Five Great Gifts For Giving Men's Edition

Good Morning,

Today we have five truly unique and individual items for the men on your list.  All items are from the talented artists on The Craft Star.  Masculine, sturdy, strong and handmade designs make for wonderful and unexpected gifts thus holiday.

From: Neolithia

Stone Alien pendant necklace hand carved from Dracocite natural healing stone

This is "Bug Eyes", both beautiful and natural stone wearble art, hand carved from two different pieces of Dracocite. The translucent green hand carved beady eyes are strung on natural hemp cord that holds them in the ET's head. The adjustable closure beads are also hand carved from Dracocite, eliminating the use of metal. Wear this rare healing stone and feel its power. This is truly a piece of fantasy pulled from the mind of the Beastmaster and is also signed.

Dimensions: 1 9/16" W x 1 1/4" H x 3/8" Thick

The artist holds a BS in geology and presents this unique personal sculpture not only as "green" but as a statement against ecodamage.  It was made from scrap from a 1901 ornamental stone cutting operation and if allowed, will slowly degrade by sequestration of CO2, the only natural stone to alter in this manner.  Minimal care will prevent this alteration, however.

By request and for a nominal fee, I will write the "life" story of this particular piece of stone, illustrating the "living" nature of this stone's amazing genesis, beginning over 300 million years ago before multicellular life was known to exist on Earth.


From: Metal Ivy Jewelry Designs 

Deer Pendant Necklace, Brass Metal, Rhinestones and Chain

Gorgeous brass deer pendant necklace attached to a matte brass chain. Deer has clear stones to add sparkle and shine. The necklace measures 22.5" and has a 3" extender. Deer pendant measures 1" wide by 1 3/4" long. A great necklace that will complete your holiday look.


From: Rustic Craft
  
Custom Art Gift- Personalized City / State Art - Rustic Wood Custom Sign

Custom Art Gift- Personalized City / State Art - Rustic Wood Custom Sign 
These unique custom designed art blocks feature your desired state outline, with the desired city along the left, and a heart locating the city within the state. These live edge wood blocks are hand engraved and then hand painted with eco-friendly, soy-based acrylic paints and finished in our original beeswax blend wood conditioning paste.

This wood art piece will be cut from our stock of hardwoods which may include:
- Black Cherry
- Maple
- Butternut
- Black Walnut
- Black Locust

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Sign options
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- This item can be made from 2" thick stock or 1" thick stock (approx. thicknesses)

- If you have a preference of wood species let us know

- Choose your desired city & state (or country) & if you have a color preference.

Your wood pyrography engraving will be artfully completed by hand, not by a machine...any slight imperfections should be viewed as part of the beauty of handmade art =)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Finishing and Care
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This wood sign / ornament will be finished with our own original blend of beeswax+oil.

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Gift Wrapping
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All our signs are lovingly wrapped in burlap & tied with raffia ribbon perfect for giving as a special gift. We can also direct ship to your giftee; add the recipient’s address to the receipt upon purchase, or conversation me to send your information. A gift card with desired message can also be included for no additional fee.


From: Iris X Readings, Lotions and Other Potions

Lavender Mint Lotion 2 oz.

 
This is a wonderful, light cream to be used on your skin during the day.  This lotion is made with all natural, organic ingredients that are good for your skin.  It is made in very small batches to ensure high quality and consistency.


From: Jerks Corner
 

I Want To Ride T-shirt

Get Your Swag On
I Want To Ride It Where I Like T-Shirt
This fun Graphic T-Shirt is available in many sizes and colors. You can choose your favorite during the checkout process. 
Includes Think High , Live Simple graphic on the bottom of the t-shirt. 
Get your swag on with Jerks Corner! Hosted by Kirk Sherrod , Jerks Corner is a weekly Hangout On Air Series by bike experts for bike experts. Each show provides information on keeping your bike in tip top shape with "Answers from Adrian" , entertaining interviews with special guests and you can ask your questions live , via the "Bat Phone". Join Kirk and his cast of characters every Monday at 1 pm MST/ 3 pm EST.Find programming updates on Google Plus +Jerks Bike Shop
  

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.  In hope encouragement strikes and you will have a look at other items in teh shop and perhaps find that special something for that special someone.

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

Holidays With The Alchemists Vessel

Good Morning,

Today I wanted to share a couple of offers and a note or two on on shopping with us for the holidays.

Let's get to the good stuff first.

You may notice a new banner for the shop here and there.  We're trying to be more festive and match our fan pages to our shopping sites around the web.

 
There are 52 items left in the Etsy shop.  The Etsy shop will  be closing after the final item has expired.  Items are up through December 2014, and expiration dates vary.  If you would like to shop via Etsy, we have a final offer, use the Coupon Code HOLIDAY10 at check out and received an additional 10% off the list price.  In some cases the items have been reduced in price.

You may also shop a select inventory right here from the Blog.  Just click the Shop Square Market tab at the top of the page.  Safe, secure, and check out using Square on line, simply click the shopping cart icon when you're through.  Easy-peasy!

We have more variety and some favorites at The CraftStar.  See what you like, but don't like what you see?  No problem.  We can create any of our designs in the beads or gemstone of your choice.  Send us an message from any of our online shops and we will be happy to make that special something just for you.

Dark Star Chainmaille Earrings

These cute Chainmaille earrings come in a variety of bead colors, or your choice of Silver-plated or Gunmetal jump rings.   Choose from Silver-line Czech glass beads in: Amethyst, Black, Crystal (clear), Emerald, Hematite (shown), Opal (A/B White), Ruby (Red), Sapphire (Dark Blue).  Don't have your favorite color?  Let us know and we'll be happy to stock it.

In Silver-plated Jump rings and Ruby Czech glass beads.

 If you would like your item to be a guaranteed delivery by Christmas, please place your orders no later than December 10th.  Final Shipping will be on December 15th, that's a Monday, in order to have your items to you before Christmas.  We cannot guarantee that your items will arrive on time if ordered after December 15th.

Handy links to find, follow or bookmark.

Offical Website
The CraftStar
Handmade Artists
Etsy
Facebook
Twitter



Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Featured Artist: Hand Made In Chico

Good Morning,

Today I would like to share an artist that does truly unique jewelry.  Personalization is available, and these are so clever and cute, I think I need to start a collection.  Available on The CraftStar at Handmade In Chico.


What the artists says:

We are a husband/wife team that live in beautiful Northern California and enjoy creating crafty items in our shop with our creative daughter our artsy son.

Of course I can't share every item in the store, but here is a small sampling of what they have available and what you can mix and match for a personalized item request.

Scrabble Tile Jewelry - Scrabble Tile Pendant - Pick your letter Raspberry Wine Damask Vintage Typewriter Key - (448)

 

Scrabble® game tile pendants are handmade with care.

Please check out our shop announcements for special sales and offers.

These adorable pendants are made from reclaimed wood Scrabble® Game Tiles.
 

The size of each pendant is approximately 0.75 X 0.83 in.

Each laser printed image is attached to a wooden Scrabble® game tile and sealed with a shiny epoxy resin dome that brings out the details of the image and then a silver plated bail is attached to the back.
 

Bail style may vary slightly from one shown in image.

Game piece letters on the back are random.

**FREE 24 inch ball chain necklace included.

These make wonderful gifts, wedding or birthday favors, have a custom one made for your Mom or your favorite valentine!

Each comes in a Decorative Matchbox ready to gift.

These pendants are not water proof and are not intended for small children as they can be a choking hazard.

If you are looking for something that you don’t see, convo me and I will see what I can come up with.

Let us know if you need larger quantities or wholesale.

Thank you for shopping Handmade in Chico.

Scrabble® is a registered trademark of Hasbro Inc./Milton Bradley, and Mattel/JW Spear & Sons Plc

Vintage Piano Scrabble Tile Pendant - Scrabble Tile Jewelry - Black and White - 043 - with Decorative MATCHBOX gift box

Vintage Piano Black and White Necklace
Scrabble® game tile pendants are handmade with care.
Please check out our shop announcements for special sales and offers.
These adorable pendants are made from wood Scrabble® Game Tiles.
The size of each pendant is approximately 0.75 X 0.83 in. Each laser printed image is attached to a wooden scrabble game tile and sealed with a non-yellowing shiny dome finish that brings out the details of the image and a silver plated bail is attached to the back.
Game piece letters on the back are random.
**FREE 24" ball chain necklace included. These make wonderful gifts, wedding or birthday favors, have a custom one made for your Mom or your favorite valentine!
Each comes in a Decorative Matchbox Gift Box ready to gift.
These pendants are not water proof and are not intended for small children as they can be a choking hazard.
If you are looking for something that you don't see, convo me and I will see what I can come up with.

Here's a sweet deal!

Scrabble Tile Jewelry - Scrabble Tile Pendant Necklace - Super Special 10 pendants for 50 dollars - Includes chains

 
Choose any 10 pendants (excluding custom picture pendants #188 & #189).

***Please NOTE: Put your pendant choices in a note to seller, 

***DO NOT purchase them individually. Thank you!

No BOGO with this offer.

Scrabble® game tile pendants are handmade with care.

Please check out our shop announcements for special sales and offers.

These adorable pendants are made from wood Scrabble® Game Tiles. The size of each pendant is approximately 0.75 X 0.83 in. Each laser printed image is attached to a wooden scrabble game tile and sealed with a non-yellowing shiny dome finish that brings out the details of the image and a silver plated bail is attached to the back.

Game piece letters on the back are random. **10 - 24" ball chain necklaces included.

Gift Shops Sports Teams non-profit organizations (convo for the cost of a custom listing using your logo)

These pendants are not water proof and are not intended for small children as they can be a choking hazard.

If you are looking for something that you don't see, convo me and I will see what I can come up with.


We hope we have encouraged you to see what else is on the shelves.

Thank you fot 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 For Giving List 16

Good Morning,

Today we showcase five cool items from five neat shops on Etsy.  We have two new shops as well as some returning favorites.

New to me and the Etsy Team, Road To Success, is this fun and adorable shop.

From: Nerdvana  Mama

Doctor Who Tardis purse bag

Doctor Who TARDIS Purse. Made of cotton, lined on inside with black cotton fabric. Two pockets on inside, one small, one large, to create more space. approx. 8x11 inches. Windows, doors and signs are hand painted.

Each purse is made to order. So slight variations will occur. 

Invader Zim Gir keychain

Ready to ship Invader Zim Gir keychain. Made of hard plastic.Approx 1 inch tall. Each keychain is hard drawn.

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner.

With Beltane comes the Babies, so why not get prepared for those new arrivals or those that are ready for a first year celebration.  There other neat banners and things in the shop.  Give them a look.

From: SDK Creations

Custom Baby Shower Onesie Banner, Fabric Banner, Baby, Boy,Girl, Twins, Unisex

 

Baby Onesie Banner. Just the perfect decoration, gift for the Mommy and Baby to be. What shower wouldn't be a hit without the Banner. Nice thing is this is also a wearable banner.

PLEASE ALLOW 2-3 WEEKS CREATING TIME. IF YOU NEED IT SOONER PLEASE CONTACT ME.


**** THIS IS A CUSTOM ORDER, UPON AGREEMENT AND YOUR LISTING IS PAID FOR THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS. ****

**THIS LISTING INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING

Banner 4 Onesie's
Choice of character
If you would like to do a name. $8 per Onesie
Choice of fabric color
Twine, Ribbon
Clothespins
4-6 Feet Long

** Additional Charge

$3.00 for each addtional onsie
$ .50 for additional fabric
$1.00 for added embelishments to clothespins

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner. 


From: Zlala959
  
Agate quartz druzy drusy pendant link connector No10765

If you want to make jewelry yourself, this item is a very good accessory.

material: druzy
size: about 10mm x 20mm x 30mm
color and pattern: please see the picture.
conditon: new and never been used.

If you have any questions about shipping, payment and return
policy, please check my shop policies.

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner. 

From Sue's Arts

Layered necklace, layered beaded necklace, multi layered necklace, long layered necklace, chuncky layered necklace

Beautiful, elegant, charming and unique one of a kind layered necklace.

Created with red ruby gems, large clear Swarovski crystals and more.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

Suzan ♥ 

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

 

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you 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.

Five Gift Ideas from Etsy

Good Morning, 

Tuesday arrives wet and a little dreary, but that is all right.  Idaho could use the rain.

Today I have five gift ideas for you from the shops on Etsy and a new one or two to check out!

Here is a brand new shop and an interesting artist.

From:  Emily Andrews

Dream Factory Photo Collage Print

Description: A high resolution print of a photo collage I did using images from multiple sources such as magazines and old newspapers on a TV tray. The Dream Factory sequence is one of my scenes of surrealism and was made to inspire imaginative thoughts where the possibilities are endless. The print is 8in x 12in and is printed on glossy photo paper.
Other sizes are available for every print. 


From:  StaRsbyDi

Black and White Pearl Necklace with Black Resin Rose Flower Pendant

Description:  Black and White Pearl Necklace with Resin Rose Flower Pendant, Necklace and Earring Set.
I handmade this lovely necklace with ivory glass pearls. The beautiful pendant is made of a black resin rose set on a non-tarnish fine silver-plated metal base. I finished the necklace with a silver plated lobster clasp.

-The necklace measures approx. 45.5cm (17.91'') from one end to the other in a straight line.
The pendant is 3.5cm (1.38'') long and the resin rose measures 3cm (1.18'').

-The earring will fall 3.3cm (1.30 inches) from your piercing. I handcraft this beautiful pair using black resin rose flowers, set on silver plated ear posts. I wire wrapped the roses and pearls with silver plated wire.

This pretty set will brighten up any outfit and it is a perfect gift for a woman.


From: Sues Arts

Bronze Flower Daisy Ring 

Description:  SOLD SEPARATELY - PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHICH # YOU LIKE.

Gorgeously beautiful and unique rings in antique bronze.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

Thanks for looking.

From:  I Paint It Pretty

Holiday Ornament Red Sled with Penguins 

 

Description:  This is a hand painted and decorated pine sled with two penguins and an igloo. The penguins are sitting in the snow with presents all around them. The sled is a cheery holiday red with white runners. Glittering snowflakes add some sparkle. 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 the snowflakes are glued on. I added a red and gold tie for hanging.

From:  Green Witch Designs (Shelly Moody)

Stitch Markers - Just Like  Mommy's 

Description:  One of the greatest pleasures we get as a knitter, is teaching the skill to the next generation. We love sharing what we know with the younger set. Many of us have young knitters in our own homes. The dilemma we face is, what do we do when they raid our favorite notions? Here is the perfect answer, our Just Like Mommy line of stitch markers. These fun little notions are inexpensive and created with the youngest knitters in mind! The perfect way to give her, or him, the tools they need to keep up with their new favorite hobby! No more worrying about your own favorite markers and hoping they will make it back to you.

These pink with purple heart markers are made of plastic beads, silver plated findings and will fit up to a size US9 needle.
They are pictured here with a size US6 needle.

That is all for today.

Thank you for stoppping in and having a look.

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

 

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!