Friday Friends and Finds

Changing up the blog was a good idea, next week we will return to our scheduled days.  This morning I have some friends work to offer and a link or two.

First up.  Giclée (pronounced zhee-clay) prints from American Artist, Allan O. Mudd.  The word giclée is actually a neologism coined by artist Jack Duganne, he wanted a name for the new prints that were being made by IRIS or Ink-Jet Printers.  The term applies to any piece of fine art that is digitally reproduced using computer-generated copies or ink-jet printers.  The word is taken from the french "gicler" - meaning to squirt, spurt or spray.  You may find Allan's offerings by following this link.  Giclee Prints For Sale.  He has two nature prints available, a Tiger and Wolf.

 

 

Next is a SUPER AWESOME pair of earrings by Dark Mountain Treasures on Etsy.  These are adorable!  Red Hot Candy Earrings 

I'm sure many of you have seen the button that reads "pin it", this is a new Social Site for your photos, Pinterest.  Sort of like Digg, but apparently you can actually interact, leave messages and notes on the "virtual corkboards" etc.  It is an Invitation only sign up now, you may request an invitation by visiting the link on the home page and clicking the big red box at the top, "Request an  Invitation".  I see all kinds of networking possibilities here!  There is one catch, Pinterest asks that you not use the boards for self-promotion.  If you belong to an Etsy team, are a designer or planner, this might be a place to share a board with clients or friends to promote each other without "spamming" the pin boards.

Networking is so important.  Do you have, a site, project, item that you would like promoted?  E-mail me and we can include you in a post, Great Gifts To Give, Promotions, Links, Featured Artist, let's find a niche posting for you!

And finally a reminder!  The Alchemists Vessel will be attending the February 18th - 19th, Market at the Idaho Expo at the Fair Grounds!  Admission is $2.00.  Food, fun, friends and finds!  All under one roof!  Come on down and say Hi, and check out some of the new inventory!  Next Weekend!

Thursday's Featured Tools and Tips

You thought I was going to say artists didn't you.  I would like to, but so many of them are busy creating and crafting and promoting that it is difficult to do one more thing!  So in light of an artist this week, I thought we would discuss Macro Photography and then Etsy's coupon code entry.

For the longest time I put off internet sites and shops because I felt my pictures were not good enough to use as a selling point.  A friend, who is a wealth of knowledge, taught me about Macro Photography, or more appropriately taught me about the menu on my camera, which as luck would have it, has a MACRO setting.  Macro photography is for taking clear, close up shots of tiny objects.  Below are two examples of Macro Photography.  A bracelet of my own (Brecciated Jasper), that I photographed using the Macro option on my camera, and a professional photograph of a baby octopus.

Detail of the focal stone.  Shot at home on a gray velvet display board.

Professional Macro photograph.

 Macro settings allow you to capture the smallest detail.  I use a Canon Power Shot A480 - the Youtube video below was originally e-mailed to me by my friend.  I love this camera.  I will say that the manual is lacking in instruction on the menu and the settings the icons represent.  This young man will walk you through the basics.  If you are unsure if you camera has a Macro setting, search Youtube or other tutorial pages for your camera's make and model.  Your shop items or whatever you're photographing will look better for it.

A quick note about coupon codes.

As most of you have probably seen, I post the occasional coupon code for a percentage off your purchase price or free shipping.  Either you all forget to enter the code or not sure of where or when to do so.  Like so many I am guilty of rushing though a purchase at times, the information is automatically entered for you, what's there to think about!  That darned coupon code!  That is important, it saves you money!

I urge you to REVIEW you orders or whatever you are doing on the net, before pressing that "Submit" button.  This first picture shows your order before you click the check out button.  Notice the Apply shop coupon code link in light blue between the payment options and the order summary.  Click that before clicking the check out button!

This second picture shows your order before you click the check out button and after you have clicked the Apply shop coupon code link.  Notice the Apply shop coupon code link has been replaced with a text box between the payment options and the order summary.  Enter the coupon code here if one is provided before you click the check out button.  Your discount or Free Shipping will be applied and subtracted from your total!  Your new total will appear and your order will reflect the discount in the order summary.

Now you can shop to your heart's content and get all the good discounts offered by so many of the shop owners / vendors.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  Comments are always welcome!

In My Studio - Chain Maille Weaves

Over the weekend I taught myself new chain mail weaves.   I am always on look out for new patterns, ideas and ways to improve my skills or provide a variety of design and styles.

The Spiral - "Magic Maille"- This is a fun and super simple pattern that I am hoping to incorporate it into some pieces.  The problem with this pattern is that in order to maintain the twist it must be made as an "eternity" chain, no clasp, no beginning or end. Below is a 8-1/2"" eternity bracelet in base metal gold tone manufactured jump rings.  The "Magic" part, when the chain is loose, it has a very light twist and looks open and messy, with a couple of turns of the wrist, the chain becomes a slinky, silky, and fluid spiral that rolls over itself and undulates across the length of chain.  The set of pictures in silver shows the process of twisting the chain.  You can make it as twisted or loose as you like.

Finally, after all the jump rings are connects and tidied up, you have a very pretty eternity wave or spiral chain.

The detail photos below, show just that, the detail of the spiral as the jump rings are linked or locked together.  In silver and gold base metal jump rings.  Different metals and colors lend the piece a different look although it is the same pattern.

Gold:

Silver:

The Celtic Knot:  I love it when friends find things that they think I can do and pass them along to me.  Shelly Moody of Green Witch Designs found this photo of a stunning pair of earrings. Unbeknown to me I actually had instructions on how to make this weave in a note book!  My images are not cooperating this morning, so I borrow the image Shelly sent to me.  (I will replace it later today)

 Why only two patterns?  Because I am only one person, and capable of just so much.  It does take time to spin the correct size jump rings, unless I am using manufactured or pre-cut rings.  Chain Maille, like any other craft, is a process.  Opening, linking and closing the rings is done by hand, and I mean by hand, a pairs of pliers in each hand and off you go!

How To Get Those Five Great Gifts For Giving

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

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

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

Alternatives to Etsy:

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

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

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

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

ANNOUNCEMENT:

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

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

New Shop Items, Sales, Links and Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Links and Promotion Friday!

Good Morning,

Today we will be Shameless Self Promotion Friday and we will begin with a promotion or two and then the links will be up.  These promotions are for a LIMITED time, now through February 20, 2012!  Don't delay, grab your favorite piece before it is gone.

PROMO 1: 

Take 10% OFF any item in the Etsy shop, The Alchemists Vessel when you enter the coupon code LOVEYDOVEY.  That's any item in the shop!  Valentine's Day themed and other items, too.  Now through February 20, 2012.

**Returning Customer?  Send us a message BEFORE you click that BUY button for your selected items, and we will set up a special listing just for you with an additional discount - FREE SHIPPING!

PROMO 2:

Purchase the Pink Parure Chain Maille Choker and get FREE SHIPPING plus if you enter the coupon code LOVEYDOVEY you will receive an additional 10% the total purchase price.  This includes every item in the shop!  Now through February 20, 2012!

PROMO 3:

Visit the Website The Alchemists Vessel , e-mail the last three words from the Mission Statement on the About Page to us (use the CONTACT US button on the site), include your name and e-mail address and receive a special offer, and it's a good one!  But only for those that follow the instructions.

PROMO 4:

Facebook Contest - Watch The Alchemists Vessel page on Facebook for a fun and exciting contest.  Beginning February 20th, I will hold a contest for FREE JEWELRY, I haven't decided on the prize piece but it will be in the $30.00 to $50.00 value range I create.  If the winner is unhappy with the piece I select for a prize, another may be offered.  This is about promotion and getting my name and my store out to the masses and you get something pretty!

Something like this maybe.

LINKS from above and a fresh one or two.

The Alchemists Vessel on Etsy

The Alchemists Vessel Website

The Alchemists Vessel Facebook

If you have a Google + Account, look us up!  We have a page there too!  Click any of the links on the right side Menu bar to be taken to any of the pages above!

Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful weekend!

A Featured Artist Website

If you have been wondering where I have been and what I have been doing, I have spent the last several days creating a Website.  It was published yesterday and I think I look quite professional.

The Alchemists Vessel 

You will find a lot of photos, a Custom Order page, Mini Etsy Shop and you can also buy directly from the site.  Click the type not the picture.

Here is the information on where to go what to do who hosts it etc.

Kudos and a big shout out to Zain Orion of Dark Mountain Treasures for directing me to: 

dynadot.com for Domain Name registration

Host Gator for Web Hosting

Business Site $10.95 / month (There are cheaper options)

Toll Free Number for your business (rings through your regular line)

And any other number of goodies for you and your site.

It should be said here that I was looking for a site similar to that of Dark Mountain Treasures, and I am in way over my head with Host Gator, they are a fantastic and powerful site, with a lot of wonderful tools, 3/4 of which I don't need, get, or have a clue on what to do with.  The site was created with a pre-made template and I dragged, dropped, added, typed and edited, all with in their BaseKit Sitebuilder, it was a very pleasant experience.  Yes, I said pleasant experience, no screaming and tearing of hair or renting of clothes.  The builder is simple and intuitive.  They have live chat assistance or you may call them 24/7 at a 1-800 number.  I have used both and was thrilled with the results of both help lines.

I am also a .net, I had a site alchemistsvessel.com for years on Yahoo, no one ever used it or even looked at it, never made a sale or anything.  Due to the way Domain registration works, I am now alchemistsvessel.net, you must type http:// instead of www. to reach a net site.  Not a biggie.

Thank you for stopping by.  Now back to the work table to do what I do best, make jewelry!