Studio News: Supply Shop

Good Morning,

It has come to my attention that I have way too much stuff, and by stuff I mean supplies that I have purchased over the years and have found that I began, finished or stopped the project or that I never began at all, and I have supplies for all of them

In the interest of keeping things more organized I have opened a sister-shop to The Alchemists Vessel, Silent Moon Supplies, on The CraftStar.  The shop is slowly filling up with Sterling Silver Links and Findings, new commercial materials in their original packaging, Genuine Gemstone strands, and hand made items.

Currently there are 11 items in the shop, we will be adding more by the day and the week.  A sampling of what is available now.

Turquoise - 5mm Rondelle / Saucer Beads, 15 inch strand.

Commercial Jewelry Wire

Handmade Sterling Silver Earring Findings

Commercial Links - Sterling Silver Crescent Man in The Moon Links

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope we have enouraged you to take a look and see if don't have that unique and special supply you have been looking for.

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

Using Social Media Responsibly

Good Morning,

Happy Friday!  I would like to wish one and all a very happy Memorial Day Weekend, get out there and have some fun, or simply rest and prepare for Tuesday!

This morning I would like to discuss using social media sites, because they are a wonderful tool.  Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and others, all have the capability and the potential to be fabulous marketing tools for sellers, and a great place to window shop for free.

However there is a downfall to these modern marvels, and it is the very public you're trying to reach.  These sites are neat, I belong to several to help promote my wares; however what I present to the public has the possibility of be re-posted and shared.  That is great, and is also the site doing it's job, connecting me with strangers that like my jewelry.

However; many of these re-pinners or re-posters, do not take the time to think things through.  Posting something an artists has made on a board entitled DIY, Things For My Hands To Do, Jewelry Ideas, is tantamount to stealing.  That's right, I said stealing.  Writing a detailed materials list underneath a shared post, or an explanation of how the artist may have created the piece and announcing that the poster intends to craft one using a different color or bead is still in essence, stealing.  It is not flattery, it is not admiration, it is taking something from someone else and using it as their own.  That is not only bad form, that person/re-poster/re-pinner may have just stripped the artist of a sale, their livelihood!

If you like the artists work, say so, perhaps you could write them a note and express your admiration, maybe ask what is the price of that lovely piece you like so much.  Perhaps an arrangement could be met.

Items posted to boards as the ones mentioned above not only cheapen the artist, but tends to make them very angry at the same time.  What that re-pinner has done is diminish the time, effort and work the artist put into their piece.  The artist designed, crafted, assembled that piece, item, painting, ceramic, pin, button what have you, whether to sell or for pleasure, they chose to share their work with others.  This is not a license, as so many think, to start to copy or re-make the artists item for themselves, or their own gain. 

So how does one use social media responsibly?  Start by not marking things "Do It Yourself", because in most cases you won't be able to re-create or make the item yourself.   Maybe title a board, "Art / Artists I Really Admire", "My Favorite Products", "Wish I Made That" or something that doesn't suggest you're going to re-make the item.  There are ways and words that get the point across without thieving from someone else.

Something to think about.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Cabochons and Faceted Stones

Good Morning,

Today's blog is very brief, as I am in the middle of a project that must be done.

Jewelry making consists of many steps, parts, pieces, and time.  One of the most important parts or pieces of jewelry-making are the gemstones.  There are two basic kinds of cuts for these stones,  cabochon or a faceted gemstone.

Cabochons are usually cut from opaque stones like Onyx, Agate, and Malachite.  Cabochons have a flat back and a curved (convex) or domed top, there are names for the different surfaces of the stone as well.

Cabochon ~  Mossy Agate, cut, shaped and polished by Rasmussen Gems and Jewellery, LLC.  This stone was cut especially for me for the project I am working on. 

Mossy Agate Cabochon

Faceted stones are usually crafted from crystalline stones, such as Ruby, Emerald, and Diamonds.  The different surfaces of the stone allow light to pass through the different angles of the surface showing off the beauty of the stone.

Surfaces of the stone are taken into account from the table to the culet (top to bottom).

Faceted Pink Zircon set in 10K White Gold

Table - Top
Girdle - Middle
Culet - Bottom point

The girdle of the stone is usually placed in the setting for a nice balanced look.

What is Mohs Scale?

Mohs Scale refers to the hardness of the stone. Numbered 1 though 10 stones are assigned a number based on how hard the surface of the stone is, Talc being the softest at 1 and of course Diamond being the hardest of the stones at 10.  Most stones used for jewelery fall somewhere between 3 and 7 on the scale. 

Malachite 3.5 - 4
Jade 5.5 - 6
Amethyst 7
Ruby 9  

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Tuesday Treasuries

Good Morning,

I thought trying something a little different might spice things up a bit.

Instead of showcasing five shops and their individual items I thought I would promote gift giving through other people's eyes.  Below are four Treasuries, collections of items, usually with a theme, that other people have found appealing and put together in a little window.

You may see the individual items in each of the Treasuries or visit the curators' shops by clicking on the links provided.

Curator: The Alchemists Vessel

Primitive Pretties

Curator: Dreamcatcher Man

My Favorite Native American Inspired Gifts

Curator: Thunder Rose
 
Handmade From The Heart

Curator: Cinful Designs

Be Myself

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope that inspiration may strike and you will click through to have a look see at some of these and other neat collections of items.

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.
 

Five Great GIfts to GIve List #9

Good Morning,

This month there are two Holidays, Passover and Easter, this morning's blog has five great gift ideas for the holidays.

From Sue's Arts

Chai charm necklace, evil eye necklace, Hamsa necklace, Treee of life, Hebrew charm necklace, Judaica, evil eye necklace, Life charm

SOLD SEPARATELY BY #

Beautiful and unique variety of Judaica cameo charm necklaces in antique bronze.

Collection includes, "Chai" for "Life, Hamsa, Tree of Life, and Star of David (Magen David).

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

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

Suzan ♥ 

This would make a lovely gift for the Seder Hostess.

Matza box Holder, Passover matza holder, Matzo box holder, Matzo, matza, Judaica gift, Passover

This is a beautiful and unique handmade and decorated wooden Matza box holder.

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

CUSTOM ORDERS ALWAYS WELCOME

Suzan 

From: Abbey's Nest

How cute are these... Peeps  

Macrame Bracelet with Acrylic Pastel Chick Charms

A cute, colorful macrame bracelet with multi-colored pastel chicks. Bracelet is knotted with oatmeal colored polished hemp, and measures 8 inches in length with a loop and bead closure. The bracelet also features six little acrylic pastel chick beads. Perfect for Easter! 

Lampwork Chicken Earrings with Red Agate Hearts

A pair of lampwork chicken earrings with red agate hearts. Red, white and blue lampwork chicken beads are each paired with three dangling agate hearts in various shades of red. Earring hooks are surgical stainless steel. Great for those with metal allergies.

And for those of you that like to handcraft your gift items, here is a fun bunch of punches themed for Easter.

From: OWL Crafting

Easket Basket With Eggs

This is to make your own Easter Basket. I have included a Sample showing how it looks or you can rearrange it and make it anyway you like. I have included 4 Baskets, Eggs and Bows...There is enough to make 4 different baskets..

These are cute to put on cards, scrapbooking, invitations, etc..

Thank you for stopping by and having a look, we hope we have inspired you to see what else these shops may have to offer.

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