All That Glitters Is Not Gold

Good Morning,

Today's blog is brief.  The Alchemists Vessel has a new material, Faux Gold, lovely aluminum rings in gold tones / color.

Like the look of maille, but don't want all the weight?  Aluminum is a perfect alternative.  Many weaves can be made with this fun and lightweight material and they look great too.

Seen here is 16g Faux Gold and Purple rings, anodized aluminum comes in a variety of colors.  Celtic Star Pendant.

Currently available in Celtic Visions Bracelets as well. 

Many of the items in the shop may be made with Faux Gold rings instead of the Natural (silver) aluminum, stop by and choose your favorite.  New items are listed often, bookmark, favorite, like or follow us for all the latest products.

Weave options include: Dragonscale, Box Chain, and Celtic Visions designs in color combinations.

Please note this is a limited item, and once it is gone, it is gone.  Shop early to be sure you get what you want.

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Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

In My Studio: Anodized Aluminum Chainmaille

Good Morning,

The elf has been busy this weekend, weaving and linking rings to create new and wonderful bracelets in bright and colorful anodized aluminum.

If you love the look of Chainmaille but think the pieces are too heavy in all that stainless steal and brass, we have a beautiful solution.  Easy to care for, super lightweight and stunning in a variety of colors, patterns and weaves, Anodized and Natural Silver aluminum has all the style and none of heft.

We are expecting more colors and sizes soon.  Have a favorite pattern that you would really like to have, but it's just to heavy or too much?  Contact us and we can make that piece in Aluminum and of course precious metals, too.  Many of the pieces you see in the shop can be made in aluminum, do not hestitate to ask us for that special piece.  We love custom orders!

Currently listed on The CraftStar, these will have twin listings on etsy, if that is your preferred shopping site.

This is a brand new weave called "Elf Weave Braid" and can be customized in your favorite colors or single color of choice.

Rhythm Bracelet Anodized Aluminum

Ember Bracelet Chainmaille Anodized Aluminum Dragonscale

Forest Guardian Bracelet Chainmaille Dragonscale

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  Encouraging you to click through and see what else is on the shelves.

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

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How To List Items: Helpful Hints

Good Morning,

Today the blog has some helpful hints for listing those wonderful handmade items you create. 

Let's begin with Titles and Tags.  Depending on where you list your items, character count and number of tags may vary, but the process is the same.  Choose a title for your  item.

Does it have a name?  Many artists choose to call their piece something, names like "Emma", "Aurora", "Bob" to differentiate one piece from another, things like, "Paramour", "Enchantress", and "Princess" work just as well.

What is it? Bracelet, Earrings, Painted Box, Etched Glass?  Be sure to be specific.  

Helpful Hint: Many sites have crawlers or bots that will pick up on words in your title, their own little SEO searchers, make sure everything is spelled correctly.  Check out the sites categories and try to include one word in your title that matches the category you would like your item to be found in.  Spelling, spell-check does not catch all errors and even insists words are wrong if it does not recognize them.  Take the time to check your spelling, and double check those triple score words, like Labyrinth and Cephalopod, twice.

Example: Fafnir Chainmaille Silver and Gold Dragonscale Bracelet

*It doesn't have to have a name, Chainmaille Bracelet works just as well, or you may include the name at the end of the title instead: Chainmaille Dragonscale Bracelet - Fafnir

Tags:  Tags should reflect the above, and they should also be descriptive if possible.  Ask yourself these questions when thinking about tags: What is it?  Who is it for?  What does it do?  What color is it?  What is it made from?  Is it a particular fashion or style? 

Example: bracelet, women, teens, jewelry, chainmaille, gold, silver, fashion, Rocker, Biker, Fantasy, handmade, dragonscale

Helpful Hint:  Include words from your title in your tags as well.  If your stuck you can also use words like: "traditional", "modern", or "classic".

Photography:  Is it necessary to have a professional take your photos?  No, many do, but most handmade artists are also the photographer.  Getting that perfect shot is tough and there are all kinds of how-tos around the web.  Here are a couple of more suggestions.

Do not use your cell phone. Just no. Although the picture looks great on the phone's screen it will not translate well to a site and will look blurry and out of focus. If you must use your cellphone, get a "selfie stick", this will help steady the phone for a better picture.  Go through the phone's photo settings, many times the app has different size settings, use them, they will help.

Use at least four pictures, even if two are kind of the same. Try to shoot the item from different angles, both sides, from the top down, on a different background and a close up of the detail.

Helpful Hint: Get to know your digital camera.  Does it have a MACRO setting?  The Macro setting is used to magnify and capture very small things in focus and detail.

Example:  Tiny Frog-Prince Charms

  
Almost there.  You have a title, tags, and a photo.  Now comes the hard part, the description.  Should it be long or short?  What information should be included?  What does one say about the item?

Does it have a story?  You can make one up.  Where did it  come from?  What did it experience on its journey?  What can the customer expect from the piece?  Is it heavy?  Light weight?  Comfortable? 

Take the time to jot down words on a list that you can refer to when listing the item and construct a simple sentence around it.  

Example: This pair of earrings is light weight and comfortable enough for all day wear.

Completed Listing Example: 

Chainmaille Dragonscale Bracelet - Fafnir

 

This beautiful chainmaile bracelet is elegant and understated.  Simply stunning in Silver over Gold rings, one might imagine why a Dragon is required to guard a King's horde.  Named after the dragon of myth that once guarded a great King's treasure, Fafnir is sure to keep your treasures safe and will effortlessly coordinate with everything in your closet.

Perfect for Fantasy Film or Event attire, Cos-play, SCA, LARP costume needs or a wonderfully fun piece for Game of Thrones or History Channel "Vikings" fans.

8" long and 1" wide.  Handcrafted from 14Kt Gold--plated and Silver-plated (over brass) jump rings, finished with a Slide clasp for a secure fit.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

*Also available in Gold over Silver rings.  Please see the shop for our collection of ready-to-wear items or contact us with your custom request.

Tags: Chainmaille, jewelry, bracelet, Fantasy, Film, costume, Viking, cuff, women,  dragonscale, gold, silver, metal

Please see the actual listing here:

Chainmaille Dragonscale Bracelet - Fafnir

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope this post is useful.

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

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.

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 Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

 

Three New Items from The Alchemists Vessel

Good Morning,

Today I would like to share three new items available in the shop, The Alchemists Vessel.

My favorite inspired piece for this week is:

Shield Maiden Chainmaille Viperscale Necklace

Description: Evoking a primitive mood and Viking Sagas, this Viperscale chainmaille collar is a powerful statement piece, fit for any Shield-Maiden or Valkyrie. Perhaps won as a prize in an exhibition of skill, plundered loot, or a gift from a Chieftain in honor of her service, this unusual necklace is sure to be a trophy for any woman. The pendant resembles a shield, and is cut with a star-like embellishment that mimics a Celtic design. Supple and strong, sensational and slinky, this gorgeous piece will last a life time and the contrasting silver and gunmetal rings will make coordinating your wardrobe simple and easy.

Perfect for fans of the TV Show "Vikings", Fantasy Film or Event attire, Cos-play, SCA, LARP, Role-playing costumes, "Game of Throne" fans or those that would like something different and unique treasure in their jewelery box.

17" long. The silver tone pendant is 1-1/2" wide x 1-3/4" tall and backed with a wood-look lightweight plastic base. Hand crafted from Silver-plated and Gunmetal (coated) rings, hand linked in the Viperscale Chainmaille weave. Finished with a double strand silver-plated square Hook and Eye clasp.

A favorite weave of maillers is Dragonscale, a deceptively intricate pattern that resembles reptilian or fish-like scales.  

Aura Dragonnscale Chainmaille Bracelet

 

Description: Gorgeous and golden. This beautiful Dragonscale pattern bracelet is elegant and understated. A wonderful and welcome addition to any jewelry box. Versatile and unique this substantial band of gold and silver will coordinate well with everything in your closet. The Office Suit, Date Night Dress Up or a Casual Weekend Get Away, this stunning piece can accompany you anywhere you choose to go. Gold rings encircle silver ones, creating a lovely sunny aura about your wrist. Would make a great and wonderful Bridal bracelet or Wedding set.

Perfect for Fantasy Film or Event attire, Cos-play, SCA, LARP or Role-playing costume needs. Fun for fans of "Game of Thrones" or History Channel "Vikings" fans.

7.5" long and 1"wide. Hand crafted from 14Kt Gold-plated and Silver plated (over brass) jump rings, secured with a Gold-plated Slide clasp for a comfortable fit.

Fafnir Dragonscale Chainmaille Bracelet

 

Description: An homage to the mighty dragon that once guarded the gold of a Norse king, this stunning cuff bracelet is sure to be an added treasure to your own jewelry horde. The contrasting metals makes this an easy piece to match with everything in your closet, from Office Suits to Date Night Dresses, this is a gorgeous accessory for any occasion. Luxurious and supple, this lovely band shines and sparks in the light.

Warrior Queen to Princess in Training, Shield Maiden to Lady of the Manor, this is a terrific adornment. Perfect for Cos-play, Fantasy Film or Event attire, SCA, LARP, or Role-playing costuming needs.

8" total length including clasp, 1" wide. Crafted from 482 (four-hundred and eighty-two) Silver-plated and 14Kt Gold-plated (over brass) jump rings, hand linked in the beautiful Dragonscale Chainmaille Pattern. Finished with a Gold-plated Slide clasp for secure fit.

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hopes that inspiration may strike you to take a look at what else is in the shop.

 

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

 

The Midas Touch

Good Morning,

You have heard the story of King Midas, the unfortunate man that could turn everything he touched in to gold, including his food, his clothes, his daughter.  That's right, anything he touched instantly became gold.

Here at The Alchemists Vessel we aren't blessed with such a curse, but as our namesakes once attempted, we like to turn things in to gold, or perhaps more appropriately turn gold into things.

Monday we had a brief showcase of some of the new materials now available through the shop.  Anxious and excited to try the wire and rings out, I sat down for a bit of weaving, and I must admit the fun of playing with new items had me a bit distracted.

 

A small sampling of yesterday's play.  

Due to skipping from one weave to the next, I neglected to notice and correct a couple of migrating rings here and there and will of course take the time to fix the errant part before continuing with the piece.

5.0mm 18g 14kt Gold Plated Rings - European 4-in-1 pattern

8mm 18g Gold over 6mm 18g Silver - Dragonscale Pattern

8mm 18g Silver over 6mm 18g Gold - Dragonscale

6mm 20g Gold and Silver - Spiral

Look for our new items coming soon, or contact us and ask about Custom Work or a piece especially designed for you.

Find Us at these easy to use sites and links

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Bookmark our Official Website or Little Shop of Artists store site, soon to be re-opening to the public.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  We hope we have encouraged or inspired you to come back and see us again, or to shop with us when you'd like a unique and one of a kind gift.

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

What's New in The Studio - Wire / Jump Ring Selections

Good Morning, 

This weekend I spent time with the supply catalogs and would like to share some of the new materials that will be available for custom work and favorite designs.

Silver, Sterling Silver and Copper are my preferred metals of choice, but gold is requested more often than not.  We have added several sizes of manufactured rings and new wires to our inventory.

Gold (14K) Jump Rings

Now available in several sizes, these pretty rings will be used in a variety of items, including but not limited to our Chainmaille Selection of jewelry.  Look for new items soon, or ask us about a custom design order made especially for you.





Aluminum Rings:

These lovely rings also come in a variety of sizes and have been purchased specifically for Dragonscale Maille pattern bracelets.  Currently available in three colors Red, Black and Gold (Yellow), we will be adding more colors to our selection soon.  Shown here in Red.

 

Stainless Steel Rings:

We have also added Stainless Steel to our selection of wire / jump rings.  Silver in color, stainless steel is great for those that may have metal sensitivities or want a piece that can stand up to heavier wear and tear than the precious metals.  They also make great masculine designs.


A word about Gold:

Gold: All gold jewelry is plated, usually over copper or brass.  Gold is too soft to use for much of anything unless it is mixed or layered over another base metal.  "Rose Gold" is a blend of Gold and Copper, adding the copper creates that pretty red tone in the gold.  Most Gold jewelry is plated at 18K or 14K.  This means that the piece of jewelry is 75 to 58.5% Gold and 25 to 41.5% base metal.  Our jump rings are listed as 14K over brass.  Our gold wire is filled over brass.

Filled vs. Plated:  What does this mean?

Filled wire in gold or silver is simply a denser plate of gold over the base metal.  Plated wire is usually about .15mm of precious metal over a base metal wire (like a sheath),  Filled is usually .25mm of precious metal over a base metal core.

(Picture taken from the internet).

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  We hope you will stop by again and see what we have made with these new supply items.

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

Featured Artist ~ The Kitchen's Wares

Good Morning,

Today it is my pleasure to once again showcase the dynamic duo, Andrew and Kimberley Kitchen.  This wonderful couple not only own and operate handmadeartists.com, they are also shop owners; and on top of that, they also run the site It's Better Handmade.  You may click through from the Badge to the left or follow the links at the end of this post.

The theme for today's feature is Spring, and not just the season, we  have things that are wound like springs, look like springs, things that evoke Spring and the feelings of cool breezes, fresh cut grass and blooming flowers.

Let's begin with some of the wares from their shop ~

Makin the Best of It

They carry gorgeous wire wrapped sea glass pendants and some wonderful and inspired original artwork, including Painted Glassware and Re-purposed books from the hands of Kimberley Kitchen.

In keeping with the theme of Spring, we have this pretty wire wrapped pendant, the coil or spring, wraps around the stone ending in a lovely bale for attaching to your own chain.

Cobalt Blue Sea Coils Sea Glass Pendant BL007

Product Details:

 This little treasure began life as a blue, glass bottle that was tossed into the ocean many years ago.  Broken up by waves and sanded smooth by years of rolling water and sand, it eventually landed on the beach in New Jersey to begin its new life as wearable art!
This piece measures 2 inches (5 cm) from the top of the bail to the bottom of the sterling silver coil and approximately 1/2 inch across the width.  The coiled cage holds the glass securly and has been hand wrapped in sterling silver wire.
This piece comes ready to wear on an 18 inch, sterling silver chain held secure with a sterling silver spring clasp.  If you would like a longer or shorter chain, just let me know upon checkout and I will happily adjust it for you.

I am always on the search for new Sea Glass (Beach Glass) pieces to create wearable art with, so keep checking back for new pieces to add to your collection.  Because of the nature of sea glass, each piece will always be one of a kind.

Spring brings new life, and what says new life better than new leaves on plants and trees.  This beautiful Sterling Silver leafy branch is decorated with fresh green sea glass and a contrasting white piece, perhaps meant to resemble an apple blossom.

Sterling Leaves Sea Glass necklace

Product Details:

This darling necklace features a hand soldered branch and leaves of sterling silver and shades of green and white sea glass on a sterling silver chain.  
While this piece looks like a short lariat, the glass will not pull through the final leaf.  The sterling silver chain is clasped with a sterling spring clasp.
 This piece was created to wear high on the neckline at between 16-18 inches.  If you would prefer a longer chain with a lower drop, just let me know and I will be more than happy to change out the chain for you.  If you would like a similar design with different colors of glass, I can do that for you also.
What is sea glass?  Sea glass or beach glass began life as trashed bottles and broken windows dumped into the ocean.  The action of the sand and waves soften the broken edges and frost the glass before it is washed ashore to be found and given a new life.  Each piece of sea glass I use was hand picked off the New Jersey shore and then carefully made into wearable art.

I have always been fascinated with the inner working of clocks and machines, spring driven mechanisms that can tell time, create movement in a puppet or simply act as an artistic centerpiece.   This would make a great decoration for any Steampunk style room or decor.

Clockwork Orange Altered Book Art

Product Details:

Sometimes art speaks to one in a different way. This altered art piece is my interpretation of the novel Clockwork Orange. The book was cut and highlighted with an old clock face, spring, dial and gears before being set into a 6x8, black shadow box frame. Because of the nature of this type of art, each piece is definitely one of a kind...I mean, I can only hack up a book one time and it is gone! This piece can be used in any decor. I am working on a number of other novels so check back often and see how I see some of the classic novels.

The next shop is 

Chainnmaille by MBOI

Specializing in high quality chainmaille jewelry, they have some amazing pieces for sale.

Like this springy Stretch Maille Bracelet, they come in several colors, I just happen to be partial to red and black.

Stretchy Black and Red Chainmaille Bracelet

Product Details:

 Drama at its finest!  This chainmaille bracelet was created in a Half Persian 4in1 pattern using black neoprene rings and red aluminum to create a perfect, stretchy circle with no clasp!  Easy to wear and available in a variety of colors.
This piece will fit approximately 6" - 7 1/2".  If you need the size adjusted, please leave me a not upon checkout and I will be happy to customize it for you.
If you are interested in different color combinations, let me know and I will be happy to make one in any combination of available rings.

Spring is the time of renewal, new crops, new leaves, new beginnings and new faith.  The lovely Romanov pattern maille bracelet is just right for bright and colorful spring time attire, and the rites of Spring as well.  This bracelet tells a story through the use of its colors.

Sterling Silver Romanov Salvation Bracelet

Product Details:

The colors tell a story in this stunning sterling silver salvation bracelet.  Each Swarovski crystal is encased in a sterling silver Romanov chainmaille round.   According to Christian beliefs, each color tells a part of the salvation story.  Black is for the sin of all mankind, red is for the blood of Christ, white is the salvation we receive, blue is for the baptism waters, green stands for new growth in your spiritual journey, amber is for the streets of gold in heaven and purple stands for Christ’s royal robes as he rules the world.
This bracelet measures 7 1/2 inches from the sterling silver lobster clasp to the ring.  If you are looking for a different size,  just drop me a note and I would be happy to customize the length.

Nothing says Spring like flowers, this cute pair of earrings will go with everything in your closet from Tailored Office Suit, Dressy Date Night to those favorite pair of Comfy Jeans.  You can't go wrong with these beautiful and delicate flower earrings.

Sterling Silver Daisy Earrings

Product Details:

Simple and dainty-perfect for softer fashions. Sweet little clusters that look like spring flowers done in sterling silver chainmaille style. These dainty earrings measure just over 1/2 inch across and about 1/2 inch from the bottom of the sterling silver hook.

These are just a sampling of the beautiful items they have for sale at either shop.  If your interested in something customizable, don't hesitate to contact them.  Perhaps we have inspired you to do a little window shopping and see what they might have for you or your gift giving needs.

It's Better Handmade 

I can't say it better than the owners of the site.  In their own words this is what It's Better Handmade is all about.

 Welcome to It’s Better Handmade where artists can work together to show the world just how special handmade is.
It’s Better Handmade (IBH) is comprised of crafters and artists in all types of mediums who come together to support each other both personally through growing friendships as well as in business through advice, support, critiques and discussions.  Each member brings different gifts to the table both artistically and business minds and by creating a centralized place for them to come together, each artist can continue to learn and grow in both art and business.
IBH is planning to offer various tools for artists to help get their work seen by those that seek out and love handmade as well as sponsoring promotions and contests that will help individual artists stretch their creative muscles.  IBH plans on allowing artisans to post articles in their areas of expertise in various mediums as well as helpful information about selling handcrafted treasures online.
I would encourage members to check back often for helpful information as well as to post comments on others work as I’m sure they will do the same for you.  If you have any questions about our group, our goals, or would like to contribute an article to the site and gain some personal exposure, please contact me

These are not the only sites and pages they operate or participate with.  Constant promoters of other shops and artists as well, tireless efforts are put into making sure all of their clients, both on an off line, customers and forum members are happy and very well looked after.  It is an honor to be part of handmadeartist.com as well as a pleasure to watch their time and passion pay off as their sites and shops grow in leaps and bounds.

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Sites:
Chainmaille by MBOI 
Makin The Best Of It


Thank you for taking the time to have a look.

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