Showcase and Discussion of Jewelry Designs by the Alchemists Vessel.
A central place to find our sites all over the web. Custom work may also be discussed. Featured Artists, Crafts, Projects, and Interesting People can all be discovered here.
Good Morning, Today's share is a video I found on line via Facebook. Although the written language may look daunting the video is in English. I would like to make two suggestions. One: Please do not try this at home unless you know what you are doing. Have proper ventilation, fire extinguishers and a large open area that isn't next to anything flammable, like your house. Two: I have done a little research on this and it has come to my attention that melting soda cans and other aluminum objects can create or release a toxic gas during the melting process. I would very much like to stress that if you wish to try something like this at home or studio to please research, study, or ask a local artisan if they have experience with this project and ask for assistance. If you would like to try your hand at casting, there is a three part tutorial here on the blog Cuttle Bone Casting. It uses household items and rosin core solder that you may find at any local hardware store. The tutorial will take you from the start with materials, to the finished project. You may choose any form to make, the steps are the important part, not the item. I made a Stone Set Cross in the tutorial.
Good Morning. The Handmade Artists blog ring has ended for now. Today I would like to introduce you to a new artist, Bethan Davies of The CraftStar also owns, operates and creates the The bra-Zing.
Alix, what the heck is a Bra-Zing? It is a neat things ladies, they put the fun in functional. What Bethan says about these cute, functional and fashionable accessories. It's a bra-volution! Welcome to the braZing! Sassy or classy in seconds. All bra wearing women know that the most comfiest of our bras, are our most worn out. With too many wash cycles under their straps, the whites are grey, the blacks are faded .... but hey! - they're our most comfortable bra and like a favorite teddy bear, we don't want to say goodbye. Now you don't have to! The bra-Zing will re-vitalize your bra into colors, patters, designs, you had never imagined possible! Seeing a girl wear a pretty tank top with straggly bra straps showing is not appealing. What IS appealing, and "peel" is key here .. is bra strap covers that match every outfit you have, with a 20 second change-up. All you do is peel away the adhesive covering on the back of your bra-Zing and press it to your existing bra strap. Bingo. And ... bras are EXPENSIVE. The bra-Zings are NOT. You can get 3 "new bras" for the price of one regular one. How's that for a bra-volution? Made in Los Angeles, and worn around the world ... it's always summer somewhere, right? We have created different sizes: lengths and widths to fit ANY bra wearing woman.
Let's have a peek at what it is and what they look like.
Orange with turquoise and cream dragonflies on a cream backing.
The total width of this bra-Zing is 5/8" wide. This listing is for a pair of 16" bra-Zings. How To Find the Right bra-Zing For Your Shape and Style We all come in different shapes and sizes ... and so do The bra-Zings. We have created a selection of braZings that will fit any bra wearing woman! You can choose from 14", 16" and 20" braZings. The 14" are great for regular tank tops and dresses. The 16" are perfect for lower cut clothing and the 20" suits razor back designs. We have also made the collection in different widths ... while any braZing will fit any bra, you can choose from skinny versions (for the slight figure), medium (for average size), and wide (for the fuller figure and nursing bras.) Skinny: 5/8", Medium: 3/4", 7/8" Wide: 1", 1 1/2" The braZings couldn't be easier to use! They literally take 5 seconds to adhere to your existing bra strap. We have found them easier to put on when the bra is off. You simply remove the adhesive cover paper, and press the braZing to the bra strap. Hold it in place for a few seconds, along the length of the braZing, to make sure it adequately sticks. The braZings are also reusable! You can wear them several (many) times on the same bra, or if you want to transfer to another, just use another piece of our adhesive and repeat the process. We have tested the durability and adhesiveness of The braZings through and through. We've carried heavy bags over our shoulders, we've worn them 2 weeks in a row, we've slept in them ... and The braZing stays in place throughout it all. As you would with any fine lingerie, The braZings should be handwashed, and can be used over and over. They are SO user friendly! In fact, they couldn't be any easier to use! The bra-Zings are so supple and the strip adherent so strong, people won't know the bra-Zing isn't your actual bra strap! They sit that well. Join the bra-volution and love your braZings!
This one is very pretty and would be wonderful for a fancy dress.
Burgundy organza rosette on a burgundy backing.
The total width of this bra-Zing is 1 1/2" wide. This listing is for a pair of 16" bra-Zings. How To Find the Right bra-Zing For Your Shape and Style We all come in different shapes and sizes ... and so do The bra-Zings. We have created a selection of braZings that will fit any bra wearing woman! You can choose from 14", 16" and 20" braZings. The 14" are great for regular tank tops and dresses. The 16" are perfect for lower cut clothing and the 20" suits razor back designs. We have also made the collection in different widths ... while any braZing will fit any bra, you can choose from skinny versions (for the slight figure), medium (for average size), and wide (for the fuller figure and nursing bras.) Skinny: 5/8", Medium: 3/4", 7/8" Wide: 1", 1 1/2" The braZings couldn't be easier to use! They literally take 5 seconds to adhere to your existing bra strap. We have found them easier to put on when the bra is off. You simply remove the adhesive cover paper, and press the braZing to the bra strap. Hold it in place for a few seconds, along the length of the braZing, to make sure it adequately sticks. The braZings are also reusable! You can wear them several (many) times on the same bra, or if you want to transfer to another, just use another piece of our adhesive and repeat the process. We have tested the durability and adhesiveness of The braZings through and through. We've carried heavy bags over our shoulders, we've worn them 2 weeks in a row, we've slept in them ... and The braZing stays in place throughout it all. As you would with any fine lingerie, The braZings should be handwashed, and can be used over and over. They are SO user friendly! In fact, they couldn't be any easier to use! The bra-Zings are so supple and the strip adherent so strong, people won't know the bra-Zing isn't your actual bra strap! They sit that well. Join the bra-volution and love your braZings!
There is also an instructional video that shows you how to use your bra-Zing.
You can find and follow The CraftStar or The bra-Zing at the links below. Google + Thank you for stopping in and having a look. The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Good Morning, This is the week! This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 11-13, 2013, Little Shop of Artists is pleased to present its
FIRST ANNUAL HARVEST MARKET AND HAUNTED OPEN HOUSE
You're invited! 6713 Fairveiw Avenue, Suite B Boise, Idaho 83704 Participating Vendors Include: Anvilkin Treasures - featuring Kia and Duck, The Mask Maker The Delphi Oracles - your favorite Readers Wire Witchery - beautiful jewelry by Sarah Shannon The Le's- featuring Miss Le, Up and Coming Artists Under 10. The Alchemists Vessel - Chainmaille and Jewelry Blackbird Metalworks - Fine Sterling Silver Jewelry Arachknits - Hand knit items ready-to-wear (The above three are works by Alixandra Browning, Fearless Leader, Artisan, and Instructor) A-1 Video Game Exchange will be in the lot as well! *Taco Truck on site Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday. We are very excited, and so pleased to be hosting this event. If you have been thinking about stopping by and seeing what we're all about, this weekend is just perfect! In-store artists will be on hand, and we will be talking to vendors and other artists about participating permanently in the shop. Come with questions, comments, or your work! We'd love to have you with us. Remember we, the artists and crafts people, can not be successful without you! Please join us this weekend for a little shopping and get to know your local artists, artisans and crafts people, I know they would love to meet you.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look. The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant weekend and we hope to see you at the Market!
Good Morning, This is the final week of set up as we prepare to open the doors to the public July 16th, 2013. There has been much progress made, shelves have been painted and hung, wall coverings and shelves are courtesy of Shelly Moody of the Muddfip Photographer / Green Witch Handmade, the current artists on display are Wire Witchery and The Alchemists Vessel The only thing left to do is get more artists in there!
If you are an artists in or around the Boise, Idaho area, we would love to have a look at your work and see if there isn't a spot in the shop for you. If you like handmade items, and would like to Shop Small and support your local area business and craftspeople, Little Shop of Artists will be opened to the public starting Tuesday, July 16th, 2013, from10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Good Morning, Today, I am pleased and very excited to tour the interior of the building for what will be the home of Little Shop of Artist. Taken with my cellphone, it may not be the best quality, but rent is paid, and clean up will commence on or about June 15th, 2013. We, the participating artists, are hoping to open the doors July 01, 2013. We hope that you will come and visit us if you are in the Boise, Idaho area.
Once the participating artists have set up their displays, these now empty rooms will be filled with Art, Handmade Goods, Jewelry, Gifts and other items to delight the eye and treat the senses.
If you are an artist in the surrounding Boise, Idaho area, stop by and see if we might assist you in showcasing your work. We welcome all kinds of wares, pottery, knitting, woodworking, sculpting and more, a monthly rental fee applies we offer both participating and featured artists space. (Currently LSoA is not accepting any more Jewelry Designers at this time).
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
I am out of stuff to talk about this week. So in lieu of a real topic, let's take a look at the Treasure Valley Flea Market.
I have not attended the show since November of 2012, as a vendor, nor have I returned as a shopper, but sometimes life is a four letter word that gets in the way of what you would like to do.
This weekend is, once again, The Treasure Valley Flea Market, hosted by Spectra Productions, and held at Expo Idaho, on Glenwood at Hawk's Stadium.
There are vendors of all kinds, Crafts, Garage Goodies, Nick-Knacks and local businesses from Cell Phone Accessories to Home-baked Doggie Treats.
Stop by and have a look see.
5610 Chinden Blvd.
Garden City, ID
Admission is $2.00 at the door.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Good Morning, The Blog Ring has returned and with it a neat contest that is being held at Handmade Artists Forum.
The Contest:
To enter, you need to make a YouTube video having to do with
Handmade Artists! You could do a video on your own items or shop, other
shops, a site tour or whatever you can dream up having to do with
Handmade Artists. Let your imagination run wild!
Prizes: Handmade Artists will award the winner $25 to spend anywhere on the site.
Contest submission ended March 15th. Here are the only two participating entries. From Wing n Scales- a little video about all the neat stuff you can find at Handmade Artists Shop
From: I Knit Quilt Sew - Here is an entry that takes you through the site via a tutorial like session. Sandi has lots of great tips.
Thank you for stopping by and having a look. We hope this videos have inspired you to visit the Handmade Artists site. The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Thursday are reserved for the Blog Ring Featured Artist from handmadeartists.com. This Thursday, I have been chosen as the artist, so instead of posting about myself I thought I would share a couple of videos and discuss Etsy's foray into Wholesale. It's not what you may think. First up the videos:
Silver - How Its Made
Artificial Diamonds
Etsy Wholesale:
I know a lot of folks have been very upset about this lately, but actually it looks like it may be a good thing.
After reading the Etsy News Blog article "Etsy Wholesale on the Horizon", I sort of understand what it is they are doing, and don't worry this doesn't mean the end of your Shop, or that it will be swallowed in a sea of Made-in-China cheapies, or even that Etsy is going to knock the small independent handmade artist off the site because they will be unable to keep up with the fees or quantities required by retailers. A couple of points I would like to make, or you may read the article, it explains it better than I am able. In short this is what is happening. In Spring of 2012 Etsy acquired a site called Trunkt. I have no idea what this site was about. The owner of Trunkt, Dev Tandon, now works for Etsy, and the Lifetime Members of his site are being integrated into Etsy Wholesale Marketplace. You can sign up to learn more at the link provided. This new venture is apparently "Etsy 2", a separate and private site where Wholesalers (those shops that have a ton of items) can connect with retailers who want to purchase quantities not necessarily available via a smaller independent shop. Doesn't sound so bad. Thank you for stopping in and having a look. The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Unfortunately I cannot embed the video, but I urge you to click the link above and have a look at the desolate and spectacular landscape of Mars.
This is an amazing thing that has been accomplished, the second mission to the red giant with a better Rover.
Most of us have been fascinated with Space and Science Fiction for most of our lives, and we created real things from those stories. Cell phones, video conferencing, medical equipment, and yes, even computers and the internet were all Science Fiction at one time.
Right now in our life time, we have an opportunity like no others before us, we can truly go where no man has gone before, that is exciting, and wonderful and wondrous, a marvelous something to behold.
Thank you for stopping by and having a read. Do check out the brief video.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day, and remind you to shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you still land among the stars.
Here we are in my studio, that must mean it's time for a project. Wonder what I do at the workbench? Wonder no more, below is Earrings 101 a tutorial video.
As promised, I have finally managed to create and upload a video on crafting a pair of very simple dangle earrings. You can definitely try this at home! The video covers, materials and how to's for finishing and attaching the parts and pieces to make and complete a pair of earrings.
If you would like to participate along with the video or perhaps make a pair afterwards you will need the supplies listed. Expensive tools and supplies are not required, you can find the wire cutters and other things at your local Walmart for about $5.00 each, I bet most you have pliers at home, those will work just fine. Beads can be any material and color you like, you can also find the Headpins and things at a local craft store for around $2.00.
Tools:
1 pair of Flat or Chain Nose Pliers
1 pair of Round Nose Pliers
1 pair of Wire Cutters
Supplies:
2 Head Pins
2 Fish Hook Style Ear Wires
2 4mm Jump Rings (optional)
Beads of your choice (any color, size, shape to your liking).
If you are experiencing problems watching the video on the blog you can also try clicking the links to your right or following them from the links below,
The birds are singing, the Japanese Lily is in bloom, a magnificent vibrant orange, perhaps I'll post a picture in a later blog.
Posts about the studio have included tools, materials, new and old finds, and the occasional piece I am working on. What really goes on in the studio? In truth a lot of this...
Yes, it truly is pandemonium around here sometimes. Racing to class, trying to get orders out the door in a timely fashion, thinking of entertaining, interesting and informative things for the blog, the list does go on.
However, besides creating something beautiful, the one pleasure I do get is music. Music is not only a wonderful motivator, it can also serve to set the mood in the studio (energetic) and sometimes even plays a part in the design process. Inspiration comes from my surroundings, and to keep my self in tune with what I am doing, the rhythm of the music helps.
What does a Metalsmith listen to? Metal, of course. I won't subject the reader to that, although some that read the blog will be appalled at that statement, so instead we'll go with something friendly and appropriate for everybody.
Currently on the CD Player is:
Then we change things up with
From B to Y, we have a unique and eclectic mix of music that changes on the player at random.
Other music that shuffles throughout the day:
Concrete Blonde
Gov't Mule
The Black Keys
Slayer
Testament Clutch
Foo Fighters
Them Crooked Vultures
James Murphy
Destruction
Just to name a few. Of course those bands aren't for everybody, but I do appreciate a good driving force tune while I am working. Sitting at the workbench for most of the day requires something to keep the mind occupied as well as the hands. Some tasks are repetitious and a beat in the background can help make those mundane repeats go much faster.
Thank you for stopping by and perhaps having a listen or check out some of the other music listed.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
After spending much of yesterday trying to figure out how to use and navigate the new blog pages for Blogger, I thought we might test out a new post with something fun.
As I posted previously, I will attempt to upload one tutorial video a month. This one (as well as others) May be found on Youtube, Dailymotion, alchemistsvessel.net or the Facebook fan page. All links to these pages may be found on the menu to your right.
Today's tutorial is coiling and cutting your own jump rings. Youtube has some new features which include auto fixing the video you upload. Perhaps it will make the video look better, one can hope.
Our next tutorial will cover making a pair of earrings. Now that you have the basics down, we might as well put it all together and make something!
The video will not be posted until May, 2012, so you have plenty of time to prepare. Want to make a pair along with the video? The Supply list may be found below.
"Beaded Earrings" (sounds fun and interesting, yes?)
Supply List
Tools:
2 pairs of pliers - Round Nosed and Flat or Chained nosed.
Wire or Jewelry Cutters (aka "Flush Cutters")
Materials:
1 pkg. of Jump Rings 4mm (or coil and cut your own, you need 2)
1 pkg. of Head Pins. (you will only need two, but extra is good!)
1 pkg. of Ear Wires (common in craft stores are Fish Hook Style)
2 Beads of your choice. (They should be 6mm to 8mm in size)
*6mm round red glass beads will be used for the tutorial.
Most of the items may be found at your local craft shop. Don't want to spend more than a couple of bucks? Checkout a Wal-Mart or other variety store, they usually have these kinds of things for $2.00 to $5.00.
No special equipment is necessary, I bet most of you have pliers and a wire cutter at home. If not, try a Wal-Mart or other variety store for inexpensive tools. It's not the tool it's the craft-person using the tool that makes the pieces unique and wonderful. Paint Brush or Power Tool, a human hand is still required to operate them.
When someone asks you where you got them, you can smile and say, "I made this."
Thank you for stopping by and having a look. We would like to wish you a pleasant week.
Happy Friday! The weekend is finally here and that means relaxation!
Today I had a lovely conversation with a friend of mine. We spent a couple of hours on the phone discussing business, marketing, Business names, strategies for everything, including where to find material.
Since this week has been all about The Alchemists Vessel, let's put all of links in a list, of course they can all be found to the right on the side menu bar, but this is maybe easier to look at.
We also have listings, stacks and stuff on Delicious, Pinterest, Linkedin, Google Plus pages, a wordpress blog, and all kinds of places to find us across the web!
**[This app is from Facebook, you may buy directly from the page without leaving facebook or requiring an Etsy Account]
Thank you for stopping by, we would like to wish you a pleasant weekend.
There won't be a blog posting tomorrow as I am in a flurry of activity trying to get ready for the market. So this morning will be a mix of Thursday's and Friday's usual post.
And then again maybe not. I am short a featured artist this week, so perhaps instead of visiting them on line, might I suggest a trip to a local Art Gallery, Boise has several, and you can walk right in. Unlike the museum, they are free to browse, and many are in cool locations, below street level or tucked away in buildings that looks like it holds financial offices. Checkout your town's local Art underground.
The Treasure Valley Flea Market is this weekend. March 24, and 25, 2012, at the Expo Idaho Buildings at the Fair Grounds. 5610 Chinden Blvd. See the Google Map a the bottom of this blog for directions and location.
Once a month I will try to include a tutorial video on the blog about jewelery, a process in creating jewelry or a look at materials. If you'd like to see other videos or tutorials, let me know I don't mind posting and sharing other people's tutorials, as long as I have their permission.
This morning we have a brief look at inner and outer diameter of jump rings, basically measurements and why they count.
I do have other things going on in the shop, but as it is an on going learning process, and a messy one at that, I haven't taken progress pictures, but once I get the hang of it we'll show you what I have been up to.
Without further ado - Jump Rings 102, Diameter
Copy Right 2012, The Alchemists Vessel
As it is Wednesday, we would like to wish you a lovely rest of the week!
*These Videos and the copies on Youtube are the sole property of The Alchemists Vessel and may not used in any way, shape, form, forum, or other site or media, internet or otherwise, without the express written consent or permission of The Alchemists Vessel.
Friday is here! Happy Day! Today's blog is packed with links and pictures and a look at the new Facebook Time Line for Fan or Business pages. Some of you may have read the post on the new Etsy Theme Shop application that Facebook has rolled out, and we'll get you the link for that, too. If you're an Etsy Shop owner click on through and check it out. I know many users are unhappy about the constant changes that Facebook forces on the site and people's profiles. This isn't so bad, really, it just takes a minute to get used to, once you have discovered where they have hidden things, you'll be cruising the pages like a pro again in no time.
Let's take a look at the Header first.
The large photo at the top is called the Cover. You may change this picture at any time by clicking on it. Your Cover Photos will be stored in the Photo Albums of the page automatically.
Next up, the new Link Buttons, this is where you can place the applications you like, such as Events, Photos, Notes, Maps, Favorite Games, etc...
This area is also where your new Etsy Theme Shop Button goes. Mine can be found at the right hand top of the row. If you would like to have the app for your Etsy Shop you can follow this link: Etsy Theme Shop App
If you would like to see what a Shop looks like before clicking Add To Your Facebook Page, you may follow this link.
You will have to log in to see the page. You, too, can create your own shop's look, discounts, coupons, or promote another shop! Yes, you can do that, as well! Shop from this page and receive an automatic 10% off the regular Etsy price, (Your price is shown in green.) The simple page looks like this, page 1 on top and a menu at the bottom that will continue with your entire Etsy Shop inventory.
Are you having trouble finding your comments or posts? It's not a wonder. Some one decided that it would be an excellent idea to stuff them in a box at the top of the page, where no one can see, find or read them. There is no changing this, and yes, I, too, am not happy about it. But if you are looking for a comment or post from a a fan, customer or friend this is where you can find them now. This box is permanently "pinned" to the top of your page.
The box beneath the Posts and Comments is where you will find the "Likes". These are the pages that you have liked while logged in as the Admin or while using your Fan Page to peruse Facebook.
Everything else works pretty much the same. You can post a status update, link to your Etsy Shop items, post pictures, and keep track of your activity and insights.
Happy Facebooking!
Here is the link to a new open group on Linked In, Northwest Artisans Guild. I started the group in hope of connecting and networking with people closer to home. I am the only member so far. The purpose of the group is to network, connect, showcase your art, work, wares, photography, what have you, and most important it is to share and exchange ideas and to have fun! Help will be offered to all who ask. Jewelry designers, painters, sculptors, artists, artisans, craftspeople of all kinds are welcome.
We have launched Ravens Nook! There are items up for sale on the site and as always custom work is welcome. We take requests. This weekend I will be chained in the dungeon, I mean sitting at the work table crafting some new, dark and unique items for your perusal.
Did you know that there is now a Youtube Channel for T.A.V.? That's right. We have created a Youtube channel for Jewelery Tutorials. There is only one video up now, but we plan on adding some basic ones soon. In the mean time you can check out Jump Rings 101, it is uploaded, and playable.
Remember you can find any or all of these links on the right hand side menu bar. We even have a video bar, right on the menu, you can watch the video without leaving the page. How cool is that?
What Customers are saying about the Alchemists Vessel: (remarks taken from Feedback on the Etsy Shop.)
"Just received my order today, and I simply couldn't be more satisfied! The packaging and shipping protection was great, the product was in perfect condition and appeared exactly as it was shown in your shop. I received my package in a timely manner and was given a printout of my order. Thank you so very much for your professionalism! I will be sure to recommend your store & products to every crafter/beader/maker/creator I know! I also plan to buy again and often in the near future. Again, many thanks and much appreciation for your excellent service and quality!" ~ Sincerely, Rainbow C. Lavendar
"Beautiful large beads! Thrilled with my purchase!!! Thank You!"
"The cinnabar pieces are awesome!!!!" ~ C.R.S.
If you made it to the end of this blog, CONGRATULATIONS! As a special Happy Ending, if you enter the Coupon Code: LUCKYME, now through March 18th, on The Alchemists Vessel Etsy Shop you'll receive 10% off your order. Keep an eye out, for more incentives and sales available only to those that read the blog, you don't have to follow it, but you have to read it to find those goodies!
As always, thank you for stopping in and having a look. Since it is Friday as well, we would like to wish you a pleasant and wonderful weekend.
