Thursday, October 22, 2015

Featured Artist: My European Touch on The CraftStar

Good Morning,

Today I would like to share some of the wonderful handmade items from My European Touch on The CraftStar.

I know I have some musicians out there, these would make fabulous and fun accessories for the string-player in your life.

Shabby Chic Wall art wood cut out handmade 19 inch violin music lover gift wall art musicians gift

Shabby Chic Violin, made from a wood cut out, handmade, primed and painted in sage green, covered in delicate white lace, 4 cream pearl strings follow it from the scroll to the bottom, a very light lace pattern was spray painted on the body, the strings at the bottom end up in a green flowered cameo, daisy stickers and bow, green wired rhinestone bling, 2 green rhinestone lil angels cover the body. The scroll/top is covered with a little vintage Christmas tree broche full of rhinestones and a crystal chandelier tear drop.

Measurements 19 inches tall

What a fabulous gift for everyone or perfect wall art Thank you for looking and shopping



Guitar, Handmade Mosaic Guitar "Broken Songs and Melodies"

This little guy started life as a guitar for a child. When I found it, it was tucked away in someones attic just longing to have new life breathed into it, as I do with all my recycled mosaic items. An up cycled, recycled piece of art. Many, many hours and weeks later I ended up with what I call "Broken Songs and Melodies" mosaic guitar. This almost 31 inches long, formerly Acoustic Mosaic Guitar evolved from unusable to a decorative wall hanging for the visual enjoyment of the music lover, music artist, friends of music or a protégé. Ready to be hung in your home, office, class room , studio or even a gift for that special one. Display this baby where the sunlight hits it and it will throw off lil sparkles and reflections from the mirror glass on the neck. Every lil cut Mosaic Piece I placed with utter loving care so as to preserve some of the patterns of the Vintage China Plate Rims. One small piece at a time, utterly time consuming, but I love what I do. I covered this guitar with a mosaic of broken, cut fine china porcelain plate rims and complimented it with stained glass. The neck is covered in mirror glass in the warm tones of bronze, peach and silver. I restrung the two strings which were left with burgundy pearls. It is trimmed out in ivory gimp to protect your furniture or hands while handling it. Have you ever tried to restring a guitar string with single pearls, “boyng” the steel string went and pearls are flying all over my studio. It took 5 attempts to finish the re-stringing... ;o) A little note: * all of our items are packaged with care are wrapped special just for you. * if you have a large order...we will combine shipping and use priority mail, if at all possible... * if the postage is in major excess...a refund will be given. *we are friendly, so please feel free to drop a note any time! Open to all questions and suggestions. Enjoy...remember I am not new to Online Selling, 10 years experience and over 800 positive feedbacks

 

Snowy, white, Silver Rhinestone ChristmasTable Center Piece

STOREWIDE SALE 40% OFF, USE COUPON CODE TCS40

Christmas Arrangement, Snowy Winter White and silver Table Decor  Vase, Vintage former recycled Silver plate Vase from 1905, it is transformed into a shabby chic decor all year long or for the Holidays. One of a kind, you will not find this anywhere else...this table decor has a rhinestone blingy Owl in the center.
Commonly used in the Victorian home, this former silver ware with this Vintage look, it is a useful decor all year around, or a delightful decorative Art Piece.

I primed and painted the VASE, and painted the christmas twigs and such, set it into the Vase, I adorned with pearls, it is adorable..
Measurement approx. 15 Inches tall, 
Thank you for looking at the shop of Myeuropeantouch
I do ship International, please inquire. Any overcharged shipping will always be reimbursed via paypal




Mosaic Box Recipe Box, Shabby Chic Treasure Box Keepsake Box Recipe Box handmade broken china stained glass 

 STOREWIDE SALE 40% OFF, USE COUPON CODE TCS40  

Mosaic Box, recycled, handmade rectangular, lidded box with handmade cut, broken china plate rim Mosaic, painted in Vanilla, grouted in Antique White Grout, sealed, outfitted with a pink porcelain knob and a handmade clay rose. One side is enhanced with a cameo. Every lil cut Mosaic Piece I placed with utter loving care so as to preserve some of the patterns of the Vintage China Plate Rims. One small piece at a time, utterly time consuming, but I love what I do. A recipe box, a treasure box, something totally different and use it as a gift box....To wrap a gift now, and harbor coveted gifts later... in this beautiful box. Measurements: 9 x 6 x 5.5 inches A quaint alternative to the boring regular recipe boxes, or fill with homemade fudge or some other goodies.... to give away. Write your favorite recipe down and stash within, comes with recipe cards. Four nostalgic china plate designs have been rescued and used to enhance this box. Cut up and broken china plate rims from Royal Albert, Old English Rose, Edwin Knowles, even a lil bit of Paris is present.. The edges are ensconced by a row of cream colored gimp top/bottom to protect your furniture. A little note: * all of our items are packaged with care are wrapped special just for you. * if you have a large order...we will combine shipping and use priority mail, if at all possible... * if the postage is in major excess...a refund will be given. *we are friendly, so please feel free to drop a note any time! Open to all questions and suggestions. Enjoy...remember I am not new to Online Selling, 10 years experience and over 800 positive feedbacks

 

Mosaic Lazy Susan, handmade, Broken, cut china plate rim Mosaic

STOREWIDE SALE 40% OFF, USE COUPON CODE TCS40

Handmade Mosaic large Lazy Susan. I found this vintage Lazy Susan which had been discarded for its terrible looks.
I sanded, primed, and painted it white, distressed it a bit, covered the top with a handmade Mosaic made from already damaged cut up vintage fine bone china plate rims and stained glass. The mosaic also has two lil porcelain girls in them who used to have a couple of feather angel wings, which I removed. The mosaic is grouted in a antique white grout and sealed. It still turns very nicely, as a lazy susan should.
Measurements: 16 inches in diameter and 2 inches high 
Uses are endless, one can use it for the obvious in the dining room now for your condiments, napkins etc.
In your office for your pencil holders, scissor, the cup with pens, scotch tape and such....
In the baby's room for the powders, creams, wipes and lotions, one turn around and everything is right handy.
I am sure one can find even that your cup cakes look fabulous on them, even a cake. Or just set it on the counter and have your guest admire your treasure. 
Thank you for looking

Follow Monica on Twitter: @myeuropeantouch


Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Five Great Gifts To Give: Halloween II 2015

Good Morning,

Halloween is right around the corner, and on a Saturday night.  What better time to get the house in spooky order and entertain those ghosts and ghouls that haunt your neighborhood.

This morning's gift ideas come from five unique shops on The CraftStar.

From: Classy Glassy

Halloween Drink Up Witches Wine Glass

Hand painted Drink Up Witches! wine glass with witches hat perfect for Halloween!

20 oz high quality wine glass

All glassware is hand painted by me with special paint made for glass and over cured.  Hand washing is recommended for long lasting beauty.


From: Designs by Tiffany

Zombie Halloween Wreath

20 inch grapevine wreath painted black and adorned with black and red. Spooky zombie and black widow spider. A unique decoration for your home this Halloween!


From: Handmade In Chico


Harvest Moon Glass Dome Pendant Full Moon Halloween Jewelry

 Harvest Moon Glass Tile Pendant 

Each pendant is made up of a laser printed image placed under a glass dome in a Silver Tone, Bronze or Copper bezel.
Size: Round 1 inch (25mm)
Chain Length: 18 inch link chain with lobster clasp (finish will match bezel option).

Each is packaged in a lovely organza bag ready to gift.

Custom orders and wholesale welcome!

These pendants are not water proof and are small. They are not suitable for small children so please use caution.



From:  Warmth


Halloween Decoration Sconce Felted Mice Ghost Fall Scene

 This miniature mouse scene is built within a wooden sconce handmade of 3/8" wood. It is 9" in height, 4" wide and 4" deep. It can be set on a shelf or hung from a peg. The second photo shows the whole in the top for hanging. The scene is Halloween Night and Mama and Child Mouse are Trick or Treating. Mama is dressed in a black plaid outfit with orange pumpkins on it. Baby is dressed as a Ghost. Mama carries Black Jack-o-Lantern bag with lollypops and the Baby carries a teenie tiny handmade strawbasket with candy corn on it. They are accompanied by their faithful black cat Minerva. The background is complete with spooky black wooden tree, a miniature cornstalk, a black picket fence and circling sparkly ghosts. In the foreground sits a handmade miniature jack-o-lantern. This is a ooak miniature scene. The back is signed and dated by the artist. Destined to be a collector's item for sure.

 

From: Heffernan's Little Craft Shop

Halloween Soap - Colorful Ghost Soap -Vanilla scented

 These soaps are so cute and colorful!! They are mini ghost. Size: 2.4" x 2.3" x 0.83" The soap is white with glitter. The soap is 1.5 ounces. These are the perfect size for a little person. They make great treats This is a great gift!!! The soap will come wrapped and tied with colored ribbons. All soaps are made to order. If you would like different colors please let me know. This listing is for 2 soaps and that is a total of 3 ounces.

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Friday, October 16, 2015

How To List Items: Helpful Hints

Good Morning,

Today the blog has some helpful hints for listing those wonderful handmade items you create. 

Let's begin with Titles and Tags.  Depending on where you list your items, character count and number of tags may vary, but the process is the same.  Choose a title for your  item.

Does it have a name?  Many artists choose to call their piece something, names like "Emma", "Aurora", "Bob" to differentiate one piece from another, things like, "Paramour", "Enchantress", and "Princess" work just as well.

What is it? Bracelet, Earrings, Painted Box, Etched Glass?  Be sure to be specific.  

Helpful Hint: Many sites have crawlers or bots that will pick up on words in your title, their own little SEO searchers, make sure everything is spelled correctly.  Check out the sites categories and try to include one word in your title that matches the category you would like your item to be found in.  Spelling, spell-check does not catch all errors and even insists words are wrong if it does not recognize them.  Take the time to check your spelling, and double check those triple score words, like Labyrinth and Cephalopod, twice.

Example: Fafnir Chainmaille Silver and Gold Dragonscale Bracelet

*It doesn't have to have a name, Chainmaille Bracelet works just as well, or you may include the name at the end of the title instead: Chainmaille Dragonscale Bracelet - Fafnir

Tags:  Tags should reflect the above, and they should also be descriptive if possible.  Ask yourself these questions when thinking about tags: What is it?  Who is it for?  What does it do?  What color is it?  What is it made from?  Is it a particular fashion or style? 

Example: bracelet, women, teens, jewelry, chainmaille, gold, silver, fashion, Rocker, Biker, Fantasy, handmade, dragonscale

Helpful Hint:  Include words from your title in your tags as well.  If your stuck you can also use words like: "traditional", "modern", or "classic".

Photography:  Is it necessary to have a professional take your photos?  No, many do, but most handmade artists are also the photographer.  Getting that perfect shot is tough and there are all kinds of how-tos around the web.  Here are a couple of more suggestions.

Do not use your cell phone. Just no. Although the picture looks great on the phone's screen it will not translate well to a site and will look blurry and out of focus. If you must use your cellphone, get a "selfie stick", this will help steady the phone for a better picture.  Go through the phone's photo settings, many times the app has different size settings, use them, they will help.

Use at least four pictures, even if two are kind of the same. Try to shoot the item from different angles, both sides, from the top down, on a different background and a close up of the detail.

Helpful Hint: Get to know your digital camera.  Does it have a MACRO setting?  The Macro setting is used to magnify and capture very small things in focus and detail.

Example:  Tiny Frog-Prince Charms


  
Almost there.  You have a title, tags, and a photo.  Now comes the hard part, the description.  Should it be long or short?  What information should be included?  What does one say about the item?

Does it have a story?  You can make one up.  Where did it  come from?  What did it experience on its journey?  What can the customer expect from the piece?  Is it heavy?  Light weight?  Comfortable? 

Take the time to jot down words on a list that you can refer to when listing the item and construct a simple sentence around it.  

Example: This pair of earrings is light weight and comfortable enough for all day wear.

Completed Listing Example: 

Chainmaille Dragonscale Bracelet - Fafnir

 







This beautiful chainmaile bracelet is elegant and understated.  Simply stunning in Silver over Gold rings, one might imagine why a Dragon is required to guard a King's horde.  Named after the dragon of myth that once guarded a great King's treasure, Fafnir is sure to keep your treasures safe and will effortlessly coordinate with everything in your closet.

Perfect for Fantasy Film or Event attire, Cos-play, SCA, LARP costume needs or a wonderfully fun piece for Game of Thrones or History Channel "Vikings" fans.

8" long and 1" wide.  Handcrafted from 14Kt Gold--plated and Silver-plated (over brass) jump rings, finished with a Slide clasp for a secure fit.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

*Also available in Gold over Silver rings.  Please see the shop for our collection of ready-to-wear items or contact us with your custom request.

Tags: Chainmaille, jewelry, bracelet, Fantasy, Film, costume, Viking, cuff, women,  dragonscale, gold, silver, metal

Please see the actual listing here:

Chainmaille Dragonscale Bracelet - Fafnir



Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope this post is useful.

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

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Featured Artist: Sue's Arts on Etsy

Good Morning,

Today's featured artist is Sue Abraham of Sue's Arts on Etsy.


Sue Specializes in:  HAMSA, HAMSA, HAMSA, JUDAICA JEWELRY, HEBREW JEWELRY, HAMSA JEWELRY, EVIL EYE JEWELRY, CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

As Team Captain for Road To Success on Etsy, Sue wrangles her teammates and makes wonderful jewelry all at the same time.  Some her lovely work may be found below.


I am my beloved stamped charm necklace with Hamsa, love health success hebrew charm necklace, Ani le dodi love charm necklace, personalized

Beautiful, charming, elegant and one of a kind custom hand stamped necklaces to choose from.

Hebrew well wishes for "Love, Health, Success" and "Ani Le Dodi..." ("I am my beloved...")

The Hamsa is believed to protect and shield against the evil eye and the envious eye of strangers.
It is also believed to create positive energy, happiness, prosperity and good health therefore makes the perfect gift idea.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.

 

leather bracelet, infinity bracelet, love bracelet, leather charm bracelet, infinity love charm, infinity charm bracelet

Beautiful handmade infinity love leather charm bracelet.

Very cute and elegant.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BOX


wooden wall plaque, Key hang, jewelry hang, wood plaque, wood picture, wood wall picture, vintage picture, vintage wooden picture

 


Gorgeous custom made and one of a kind handmade wood plaque with hooks to hang which could be used for keys, or jewelry.

Approx size about 6 1/2" x 4 1/2.



Arrow shape Druzy Agate, Natural stone necklace, Black Agate pendant, Druzy pendant, Arrow charm necklace, Druzy stone

Gorgeously beautiful, elegant, unique and one of a kind arrow shape natural black Agate stone charm necklace.

Approx size 25x50mm

Black Agate brings the Great Spirit into ones life. Attracts good fortune. Increases concentration and clarity. Promotes good will. Aids in overcoming flaws, fears, and loneliness. Removes jinxes, helps eliminate bad luck. Has a calming effect during times of stress. Gives a sense of strength and courage. Encourages fertility. Powerful healer. Especially beneficial for bone marrow and allergies.

Black Agate is used for Protection, Courage, Success. It is worn for courage and success in competitions.Black Agate with their hot energy helps Reproduction System. Excellent stone during Menopause, it's also helpful for Breast Tumor.

Agate protects new life and therefore it's excellent stone during pregnancy.

Zodiac sign: Gemini

FEEL FREE CONTACTING ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BOX

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

 

 

Blue Agate Druzy Geode Ring,Stone ring,Gold plated Agate Druzy Geode Ring,adjustable ring,Agate Druzy Geode,Druzy Ring, Natural stone

Absolutely gorgeous Natural Agate Druzy Geode adjustable gold plated rings to choose from.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BOX

Suzan 

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope that you will click through and see what else Sue has on offer.

 

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

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

In The Studio: Project Preview

Good Morning,

Today I thought I might share a little something different than jewelry.

I was gifted with several boxes some time ago, and had no idea what to do with them, so they sat in the bag, taking up space.

They are a lovely natural wood (I'm guessing pine), but very raw, I spent yesterday sanding and trying to fix the clasps that close them.


There is one of the rectangle and three or four of the octagonal shape with the wire trim.  Occasionally I would look at them, and then re-pack them, I had no idea what to do with them.

Then it dawned on me, there are lots of ways to spruce up these little things, paint, decoupage, pyrography (wood-burning). Which one was right for these?

The first step was preparing the surface.  That's done.  What I have in mind for these is a surprise, but something I am looking forward to doing.

The next step is paint or a clear sealant, I have not chosen one yet, but I have a firm plan in mind and know how to approach the project now.

Stay tuned for the finished object, I may do another progress blog before they are completed.  

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Five Great Gifts To Give: Black and White

Good Morning,

Last week the blog featured five unique gifts with a Halloween flair, today we continue the theme with five more unique items from five unique shops on TheCraftStar, they are black and white or some variation of the two.  Don't forget to check out the shops and see what else they have on their virtual shelves.

From: The Spot


Spiral Tree Handbag/Tote Bag



This cool tote bag comes in
Color- BLACK
Material- 100% Cotton Canvas
Measures- 13.5" X 13.5"
Tote Handles- 10" each

Image on tote is color of your choice and is only on 1 side.
*Only BLACK totes are in stock
All totes are custom made to order.
If you have any special requests please don't hesitate to ask!
We love custom orders.



From: Harmonee's Magickal Creations



Pentagram Black Hair Ties - Set of 4 Elastic Hair Ties


This listing is for 4 handmade hair ties... made from black fold over elastic. Hair ties have pentagram charms on them!


From: The Alchemists Vessel


Jet Chainmaille and Genuine Gemstone Earrings


These earrings are a wonderful addition to any jewelry collection.  Pairing them with your wardrobe is a snap.  Pair with Office Attire or that cute Little Black Dress.  Perhaps darker fashions are more your style, these earrings are sure to please you and compliment everything in your closet.

This style is available in a variety of genuine gemstones, including traditional birthstones to uncommon stones.  Which pair you choose is up to you,  all make a lovely accessory for any outfit.

Handcrafted from silver-plated (over brass) jump rings and genuine Jet, a carbonized Wood, these are lightweight and comfortable.  A delight to wear.  Finished with Fish Hook style ear wires to match.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Don't see your favorite?  Contact the shop for a custom pair just for you.

Please see our selection of Ready-to-Wear items in the shop.

 

From: The Gift Whisperer

Men's Organic Shaving Bowl~ Made to Order


Made especially for the well groomed gentleman, this earth-friendly, handmade, artisan shaving bowl has that old world charm that he'll fall in love with!

Approx 6 inches across, this rustic yet elegant bowl will have him groomed in style!

Please give me 4 weeks to custom make your bowl as all ingredients are from earth.
 

Please pick your colour when you order.



From:  Jabber Jewels

Black and White Labyrinth




Black and White Labyrinth

This is one of my own images that I designed.

Set in a 1" silver pendant tray and comes on a 22" sterling silver plated ball chain.

You can adjust the length of the chain by cutting it with a regular pair of scissors to assure the perfect fit.

All of my pendant necklaces are made with quality components.


Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope you will click through and do a little Windows shopping, it's always free.

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


Monday, October 12, 2015

A Look at Amazon Handmade Section

Good Morning,

Today I would like to share a link to another blog post on the subject of Amazon's new Handmade Artisan Section / Shops.

This reviewer has first hand experience with the set up and let me tell you I am so glad I read her review first before spending hours jumping through the numerous hoops to sign up for my own shop.

Let me make it clear that her opinions match my own, I am a One Woman Circus when it comes to my business and although it looks like a wonderful and lucrative venture on the surface it is little more than a money-for-nothing generator for Amazon.  

I would read the post from beginning to end, do not skim, what this artist has to say is important.  There may be some of you out there that have the means and the way to deal with Amazon, but I wouldn't do it if they were the last vestige of the internet. 

Here is the link.

http://www.creationsfromthehart.com/amazon-review/

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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