In My Studio New Chainmaille Ring

Good Morning,

With the holidays over, and things almost back to the norm here I finally had an opportunity to sit down and make something.  It had to be a quick project, something I could complete inside a couple of hours.  This ring will be included in the projects for the E-Book "In Chains" currently in progress.

The solution was a Mini Maille Ring.  It didn't start out as one, but during the process of weaving, it insisted that it be small and round, and I had no other choice but to join the ends and create the small circle of maille.

This ring comes in two sizes of jump rings and has many variations.  It can be beaded, made in a variety of metals, and customizable in your ring size.

Simple, stunning and sturdy these rings are not meant to be worn during heavy lifting or hard work with your hands, but treated properly they can last life time.

Sample Ring:  US size 7-1/2 to 8 average ring size for most folks.
18 gauge Sterling Silver plated wire.  There is no elastic or clasp, the ring slips over your finger and fits comfortably.  It has a silky smooth feel against the skin and makes an attractive ornament.

The completed ring sits on a ring mandrel.

The finished ring, there is no stop or start, the band is joined in pattern and left as it is.  

 The ring like any other is a simple circle, instead of a solid strip of metal interlocked rings have been woven together.

Very pretty when worn.  A lovely decoration and perfect for those that like the look of maille but do not wish to wear a large piece.

Available in Sterling Silver Plated, Silver, Gold Tone, Copper, Merlin's Gold, and antiqued Copper and Bronze.  18 or 20 gauge wires, plain or beaded styles in single or double ring weaves.  Single ring weave shown in this post. 

*Precious Metals are available by request only.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

The Gifts of Giving

Happy Tuesday,

Christmas is just a week away and today instead of offering shopping venues and present ideas, I would like to take a moment to discuss other ways to give and be in the Spirit of the Holiday without spending money (well maybe a little), or rampant consumerism.

I'm not even talking handmade items that you can whip up at the last minute.  I am talking about the gift of giving, giving of yourself, your time, your smile, a kind word, a helping hand.

This time of year there are lots and lots of pleas for your hard earned dollars for this or that charity, cause or fundraising event.  Instead of writing a check, why not offer your time, volunteer to serve a meal or two at a soup kitchen, offer your gently used blankets, or clothing your kids have out grown to shelters, grab an extra bag of cat or dog food when doing your own shopping and drop it off at the local animal shelter, put a toy in the Toys for Tots bin.  These are simple small acts that will be felt and appreciated in ways that you can only image.

Be kind to each other, let some one go ahead of you in line, smile just because you are capable of doing so.  People are rushed and hurried this time of year, take a moment to breath, slow down, instead of shouting at the idiot that just cut you off, focus on the song on the raido, sing at the top of your lungs, you'll feel better, and it's better for you.  Sit down and have your favorite beverage and write your friends a letter, I said a letter, not an e-mail, a letter, with pen and paper.  Remember those?  A short "I was thinking about you" note is always more than welcome and a lovely surprise.

I know in this day and age it is a risk talking to a stranger, or offering assistance, put if we all did just one little thing, one small act of kindness a day, without thinking about ourselves or what we'll possibly get out of it, the world would be a gentler, better place to inhabit.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

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

Monday Celtic and Dragonscale Weaves

Good Morning,

In hope that many of you spent the weekend doing something pleasant with your children or for yourself, instead of dwelling on the tragedies of last week.

Although there is nothing new in the shop, there are still plenty of beautiful things to look at, or perhaps you still need a gift, Tuesday December 18th will be the last GUARANTEED mail date for your gift to arrive by Christmas.  Order soon.

Today I would like to introduce you to two new weaves, to be available at the end of January, when the new line of Aluminum Chainmaille jewelry is introduced.  Aluminum?  You ask.  This is not the aluminum your beer can is made out of, no indeed not.  This is high quality, natural (silver tone) and anodized aluminum, in absolutely gorgeous colors.   Ranging in a variety of gauges, we would like to begin to purchase our supplies from Blue Buddha Boutique, a Chainmaille Jewelry and Supply company.  Due to some recent changes, equipment failures and several other incidents, I simply need a supplier.

The Celtic Bracelet, shown below in 16 gauge Natural Aluminum and 18 gauge Aqua (Anodized) jump rings, makes a beautiful, shiny and substantial bracelet.  With proper care and feeding, this piece will last a lifetime and longer.  Available in an array of colors and two sizes, super light weight, easy to wear and to care for.  It should be noted that the construction of maille usually does not allow for soldering, so the rings remain "open".  Rough handling, pulling or other stress may cause the rings to come apart.

This is one of my very favorite weaves and I have finally conquered it.  Dragonscale is another version of European 4-in-1, that involves exact size and placement of the jump rings to achieve this scaly appearance.  Simply gorgeous in this Large Size sample, it takes a while to weave.  18 gauge Natural Aluminum and 18gauge Aqua and Purple Rings are placed and linked in this stunning pattern.  The Aqua rings lend this piece an iridescent quality that the photo just does not capture.

Available in an array of metals and anodized colors, and three sizes, Large, Medium and Small, this refers to the size of the rings used and width of the piece, not the length.  Average length is 7-1/4" in length including clasp, longer chains may be made upon request.

These are not for sale because they are mine.

The chart below shows solid anodized aluminum colors that are available for projects, however inventory / count is required before new material may be purchased.  If you are interested in one of these lovely items, please do not hesitate to contact us and we'll be happy to assist you and provide an estimated delivery date as materials are unavailable until after January 7, 2013.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

Remember comments, suggestions, and questions are always welcome.

NOTE:  Due to circumstances beyond my control the Brick and Mortar location for the Little Shop of Artists is no longer available at the is time.  We will continue to keep you up to date on our new location or move in date as soon as possible.  (Boy is my face red)

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

New Items In The Shop

Monday is here, and we're all ready to take on this week's challenges, yes?

I had a very  pleasant if not eventful weekend.  After accidentally locking my poor wee beast, Nora, the cat, in the Office / Studio closet for a couple of hours, I opened the door to find my supplies, boxes of beads, ribbons, wire, leather cording, et al, strewn across the carpeted floor of the tiny hole I call a supply closet.  Five hours later I think I have managed to find and retrieve the majority of the bits and pieces.  I apologize to my animal-friend for such unintentional harsh treatment, but you could have just meowed to be let out!

Sunday afternoon was spent trading / swapping beads and other goodies with a friend, so I now have new supplies to play with as well, be on the look out for those!

New items in the shop include watches and necklaces this week.

12 Hour Blues

Description:  7-1/2" total length, this watch wears like a bracelet or bangle.  The face is stainless steel, the strap is Nickel wire, hand spun, cut into jump rings, and linked in the Full Persian Chainmaille weave, accented with beautiful Sapphire blue Czech glass silver-lined beads.  The watch comes with a battery, the plastic safety tab is in place and intact.  Currently available in three styles, Square, Oval, and Round Watch Faces in the bead color of your choice.  The "Clever Clasp" is magnetic, two ends connect and are locked into place with a screw down barrell for a secure fit.

Custom Order:

It is an absolute pleasure when someone asks me to create something special for them.  The necklace below was created as a gift upon request.  The rings are Silver Plated, and woven in the Half-Persian 4-in-1 Chainmaille pattern.  Smaller in scale than the bracelets this is sleek and sinuous, but substantial enough to make feminine statement.  At 18" long this is a bit weighty, but not so heavy as to be uncomfortable.  Available in Silver Plated, Nickle, Jeweler's Bronze (aka Merlin's Gold),  Antiqued Copper or Bronze, and Gold Tone rings.

Silver Lining

 

Description:  18" total length. This sinuous and supple necklace is slinky, sensual, sleek and positively serpentine and it slides smoothy across the skin. Would look smashing with that little black dress or you can dress up that casual outfit with this simple but stunning chain.

Silver Plated metal wire is hand spun, cut and the linked jump rings are scaled down in size to create this feminine length of 4-in-1 Half Persian chainmaille weave pattern for a necklace. Finished with a Lobster Claw Clasp.

Available in a variety of metal choices, including Nickel, Sterling Silver Plate, Antiqued Bronze or Copper, and Gold Tone jewelry wires, upon request. Sizable and customizable!

NOTE:  Gunmetal Wire will no longer be offered.  Although it is pretty cool, and shiny, it has come to my attention that it is not a proper material for jewelry.  It does not stand up to wear, the color / coating will wear off and the wire apparently loses its shape.  Not good!  If you have purchased a Gunmetal Wire piece please contact me for details on replacement.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

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

Gifts

Every Tuesday I try to list five (5) great gifts to give or gift giving ideas, sites and the occasional link.  However this week I thought instead of gift ideas, a discussion about gifts might be interesting.

gift/gift/

Noun:	A thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present: "a gift shop".
Verb:	Give (something) as a gift, esp. formally or as a donation or bequest: "the company gifted 2,999 shares to a charity".
Synonyms:	noun.  present - talent - donation - offering - endowment verb.  give - endow - present - donate - grant - endue

  

Now that the definition is done with, what is a gift and how do you shop for one or decide if something is appropriate for gift-giving.

Is it the amount of money spent?  No.

Is it the thought that counts? Yes.  But that only goes so far.

An article I read several years ago had a check list for Gift Buying and comments on receiving them and what an appropriate response might be to getting one that isn't exactly pleasing.

CHECK LIST:

How much thought did you put into the present?

Did you spend Five minutes, Five Hours, Five Days, grabbed a chap-stick off the impulse rack at the local Wal-Greens?

Does it reflect the recipient's taste or style?

Is it something the recipient would buy for themselves?

Did you buy it because you like it, or because the recipient will like it?

(Don't fall into that trap, just because you like it doesn't mean the recipient will!  Remember you are buying something for someone else, not for you.)

Would you wear it? 

(Here's a hint, if you won't, neither will the recipient).  Ask yourself again if it is to the recipient's taste or style.

Have you ever seen the recipient with something similar? 

If yes, the item in question is probably a "safe" gift idea.

Is this an appropriate gift?

If your spending $400.00 to impress someone, it is not a good gift.

If your spending $10.00  for the item and the recipient will love it (addition to a collection, a favorite Band's CD, or something they have specifically asked for), then it's an excellent gift.

What do you do when some one gives you something you really don't like, isn't to your taste or style and there is no way you are ever going to use it or wear it?

Always be gracious, say "Thank you", and smile politely, and be appreciative, do not make a fuss over it, and try not to look too disappointed.  For heaven's sake DO NOT re-gift it!  That is just tacky.  Instead try a couple of the following.

Recycle!  Find a use for it.  There has got to be something you can do with whatever it is...

Charity!  A six month waiting period is usually appropriate before giving the unwanted item to your local Auxiliary, Junior League or  Thrift Shop.  There are folks less fortunate that would love to own what you don't want or need (or like for that matter).

Re-Design or Re-Purpose!  Almost like recycling think of it as today's Artisan fun buzz word "Up-Cycling".  Cut it up, take it apart, make something else out of it.  Get creative and figure out some unique and different use or pattern for it.

Tuck It Away!  At some point we have all had something that was given away and we needed, wanted or wished we hadn't parted with years later.  This is not to say keep everything for an eternity, but tucking something away only to be found later can be like discovering treasure.  If you have put the item away, and come across it again, still don't like or can not think of an alternate use, then you may wish to reevaluate the item, and either put it away once more or select a more decisive course of action and choose one of the above options.

If nothing else a gift should be heart-felt, and be accepted in kind.

Thank you for stopping by.  Food for thought is always good.

What's New in The Shop?

I am sorry to say that there is nothing new in the shop today.  

Last weekend was the Treasure Valley Market, and I was working my booth.  This is an Antique/ Artisan / Flea Market that occurs once a month, beginning in September and running through April.  There are vendors, food, entertainment, Tarot Readers, and of course shopping.

The Alchemists Vessel's booth table (1) and neighbors.

Attendees looking for that something.

We do however have something new for you!  
Currently on The Alchemists Vessel fan page on Facebook, we are running a Free Jewelry Contest. You may see Friday's blog for Rules and Regulations or join us on Facebook.

FREE JEWELRY CONTEST - Friday Links and Promotions

Help The Alchemists Vessel fan page on Facebook reach 500 fans / likes!  We have 61, that's 439 more people needed, and then some would be fabulous!  Below are the Rules and Regulations!  Please read them carefully and I hope you will participate.

Contest Rules and Regs

Starting February 20^th, 2012, The Alchemists Vessel will be holding a contest; first prize is a Genuine Citrine and Sterling Silver Pendant, a $50.00 value.  I am trying to reach 500 likes on my fan page.

First Prize: Genuine Citrine and Sterling Silver Pendant (pictured below)

Second Prize: An item or items of choice from The Alchemists Vessel Shop up to $25.00 in value.

(Second Place winner may choose item)

Third Prize: An item or items of choice from The Alchemists Vessel Shop up to $15.00 in value.

(Third Place winner may choose item)

FIRST PRIZE

 To Enter:

1. You must click “Attending” on the Event Page, this way I can keep track of who is interested.

2.  If you haven’t already you must click the “Like” button on The Alchemists Vessel facebook page. (Yes, I can see if you have done so).

3. You must post on the Wall of The Alchemists Vessel Page and state that you are entered in the contest for the Genuine Citrine and Sterling Silver Pendant.  You may only post once!   

***You may not enter your contest post on the wall until 

February 20^th, 2012, any time will do!  
Start planning that strategy now!

4. To win the Pendant, you must have the most “likes” on your post on The Alchemists Vessel page.

 Here’s how:

Get the word out that you are entered in the contest, post on your wall, tweet your friends, e-mail folks and let them know to click those buttons!

Your friends must click the like button on The Alchemists Vessel page  (remember you can hide the feed from this page at any time, I am after the number / count of 500 Likes).  I will not e-mail, spam or add your friends to a mailing list.

Your friends must click Like on your post and comment with the Phrase “Your Name sent me!”

[i.e.. Alix Browning sent me] or something similar

At the end of the contest, the total count from the participating posts will be tallied and the winners announced on The Alchemists Vessel wall, and messaged privately for shipping information.

On your Marks…

Get set…

Go!

Contest ends: March 5^th, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.  All counts will be taken and the winners announced March 6^th, 2012.

A Featured Website

Usually on Thursday's I try to feature an artist or something that is unique and interesting.  I would love it if those that read the blog (or just know it exists) would like to participate by sending me bios and links to your products, artworks, jewelry, whatever, and we can feature you and get you out to the masses or at least a new audience!

Today's featured site is a new one that I have come across called "Pinterest".  Many of you that have an Etsy account may have seen the new button "Pin It".  This is a direct link to the Pinterest site, like clicking the F for Like on Facebook or the +1 for Google.

Pinterest in currently an invitation only sign up.  I can invite friends!  If Delicious is for links than Pinterest is for pictures.  Set up like a bulletin or cork-board, you can "pin" things you like on to separate boards, create categories on anything, and save these things on your Pinterest Boards.  You can look at, share and "re-pin" other users finds and boards as well.  I am unsure if you can view the boards without an account, but the link to mine is below.  I just started yesterday so I don't have much "pinned" yet.  If you would like an invitation, please e-mail or leave a comment here. Or follow the link and sign up at the page.  All that is required is an e-mail address.  They do ask that you sign in with Facebook, you cannot, however, directly pin things from Facebook to Pinterest, which is stupid, but that's the way it works.

Pinterest.com

Alix's Boards

56 Ways to Promote yourself on Pinterest

They do ask that you do not use the boards for self promotion and this where your friends and networking comes in!  You may pin something that you made, sure, but do not use the boards to sell, promote or push yourself, your items or other things down the throats of others.  Get your friends organized, pin each others items, products, whatever to each others boards.  You will not only get views but an entirely new group of people will see your stuff!

So get in there and start pinning!

**NOTE:  Edited by the author the correct site for links is Delicious, not Digg.  I apologize.  All is right now.

Five Great Gifts To Give Sites

Instead of listing five great gifts to give, I thought I would list the sites on where to find those five great gifts.

Your favorite and mine Etsy.  Many of you I am sure have seen the big orange square with the letter E.  This is Etsy, a web site full of handmade gift goodness.  They do require an account for buying or selling, but the venue is free!

The Web Site Uncommon Goods has some unique and interesting gifts like this wood tie.

This site "The Best On Line Gift Ideas" is just that, a site that has hundreds of ideas from Gormet Food, Faher's Day, Birhtdays, Anniversary suggestions!  There are hundred of categories to check out!

Findgift is rather like Etsy, categories and a home page full of items to look through or purchase.  The prices seem fairly reasonable as well.

Tip Junkie has a great page full of fun and unique ideas for making a homemade gift all by yourself and sometimes those are the best gifts of all, something from the heart, made with your hands!

Remember the idea of gift giving is that the gift reflects or in some way is a measure of how you feel about the person.  The gift should be something they will like, use or reminds them of you.  Gifts are not about the amount spent, they are about the thought and time the giver has taken to select one.  Buying something from the $1.00 aisle in Wal Mart would do, if it is from the heart and the recipient will like it, just take more than five minutes deciding!

How To Get Those Five Great Gifts For Giving

For the last month or so, every Tuesday I have posted links to either  my own offerings around the web or other items for sale by fellow artists and artisans.  It has been brought to my attention that I have been remiss in explaining exactly how to acquire the items that are linked in the posts.

 I am guessing that many of you either have an Etsy account, whether Buyer or Seller, or you have seen the logo, the big orange square with the letter E.  This is Etsy, as a friend once quipped, "it's like the world's garage sale."  Etsy is actually a venue, not a service, that brings Artists, Artisans, Craft-people and Professionals together in a central location allowing them to sell their wares and communicate with each other as well as reaching new customers, fans, and making those all important networking connections and opportunities.  Etsy is free!  However you must register for an account if you wish to buy or sell on the venue's site, again registration is free, but a credit card or a debit card with the Master Card or Visa logo is required to sign up.  The card will never be charged, Etsy is free.  They make their money from Vendor listings and percentage takes from sales.

Other People's listings and shared links are provided by the Artist or vendor, and posted with their permission.  These people either have an Etsy shop, a website or page and all are account holders on Facebook.  The link to the item is provided and may be clicked on to carry you through to the item's page or description.  Many of the Artist / Vendors welcome e-mails and will readily answer questions in regards to custom orders, payment methods, or general questions about the item of interest.  No solicitations please.

Alternatives to Etsy:

If you don't want or would prefer not to register / sign up for yet another internet account there are alternatives!

E-Mail: Ask what other ordering or payment arrangements might be made.  "Contact Us" buttons and e-mail addresses aren't just window dressing, they are meant to be used!  Don't be detoured because of the "Buy Now" button.  Many vendors will work with a customer to provide the best payment option for them.

Snail Mail:  The United States Postal Service is still open, operational and ready to take your envelope to its destination!  The Alchemists Vessel accepts personal, electronic or cashiers checks or money orders via USPS.  It is also how your items will be delivered to you!  Don't forget those brave men and women in light blue who trudge through rain, sleet, and snow to bring you your mail!  They are useful!

Phone: The Alchemists Vessel is pleased to announce that we will have a Toll Free Customer Service phone number up and running soon!  If your chosen vendor (seller) has a contact phone number listed give them a call during their hours of operation.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

We are happy and excited to bring you a new service!  TAV, The Alchemists Vessel, is now capable of processing your ATM or Credit Cards, either over the phone or at the local markets and venues.  No cell phones or e-mails to contend with, we have a real Slide Imprinter and your receipt will be provided to you right on the spot!  How convenient and easy!

Thank you for stopping by and reading or just having a brief look.  Please feel free to leave a comment or contact us via any of the links to the right.

New Shop Items, Sales, Links and Promotions

We're back and switching things up a bit this week!  Have to keep you people on your toes!  I hope you all had a lovely weekend.  I was busy as a good Alchemist should be, spinning metal, cutting rings, weaving jewelry!  So let's jump right into it and see what's going on in the Laboratory!

Let's start off with the final five days of a SALE and a FREE, yes I said FREE Give Away.  The details have changed, read closely!

FOR ONE WEEK ONLY!  Now through February 10th, when you spend $30.00 or more at The Alchemists Vessel Etsy shop or you click through from alchemistsvessel.net, either from the Mini Etsy page or buying direct, you will receive a special offer via e-mail before your order is processed or completed!  I think you'll like it.  REMEMBER: Enter the coupon code LOVEYDOVEY (that's one word) and receive an additional 10% off your total purchase price on any item in the Etsy Shop! 

Right now, in the Etsy Shop, select items have been reduced!  Like this beautiful Chain Maille Collar / Choker and Earring set, "Cindy-Rae".  Silver in color with Amethyst color glass beads, this is a gorgeous ornament and a great addition to any jewelry box!  Can be made longer if desired.  A $40.00 value, now $30.00, plus FREE SHIPPING on this and selected items in the Etsy Shop.  REMEMBER: Enter the coupon code LOVEYDOVEY (that's one word) and receive an additional 10% OFF your total purchase price on any item in the Etsy Shop, now through February 20th, 2012!

Although the color is not showing well here, the glass beads really are purple and quite pretty in the sunlight.

February's Birthstone is Amethyst and now through February 29th, all Amethyst Jewelry (semiprecious gemstone and glass bead) has been reduced.  Like this fun, super cute and retro-hip Sterling Silver Peace Sign charm with genuine A grade Amethyst beads and Sterling Silver chain.  Comes with matching earrings, boxed ready for gift giving.  A $40.00 value, now $30.00!  See what other Purple items we have on sale!  REMEMBER: Enter the coupon code LOVEYDOVEY (that's one word) and receive an additional 10% OFF your total purchase price on any item in the Etsy Shop, now through February 20th, 2012!

Beginning February 21st and running though March 16th, The Alchemists Vessel on Facebook will be holding a contest.  Rules, requirements and other details will be posted here.  We will be offering a Sterling Silver and genuine Citrine Pendant to the winner (A $50.00 value).  Watch this blog for updates and Contest Announcements!  (Prize may be subject to change, but will remain in the $50.00 value category)

Last but not least let's get some new Links going!

You can now find us on Linked in!  If you're a jewelry designer, have an Etsy shop or just run your own business come join the network.  There is a group just for Etsy Shop Owners!  They have Job listings too!

We also have a stack on Delicious, to quote a friend, "That place is like link central."  Indeed it is!  I invite you to add your own content to my stack The Alchemists Vessel Jewelry, or perhaps sign up and start promoting your business, yourself, or your other interests.

As part of my insistence on getting the Business and Jewelry out to the masses, I do a lot of research and reading (and you should too!)  I started the linked in and the delicious account after reading this article.  50 Social Sites Every Business Needs a Presence On.  Now most of the 50 do not apply to me, and may not apply to you or your chosen field of expertise or even be of interest to you in the promotion of your business, whatever that may be.  However, it is definitely worth a skimming.  I suggest a quick perusal if nothing else.

And that is it for Monday's blog!  I hope you find something useful, of interest or perhaps learned something new.  Don't forget those sales going on!  February has come and is almost gone!