Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Studio News from The Workshop

Happy Wednesday!

Yes, the elf (because there is only one) is working on getting new things into the shop, and not only that, but The Alchemists Vessel has been asked to create Bridesmaids Jewelry for a wedding.  Excited about that!  Beautiful things for a wonderful and happy occasion.  I really do enjoy creating things for special and pleasant events. 


Thinking about your Wedding attire?  Let us help you create that unique piece for the Bride or fabulous matching sets for the Bridal Party!  Glass and Genuine Pearls available, and special orders for colored pearls to match your wedding pallet can be made.

Also pleased and happy to announce that we now have two new ways to purchase from us.  Don't like Pay Pal?  You can use the Direct Check Out feature on Etsy.  Credit or Debit Card is all that is needed and like magic you are on your way to receiving that something special just for you!

Now accepting SQUARE!  At the show?  No need to run to the ATM!  Swipe your card and sign, and off you go with your goodies in hand!  How convenient!

Speaking of shows the next Treasure Valley Market will be July 14 and 15th!  More information about that in July, after the 4th of course.

Teaching another class on Saturday, June 16th, and there are other projects in the works!  Classes at Jo-Ann's





Thank you for dropping by and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Wednesday!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Tuesday - Five Great Gifts To Give 6-12-12

Good Morning,

We're back with five (5) great gifts to give!

From: StaRsbyDi


Description: This amazing necklace measures approx. 47cm (18.5'') all around. I wire wrapped a beautiful rose coral pendant (color light peach, dim. 30*30mm). I used coral beads, small silver plated metal beads, thin silver tone chain (non tarnish) and silver plated lobster clasp. 

From: Sam Clark Photography

BABY URANGUTAN PHOTOGRAPHY - Wall Art, Nursery Art, Baby Urangutan photo, Jungle baby animal, Childrens room, Sepia, cute baby

Description: BABY URANGUTAN PHOTOGRAPHY by wildlife photographer Sam Clark. Baby Urangutan Photography is a perfect gift for your babies nursery or childs room, or a gift for friends and loved ones.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY by SAM CLARK
TITLE: 'URANGUTAN BABY' PHOTOGRAPH by SAM CLARK

* SIZE: 10x10 inches with white border
* PAPER: Hahnemuhle Fine Art Photo Rag 320 GSM Pearl finish
* INK: Quality Archival Epson Inks
* LONGEVITY: 64 years framed under glass, 129 years framed with UV filter, 200 years Album/dark storage.
* ORIGINAL: Hand printed and personally signed on bottom front of print.
* PACKAGING: Shipped in sturdy moisture resistant packaging.
* WATERMARK: For copyright purposes only, will not be visible on your print.


From SuesArts

Shalom - Chai heart necklace in antique bronze
Description: 
SOLD SEPARATELY - SHALOM or CHAI

Beautiful heart charm necklace with a custom made and one of a kind print.

One necklace has the word "Shalom" in Hebrew for "Peace" and the other has the work "Chai" in Hebrew for "Life".

About 18" long. Size can be adjusted per request at no extra charge.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG


Also From: SuesArts

Vintage image cameo charm necklace

 Description: Created with vintage antique bronze frame charm pendant and chain.

This is a vintage image of a beautiful girl custom printed and designed

Necklace is about 18" long but can be adjusted per request with no extra charge.

ALL MY ITEMS ARE HANDMADE AND ONE OF A KIND

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

 

Last but not least:

From: The Alchemists Vessel

Amethystos - Silver Plate and Amethyst Czech Glass Chain Maille Bracelet

 Description: 7-1/2", These absolutely fabulous bracelets are hand woven in a Half Persian Chainmaille pattern, are light weight and lacy, perfect for an evening out, dressing up that casual daytime outfit, or for a touch of color at the office.

In Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of intoxication, and of wine, was pursuing a maiden named Amethystos, who refused his affections. Amethystos prayed to the gods to remain chaste, a prayer which the goddess Artemis answered, transforming her into a white stone. Humbled by Amethystos's desire to remain chaste, Dionysus poured wine over the stone as an offering, dyeing the crystals purple.

These are sizable! May be made to desired length to fit any wrist. Please indicate wrist circumference in inches.

Would make a great gift for February Birthdays or just for people that like purple.

Crafted from Silver plated jump rings and Czech Glass Amethyst beads in the Aurora Borealis finish. A Lobster Claw clasp complete the piece.

Available in a variety of metal and Czech Glass bead choices. 

 

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  

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

 

 

 

Monday, June 11, 2012

New Items in the Shop - Twisted Tier Earrings

Good Monday Morning,

It promises to be a lovely day here in Boise.

This morning we have a new item in the shop, a very pretty pair of wire wrapped earrings.  All pairs shown are completed with Sterling Silver plated Copper Jewelry Wire with Silver Plated jewelry findings.  Yes, the copper does show through the wire, but it is not noticeable when worn.

These are also available in Precious Metal on a Custom Order Basis only.

Shown below are "Twisted Tier" Earrings.  Each pair is unique in size, color and shape.  Each earring is individually hand wrapped.

Twisted Tier Style One

Twisted Tier 2

Twisted Tier 3

*Twisted Tier 4
Genuine Amethyst Beads stacked 4 stones high instead of three.
*Currently available in Amethyst and Aquamarine and Clear Quartz Crystal.

Other jewelry wires available are Copper, Nickel, Jeweler's Bronze and Gunmetal Wire, this wire is dyed a steel-blue color over copper jewelry wire.

More earrings will be listed as I make them.  Don't see your favorite?  Custom orders are welcome.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a marvelous work week.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Links and Promotions - Jo-Ann Fabrics Classes with Alix

Happy Friday!

The weekend is upon us!  Although I have to work, I hope the rest of you have a wonderful and super relaxing couple of days off from the hustle and bustle of work!

If you have been paying attention then you are aware that Jo-Ann Fabrics is having an Open House this weekend on 
Saturday, June 09, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
1085 Milwaukee, in the Central Plaza
Boise, ID.  

I will be there with all the projects for you to look at and decide if you would like to take one.  No task master I, we have a good time in a relaxed environment.  Wire cutters, material and yourself are all that is required to take the class.  They are given at Jo-Ann's in a back classroom, come be social and learn a new skill or technique in the process.  What a great way to fill up a Saturday afternoon.

Class sign up is 50% off the regular price if you come in and sign up on Saturday.  Also there are coupons and in-store sales and specials.  If your a Craft-person with some extra cash now is the time to visit the store and find some great deals.

A Materials list is available for all the projects you see below, and not all items required for the class may be purchased at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft Stores.

Jewelry-Making Classes with Alix

Beginning Jewelry-Making is also taught, by my self as well as another Instructor.  Instruction is given on how to open and close jump rings, different sizes of wire, what findings are and how to use them, and when the class is complete you go home with a nifty something you made yourself.

Skill Level 1 = Easy
Skill Level 2 = Intermediate
Skill Level 3 = Advanced

Dare To Dangle Earrings
Skill Level 2
Wire Wrapping and Jump Rings

Crystal Life Bracelet 
Skill Level 2

An improvised design using suggested and some substituted supplies.  The great thing about jewelry class is you can follow the instructions to the letter or purchase the suggested material or using the instructions and sample as a guide, create your own unique piece!
Wire Wrapping, Jump Rings, Chain and Selected Elements.


These next three pieces make a set, Earrings, Watch and Necklace.  I purchased one strand of each of 8mm, 6mm and 4mm Glass Pearl beads from Bluemoon Beads, and was able to complete all three projects.  Economical classes to say the least.

Pretty in Pearls Earrings
Skill Level 2 
Wire Wrapping, Jump Rings, Findings and Beads

Time for Style Watch
Skill Level 2 
Wire Wrapping, Findings, Selected Elements and Beads


Floating Pearl Necklace
Skill Level 2 
Wire, Findings, Crimp and Glass Beads


Can't make it to the store Saturday?
You can also sign up and find a Current and Upcoming list of Class times and schedule the one that is best for you at Jo-Ann Store Events page, or you can have a look at the brochures as well.


June - July's Brochure

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful weekend.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

The Muddfip Photographer: Featured Artist Thursday

Good Morning,

The weekend is almost here and that means fun in the sun, down by the river, the creek, the pond, the swimming hole, a walk in the woods, along the beach, things to do, people to see, and pictures to take.

This weeks Featured Artist is my Multi-talented friend, Shelly Moody, The Muddfip Photographer.  I can't take a photo to save my life and am amazed at the composition and quality of other people's photos.  Shelly has an an amazing eye for composition and her black and white photographs are stunning.

The Muddfip Photographer may be found on Facebook, won't you stop by and give her a Like.

What Shelly has to say about her page:

Hello and Welcome! My name is Shelly and this page features photographs, all of them taken by me. All photos are copyrighted, so please do not use without permission. All photos on this page are available for purchase. Please contact me regarding prices and sizes. Photos will be signed and numbered. I am happy to ship them to any location. Thank you for taking time to browse my photos!

Have a blessed day!

The photos below are taken from her Facebook page.  I have tried to include a variety of subjects that she takes, from nature to industrial buildings and machinery.   All of the prints are available for sale.




I love frogs! 



Any of these photos would make excellent prints or  posters, cards or stationery.  Decorating in a "Steampunk" theme?  Those huge gears on the water would make the perfect wall hanging!

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.  I hope you will also stop by and take a The Muddfip Photographers page.  There are more wondrous and wonderful photos to look at and choose from. 

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

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Studio Time - Class Projects from Jo-Ann Fabrics

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

As many of you know I occasionally have the pleasure of teaching / instructing a class at Jo-Ann's Fabrics, and also involved in the process of getting my own classes started up as well.

Today I thought we would take a brief look at a Jo-Ann's Class Project.  All the materials for these were purchased at Jo-Ann Fabrics, 1085 Milwaukee, Boise, ID.

Dare To Dangle Earrings

Class Session: 1
2 Hours 
Skill Level: 2

Jo-Ann's List of Materials:
Stone Chips bead tube - Quartz Mix
24 Gauge Wire
Ear Wires (Hooks)
Jump Rings

I used 
Stone Chips bead tube - Quartz Mix
22 Gauge Wire (Sterling Silver Plated Copper)
Ear Wires (Hooks)
Jump Rings
 FRONT

Stone Chips are threaded on to a length of wire (Sterling Silver Plated Copper in 22 Gauge).  The wire is twisted back on itself to form a loop, adding one Stone Chip at a time, the bead and wire wrap around the base stones to form a cluster.  Simple, pretty and may be done in any color or selection of Stone Chip Beads.  These are genuine Semi-Precious stones and include, Fluorite, Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Aquamarine, and other varieties of quartz.

BACK


This is a super simple and easy project that makes a cute pair of earrings.  I like this project because it is totally "organic" and very primitive in nature.  The Craft-person decides on stones and designs the earrings as they go along, the wire wraps naturally (where it wants to) around the beads dictated by the bead shape, creating and additional element to the design. Class Space for this project and others are still available.   This Saturday, June 9th,  1:00pm - 3:00pm, Jo-Ann Fabrics will be having an "Open House" classes are 50% Off for in-store registration, and completed projects will be on display!

There will also be other projects on display as well as other instructors and Jo-Ann team members are always there to help!

Other Projects Available - August
"Crystal Life Bracelet" - using Swarovski elements
"Pearls of Time Watch" - using Glass Pearls and a Watch Face
"Pearl" Earrings -using wire and a Glass Pearls to match the Watch.
There is one more pair of earrings that classes will be given for as well.  Come on down and check it out.

Thank you for stopping by.  

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful Wednesday.



Tuesday, June 5, 2012

5 Great Gift To Give Summer Idea I

Although Summer is not quite here, I thought it would be fun to look at gifts and things to do this summer.

Summer Classes and Camps.  These can be anything from a couple of hours learning how to create jewelry, knit or crochet, paint, draw, to an active Day Camp for kids that may include hiking, swimming, biking, a day at the playground, or the zoo.  Many of these camps not only welcome but encourage patents to join in the activity as well.

Jo-Ann Fabrics has several Summer Camps for kids from Sewing to other fun activities both educational and fun, that are geared especially for little one.  There are also adult classes available.  This Saturday, June 9th, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Jo-Ann Fabrics is having an open house. Class sign up is 50% off, come on down and see what they have in-store for you or for your little one this Summer.  My class projects will be on display as well.

Jo-Ann Fabrics (Boise, Idaho)
1085 North Milwaukee Street
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 323-5373

I try to inject a little humor into things here is a fun and unique gift for the Accident Prone individual in your life, and someone is bound to wind up with a scraped knee. 

Fortune Bandages

From Toy Splash



This is neat for a day at the beach.  

 


Description:  This compact mirror is beautiful!!! Fantasy blue sparkles fill the foundation of the front side of the compact. I adorned a lovely Octopus to the top center of the compact mirror. Compact has a combination of a smooth feeling along with perfect texture of the adorned metal Octopus. Perfect match for your accesories!!!!

I used a super sealant with to ensure stability of my design on this compact mirror.   100% designed by Felisa
 
 


Description: 15-1/2" long. Truly elegant, slender, slinky, silky silver and black go with everything! Very feminine. Makes a pretty accent to any outfit. May be worn to the office, on an evening out, and with that little black dress. Would make a great birthday present in any of our birthstone glass bead colors.

Silver plated wire is hand coiled, cut, beaded and linked in the European 4-in 1 Chainmaille weave to create this simple and elegant chain.
 
Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.