Studio News: Supply Shop

Good Morning,

It has come to my attention that I have way too much stuff, and by stuff I mean supplies that I have purchased over the years and have found that I began, finished or stopped the project or that I never began at all, and I have supplies for all of them

In the interest of keeping things more organized I have opened a sister-shop to The Alchemists Vessel, Silent Moon Supplies, on The CraftStar.  The shop is slowly filling up with Sterling Silver Links and Findings, new commercial materials in their original packaging, Genuine Gemstone strands, and hand made items.

Currently there are 11 items in the shop, we will be adding more by the day and the week.  A sampling of what is available now.

Turquoise - 5mm Rondelle / Saucer Beads, 15 inch strand.

Commercial Jewelry Wire

Handmade Sterling Silver Earring Findings

Commercial Links - Sterling Silver Crescent Man in The Moon Links

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope we have enouraged you to take a look and see if don't have that unique and special supply you have been looking for.

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

Featured Artist - Finding Charm

Good Morning,

It is my pleasure to introduce a new member of the blog ring and handmadeartists.com forum, although she does not have a shop on the site you can find her budget friendly jewelry on Etsy.  Links to the shop, blog and other ways for Finding Charm are listed below.

What Sarah says about her jewelry:

"I started making jewelry because I had outfits I just couldn't find that perfect piece to go with. So I thought I'd buy some beads and give it a try. I was hooked, it's almost an addiction! It's important to me that I create charming pieces that don't break the bank. I started getting compliments and requests and decided I should help others in their journey of finding charm."


She really does have some very cute and super affordable jewelry.  Just in time for Christmas, let's have a look at some of her lovely and charming Holiday themed pieces.

Christmas Tree and Pearl Beaded Lanyard

 

Silver Christmas trees? Fun, spirited Christmas Tree and Pearl Beaded Lanyard is made with silver Christmas trees and red, green, and silver pearls. Wooden silver painted trees are the focal point on this whimsical id badge holder. Look closely, and you will see clear crystals inside the trees and subtle gold splatters resembling garland. The shimmering red and silver plastic pearls are the same size and slightly larger than the smaller green.

* The lanyard measures 22 inches to the bottom of the badge hook.

Work in retail? Make your customers smile wearing a holiday id badge holder. 
   

Christmas Green, Red Lampwork Bracelet for Large Wrist

 

Have a holly jolly Christmas with this Christmas Green, Red Lampwork Bracelet for a Large Wrist. Round green and red polka dot lampwork beads nestle between red rectangle and green polka dot, white stripe lampwork beads. The beads remind me of presents and candy.

* The bracelet measures 8 1/2 inches.
* The green beads are 1/2 wide and the red beads are 3/4 inch long and 1/2 inch wide. Crystal green beads add more shine and so do the round silver spacer beads. A simple silver toggle clasp is used. 

Silver Circle Colorful Beaded Long Earrings

 

These Silver Circle Long Earrings are just charming. Turquoise, purple, red, and iridescent black charms hang from a circle. Great to put on and go out dancing because they are lightweight. Or wear them with a simple outfit to add a bit of color, charm, and something unexpected.

* Earrings dangle 3 1/2 inches
* Circles are 3/4 inch wide
* Largest charms are 1/4 long

Sarah has lots of other very pretty things in her shop.  Don't see anything that tickles your fancy?  Contact her, she can help you find that special piece of jewelry just for you.

Need to find some charm of your own?  You can find and follow this charming gal and her creations at any of the listed links:

Finding Charm on Etsy
Facebook
Blog
eCrater 
Zibbet
Artfire

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

In My Studio - Beginning Jewelry Classes

Hello,

As many of you may be aware, I was offered a Contracted Instructor position at a local Craft Supply store here in lovely Boise, Idaho.  After much thought, weighing the pros and cons of the situation, and the offer, I have decided that it would be in my best interest to not participate in the program.

However, a little enamored with the idea of teaching in a social atmosphere, I have decided to start up my own class.  The complete and solid details have yet to be worked out and right now I am putting feelers out to see if there is any interest in a Beginning Jewelry class.  If response and class / lesson plans go well, or some people would like to continue past the basics, Intermediate and Advanced classes will be offered.  If you're interested in private lessons those may be taught as well.  I hope to schedule the first class for sometime in June.

Open to the public and all who wish to attend.  Before everybody get's excited, these classes will not be free.  You will be expected to provide your own tools, materials and a fee will be charged to include class time, forgotten materials (provided from stock on hand), and of course classroom space.  A list of all the materials, where to buy them and their cost will be provided along with printed instructions and a completed projects to take home when class is over.

Beginning Jewelry or Jewelry Basics will cover the very basics, a sample of class instruction may include and will not be limited to:

What is a finding?

- head pin

- eye pin (difference in pins and their uses)

- jump rings (aka O-rings)

- Clasps (spring, Lobster Claw, "S")

Ear wires (styles and variations) 

Gemstones, Crystals and Glass beads (Birthstones and alternatives)

Opening and Closing Jump rings properly

Using a head / eye pin

Wire vs. Beading Wire or "Tiger Tail"

Wire Wrapping (We may have a special guest to demonstrate another process / form of wire-wrapping)

Threading or Stringing beads

Metals and their composition (Copper, Bronze, Nickel, Sterling)

Design Elements (Fibonacci Numbers, Focal Points, Accent Beads and Caps)

A completed pair of earrings or project made by you to take home and wear!

There are also other projects that may be offered, such as a Seed bead Flower-chains, a simple charm or crystal bracelet or an easy to string beaded necklace (lanyard for your glasses).

Techniques taught will cover a wide range of how to's and don't do's along with basic finishing touches.  No special equipment is necessary, I bet most of you have at least several pairs of pliers at home, those will work great!

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  If you are interested in the class you may leave a comment, e-mail, or phone, details will be given at a later date.

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.

In My Studio - It's Dark In Here

Wednesday is here and I am in my studio creating wonderful things.

In a continuing effort to bring variety into the shop, and after several requests for things with a darker theme, I have some fun and spooky things soon to be incorporated into jewelry pieces.

There is only ONE of these available.  Sterling Silver Hinged Jaw Skull Charm. 

We also have a very limited selection of Sterling Silver charms and beads along with a a variety of dyed gemstone carved skull beads.

 

We also have some some Bats, sterling silver charms for earrings, bracelets, or chain decoration.  Too small to be a focal point, they are very cute and very tiny.

Can't have bats without spiders!  These eight-legged lovelies are more spider than charm, but they are shiny and lend an thread of spookiness to any piece they adorn.

I have several requests for Metaphysical Jewelry, from Healing Bracelets to Ritual Wear and Malas (Prayer Beads) to Rosaries.  We're working on this, but in an effort to keep up with requests we have this Sterling Silver "First Degree" Pendant.

Not pictured:  We also carry Hand-wrapped Clear Quartz Crystal Points, Snowflake Obsidian and Rose Quartz Pendulum / Focal Point points.

That's all for today.  Thank you for stopping in, keep your eye out for completed pieces with these beauties in the shops soon!

In My Studio - Jump Rings 101

Good Morning,

In an effort to keep things fresh, interesting, and entertaining we are going to try something new today. Upon the suggestion of a friend, I have created a 2:00 minute video on how to open and close a jump ring.  

A staple of all jewelry design and creation, at some point you're going to have to open and close one.  Jump rings are circles of metal wire that have been cut at a specific place to create an "open" ring, the ends are brought together to "close" the ring.  Finishing techniques, like soldering, can seal the cut in the ring to keep it closed permanently.  They can be made in a variety of sizes and shapes including circles (most common), ovals, triangles, or squares, and are not limited to just metal.  Rubber O-rings, Glass, Neoprene, and Gemstone "Doughnuts", as well as other materials can be found in may modern Chain Maille jewelry designs.

A variety of jump rings in Aluminum, Gunmetal, Gold Tone Brass, 
Silver Plated, Copper, very small surfaced dyed copper, and silver plated copper jewelry wire.

 

For Maille, hand position and movement is very important, it helps to keep the piece from getting marred or work damaged and to keep the Mailler's wrists healthy!  In the video below I attempt to show the correct or proper way to open a jump ring.

Thank you for stopping by.  Please feel free to leave a comment, feedback is always welcome.

In My Studio - Beads and Baubles

I thought it might be fun to take a look at some of the new beads and items we have available for creating beautiful things for you!  The Alchemists Vessel specializes in Sterling and Semi-precious gemstone jewelry, but lately has had an in flux of or custom orders asking for glass beads.  I have listened and obeyed!  Greens, Reds Blues, Faceted, Bi-cone, Round, we have a nice selection and are in hope of receiving the Japanese Seed beads soon!

Many of these beads have been purchased per customer request to complete their orders.  Upon completion of the custom orders these beads will begin to appear in many of the pieces created by Alix, The Alchemist, Designer and Owner of The Alchemists Vessel.

 Also available in limited quantities new gemstone and brass beads, along with a brass finding or two.

 

Precious Metal vs. Jewelry Wire

Many people have asked me why precious metal is so much more expensive than a plated jewelry wire, and why I do not offer ready-made Chain Maille pieces in Gold or Sterling Silver.  Precious metal is just that, precious and it is also more expensive.  Things like copper and brass are more abundant.  The Alchemists Vessel does not determine the price of precious metal; we watch the market for the current price, as it fluctuates, currently Sterling is $34.02 an ounce, and Gold is $1753.44 an ounce.  Sterling Silver is usually available in 5 or 25-foot spools to be spun, soldered, wrapped, and hammered or other wise fashioned into jewelry.  It is common of Gold wire to be "Gold filled" or a brass core with a .15 mm to .25mm outer layer of 14kt gold.  Current Supplier prices are about $90.00 for 25 feet spool for Silver and $150.00 for Gold Filled.  Manufactured jump rings may be purchased, but size cannot be guaranteed as many manufactures measure outer diameter instead of inner diameter, which is used when calculating appropriate jump rings size for Chain Maille.

Precious metal pieces are available per custom order only.  A 50% non-refundable deposit is required before your work begins.  Pricing works as follows.

We charge per foot of wire. 5 feet of wire makes one pair of earrings, it takes 12” of wire to create a 1” coil from which jump rings cut.  Depending on gauge, Sterling Silver wire is $25.00 (20g) to $45.00 (18g)

A 20 gauge pair of Byzantine Weave earrings in sterling silver would cost, $40.00, $25.00 for wire, $5.00 for findings,  $2.00 for beads, and $8.00 for spinning and assembly.

A Necklace takes about 30 feet of wire, depending on the weave.  It takes about 459 jump rings to create a necklace and earring set, depending on Gauge.  To create on of the “Parures”,  $175.00 for wire, $5.00 for beads, and findings, $100.00 to spin and assemble.  Total cost $280.00.

Necklaces, bracelets, or different weaves require different amounts of wire.  The above Precious Metal prices are quoted from the suppliers catalog. All materials and costs will be discussed prior to ordering the necessary material for your project.  The above is an example of possible cost to the customer, your cost may vary depending on your project.

Jewelry wire is usually copper, either colored (dyed) or tinned (plated) with a thin coating of precious metal.  Sterling Silver Plated copper wire is used in many of our projects and is just as pretty, and an affordable alternative to precious metal pieces.  The wire is plated or surface dyed, and some copper will show through the cuts, this is a mark of a hand made item, and although we try our best to keep these marks to a minimum, they do appear on occasion.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

What's New In The Shop? (Photo-packed!)

Today we are going to show case some of the items in the new Shop section: Supplies.  These are de-stash items and quantities are limited.  Check out Wednesday's, 2/15/12, blog "In My Studio" for some of the new inventory and materials we have in stock to create more beautiful things for you!  These items are for sale via the internet only!

These are cute, useful and multi-purpose.  Antiqued Silver Bead Ends / Knot Hiders, these little accent finishers come in three styles, Swirl Pattern and Star Shaped, the third is a smooth ball with a crescent stamped into the side of the metal (not shown).  Add a little secret to your necklace or bracelet clasps.  Great for small gauge Wire, Tiger Tail, and thread, or connecting thread or wire built sections on to chain!!!!

Star-shape

Next we have these wonderful Sterling Silver Zodiac Sign charms, perfect for earrings, necklace or bracelet accents.  All twelve signs are here and stamped 925 on the back.  The set includes all 12 signs, packaged separately in 20 count bags, each bag contains 20 or more jump rings.  That's 240 pieces plus additional materials.  An over purchase, I would like to share at a discounted rate.

Brick red, and rust colors are in this year, and nothing says brick red like Cinnabar.   Styled with Chinese Motifs there is a set of 2 Dragons, 2 Fu Lions and 6 Chinese Character beads.  All are carved on either side and range from 1" to 1-5/8" tall.  Sold individually, why not try pairing them together.  These are sure to make a statement in any piece they adorn.

Cinnabar Dragon pair 1-1/4" x 1-5/8"

Cinnabar Fu Lion pair - 1-1/2" x 1'3/4" - He comes with a buddy!

Chinese Character Rectangular beads

We have one assortment of Glass Leaf-shaped beads left.  Comes in a 12 color variety, and differing counts, not a bag under four leaves.

We also some fun base metal things.  Triangles with a Celtic or mid-eastern feel swirl design and very cute filagree or cut-out heart circular earring findings.  Comes in sets of five and three pair.

I have to save a few surprises for the shop!  Feel free to click on through and see what else is listed.  There are gemstones, red coral (dyed), more silver plated findings to help you create that special piece or bring your jewelry vision to fruition!

Feel free to contact me on Etsy, leave me a comment here, e-mail me via any of the links to the right, visit alchemistsvessel.net, "Like" us on Facebook.  Ask me about multiple item and larger lot discounts!  Remember these items are limited to supplies on hand, once they are gone, they are gone!

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.