Welcome 2014

Hello,

Thank you for your continued support. New and exciting things are happening this year, and we hope you will continue to follow us, and support your local independent Small Businesses, wherever you may reside.

 
This is the Year of the Wood or Green Horse according to the Chinese Calendar. 

May your year be wonderful.

The Alchemists Vessel

Year's End Announcements

Hello,

The end of 2013 is almost here, and I can hardly believe it has gone by so fast.  This year has brought some milestones for The Alchemists Vessel, and we can't wait to see what 2014 has in store.

The Alchemists Vessel, Blackbird Metalworks, and all of us at Little Shop of Artists would like to thank you for your support and hope you will continue to support us and your local businesses all year long.

Little Shop of Artists -END OF YEAR SALE!


The store will be closed to the public for the month of January as we reorganize, restock, take inventory, and prepare for 2014's events, including shows, markets and fairs.  We hope you will continue to follow this blog for our schedule of activities.

The Alchemists Vessel, Blackbird Metalworks, Tools of Magic and Arachknits will have huge discounts and savings on all jewelry, metaphysical and hand-knit wares in-store.  Come down and save 30 - 50% off you favorite items.

Little Shop of Artists

6713 Fairview Avenue

Boise, ID 83704

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

December, 28th and 29th

TWO DAYS ONLY

Save on all

Sterling Silver and Genuine Gemstone Jewelry by:

The Alchemists Vessel and 

Blackbird Metalworks  

Earrings, Necklaces, Rings and Sets

Metaphysical Items from

Tools of Magic

Crystals, Incense, Jewelry

Hand-knit Items from

Arachknits

Scarves and Muffatees

Don't forget to check out the wonderful selection of Handmade Wire Wrapped Jewelry from

Wire Witchery

Happy Thanksgiving

Good Morning,

Holiday Hours and Classes at Little Shop of Artists

Good Morning,

Today we have a quick look at the Holiday Schedule and Classes in-store at Little Shop of Artists.

During the Holidays the shop is extending the hours of operation customers and weather permitting.  

Monday - Tuesday: The Shop is closed
Wednesday - By Appointment*
Thursday - Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. we teach 
Jewelry-Making 101.
Class Cost is $30.00 per person, attendee provides supplies
Cost: $40.00 per person with Shop Supplied Materials

You may find a Suggested Materials List on our Facebook Page, or check the classes tab here for more information.

Saturday November 23rd, we hold our first class.  I am excited.

We also teach Intermediate to Advanced Classes or Specialty Classes.  December's Specialty Class: 
Bird's Nest  Wire Wrapped Earrings and Pendant set.
Materials Provided by Instructor: Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery
Class Cost: $40.00 for a 2-1/2 session.

All classes are Make and Take.

The Shop will be closed Thursday, November 28th, 2013, Thanksgiving Day.  We would like to encourage you to NOT SHOP on Thursday, spend that time with family, friends, and loved ones.  Everybody deserves a holiday, make sure they get one, and do not shop on Thanksgiving Day.

We will return Friday, November 29, 2013, through the weekend.

I would however like to encourage you to join us for the day on Shop Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2013.  The shop will have some great deals, and now through November 30th, stop in for 10% to 20% discounts on all jewelry in the store, including, Chainmaille, Sterling Silver and Genuine Gemstones, to Wire Witchery's lovely wire wrapped work.

 

You may find us on line at any of the links below.

On The Web

Little Shop  of Artists

The Alchemists Vessel

On-line Shopping

Wire Witchery

The Alchemists Vessel

or - The Alchemists Vessel on Handmade Artists

Social Media

The Alchemists Vessel

Wire Witchery

Little Shop of Artists

Blackbird Metalworks

Follow us on Twitter 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

 

Featured Artist: Blackbird Metalworks

Good Morning,

Today we are going to try something a little different.

Blackbird Metalworks creates Fine Jewelry in sterling Silver and Genuine Gemstones, as well as recycling and up-cycling of your old jewelry.

Showcasing at Little Shop of Artists is a collection of select ready-to-wear pieces.

Let's take a look at some of the up-cycled items for sale.

Black Onyx and Sterling Silver Pendant $95.00

Created from a sterling Silver Money Clip, the metal has been re-worked and folded in the opposite direction and soldered closed.  The Genuine Black Onyx stone was set by hand, the entire piece was hand polished and a chain added to create a pendant.




"Recyclabauble" - $40.00

Crafted from a broken Sterling Silver ring, the shank has been repaired and re-placed and the empty space for a stone has been filled with a pretty electric blue class marble, because it fit the setting.  A US size 9 really is a fun ring to wear, it glows in the shadows and pops in the light.

Here, it is modeled by the designer.







There are other pieces available including necklaces, a very limited selection of Sterling Silver Earrings, Vintage and Handmade Rings, and other pieces like this repaired Vintage Swarovski Crystal Sterling Silver Plated ring in "Amethyst".  

Vintage Swarovski Crystal Ring - $40.00

Located on display
6713 Fairview Avenue, Suite B
Boise, ID 83704

East of N. Cole Road (between Bob's Bicycles and Jerry's State Court Cafe, behind A-1 Video Game Exchange)

Like Us on Facebook: Blackbird Metalworks

Find Us on the Web - Blackbird Metalworks (E-Commerce Page Coming Soon)

We would like to encourage you to stop by and visit the shop and do some of your Holiday Shopping with us.   We can only be successful with you as our customer.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look. 

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

First Annual Haunted Open House and Harvest Market

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!

Monday Stuff

Good Morning,

Today is a random all over the place blog.  Today we discuss some of the services offered at the Little Shop of Artists.

Did you know that Shelly Moody of the The Muddfip Photographer is available for appointments?  Need a sitting, pictures of the new arrival, Graduation photos?  Check out her fan page on Facebook, or come on down to the store and grab a business card.  Shelly also has some of her photography on display in the shop.  Example:

Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery is busy preparing a Class in wire wrapping design: Bird's Nest.  Sarah also lots of lovely things on display in the shop and does custom work as well. Come on down grab a business card, check out Sarah's table.

 Another piece of Sarah's work:

Owner / Participating Artist, Alixandra Browning of The Alchemists Vessel and Blackbird Metalworks, also sits in the shop during hours of operation and does every thing from demonstrating crafts and teaching classes to taking out the garbage.

Currently demos in the Shop include:

Knitting Stripes

Dead Red Co-Ed in Berry Red and Black 

 

 

Chain Maille Weaves:  Captured Inverted Round Maille

Silver-plated and Anodized Aluminum in Copper Jump Rings

Basic Jewelry-Making Skills

Caught Couture - Lariat Style Necklace by The Alchemists Vessel

Come on down sign up for a class, see what's on the shelves, bring your problem project and we'll see if we can't help get you back on track.  Need something special for someone?  Custom requests are welcome!

Like us on Facebook: Little Shop of Artists

Little Shop of Artists

6713 Fairview Ave., Suite B

Boise, ID 83704

Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 to 6:00
Sunday 12:00 to 6:00

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Friday News and Things

Good Morning,

There have been some changes here at the Vessel and I would like to briefly discuss those today.

The pages that were created on Google + and connected to my personal profile have been deleted.  There are several reason and mitigating factors as to why, but Ravens Nook, The Alchemists Vessel and The Alchemists Vessel stand alone profile have been removed.  I would like to thank those that took the time to "follow" or added me to circles.  It is appreciated.

The blog will continue as usual.

We have closed the shop Blackbird Metalworks, and will be incorporating the pieces from there to shop sections on the established sites Etsy and Handmade Artists.  I think I just got a little over ambitious, and there is only so much I can do, and stay organized at the same time.

We are currently awaiting a large order and are in hope of producing some new and fun things as soon as the material arrives.

On today's agenda is trying to find someplace quiet to work.  Some idiot decided that 6:30 a.m. is the perfect time to run power tools.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Featured Artists Blog Posts

Hello,

The blog ring has returned and this week I am most honored and excited to be the Featured Artist.   As I post things from the Studio everyday I thought today might be fun to turn the tables on the blog ring.

Below you will find links to those blogs that have featured The Alchemists Vessel this week, in hope of inspiring you to find a favorite you might like to read or follow as well as The Alchemists Vessel of course.

Week of April 7th - Featured Artist

Pam, my friend, and talented gal, not only has lots of lovely things to say, she also has links to her shops and fellow blogs.   Find her wonderful beaded creations on the Handmade Artists site.

Handmade Artists Featured Artists of the Week

April has some amazing Lampwork jewelry, don't just stop at her blog, check out the beautiful items in her shop as well.

HAF Artist Feature - The Alchemists Vessel

My gal pal Debbi, I love this blog, not only does she feature artists and her own works, she tells stories and has them in "chapter" or part form (and is a clever writer), and she allows you a peek into her life outside her studio.

Handmade Artist Feature - The Alchemists Vessel

Teresa is also a jewelry designer and has her own shop on handmade artists as well.  She has fun things to check out on her sidebar menus, as well as in her shop.  Take a moment to check it out.

Don't forget to check out the sidebar menus here for links to the shops, blogs and other sites.  There is always something new going on somewhere!

I would like to thank the Blog Ring for featuring me this week.
*This post may be edited to include those Ring Participants that have not posted a feature yet.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

Studio News - Two New Rings

Good Morning,

Today I would like to share two new items available from the Blackbird Metalworks division of the Studio.

"Princess Bride" - Pink Zircon and 10K Fine White Gold Ring.

"As you wish."  The farm boy said.

Simple, elegant, feminine and very pretty.  US Size 6.5 fits most ring fingers and would make a fabulous alternative for an October Birthday or that special question one might like to ask.

Zircon is a natural mineral, it is usually found in a crystalline form and comes in a variety of colors, the most common being hyacinth (yellow), but ranges from yellows to reds.  Not to be confused with Cubic Zirconia (CZ) a synthetic material

The vintage 10K Fine White Gold band has a pretty little spiral pattern along the shank and carries up to the prongs for an attractive accent and a lovely setting.

White Gold is an alloy, it consists of yellow gold and a white metal such as palladium, zinc or nickle.  The Karat weight refers to the purity of the yellow gold.  Fine Gold can range from 900 Fine to almost pure gold, which is much too soft to make jewelry with.


Love Honor Cherish Mans Wedding Band

Strong, sturdy, individual and one of a kind.  This solid Sterling Silver ring is made with the Ceremonial Vows in mind.  The three stacked rings characterize the phrase to "Love, Honor, and Cherish" each other, and reminds the wearer to do so every day.

Cut from a single piece of Sterling Silver half-round stock, each ring is individually hand forged, crafted and shaped on a steel mandrel, soldered and polished before being stacked and connected.

Appropriate for men or women the ring stands about 1/2" tall, but is lightweight enough to wear comfortably.

The center ring is stamped Sterling. Some surface tool marks are visible in the photos but not to the naked eye, these are not imperfections, but are the sign of a quality hand-crafted item.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  We hope we have inspired you to take a look at what else we have in the shop.

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

Find us on Facebook - Blackbird Metalworks

How To Make a Badge and Button For Your Site

Good Morning.

Today because I do not have pictures of new items ready to post, I thought a tutorial of another kind might be useful and entertaining.

As you may have noticed the side menus have changed, and there are several new buttons and a "Grab Our Badge" Box.  Want to make one of your own?

If you own a shop, have a blog or a site, badges are a simple and quick visual recognition of your shop or brand.

There are four (4) steps to creating the code for your picture / badge and the code box that allows others to "grab your badge" for their own site, blog or what have you.

For this tutorial I will be using the images for Blackbird Metalworks Badge.  I also copied and pasted the code using Text Edit for iMac, although any writing or note program should do.

Step One:

Choose a photo that you like.

Using your preferred photo editing program crop or re-size image to 125 x 125.  This seems the standard size.

Upload your picture to photobucket, iPiccy, or Picasa.  I prefer photobucket.  *Suggestion - Make a Folder titled Buttons or Badges or something, and keep your badge images there, forever.  If you move them you will break the link to the image and then your button or badge will not work.

Edit and add text if you like.

This is what my badge looks like.

Step Two:

Write the code for your image.  Here it gets tricky and I will try to explain as best I can.  This is the code you will use, replacing the RED text with your own address.

<a href="http://YOUR URL.com/" target="_blank"><img src="YOUR IMAGE HTML CODE" border="0" alt=" NAME"/></a>

Copy the text above.  Insert your web address, site URL, or Blogger address where YOUR URL is, this will direct people to your site of choice when they click the button.  My address would look like this:
<ahref="http://alchemistsvessel.blogspot.com/"...


(I can't type the whole code or another image will show up.)


Now return to your Image file (photobucket, what have you) and copy the HTML Code, third item in the menu list.

Paste the code between the quotation marks where YOUR IMAGE CODE goes.

target="_blank"><img src="YOUR IMAGE HTML CODE"border="0" alt=" name"/></a>

Now you can type a short NAME for your button here, like mysitesbutton. I used bbmbutton.

Your URL will direct people to your site of choice when they click your button.  The IMAGE CODE is just that, the URL Address of the picture, it doesn't do anything else except tell the computer where the picture is located.  If you move it from its folder you will break the link / code and the button will no longer work.

Copy and Paste your code into the appropriate place on your site.  For blogger go to
Layout
Choose the HTML Code Box form the Add Gadget
Paste your code in the box.
Tah-Dah!
You have a button / badge / clicky thingy!

All done. If you would like people to be able to post your badge on their site you can create the following code.

Step Three: - Make a "Grab Our Badge" Text Box.

<textarea name="texture" cols="20" rows="4"
wrap="VIRTUAL"><a href="http://YOUR URL.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://YOUR IMAGE CODE" border="0" alt=" NAME"/></a></textarea>

Copy the text above. Using the same information you used for your picture, insert your URLS into the appropriate spot.

Your site Address - YOUR URL (alchemistsvessel.blogspot.com)
Your Image Code - YOUR IMAGE HTML CODE (copied from photobucket) and should look something like this: 
a123/your account/foldername/picturefilename.jpg
Name - The NAME you gave your button (bbmbutton)


When you have completed your code it should look something like this:

<a href="http://YOUR URL.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://YOUR IMAGE CODE" border="0" alt=" NAME"/></a>
<textarea name="texture" cols="20" rows="4"
wrap="VIRTUAL"><a href="http://YOUR URL.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http:/YOUR IMAGE CODE" border="0" alt=" NAME"/></a></textarea> 

Step Four: 

OK, Now that you have both codes, return to where you would like to use it.  Paste BOTH codes into the HTML Box in blogger or other appropriate place on your site that lets you add buttons or code.
  
When you are finished your box should look something like this. 



<a href="http://alchemistsvessel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d183/winter_fox/Buttons/button1.jpg" border="0" alt=" alchemistsvesselbutton"/></a>

The text in the box is what others will copy and paste to use your badge / button on their site.

NOTE:  WordPress Users, the GRAB BOX code will not work, it will simply create another picture. I don't know why this is, but the first part of the code will work for the badge.

Thank you for stopping by, we hope we have not confused you and that this information will be helpful.

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