Five Great Items For Winter Gifts

Good Morning,

Although Christmas is over, there are still birthdays, anniversaries and just because opportunities for gift giving.  Today we list five neat handmade items from five unique shops at The CraftStar.

From KitKat Crochets

Crochet Boot Cuffs,Boot Cuffs,Pink Boot Cuffs,Boot Topper,Boot Sleeves,Boot Socks,Teen Fashion,Women's Fashion,Feminine Boot Cuffs,Gift

If you like the look of leg warmers but don't like the bulk then BOOT cuffs are for you. Boot cuffs work just like leg warmers and look great with any kind of boot and are very fashionable and keep you warm. This listing is for one pair of boot cuffs. They are both stylish and cozy. They make a great GIFT FOR FRIENDS, family or co-workers. Or would make a great addition to your own wardrobe. So go ahead treat yourself!
All items are handcrafted by me.

These BOOT cuffs were made with Pink and Black
This yarn is machine washable on gentle cycle and tumble dry on low heat.
Remember do not wash with garments that have hooks or VELCRO

These BOOT cuffs stretch out to fit most. Let me know if you need them extra small or extra large

Made in a smoke free home.

Thanks for visiting my shop. Please check back often as I am always adding new items. Thanks and have a blessed day!


From Bubble Boy Boutique

Fingerless Crochet Mittens

You have a choice of a sweet little pair of hand warmers that are great at keeping your hands nice and toasty without getting in the way. You will love the ribbed design and you can still type and do all the things necessary to work with your hands. Perfect for students/office workers/crafters.

This is for 1 pair of fingerless mittens.

Made from SOFT NEW worsted yarn. We can custom make these for any color/fiber theme you want.

Made in our non smoking/pet workshop


*Anne's Knits For Pets

Toy Dog

This little dog is looking for a home. He is 14" tall and is very quiet and house trained !

The proceeds from this sale goes to Pima Paws For Life a local rescue in Tucson.


JOL Arts Art and Prints
  
Original Pastel painting with a Close up of a Gerbera flower

Original Soft Pastel painting showing a close up view of a Gerbera flower.
 
Gerberas must be one of my favourite flowers, essentially because they generally manage to survive in my garden!

Painting Dimensions 39cm x 27cm (A3) or 14.5" x 10.5"
The painting is completed on Black sanded paper using predominantly Rembrandt soft pastels.

Postage and Packing: Your painting is enclosed within a plastic sleeve to protect and packed in a sturdy cardboard envelope to protect.


From Chameleon 

Upcycled Little Owl Pins in Harris Tweed, buttons and beads

 Kathy has been making decorative little stuffed Scotties for more than 15 years - mainly to use and sell as Christmas tree ornaments. Now, since we have lots of bits and pieces from our deconstructed Harris tweed jackets, she's making Scottie pins ~ and now ~ sweet little owl pins!

This listing is for one little owl ~ your choice. However, if you wanted more than one, the second would be $10.00 and several would ship for the price of one. Message me if you would like a reserve listing for two or three.

As you may well know, Harris Tweed is hand woven by islanders in the Outer Hebrides. If you're interested in knowing more about this wonderful woven wool, do check out the Harris Tweed website online - fascinating! These little charmers measure approx. 2.5 inches (6 cm.) X 2 inches (5 cm.) Splendid on hats, purses, jackets...


Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope encouragement strikes and you might like to do a little Windows Shopping.

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

Featured Artist - Reef Botanicals and Friends

Good Morning,

Today we have switched up the blog a little bit and will begin the week with a wonderful and multifaceted Artists Larissa and Erick, a husband and wife creative duo.

What Erik and Larissa say about themselves:
We are Larissa and Eric, the makers of our high quality, all natural handcrafted soaps and other indulgences. We do not use any pre-made bases, but make all of our products ourselves, from our own recipes, with our own four hands, in small batches. We use only the finest all-natural ingredients in our bath and beauty products, to give you a luxurious bath experience. We therefore do not use synthetic fragrance oils, only essential oils. The same standard is held for colorants, and the colors you see in our bath and beauty products come only from the ingredients themselves or safe, natural additives. Most of our soaps are suitable for vegans and/or vegetarians, and those are noted for your convenience. None of our products have been or will ever be tested on animals. 

Summer is here and I know many of us are concerned about the environment, our carbon footprints and the creatures we interact with.  One of my favroite items from Reef Botanicals is this natural Insect Repellent.

Buzz Off Insect Repellent

Our 100% natural insect repellent smells great and is a terrific alternative to Deet-laden products to repel mosquitoes and ticks.
We rely only on ten different essential oils in a grape seed oil base, to ensure that it's safe and doesn't contain any poisons.
Plus, grape seed oil is great for your skin!  It's got astringent properties, that make it useful in toning the skin.  It can also be used in treating acne and many other skin problems.  It provides nourishment to the skin and aids in skin repair, plus it protects from the sun and is used in sunscreens.  Grape seed oil has antiseptic and moisturizing properties, and because it is very light, it’s easily absorbed by the skin.
8 oz.
*See product page for complete list of ingredients.

They also make wonderful soaps and candles.

Lilac Square Pillar Candle

Lilac is my very favorite flower, the one I was most happy to be able to carry in my wedding bouquet.  There's just nothing else like it, and it's been captured in these gorgeous floral candles.  Each candle is two layers, two of the colors of lilacs, but the scent runs all the way through, beginning to end.

Bewitching and wonderfully fragrant, they are a terrific addition to any home.  

 

Reef Botanicals candles maintain their beauty and fragrance from top to bottom, throughout their long lives.

 

This listing is for one 4.5" square pillar candle, pictured to the rear left of the photo above.

 

Busy folks, this pair.  Not only do they hand make their own bath and beauty products their interests and hobbies stretch far and wide with Fabric of My Mind, from hand knitted designs to photography, you can find it in the shop.

Designer Knitted Green Dinosaur Scarf

My Daffy the Dinosaur, who loves to snuggle, is just chomping at the bit to come home with you and become a companion for you child, as well as a stylish accessory.
You won't find anything like him anywhere else in the world, as he's entirely my design, and with him, your child will be the coolest kid on the block.  Entirely hand-knitted and sewn of washable wool that won't felt, I've made him with a bottom jaw to give him teeth and make him a toy as well as a soft, warm scarf.
Please note that although he did try to eat my head while photographing him, he was just hungry and untrained, not vicious.  We've since discovered that his favorite food is yarn, so he's quite safe to be around children.
100% Superwash Wool
Care:  Machine was cold, gentle cycle, lay flat to dry
Created in a smoke-free, pet-friendly home
Daffy is approximately 48" long so the kiddos won't trip on him. 
Hand-knitted in a pet-friendly, smoke free home.
If you would like an adult-sized dinosaur scarf (5'6"), please contact me, as I can create one just for you.  Adult scarf:  $125.00

Hot Pink Lily Photograph

 
 
This photograph is of a beautiful hot pink lily that was in my own yard in New Jersey. It was taken on a beautiful sunny day in July of 2010, in Wood-Ridge.  These flowers are so gorgeous and sophisticated.

You will receive a professionally printed 8x10" print, perfect size for framing and hanging.

The text won't be there, of course.


My favorite thing about this handsome couple is their commitment to hand made.  I don't mean just making something with your hands.  They embarked on a wonderful journey and began to raise to bees.  That's right they have their very own apiary.  Larissa blogs about their experiences, both good and bad with the bees and it is fascinating to take a look into the hive and the life of a bee through a keepers eyes.  You can read about their Hive on the blog: Reef Botanicals

It is almost impossible to share all that they do in one blog post.  You may find, follow, like, favorite and bookmark them at any of the site links below.  Don't forget to check out their shops and see if there isn't something for you or your gift giving needs.

 Reef Botanicals
Fabric of My Mind
Reef Botanicals Blog
Facebook
Twitter

Other sites and hobbies: Larrisa also is a talented face and body art painter you may find her at any of the sites listed below:

Face and Body Art by Larissa
Adventures of a Face Painter - Blog
New Jersey Body Art *18 Over -
Facebook



Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  We hope we have encouraged you to see what else Larissa and Erik have up their crafty sleeves.

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

Five Great Gifts To Give 10-09-12

Good Morning,

Tuesday is here and Fall seems to have skipped Idaho this year, and we've moved right into Winter; it is cold up here these days.

It is the custom on Tuesday's to share five (5) unique items from various sites around the web for gift ideas.  This morning we have five from Etsy and a couple of new shops.

Two from Tattooed Textiles

Audrey's Wristlet Pocket Purse 

 Description: Imagine a crisp white linen blouse and black trouser pants; then add this classic print and who do you think of? Audrey of course!! Calm and collected on the outside with a wild explosion of color on the inside. Can also be used as a cosmetics bag. Seams are covered to prevent raveling. Split ring key fob can be easily accessed and removed. Measures 9 1/4' X 7 1/2'. Can be machine washed on delicate cycle with mild detergent. Dry flat. Cool iron if needed. My studio is smoke free, cat free and dog free. FREE shipping three days after order is placed--if you want it shipped immediately just let me know. 

Flip Flop Print  Pocket Purse Wristlet

Description:  Your itsy bitsy bikini might fit in this generously sized wristlet measuring 7" X 8". Plenty of room for sun screen, lip gloss and the itsy bitsy. Lined with yellow polka dot cotton and can be easily cleaned according to manufacturers suggestion of using mild upholstery cleaner and wipe with a damp cloth. Textile has been treated at the manufacturer to resist stain. I have two available in the smaller size; each has a removable split ring key fob. One has a coordinating red split ring, one has blue. Both have seal shell buttons attached to the key ring. Each is $22.00; just email me and let me know which one you like. FREE Shipping.
I have a smoke free, cat free and dog free studio. 

From:  Prasad Designs

Fun Multicolored Neon Rainbow Bead Stretch Bracelet

Description:  High quality glass beads on stretchy cord that should fit just about anyone. Package: Comes with nice gift packing! View the other jewelry in my shop!

Fits any wrist between 7''-9''.

Copyright 2012


From: Angie Beadz

Bronze Turquoise Peace Bohemian Style Earrings  

 Description: Brighten up your winter wardrobe with these bronze earrings with a turquoise peace sign and brown and turquoise wood bead suspended on bronze earwires.
1.5" long



From:  I Paint It Pretty

Holiday Ornament Green Sled with Poinsettia's Christmas Decoration 

 

 Description:  This is a hand painted pine sled with bright red poinsettias and holly. The sled is green with white runners. Silver holly leaves and red ornaments make this a spectacular ornament. This versatile sled can be placed under the tree, hung on the wall, stood in a corner or placed any where you want some holiday color. This sled will become a treasured holiday decoration you'll love for many years. It would also be an exceptional gift to give a loved one.
24 in x 10 in x 2 in

For the sled I used acrylic paint and three coats of varnish to ensure durability. The holly and ornaments are glued on. I added a red and gold tie for hanging.

Great effort has gone into accurately describing and photographing products, but please note color representation alters depending on individual screen settings.
Packaged with lots of care and love and will ship 1-2 days after payment is received.

These owners have lots of great items, why not click on through and see what these most talented people have to offer in the shops.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Monday Miscellany

Happy Monday,

Today is a collection of miscellaneous stuff.

New in the shop is this pretty Chainmaille bracelet available in a variety of Metals.  This one is Silver Plated (over copper) jump rings with a matching Toggle clasp.

Japanese Weave Flower Bracelet

Description:  9" total, this very cute and feminine bracelet comes in a variety of metals. Shiny, bright and pretty, light enough to wear all day. Great for the Office or a Casual outfit. Each Flower-like unit is hand linked individually and joined as a chain.

All items arrive boxed, and ready for gift giving.

Custom work is always welcome.

Shop News:

On an interesting note, I have been invited to participate in a Consignment shop,  Inspired Creations, of Spokane, Washington.  Although this is just an invitation and I have yet to confirm what will be available in the store, or what I will be sending, it may be a great opportunity for exposure and expanding the shop a little.   I am cautiously excited!

The Treasure Valley Flea Market was an enjoyable event.  A good time was had by all.  We'll be doing it again next month, November 10th and 11th, 2012.  This will be the last Market before Christmas, come on down and get your Holiday Shopping done early!

Don't forget that this Sunday is The Witches Market hosted by Bella's Grove.  October 14th, 2012, at 2210 S. Broadway, Suite 102, Boise, ID.  The Market will be held throughout the building.  Stop by for your Halloween Chopping needs!

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a work week.

New Flower Bracelets in the Shop

Good Morning,

Happy October 1st, everyone.  Monday is here, so is Fall, and it is cold in here in this morning!

This weekend the Treasure Valley Flea Market is happening, and then once more, November 10th and 11th.  These will be the last shows I am attending this year.  We have on-going specials and sales this market.  Come on down, say Hello, or shop some of the vendors.

This morning's new item is a very pretty and feminine Chainmaille bracelet.  Earrings to match can be made or found in the shop.  The Japanese 4-in-1 or  6-in-1 weaves use a ratio of large to small rings to create unique and interesting patterns, zig zags, flat sheets, and round objects can be formed using this weave.

These flowers are the size of a quarter, light weight and fun to wear.  Single flowers make an earring, and when linked together, a consistent chain.

This piece is two tone, one side is Silver the other Gunmetal tone rings, and alternating silver and gunmetal joining rings

The opposite side of the bracelet,  may be worn Silver side up or down for different looks.

Five flowers and a toggle clasp create this 7-1/4" bracelet.  These may be made to desired length, using a variety of metals for single or two tone / double sided bracelets.  Precious metals are available per customer request.

When worn it creates an attractive band. (Ignore my arm).

Currently available in the Shop for $25.00 each.  We will be adding more of them as soon as I take photos and list them.  Don't want to wait?  Convo the shop on the site and tell us what you'd like, we'll set up a special listing just for you!

On a personal note, I think I need to go back to using the grey background.  The photos just are not translating well, my apologies.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant work week.

Five Great Gifts to Give - Etsy Shops

Hello, 

Happy Wednesday.  

Since there isn't much going on in the studio at the moment, and we took a trip with Curiosity to Mars yesterday, and I am instructing classes on Thursday and Saturday, lets take a look at some really lovely things from Etsy shop owners.

We have a couple of new shops for you too.  Tomorrow we have a brand new featured artists and Friday is a mystery, even to me.

From Angs Divine Designs

Blue and Purple Brilliance Bracelet 

Description: You are sure to get noticed with this bracelet!
Made with blue and purple color plated glass gem cut brilliance beads, silver metal corrugated beads and elastic.
Bracelet measures just over 7".

Fall is around the corner and and these fire leafy earrings are just right to brighten up those chilly days ahead. 

Orange and Silver Leaf Dangle Earrings

Description: Beautiful leaf earrings for fall! Made with opal orange firepolished faceted czech glass beads, orange glass gem cut beads, silver metal leaf charms and wire hooks. They measure about 1.50" in length.

From The Dorothy Days

Rose Bobby Pin Hair Clips

Description:  Set of 3 handmade hair grips / bobby pins/ hair slides which look beautiful if worn as a set or individually. All handmade by The Dorothy Days in England.

Each hair slide/ bobby pin is 44 mm long and is on a bronze style pin which adds to the vintage look. The rose is pink and made from resin.

The set comes carded on a handmade stamped gift tag which means it is perfect to give as a gift and is a great alternative to a card.

Would look lovely for a special occassion such as a wedding or equally beautiful for everyday wear. They suit all ages. 

From Sues Arts

Beaded Pearl Bracelet with Flower

Description: Very elegant and classy three row pearl bracelet with a large nave blue and white flower bead.

See matching necklace.

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

Try pairing with this matching necklace.  What an elegant and sophisticated look for a special occasion! 

Beaded Pearl Necklace with Flower

Description: Gorgeously elegant pearl necklace with a large navy blue and white rose.

The pearls are glass and the flower is a Femo bead.

See matching bracelet.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  

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

Butterflies In The Backyard

Happy Wednesday,

The middle of the week is here and the count down to Friday begins, not only that, but today is the official first day of Summer! Happy Solstice everyone!

I think the blog has become a little stale of late, the same subjects all the time week after week.  Thursday's Featured Artist is fun and looking at all the shops and things on Etsy is a blast too, however, I am running short of contributors. Bringing on a decision to every once in a while step away from the work and jewelry aspect of the blog and talk about something random.  On occasion this has occurred, but it needs to become more of a regular thing.

In today's hustle and bustle, instant gratification world of hurry, hurry, now, now, we sometimes forgot to look up from the phone screen, stop texting, step away from the computer or whatever holds our concentration and attention, and take a look around the real world, the one we live in, not the one we cultivate via electronics, gagdets and social networks.

Having said that, I would like to share a neat experience.  Yesterday, as I sat at the workbench (table), I glanced out the window and was surprised by this wonderful, huge, beautiful butterfly crawling across the potted marigolds on the deck in the backyard.  Opening the sliding glass door requires some effort, instead of wasting time fighting with the track, and snatching the camera off the table instead, I slowly crossed the carpet to sit quietly at the backdoor and take these pictures through the plate glass window.

The camera is set on 13x zoom, and the photos are a little fuzzy, but the detail is pretty amazing for my little Canon A480.  I took them in order as it walked across the petals and then flew off.  Missing the final "in flight" shot, the wings are still awe inspiring.  Such a delicate creature, I think this is called a Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly.

There are seven photos in total.  It must have walked the flowers for two or three minutes allowing me to finally get a really good shot of its wings.  Although taken through plate glass window, I don't think I could have captured this creature's beauty if it was three inches from the camera instead.

 I thought it was ready to take flight in this picture, until...

Oops, apparently not, either that or it figured out it was being photographed and allowed me to take a picture of its wings fully extended.

It did finally take off, and as mentioned above I did miss the initial shot I had intended to take, the camera has a strange almost three second delay, however the wings are a sight to behold.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  In hope that today's blog has brought a smile to your face and a moment of calm while you read.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful rest of the week.

Tuesday - Five Great Gifts To Give 6-12-12

Good Morning,

We're back with five (5) great gifts to give!

From: StaRsbyDi

Coral necklace, coral flower necklace, pink coral pendant, coral pendant necklace, coral rose necklace, peach jewelry

Description: This amazing necklace measures approx. 47cm (18.5'') all around. I wire wrapped a beautiful rose coral pendant (color light peach, dim. 30*30mm). I used coral beads, small silver plated metal beads, thin silver tone chain (non tarnish) and silver plated lobster clasp. 

From: Sam Clark Photography

BABY URANGUTAN PHOTOGRAPHY - Wall Art, Nursery Art, Baby Urangutan photo, Jungle baby animal, Childrens room, Sepia, cute baby

Description: BABY URANGUTAN PHOTOGRAPHY by wildlife photographer Sam Clark. Baby Urangutan Photography is a perfect gift for your babies nursery or childs room, or a gift for friends and loved ones.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY by SAM CLARK
TITLE: 'URANGUTAN BABY' PHOTOGRAPH by SAM CLARK

* SIZE: 10x10 inches with white border
* PAPER: Hahnemuhle Fine Art Photo Rag 320 GSM Pearl finish
* INK: Quality Archival Epson Inks
* LONGEVITY: 64 years framed under glass, 129 years framed with UV filter, 200 years Album/dark storage.
* ORIGINAL: Hand printed and personally signed on bottom front of print.
* PACKAGING: Shipped in sturdy moisture resistant packaging.
* WATERMARK: For copyright purposes only, will not be visible on your print.

From SuesArts

Shalom - Chai heart necklace in antique bronze

Description: 
SOLD SEPARATELY - SHALOM or CHAI

Beautiful heart charm necklace with a custom made and one of a kind print.

One necklace has the word "Shalom" in Hebrew for "Peace" and the other has the work "Chai" in Hebrew for "Life".

About 18" long. Size can be adjusted per request at no extra charge.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

Also From: SuesArts

Vintage image cameo charm necklace

 Description: Created with vintage antique bronze frame charm pendant and chain.

This is a vintage image of a beautiful girl custom printed and designed

Necklace is about 18" long but can be adjusted per request with no extra charge.

ALL MY ITEMS ARE HANDMADE AND ONE OF A KIND

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

 

Last but not least:

From: The Alchemists Vessel

Amethystos - Silver Plate and Amethyst Czech Glass Chain Maille Bracelet

 Description: 7-1/2", These absolutely fabulous bracelets are hand woven in a Half Persian Chainmaille pattern, are light weight and lacy, perfect for an evening out, dressing up that casual daytime outfit, or for a touch of color at the office.

In Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of intoxication, and of wine, was pursuing a maiden named Amethystos, who refused his affections. Amethystos prayed to the gods to remain chaste, a prayer which the goddess Artemis answered, transforming her into a white stone. Humbled by Amethystos's desire to remain chaste, Dionysus poured wine over the stone as an offering, dyeing the crystals purple.

These are sizable! May be made to desired length to fit any wrist. Please indicate wrist circumference in inches.

Would make a great gift for February Birthdays or just for people that like purple.

Crafted from Silver plated jump rings and Czech Glass Amethyst beads in the Aurora Borealis finish. A Lobster Claw clasp complete the piece.

Available in a variety of metal and Czech Glass bead choices. 

 

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  

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

 

 

 

The Muddfip Photographer: Featured Artist Thursday

Good Morning,

The weekend is almost here and that means fun in the sun, down by the river, the creek, the pond, the swimming hole, a walk in the woods, along the beach, things to do, people to see, and pictures to take.

This weeks Featured Artist is my Multi-talented friend, Shelly Moody, The Muddfip Photographer.  I can't take a photo to save my life and am amazed at the composition and quality of other people's photos.  Shelly has an an amazing eye for composition and her black and white photographs are stunning.

The Muddfip Photographer may be found on Facebook, won't you stop by and give her a Like.

What Shelly has to say about her page:

Hello and Welcome! My name is Shelly and this page features photographs, all of them taken by me. All photos are copyrighted, so please do not use without permission. All photos on this page are available for purchase. Please contact me regarding prices and sizes. Photos will be signed and numbered. I am happy to ship them to any location. Thank you for taking time to browse my photos!

Have a blessed day!

The photos below are taken from her Facebook page.  I have tried to include a variety of subjects that she takes, from nature to industrial buildings and machinery.   All of the prints are available for sale.

I love frogs! 

Any of these photos would make excellent prints or  posters, cards or stationery.  Decorating in a "Steampunk" theme?  Those huge gears on the water would make the perfect wall hanging!

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.  I hope you will also stop by and take a The Muddfip Photographers page.  There are more wondrous and wonderful photos to look at and choose from. 

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