Simple DIY Jewelry You'll Really Wear - One

Monday is here, alas.

This morning's post is first in a series of easy do-it-yourself jewelry projects that you can do in as little or as much time as you like and the neat thing is, some are great for kids with parental super vision.

If you can close a Safety Pin you can make this simple and pretty bracelet, and no one has to know they are safety pins.

The type of Safety pin works best.  The Cord will be threaded through the holes at the top and bottom of the pin.

I did not take photos, and this is a straight forward project.

Materials

1 pkg. 1mm Elastic Beading Cord
Ample Safety Pins (wrist circumferences vary we suggest 50 or more)
Seed Beads 6.0 or larger in the color(s) of choice. Bead hole needs to fit over pin prong.
Super Glue
*6mm "Spacer" Beads (less pins will be required of beads are used)

Cut 2 pieces of the Elastic Beading Cord,  12" in length.
Tie a knot about 2" down from one end of both cords (do not tie them together).

Open a Safety pin and add beads along the prong, leave enough space to close the pin again.  Repeat with the remainder of the pins.  Be creative, play with colors, allow your imagination to design the piece for you.

Super glue the Safety Pins shut.  This way they will not open and scratch you when wearing the bracelet.

Thread a *Spacer bead, these can be glass, metal, anything you like, on one piece of cord and slide it down to the knot. 

Thread the cord through the top "hole" in the safety pin, add a spacer bead.  Sliding the Pin and Bead down the cord.

Continue adding Pins and Spacer Beads until the Pins fit around you wrist and the ends meet.

Add a final spacer bead to the cord and tie a knot keeping it in place.

With the second piece of cord, thread on one spacer bead, and thread the cord through the bottom holes of the Pins, adding spacer beads between each pin.  Work until you reach the last pin in the row.

Place a final Spacer bead on the cord.  Tie the matching ends of the cords together, closing the bracelet.  Not too tight, you want to be able to slip the bracelet on and off easily and not cut off your circulation while wearing it.

As well, you can say, "I made this."

Give it try, it takes about an hour.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish a pleasant day.

Promotion - TVFM March Market

Good Morning,

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.

In The Studio - Round Maille Photo Tutorial

Good Morning,

The week is winding down and it's time to do something fun.

Many that follow the blog may be aware that I was "invited" to submit the Chainmaille portions of my blog to an e-publisher for on line or on demanding publishing of a book.  Very much like a vanity press, but the content is taken directly from your blog instead of creating a new manuscript.

Instead of attempting to contain this blog to a book's content, a separate one is kept, "In Chains - Contemporary Chainmaille Designs" that will be the final submission for the publishers.  In hope of completing the weave instructions followed by eighteen (18) projects to make by the end of year as requested.

Today's Tutorial:  Learn to weave Round Maille

Some may recognize similarities to the Box or Queen's Chain Pattern (aka Inca Puno), however, this weave does not produce a box or square chain, it is round.

Weave Notes:  
This weave is done in multiples of three (3). 
* Silver, Green, Rose colored rings are used to indicate steps.
(We do not recommend Darice rings for a finished project, but for practice they are inexpensive, come in a variety of colors and Outer Diameter Sizes)
AR - This weave isn't terribly AR sensitive, however, it is possible to weave it too tightly or too loosely.  I would recommend an AR of 4.1.
You may weave this pattern in single or multiple colors.

There are two ways to weave Round Maille, one is the Fold and Fill Method, as in this tutorial, and the other is like zipping up a pre-made length of chain.  This weave belongs to the European Family of weaves / patterns.

Material
21 *10mm 14 gauge Aluminum Jump Rings (5mm ID) by Darice.
Pliers - 2 pairs (Flat nose)
Paperclips, or Markers of some  type (twist ties, scrap wire...)

On your marks.  Get set.  Go.

Pre-Close 6 jump rings
Open 15 jump rings 

1. Create a 5 link unit of 2 x 1 Chain (2-1-2-1-2)
     

2. Open 1 ring and slide it through the last pair of rings.







and the first pair of rings,  
close the ring.  

This creates a triangle.

3.  Flip the piece over so it looks like this.  The Single rings are now on the out side and double rings lie towards the center.  You may also pull the single rings outwards and arrange them to reveal the inner triangle as well.






 
4.  Attach paper clips or 
markers to the bottom set of rings.  The ones that lie directly on the work surface.  This marks the beginning of the chain and gives you something to hold while working the first few sets of rings.

5. Gently push the top rings 
into the center forming a 
tent.  These are rings
1, 2 and 3, in any order 
you choose.

6.  Open 1 ring and  slide
it through jump rings 
1 and 2.  Close the ring.








7.  Open 1 ring and slide 
it through jump rings
2 and 3.  Close the ring.









 
8.  Open 1 Ring and slide
it through jump rings 
3 and 1.  Close the ring.

These new rings are now rings
1, 2 and 3 
 





9.  Open 1 ring, slide it through
rings 1 and 2.  Close the ring.








 
10. Open 1 ring, slide it through
rings 2 and 3.  Close the ring.
 







11.  Open 1 ring, slide it through rings 3 and 1. Close the ring. 
You now have a piece of chain that looks like this.

12.  Fold the rings just added back against the chain, or allow the rings to fall or flop to the sides of the chain. Separate the rings to reveal the inner triangle.  

These are now rings 1, 2 and 3.





13. Fill the center of the chain. "Tent" the exposed inside rings.
 Open 1 ring, slide it through 
rings 1 and 2.  Close the ring. 

 Rings 1 and 2 in the correct position.

 Rings 1 and 2, side view.  Add jump ring through the "eye" of both rings.

 New ring is added to rings 1 and 2.

 New ring added to rings 1 and 2, side view.




 










14. Open 1 ring, slide it through rings 2 and 3.  Close the ring.







 




15.  Open 1 ring, slide it through rings 3 and 1.  
Close the ring.







 

16.  Repeat steps 9 through 15 until the chain reaches the desired length.


As you continue with the length of chain you will see a pattern start emerge.

Side View

Top View

Top Down View

If it looks like a weird little fish, you're doing it right.

3/4 Profile, Left

3/4 Profile, Right

 To finish you length of chain.

1.  Slide one open ring through jump rings 1 and 2. 
2.  Slide one open ring through jump rings 2 and 3 or 3 and 1.
3.  Slide one open ring through the last 2 jump rings just added and attach either part of your clasp.
4. Remove the markers and repeat on the other end.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  We love feed back, please feel free to leave your question or comment.

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

Featured Artist - Handmade Artists Video Contestants

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.

Five Great Gifts to Give List #10

Good Morning,

I won't start off with a lot of verbiage, instead let's get to those gift ideas.  

From: Sue's Arts

Metal rings, adjustable rings, butterfly rings, Fleur de Lis ring, Silver rings

SOLD SEPARATELY BY #

These beautiful and unique rings are adjustable.

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

From: Pizzelwaddles

Gold Flourish & Peridot Aqua Glass Chandelier Earrings

 

You will receive 1 pair of handmade Gold Flourish & Peridot Aqua Glass Chandelier Earrings.

Gold Flourish & Peridot Aqua Glass Chandelier Earrings made with gold tone flourish chandeliers with 6mm x 14mm oblong twisted peridot aqua glass beads & gold plated detailed divider disc beads suspended from the bottom. Gold tone ear wires to match.

These Gold Flourish & Peridot Aqua Glass Chandelier Earrings are a fun, lively and playful set. Add a fun & flirty sparkle and unique style to any look. A real statement piece.

Ships within 3-5 business days of payment. Shipping & handling $2.50 flat charge in the US. 

From: Copper Tree Art
  
Tribal Copper Necklace- Copper bowl with hand painted bead

 

This necklace was hand made out of a copper sheet. The disc was created and then was then domed to give it a slight curvature. The piece was given a patina to darken its appearance and a tan, gold and brown painted bead sits upon it. I hand riveted a spot where a natural brass chain and toggle are attached to the pendant.

The disc is approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. The total chain lenght is approximately 19.5 inches. If you would like to change the length of the necklace, please message me! This piece has been sealed with a lacquer and wax to protect the finish. Please read all shop policies before purchasing! 

From: Raptor Ridge Originals

All Natural Dreamcatcher Milkweed Pod - Sage Green - Decoupage Gift Box

 

All natural dreamcatcher milkweed pod ornament....

✿ dried milkweed pod
✿ natural raw silk fiber
✿ sage green color
✿ camándula or Jobs tear bead
✿ feather
✿ birch wood gift box 4" by 4"
✿ decoupage vintage butterfly paper

All of our items are created with great care, and when you make a purchase from us you can be sure that it is special...every item is handmade by my husband or/and I...and
Our shop is always evolving and new items are listed daily...so please do check in often....
Raptor Ridge Originals 

Here's a Gift and A Shop with a cause.  I didn't set out to promote that, but it is for those less fortunate and in need.  In support of the Spokane Humane Society

From: Butterfly Sundries

OOAK Etched Cat with Butterfly French Hair Clip - Supports Spokane Humane Society

 

Do you love cats? How about butterflies? Now it's possible to have both, without worrying about the cat trying to catch the butterfly!

This is the first "Fur Babies" hair barrette, created specifically to support the Spokane Humane Society.

It was cut from 20g yellow brass sheet metal, filed, and cleaned. Then an ooak design was drawn by hand onto the surface before it was placed in the etching solution. Cleaned, painstakingly hammered into shape and work hardened by hand, it was then drilled and riveted onto a pre-fabricated 50mm french barrette mount (nickle plated and lead-free). Antiqued and polished, this hair clip has a rustic charm which will bring you joy for years to come!

Brass does, of course, over time develop an attractive patina. This is part of the beauty of the material. The surface does have a thin protective layer of wax to protect it, but expect the beautiful patina to develop gradually.

From beginning to end, this item is handmade with love... with all the attention you deserve!

This item comes with a FREE white gift box, for your gift-giving pleasure, and is shipped via Priority mail with insurance and delivery confirmation.

As always, 10% of the profits from the sale of this item go to support my Featured Charity!

A little information about the organization which inspired this design: By mandate of the Spokane Humane Society’s board of directors in January 2006, the SHS stopped euthanizing animals due to lack of space. Limited resources and available kennels made it impossible to continue to accept unlimited animals and made it necessary to work with their community partners in animal control and breed specific rescue evolving to their current day “Reservation required” shelter.This change initially reduced the number of animals they served each year but increased the number of animals being permanently placed into loving homes and improved placement rate from 52% to 79% from 2006 to 2007. As a part of this policy change, strays are referred to their appropriate animal control facility and are being transferred back based upon the needs of the animals/partner agencies and their space available. In 2012, they had a placement rate of 97%.

The 20g yellow brass plate is just shy of 2.5 long and a little more than 1 inch wide.
Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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