Five Great Gifts For Giving List F 2016

Good Morning,

Today's items come from five unique shops on The CraftStar.


From: Stephanie B's Creative Design

Balloon Dog Card

This FUN card is 5 1/2" by 4 1/4". This is a happy Card!! It has turquoise Balloon Dog. Just makes you feel good!! Tell someone special they're in your thoughts with this gorgeous card! The glitz and glam just does not come across on a screen!  Blank inside, a greeting can be added at your request. This card can be used for any occasion.

 All our cards are handmade with acid-free card-stock, inks and embellishments. Everything is cut, stamped, colored and assembled by hand, so each piece is one-of-a-kind! No two will be exactly alike. We can always change a color for you or create a custom design to your liking, just send us a message and we'll make something special just for you.

$4.99

Stephanie B's Creative Design is a smoke-free, pet-free environment. 

All cards come with a matching envelope or it's own shipping box to either mail it or give it away in it.

Please note that colors may appear slightly different in person, depending on your monitor.


From:  My European Touch

Shabby Chic small Photo Album, a special gift in pink toile and laces 

Shabby chic Photo Album with a Marie Antoinette Theme,
Laces galore, Satin Fabric flowers. 

The perfect gift for her, wedding party, baby shower, gift idea.



From: Vintage Skies Photography and Design

Galley Wrap "Somewhere " Canvas- Ready to Hang

 
Gallery Wrap: 11x14

Title: Somewhere
I am now pleased to be offering fine art gallery wraps.

They are made with real wood and professionally framed with a luster finish and a finished back with no staples.
The depth of the sides is 1.1/4 inches.
Hanging hardware is pre-installed.

The wonderful thing about my gallery wraps is that they come to you completely finished, No matting, no framing ...... ready to hang right on your wall! 

My gallery wraps have a classic texture and vibrant color and are finished with a scratch resistant protective layer with a Luster satin finish.

Canvas prints ship with-in 2 weeks to allow time for printing/framing.

Shipped through USPS first class mail with tracking and delivery confirmation.

If you would like your Gallery wrap in a larger size please contact me for a price and a private listing
Any Image you see in my shop can be purchased as a Gallery Wrap, again please contact me for a private listing.
Taken and processed by me, Rachel Burbee © all rights reserved.



From: Kreated by Kymm

Personalized Piggy Bank, Custom Piggy Bank, Flowers and Butterflies Piggy Bank, Ceramic Piggy Bank

These adorable piggy banks are something that can be treasured for a lifetime. I will add butterflies and flowers on any colors you would like. 

I can make these in any theme. If you have an idea for one just msg me!

 

 

From: Dreams of Caedryn

CLEARANCE Wire Wrapped Tumbled Clear Quartz Crystal Pendant

This pendant is created with a tumbled quartz crystal that's wrapped in silver wire, creating a beautiful pendant to accent your wardrobe and aid in channeling energy or healing. Size varies from 1 to 1 1/4" tall and 1/2 - 5/8" wide. Limited supply. Have you joined us on Facebook yet? We'd love to see you there! http://www.facebook.com/dreamsofcaedryn 

We're also on Pinterest! http://www.pinterest.com/caedrynsdreams

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  Encouraging you to click through and see what else these fun and unique shops have on offer.


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.

Fashion Do's for 2014

Good Morning, 

I thought it might be fun to take a look at what the Fashion Industry thinks is cool this year.

This year's must have Fashion Color is a faux pas!  Raidiant Orchid 18-3224 (Pantone Color System).

Orchids are a beautiful flower, however wearing the color tends to make one look jaundiced (yellow).  A gorgeous color, it should be kept to small accessory items, Hair-clips or ribbons, perhaps a dash color in an outfit as a accent, but never as the main focus color.  Or you could always go as a great big grape.



Accenting this color is not terribly difficult, but if done wrong you may have a color clash to end all color clashes.  Here is a lovely little color block that will help you choose the right accent color or accessories to go with your new fashion statement.

You can jazz up your wardrobe with an easy accessory and no commitment to a bold, bright color.  Try these simple everyday items.

Purse

Shoes  (Shown - Converse All Stars)

How about a lovely Hair Accessory

Hair / Make-Up Design and Photo by: Echo Pirnie, Boise Idaho.

Other ideas:

Amethyst Crystal or Gemstone Jewelry to match.
Never underestimate the power of pennies!  This years fashion color is next years Junk Drawer item, you do not have to spend a lot to be part of the in-crowd.  Dime Store finds can be just the right thing to finish off your look, and no one needs know it was only $1.00.

Less is more!  I can not stress this enough.  Do not clad yourself in purple from head to toe, select an item, like your dress.  Now start to adding pieces to create your outfit, a necklace in perhaps a matching tone or one to two shades darker or lighter than your main attire.  Shoes should always be simple and elegant, even a pair of flip-flops with the right skirt can be very becoming.  (Mind you, I live in my Chuck Taylor's so I don't nothing 'bout no shoes).

Don't forget to add a bit of shiny, earrings can be a crystal or gemstone beads that catch the light, a bit of bling on your wrist for a pretty spark in the sunlight.  Clear quartz crystal is always  eye-catching and never clashes.

We hope you have enjoyed thinking about what you might wear  or create this year using this color.  Happy Designing.

Thank you for coming in and having a look.

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

Happy Holidays Everyone

Knit One Purl Two New Tables with Stuff For You

Good Morning,

Today is a collection of random musings and a couple of photos of the new shop arrangement.

We still have plenty of space for tables, shelves or stand-alone displays for your wares.  Let's have a peek at the shop's main interior.

This is now "Shelly's Corner".  Shelly Moody of the The Muddfip Photographer and Green Witch Handmades has photo prints, hand-crocheted head bands, and a selection woodwork accessories, and jewelry.

Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery has added a few bits and lovely baubles to her display table as well.

We have rearranged the store front just a little to feature the new hand-knit items available and just in time for the Winter season.

New items include:

Red Scarf - $30.00
"Camouflage" -$30.00 (Bulky Green Scarf)
Autumn Red Muffatees: $24.00 / Pair
Holiday Muffatees: $24.00 / pair (Red with Silver)
"Texters": $20.00 / pair - Fingerless Warmers

Thank you for stopping in and having a look

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

Handmade Holidays

Good Morning,

Stop reading this like I am crazy.  Just because it is the end of August doesn't mean that for Artisans and Independent Sellers and Crafter's of all kinds that you get to have a vacation.  Oh no!

Now, right now is the perfect time to start your Holiday goods.  I know it sounds super daunting and very overwhelming, but if the task is done in manageable chunks, it can be fun and profitable too.

1.  Supply Inventory:  I know counting is not fun, especially if you work with multitudes of little tiny things.  I am not saying count every piece of everything in your Craft Room / Closet / Box, but take a general inventory.  Do you need more of this or that?  All your tools in good working order?  Alright then.

2.  Evaluate: Do you still have things from last year's season that did not sell?  Give them a good once over, why didn't the item sell?  Did something look wrong, can you tweak it or give it a fresh look?  Do things need to be cleaned?  Now is the time to do that.

3.  Decide:  Are you planning on attending a Craft Fair or other Holiday Event?  Do you know the details?  Do you have everything you need to attend the Fair or Show?  Does the Fair you are attending have a theme?  Now it the time to get that organized, displays, packing material, business cards, signage, etc.  What pieces will you take with you?  Will you work on a project at the show?

4.  Create:  Now that you know what you have in your supplies, and what's on the racks as it were, you can sit down and play with those supplies and create new and interesting pieces for the Holidays.

The Remaining Major Holidays

Halloween: Thursday, October 31st
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 28
Chanukah:  Wednesday, November 27, Sundown
Christmas: Wednesday, December 25
News Year's Eve: Tuesday, December 31st.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

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

Don't Forget SHOP SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY is November 03, 2013.  Stop by Little Shop of Artists for your Holiday Gift Giving needs, or shop your local independent businesses this year instead of the Big Box or Department Stores.  You'll be the person with the best presents!

Five Great Gifts To Give List 27

Good  Morning,

This Tuesday we'll be doing something a little bit different, instead of individual shops, I have raided handmadeartists.com 's Highlights Pages for some of the most beautiful item collections to be found.

Any of the items pictured in these Highlights may be purchased directly from the site.  Follow the link through to the Highlight and click the item.  It's that easy.  Highlights include 20 items from different shops on the site.  I have included one or two from each, in hope it will inspire you to click through and see the rest of what each  Highlight has to offer.  All created by shop owners and buyers on the site, they are like wish lists.

Orange, I love warm fiery colors, and this lovely collection was put together by the site's owner as well as artists "chainmaille"

Handmade Orange Style

Dreamcicle Vegan Soap

Product Details:
Do you love the smell of Orange Creamcicle Ice Cream Pops? Then this soap is for you!

We make our soaps in small batches from scratch.

Approx. 4 ounces

Materials used: Olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, canola oil, shea butter, coco butter, FO or EO.

Indian Summer Glass Bracelet

Product Details:
The perfect color for fall or any season is what makes this glass bracelet a must have for your wardrobe!
This unique bracelet is made with two orange glass bracelets that are wired wrapped with copper wire and orange crystales to make one beautiful bangle bracelet.
It measures three inches in diameter therefore you will need to make sure the bracelet fits by making a fist and measuring the top of your hand across the knuckles.
It comes in a decorated gift box and will be shipped as soon as payment is received.
$37.00 each or 3 x $90.00


Summer Gifts For Everyone - by Thunder Rose Leather, one of my favorite shops!

Stoneware Coffee Mug Beige Tall Hand Thrown White Horse Pottery

Product Details:
Hand Thrown Stoneware Taller Coffee Mug, with a gloss glaze of  light, medium and dark blues, dark green-browns, and clear over natural stoneware on the outside and white on the inside.  The mug is food safe, lead free, microwave and dishwasher safe.  Holds about 18 ounces.

Dimensions: 3 3/8 inches wide,  and 4 5/8  inches tall. (handle not included in the width.) 

The mug will ship by UPS ground or US Postal Service.

Please use Paypal for payment.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Thanks for looking!

Rose Barrette Hand Tooled Leather

Product Details:

Hand Tooled Leather Barrette. A single large rose style flower in the middle, dyed two tone tan with brown leather reddish brown loop lacing around the edge, the under side is lined with black textured lining. Size: 5 1/2" long (flat), 3" wide, with 4" between the holes. It comes with the 6" long stick shown. It takes several hours to tool, dye and lace this Barrette, with no two ever being just alike.

What A Wonderful World - by trusk4u, another favorite shop and friend.

Original Watercolor of a Barn in Virginia

Product Details:

For months I traveled by this barn near Independence Virginia and  thought it was beautiful with the mountains behind it.  I had to stop and photograph it.  This watercolor is the result of that photo.
The imag is about 11 x 14 and is matted to fit into a 16 x 20 frame.  It comes matted but not framed.
It will be sent to you within five days from receiving your payment by Paypal.  If it is a rush please email me at: michael_joe_moore@yahoo.com and I will rush it.
To see more of my watercolors go to: http://watercolorsmjm.com
Thank you for your interest in my art.

Glendalough Monastery

Product Details:

This photograph of headstones, including a Celtic cross, at Wicklow Monastery is a beautiful silhouette, with the majestic Wicklow Mountains in the background. It was taken in County Wicklow, Ireland in the spring of 2009 on a beautiful day.

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

The text won't be there, of course.


Thank you for stopping in and having a look. We hope you will take a moment to click through to your favorite Highlight and have look see at what else is featured.

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

Featured Artists - Shop Schedule and News

Good Morning,

Today we feature Little Shop of Artists schedule for next week and a planned class or two, but first a little news.

We are a happy family at Little Shop of Artists and this weekend one of our own is busy preparing for her son's wedding.  We would like to wish the new couple joy, prosperity and luck on their adventure to the new phase of their lives.  Congratulations!

As many of you may know I have had a medical emergency this week.  The dentist is never fun, and worse when the thing you went in for turns in to five more issues.  Great, sir!  This has kept the shop closed as there is currently only one employee, me.  We will return to our regular schedule Saturday, August 10, 2013, we will be open and as follows.

During the Summer our hours are as follows.  We take appointments, make special arrangements and can even schedule a private sitting if you choose.

Saturday 10 - 6
Sunday 12 - 6
Monday - Although this is our usual weekend day, we may open.
Tuesday - See Monday
Wednesday - We are usually open from 10 - 6 or by Appointment.
Thursday and Friday - 10 - 6

**NOTE: This week I have an appointment with another local business owner and depending on when they are available the shop will be closed that day while I am at my meeting.

As back to school approaches, and the holidays near our schedule will change to accommodate that as well.

Classes: Instruction happens during normal hours of operation at the shop.  We teach lots of crafts and are versed in many different techniques. Classes are about 2 hours to 2-1/2 hours long and the attendees go home with something they made themselves or a new skill.  Materials may be provided by the shop or the attendee may bring their own supplies and materials to work with depending on the lesson.  We offer Individual, Group, Organization or Party Lessons.

Available Lessons:  
Beginner Classes - Crochet, Knitting, *Jewelry Design / Assembly
* Learn a variety of techniques from basic stringing to **wire wrapping and chain maille.
**Wire Wrapping is taught per project exclusively by Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery.
Chain Maille is taught per weave / project exclusively by Alixandra Browning of The Alchemists Vessel and Blackbird Metalworks.

We also teach intermediate to advanced classes and can help you with that pesky project.

We offer services that range from Custom Design to Private Photography Sittings and Up-cycling or light repair of your current jewelry pieces. 

The shop is always evolving and we hope to have a new artist or two join us here shortly, as well as an end of Summer event that is currently in the planning stages.  More on that soon.

Don't forget to Like Us on Facebook - Little Shop of Artists

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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