Tools In My Studio

Happy Wednesday!  

Here we are in the middle of the week!  Where does the time go?

I thought it might be fun to take a look at some of the tools and other materials I use to make jewelry.

This is my Micro Torch, I use it for soldering, firing PMC (Precious Metal Clay) annealing, and any number of other things that require me to heat things.

This is my Jeweler's Saw.  I use it to cut wire (for jump rings), sheet metal and sizing stock.  Yes, it is exactly like a hacksaw, except the blades are much finer and thinner, and the saw itself is much smaller and lighter weight than a Construction Tool.

These are the tools I use in the creation of Chainmaille, two pairs of pliers, and three mandrels. Of course I have more, these are all that would fit on the background area.  Mandrels are used to wrap the wire to create a coil, from which jump rings are cut.  Pliers are used to open and close the jump rings during the linking process.

Hammers and Anvil.  Yes, it is very cathartic when designing to bring that hammer down on the little piece of wire.  Striking area is very tiny, so precision is a must, and a great deal of attention paid to the piece you are working on.  One wrong blow with the head, and the piece can break, bend, or be ruined.

Stainless Steel Head

Stainless Steel Anvil

Rubber Mallet

4 oz. Brass Claw Hammer (there are screwdrivers in the handle!)

Here is a selection of wire that I use.  Brand new stock that has not been opened as of yet.  From Left to Right: 20 gauge Copper, Nickle, and Jeweler's Bronze (aka "Merlin's Gold"), and the last roll is 18 gauge copper wire.

Here is a coil of Sterling Silver Plated Copper Jewelry wire, I have used up the last of the Silver Plated wire, making the last choker I created.  The wire is straightened, wrapped around a mandrel, the coil is removed from the mandrel and cut using the Jeweler's Saw for a flush cut or it is "Pinch Cut" using wire cutters.

I offer both Hand-forged and Manufactured or machine made clasps, but that is the only thing you will find besides beads and gemstones (I don't have the equipment to do that at home) that are not hand-crafted by my self.  That includes head pins, jump rings and chain.

I suppose it would have been easier to just take a photo of the Bench, but that is covered with materials and stuff that needs to be cleaned up and gone through, I currently use the dining table or head out the garage for creation these days.  Evetually I'll get back to the actual Bench and then I can take a photo.

You can always check out Youtube or Dailymotion.  Currently there are three very short tutorial videos, on opening and closing, measuring the Interior Diameter and winding / cutting your own jump rings.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day!

Promotions and Links Friday

Happy Friday!

The weekend is upon us and I would like to thank my friend, Terry, for tending to the blog and other things this week!  She has done a fabulous job!  I'll return to my regularly scheduled duties next week.  This post is copied and pasted, so please excuse any errors.

Let's jump right in to the PROMOTIONS!

There is a new place to shop with The Alchemists Vessel.  I must admit Etsy is pretty crowded and I feel rather lost in fray.  There is a new venue and it is almost just like Etsy,  HandmadeArtists.com There are some major difference, but for the most part, well why don't you y'all have a look see.  You can check out the Mini Shop in the menu or you can follow the link provided.  Of course you have to have an account, but looking is always free and doesn't require an account.

Sellers Note:  If you like the site, as it has less shops currently than Etsy, I have been open about 24 hours, have just 15 items up for sale, and have had over 1,000 views in that time on the site itself.  255 on a single item alone.  The site apparently gets traffic.  It is $5.00 a month with no listing fees, for sellers, that's cheaper than Etsy, depending on your listings @$0.20 per item.  Buyers, of course, your account is FREE.

Unlike Etsy, when you list an item, you see it on the home page!  That is awesome, no treasuries, no nonsense!  Of course when a new item is posted you get jostled around, but your item can be up for several hours!  It pays to list often or everyday, apparently.  Connect to your Facebook fan page, Youtube, blog and personal or business website.  Set up is quick fast and easy!  I like it!  I will admit it has a draw back, at 75 x 75 a picture image (you get four total), the image quality is, how shall I say, not so good.  Disappointed with that.  Some experimentation may be required to figure out the proper photo size for posting on the site to eliminate the blur.

We now have a tumblr blog (because it was required for something else).  Unfamiliar with the set up and not exactly comfortable with the user control panel or Dashboard, there is little content. However if you like tumblr or have a blog, give a follow over there.   The Alchemists Vessel on tumblr.  I intend to keep content different or as separate as possible, to keep things fresh on both Blogs.

And we have a Dailymotion site as well.  I intend to post tutorial videos there as well.  Those of you that either do not have access to, or dislike Youtube can look for the Daily Motion video's soon.  Although you can link Facebook and Daily Motion I haven't done so yet, I want to see how this goes what else can be done before I begin to repeat myself ad nauseum.

We also have a new "favcon", for those of you that are following the blog, you should now see this picture or a very tiny version thereof when you click the link.

New links to these pages have been added where appropriate.  The sidebar menu, other pages, Google + pages, etc.

One more link for you all.  This is interesting and I urge you to read at least one of the articles.  Either the Etsy CSI Team Cracks Down On Rule-Breakers or the blog post by an Etsy Seller that had her shop closed by Etsy Administration.  Eye opening and important stuff!  Give it a read.   Handmadeology Article

Thank you all for stopping and having a look!  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant and joyous weekend!

Monday Market Review List of Events

Good Morning,

It is Monday, and although I worked all weekend I hope you all had a wonderful and restful one.

The Market was a successful and as usual an enjoyable experience.  Talking to people, looking at what other exhibitors are selling, discussing the latest and local fashion trends with the younger crowd.  However; we did have some sad and wonderful news.  Sam Jones, who has run the Market for 24 years, retired this weekend.
She was greatly respected, admired, appreciated and loved by those who worked with her and got to enjoy her company during those Market weekends.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish her all the best in her great new adventures!  She will be greatly missed.


Table One:  A selection of Semi-precious Gemstone and Sterling Silver Earrings, Chain Maille, and Jewelry sets.

Almost out!  Time for another round of Semi-precious Gemstones and stretchy stuff!

Terrible Lighting, no wonder everything looks funny in there.  

Table Two:  A selection of Semi-precious Gemstone and Sterling Silver Jewelry sets.

Since there is nothing new in the Shop as I was not in the Studio this weekend, I thought it might be fun to list a couple of up coming events.

Although this was the last market for the 2011-2012 season, the Markets begin again in September, 2012 and runs through April 2013.  Watch the blog for a complete list of show dates when the Vendor list has been provided to exhibitors.

The Alchemists Vessel will also be attending the July 14th and 15th Treasure Valley Flea Market in conjunction with the Northwest Motorfest Auto Show which rolls into town July 13-15th, 2012, click the link for this year's details.  Here are a couple of shots from last year taken from KTVB.com website.  (A local News Station).

Just what is this?

Guys riding motorcycles in round cages!  What more could you ask for?  An Auto show staple if ever there was one.

Thank you all for stopping by, we'll put up more details and information for both shows (running concurrently) when it is available.

Studio Time

Greetings,

This morning's post will be brief.

This afternoon I will be attending an introductory class at Jo-Ann's Fabrics as a sit-in, to watch the class, the instructor, and to see how things go with lesson plans and schedules.  I am kind of excited.

The studio is currently in state of disarray as I attempt to get prepared for the Flea Market this weekend, beads, wire, bits of stuff is everywhere and needs to be packed and put away.   We do have some new items on the table, so come on by and have a look.  We'll be at the Fair Grounds.

Treasure Valley Flea Market

Enrolled in a Jewelry and Metal Arts Class, the first project is due soon and I am in need of materials to finish it up, shopping is also agenda.

Yes, all of that is wonderful, but what is going on in the studio?

Weaving Bracelets.

Making Earrings.

Re-doing the Etsy Shop

Paring down and reorganizing the sites and web presence.

Yes, always busy.

Thank you for stopping by, it is Wednesday, and the work week is almost done!

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.

In My Studio - Chain Maille and Beads

Currently I am working on several things, however I have been talking about learning a new weave, the Full Persian.  Much like the Box or Inca Puno Weave, as well as the Byzantine weave, the jump rings are grouped together, flipped, turned, and closed to create units, each unit forms a link, the links then form a chain.

The Full Persian begins with a Box weave, and additional jump rings are added to the unit to create a link that that consists of six rings, instead of four.  In the photos below a red bead marks where I have stopped the chain pattern.  I like the addition of the bead so much that I slightly opened already added jump rings to let me know where the other beads must go to complete the pattern.

Jump rings and pliers are all that is required to create and produce this very pretty and complicated-look chain.

 

I have also been tucked away at the Bench working on Brochure Projects for Jo-Ann Fabrics.  I now remember why I don't bead.  If you have the knack and the talent CONGRATULATIONS! Tiny uncooperative things make my head hurt, needles prick my finger and the thread gets tangled up, but I suppose it's not art if you're not bleeding.  Diagrams and poorly written or confusing instructions don't help either.  Just a personal observation on my crafting abilities.

Don't laugh, it took me three days to figure out this pattern.  As an example of what I may be teaching and what kind of Advanced Jewelry Making Classes you can sign up for and learn by doing.  From Jo-Ann's "Link -n- Bling" project.  6/0 Amethyst Czech Glass Seed Beads are woven flat in a Figure 8 or infinity symbol weave, rows are counted and the beads are then laced up along the length of the vertical edge and sewn together to form a Circular tube.  Since no one has signed up for this particular class, I do not have to finish the project.

With the Treasure Valley Market next week and then again in July, I suddenly find myself very busy, perhaps even over extended to the point of burnout.  This is not good.  What does one do when burnout begins?  One takes a  break, a respite, a walk in the woods, and then reorganizes and prioritizes and gets it done!  That being said, many of the irons I have in the fire are either just sitting due to lack of attention, or so red hot that they take up the majority of my time, leaving everything else behind to be caught up with later.  I will be paring down some of the things to better manage my time and the business.

Although I just opened and listed things on Cafe Press they want the shop owners to put a lot work into promoting the site instead of their shop, and  I have gotten ZERO response, so I will be closing that down.  The Official Website will be downgraded to little more than information and the shopping pages will be removed as customers seem to click through from the site to purchase items on Etsy instead of the direct "Buy" button.  

I have also started to attend classes to upgrade my skills.  A combination of Hands-On Training and Internet Reading Material and Examinations, I must carve out enough time to complete the course work, that means limiting or eliminating some of the other things that aren't working or producing results in favor of study and class project time.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  We would like to wish you a pleasant rest of the week.

The Truth About Selling On Line

Good Monday Morning to you all.

I have had several conversations with people over the weekend about on line shops, new careers, the failing economy, and what we as entrepreneurial individuals can do to supplement the income or make ends meet.  A lot of people now turn to the internet for this and think that because one shop is doing well, so will they.

I do not wish to discourage or dash the hopes the those just venturing forth, I think many believe that they will open an On Line Store or Shop of their own through one of the venues, and that the money will just come rolling in.  

No.

Like any business it is A LOT of hard work, time and effort on the part of you, the seller.  There is merchandise and merchandising, most sellers have items or an inventory available for sale before they "open" their shops.  Merchandise is the items you make, merchandising is keeping those items you make yours and "branding" them specifically for you shop.  No, I don't mean get out the Branding Iron and start marking things with your initials, I mean learning and recognizing what makes your items unique and different from an others.  Do you use specific items, colors, natural or man made materials?  What makes your items special, desirable, wearable, printable, buy-able?

Then there is marketing.  How do people find you?  Do they know you exist?  Where are you located?  How do you accept payment?  How do you drive customers to your shop or site?  Do you have a physical address or venue where people can shop with you?  How do you increase traffic to your shop or site?  How do you get people to buy things?  Why should a shopper buy your item instead of purchasing from someone else?  All that has to come from your brain to the page or site.

Advertising is how people find you, and it is expensive.  Whether on the web or elsewhere, advertising is key.  It is also important to let people know you have opened a shop and have things for sale.  Social Networking is great for this, but can only take you so far.

Currently Facebook and Etsy rule the on line world.  There are something like 1,265,543 shops on Etsy, I saw this number some time ago, and can not find it again.  This venue connects sellers and shoppers WORLD WIDE, and it continues to grow daily!  That's a lot of competition.  How does one stand out in a sea of people?  That is an individual trick I have yet to learn.

Facebook has lots of widgets to get your shop or site connected to a fan page via their site.  Etsy also has several free widgets by third party developers that can help promote you shop on blogs, Facebook, Google Plus, and your own site.  Of course the work is up to you, finding these things, getting the links and connecting it all falls to the Shop Owner, no one will do it for you.

Wow, Alix, that's a lot of work.  When do you find time to actually make anything?  Scheduling my time has always been something I have always done well.  I find a groove with a flow, and I stick with it.  One has to discipline themselves.  Yes, I'd love to go play in the park, but I have to finish this first!  Diligence is just a quarter of the battle!

The reality of The Alchemists Vessel

On average, I make about two (2) sales a month from Etsy, and nothing from any of the the other sites I use or have a presence on.  THAT SUCKS!  Because I have other ways to supplement the income, I can live with that, but in reality that is terrible!  I should be making two or more sales a day!  How does one accomplish that with hundreds of thousands of other jewelry makers vying for those same shoppers dollars?  I haven't the foggiest idea.

Below is a list of what I do to keep up my skills, my traffic flow, customer base and new items when I have them.

Currently enrolled in Jewelry Design and Repair Classes: Certification for repair will be given after course completion.

Jo-Ann Fabrics, Contracted Instructor: Currently teaching Jo-Ann's Brochure Projects

Treasure Valley Flea Market:  This is a once a month venue open to the public, and it exactly what it sounds like an open market venue to hawk your wares.

Facebook

Etsy

Blogs

Google Plus

The Offical Website

Cafe Press

My Webees

Linkedin

Delicious Stacks

Pinterest

Wise Stamp (E-mail signatures)

Word of Mouth

Business Cards

Tutorial Videos on Youtube (once a month)

I think I have forgotten one or two, but that's about it, and I do that every day!

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  In hope that discouragement is not the main theme of this post.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant week.

Featured Artist - Photographer, Stacey DeBono

I am pleased to present and introduce my personal friend, and fabulous Photographer, Stacey DeBono. 

Stacey has written a brief bio about herself and her work, I have grabbed several of my favorite pictures that capture her amazing and wonderful talent.  Not limited to landscape and nature scenes, she also takes Portraits, and is available for private sittings, public venues and other events.  Contact Stacey if you're in the San Francisco, Bay Area.  Links to her professional pages may be found below.

BIO:

Photography. Its one of those "catch" words for me. I love it, every single aspect of it, especially vintage type stuff. Capturing images that convey emotion, any emotion, is my goal. I love shooting people (photographically, of course...although I do admit to some feelings of love for shooting people with Nerf guns at times) and capturing subtle nuances of emotion in a contrasting background, with a vintage flair.

I'm Stacey, and Im a City chick, through and through. I've lived and traveled extensively in Europe and California, but I always come back to the Bay. I shoot musicians, bands, and people but specialize in vintage portraits - '40s Hollywood glamour, '60s mod, '70s hippie chick - I love it all.

I'm also working with a few film production companies as a director/dir. of photography and am finding that quite rewarding. I'm opening a new studio March 1 in Oakland where I will be not only creating more vintage portraits with great props, but will be working with some of the best stylists and musicians the Bay has to offer. Exciting things happening in 2012!

You can find Stacey at the links below:

Facebook

LinkedIn

Some of Stacey's Work - 

Home!  San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge

Seagull!

Beach Glass along the Hayward, CA shore.

This is one of my personal favorites of Stacey's shots.  It evokes emotion at a glance, subtle tones of black and white capture the lone, gnarled, and stately tree in a California park.  Simply stunning!

Featured Artisan - Alixandra Browning

It has become painfully obvious that I have no idea how to conduct an interview.  I'm a jeweler not a journalist.  So bear with me, we will cover something.

Alchemy: (n) The process of transforming something common into something extraordinary. 

Alchemists: (n) a person or practitioner of alchemy.

I am a self-taught artisan, books, questions and watching others is how I learn my craft and trade.

My love of nature and the outdoors has inspired many of my creations and I try to offer only the finest quality natural Gemstones, glass beads, and other high quality materials.

As a designer I would like customers to be as happy and pleased with the pieces they purchase as I am in creating them. Each piece is handcrafted with meticulous care and attention to detail.  I like to put a sense varying design styles, fun and excitement, whimsy and femininity to the jewelry creations.  

I have been in business since 2005, and began in Zodiac niche jewelry.  Quickly aware that I needed to offer more, I began researching and studying techniques, gemstones, and metals on my own.  The inventory has grown, selections are more varied and I enjoy the design aspect.  Working with a variety of materials helps to keep things fresh.  I taught myself to make Chain Maille last year, and have become adept at several patterns.

You can find the jewelery at The Alchemists Vessel online.

This is what I look like:

This is what I do:

This where you can find me:  Treasure Valley Market at Expo  Idaho, 5610 Glenwood St, at the Fair Grounds in Garden City, ID.

Thank your for bearing with me.  I hope you enjoyed this brief and not very informative peak into the artisan and Alchemist, Alixandra Browning