and gray accents has been knit and crocheted.  This fun friendly snake with it's bright turquoise eyes can be used for a belt sash around the hips, a lariat necklace, and its fun to play with.   This friendly red snake  is made with acrylic yarn and is 55" long, including it's 1" tongue, body is 3/8" wide, head is approx 1 1/2" wide.   This playful snakes head is fairly flat and it's body is round like a tube.

Inspired by my 2 1/2 year-old granddaughter who was playing with a belt, pretending it was a snake.   While I don't usually interfere with the kids creativity, the metal belt buckle swinging around felt unsafe - mostly for me & her brother!    She got a big grin on her face and joyfully said  "yes", when I asked if she would like one made of yarn. She now has a pretty soft pink snake to play with.  And then I made more!

If you have other colors or length in mind, just let me know and I will gladly make a snake just for you.

Hand washing recommended so it doesn't get tangled up in the clothes.  Lay flat to dry.

Thank you for coming by and have a great day, 

item no 0105

Girls Knit Sweetheart Cap Pink and Wine kh0112

Hand knit soft pink with wine colored hearts and a pom pom on top make up this pretty pink hand knit soft winter cap for girls.

This sweet light weight cap with hearts all around will fit a variety of ages.  With it's 16" circumference, it will fit very young children to teens and adults. -  it stretches comfortably up to 22" .  The 9" length allows  the band to be cuffed to help keep those ears warm for those smaller heads.

 This adorable hand knit sweetheart cap is made with Caron Simply Soft acrylic yarn.  It is machine washable & dryable at low temps.  However, like most hand knit items, I do recomend wash and rinse by hand, squeeze out excess water, wrap it up in a towel and then lay flat to dry.

Like this cap but want it in different colors, or size?  Contact me, I'm sure we can work something out!

Thanks you so much for coming by my studio, lisianblue, here on HandMadeArtist and have a fantastic day

Item no kh0112

Pastel Baby Bunny Amigurumi 

Sweet little pastel bunny perfect for cuddling and play.  Hand crocheted with 100% acrylic pastel variegated yarn.  Colors include: pink, blue, yellow, lavender, & white  I love how these little bunnys have their own personality.

Please note: the eyes are small (3/8")buttons that have been securely sewn on.  However, if you prefer embroidered eyes, jusst let me know in a message. 

Soft pink pom pom nose, embroidered mouth and a  sweet little bunny button on the side.    Baby Bunny is 5" long, and 8" around.  All new materials, filled with  soft polyfill.  Machine washable and dry-able.

Baby Bunny will be mailed within 48hrs after payment clears PayPal.  Please return to product page to complete transaction.

Thank you for visiting and have a wonderful day.

Item no: st103

You may find and follow Kris and any of the links below.

Twitter

Blog

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  Encouraging you to to see what else might be in the shops for you or your gift giving needs.

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

Studio News: Changes Are Coming

Good Morning,

Today I would like to share some information regarding The Alchemists Vessel, and changes being made to the web presence we currently have.

Positive changes first.  You may have noticed a new tab at the top of page, "Shop Square Market", and that is exactly what it is.  You can purchase items directly from this blog.  You may also shop directly from the site, follow the link below to be connected.  You may find Gemstone, Sterling Silver and Chainmaille jewelry items that we carry.  New items are being added weekly.

Cons: I do not have a lot of control on the shop set up, there are three sections and you can peruse the entire shop by scrolling down the page.  In hope that Square begins to allow more options for the shops soon.

Currently the Official Website is "under construction".  The old pages have been unpublished and we are working on creating a cleaner, sleeker site that will be easier to navigate and make interaction smoother.  When the site is published an announcement will be made.

You may still find and shop with us at either of our online shop sites:

The CraftStar
Handmade Artists

You may also find these shops on the right-hand sidebar menu of the blog.  Feel free to click through and have a look.

It is with much regret that I will be letting the Shop on the website "Etsy" close down.  Although it has performed the best out of all the shop sites, Etsy's business practices have finally become so ridiculous that they have chased me off the site.  There are still items to be had, but once they expire they will not be re-listed and the shop will be allowed to close.

You may find, follow and Like us at any of the links below.

Facebook
Twitter
Square Market Shop

You may also find links to these sites, and more, on the side menu bar of the blog.

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 O14 - Fun in The Sun

Good Morning,

Today I have  chosen five unique items from five unique shops on The CraftStar.  Random items that I like or think might make neat gifts.  All are themed with Summer fun in mind. 

From: Yankee Burrow

crochet blue flower flip flops for summer

Very cute blue crochet flowers highlight the variegated colors crocheted onto the straps of these extra small flip flops.  they measure 9 1/4" from toe to heel, the perfect size for little kids, or big kids with little feet.

Author's Note: These come in several absolutely adorable styles for little ones!

From: The Ostrich Farm

Narwhal Plush w/ Bow - Sparkle Tooth - Medium - MADE TO ORDER (Choose Colors)

This Plush Narwhal is handmade from the softest cuddly plush fabric. Great as a stuffed toy, cuddle buddy, party favor, good luck charm, gift, etc.
Choose colors! Take a look at the color swatch image and let us know what colors you'd like for the body and belly of your narwhal. 
Dimensions (approximate): -tooth to tail: 10" -fin to fin: 6.5"
**** Please Note **** Our narwhals are MADE TO ORDER. All items are made and shipped within 7-10 business ays from date of purchase. If you need your narwhal sooner, drop us a line and we can work out the details.


From: Simple Elegance Bath and Body by Dasi

Simple Elegance Sage and Citrus Body and Room Spray, 1/3 oz

 This scent is a luscious blend of clary sage, crisp lemon and sparkling lime.

Using a body spray is an ideal way to add subtle fragrance to the body without going overboard. A body spray is lighter than a perfume or cologne, and it is often sprayed in various spots on the body after showering. Although body spray is applied more liberally than traditional perfume or cologne, it is still important to use in moderate amounts to prevent nasal irritation for others or overwhelming them with intense fragrances.

**Friend and Family Tested and Approved**

.•*´¨`*•♥•.•*´¨`*•♥•.Ingredients.•*´¨`*•♥•.•*´¨`*•♥•.

Distilled water, witch hazel, fragrance, color, glitter (optional)

 

From: Inspired By Karma

Fire Opal Jellyfish Necklace

For the lovers of sea!!  This is the perfect necklace for you!!  It's a Sterling Silver plate jellyfish pendant with inlaid Mexican fire opal and cubric zirconias and strung from a delicate Sterling Silver satelite chain.  
A little about Mexican Fire Opal
Fire Opal is a stone of luck, abundance, creativity and passion. It enhances intuition and helps you make better decisions by letting you trust your instincts. Fire Opal brings a zest for variety and spices up your life.
Primary Chakra(s): Sacral
Astrological sign(s):  Aries, Libra, Leo, Sagittarius, Pisces
Element: Fire/Water
Caring for your pendant: Because Fire Opals are relatively soft, and contain a fair amount of water, they should be cleansed in water to keep them hydrated.


From: The Alchemists Vessel
  
Sun Runner Chainmaille Anklet

Gorgeous, simple, stunning, and shiny.  Just right for a day in the sun.  An outstanding accessory for all your summer dresses or cute shorts and a top outfit.  Makes lovely band around the ankle and across the top of the foot.
Beautiful in 20g 14Kt Gold and Silver plated jump rings, woven in the  "Vipescale" pattern.  Total length 10-3/4", including the Gold-plated slide clasp.
Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.
Please see our selection of Ready-to-Wear pieces in the shop.
Ask us about multiple item and wholesale order discounts.


Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope inspiration strikes for a little window shopping.

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

Featured Artist: My European Touch

Good Morning,

Today I would like to share with you a truly unique artist and individual with Old World style and flair.

Monika from My European Touch on handmadeartists.com makes some of the most amazing mosaic pieces of functional art.

What Monika says:
Looking for handmade functional Mosaic Art, look no more - you have arrived. Mosaic Art- made from carefully hand cut vintage and new bone china plate rims, combined with stained glass and other lil pretty's and baubles on vintage furniture, cake covers, boxes, mirrors and teapots etc. For the Beach Cottage, Shabby lifestyle, Paris Apartment, Garden and Patio Room. You will find a wide assortment of quality mosaic's fitting all Styles. Other handmade Home Decor available. Lay-away is a possibility - Just contact me to work out a payment arrangements/schedule. I DO SHIP INTERNATIONAL, PLEASE INQUIRE. Thank you so much for stopping by. I appreciate your interest in my mosaic art and I am honored to have the opportunity to play a small part in beautifying your life and home.  All my art pieces may not be copied and my photographs may not be used without permission. It is my sole property. See more of my work here: http://animoto.com/play/SnHLEtGTlPHzzGGA8m0UBge

From: My European Touch

Broken cut China Mosaic Cake Dome handmade w Glass Pedestal Cake Stand

Handmade Mosaic Cake Dome with Glass Pedestal Cake Stand. The Mosaic is created from cut, vintage china plate rims, combined with colored matching stained glass. I switched the old wooden knob out to a pretty Green Knob and placed some handmade clay roses in a strategic spot. The Mosaic is grouted and sealed, the cake dome server surrounded by clear pearls at the edge. This was a vintage Aluminum cake dome, which no one uses anymore. But look at me now, it says! Fully usable, and all pretty in greens, dark reds and complimenting colors. Cake Cover Measurements: 11 x 4.5" Glass Pedestal cake stand: 12.75 x 4.88" Generously sized, enjoy and thank you for looking.

 

Handmade Mosaic Wall Art Washboard Design bright yellow glitter mosaic

Wall Art Vintage redesigned Mosaic Washboard, handmade broken china mosaic in yellows, lavenders, purples. The mosaic is done with cut, broken china plate rims, mixed with some glitter tiles and stained glass. Sanded, primed, painted and distressed... Grouted in Antique White, a row of lavender pearls surround the Mosaic and it is sure ready for hanging in any room you chose too. Every lil cut Mosaic Piece I placed with utter loving care so as to preserve some of the patterns of the Vintage China Plate Rims. One small piece at a time, utterly time consuming, but I love what I do. Fit for Laundry, kitchen, garden patio, and any other corner you wish to brighten up a bit. Thank you for looking.

 

 These have got to be my favorite pieces in her shop.  Wonderfully unique and  original, perfect for the Musician in your home.

Handmade Shabby Chic Mosaic Violin broken cut china plate mosaic violin 

Have the Blue's.....not with this beauty....an unplayable violin transformed via fresh primer and paint in off white, a bit distressed for the shabby, worn look, a handmade Mosaic into a beautiful gift for a music protégé, wall art, table center piece, so many occasion to use this beauty... This violin is meticulously mosaic-ed with the most beautiful, hand cut china plate rim mosaic tiles. Cascading lush blooms and roses on some of my favorite vintage bone china/porcelain dinner and breakfast plates were cut into a very beautiful mosaic tesserae to cover this violin; The hour glass "waist line" on this violin is embellished with a focal and surrounding tiles. The violin is filled in with white, all kinds of blue's, even glitter tiles and some pale pink stained Glass tiles. Every lil cut Mosaic Piece I placed with utter loving care so as to preserve some of the patterns of the Vintage China Plate Rims. One small piece at a time, utterly time consuming, but I love what I do. All china plates used here are in very subtle shades. The strings on this beautiful art piece are a set of ivory pearls. The tail piece is accented with handmade clay roses and some bling. This is a gift that everyone likes to receive, music lover and others alike. I finished this violin with a very light antique white colored grout to give it even more charm and a finished look. This vintage violin was rescued from a thrift store, unplayable, it's curtain calls long gone...but - finally! For a festive center piece and those spots that need a little shining, a dazzling handmade mosaic has been applied to this violin. A master piece transcended...what a gift for the right person. Thank you for looking.

 

You may find, follow and shop with Monika at any of the links below.

 

Blog 

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

About Me

There is more in the shop and we hope we have encouraged you to take a look or click through to any of the links to see what else is in the shop.  Perhaps there is something for you.

Thank you for stopping in and having look.

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