Showing posts with label crochet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crochet. Show all posts

Friday, September 25, 2015

Friday Fun: The Tentacled Topper

Good Morning,

Happy Friday to one and all.  Are we ready for the weekend? I know I am.  

The blog isn't always all about business, we like to have fun and play, too.  Today I would like share a little bit of that with you.  

My friend and fellow artist, Debbi, from Yankee Burrow took time out from her busy schedule to crochet this wonderfully fun hat for me.  We found the pattern on line and Debbi took up the hook and some marvelous acrylic yarn in a dark forest green and worked it up.






This hat is a hoot, I love it and cannot wait to wear this out grocery shopping or to some other activity, snowballs fights would be good.

Although this particular item is not listed in her shops, there are other things that are just as neat.  I hope you will take a moment to click through and see what else this talented and clever crafter has on offer.  Perhaps you would like to request a custom order?  She does that too.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Featured Artist: Yankee Burrow

Good Morning,

Today I would like to share with you a wonderful artist, my friend, Debbi Huntington of Yankee Burrow.   Debbi is one busy lady, from handcrafting her own designs and items, to spiffing up that unique vintage piece or attending her local Evening Flea Market, tending the chickens (yes, she has chickens), or her grandchildren.  Somehow she finds the time to blog, support other artists and lends a hand on The CraftStar.

Aren't you lucky blog readers.  Debbi has a SALE going on right now... Enter the code sale20 and receive a 20% discount at checkout.






From fun and adorable items for children to cool and sophisticated gifts for adults, Yankee Burrow has a little bit of everything.  Let's have a look.

This years must have fashion color is Radiant Orchid and this is one of the cutest purses I have seen in a long time.  Handmade, crocheted, a skill that eludes me, I just love this bag.

Radiant Orchid Lilac Beaded Handbag Shoulder Purse

This soft purple handbag is a great fashion accessory for this summer months.  Crocheted in a pattern I have had since the 80's, I modified it by adding the front flap and shortening the strap. The plastic pony beads are worked into the crochet pattern, not sewn on, so there is no worry about the beads popping off from daily use.  In fact, the bag I created way back then is still in use today.  I added a nice fabric lining to this bag so you won't have to worry about combs or pens or anything getting caught, or sticking out, while carrying this bag.
It measures 12 1/2" wide and 10 1/2" deep and is crocheted with Germantown worsted yarn - 100% pure virgin wool.
Handwash in lukewarm water and gentle soap, roll in a towel and then lay flat to dry.


What little Gryffindor boy or girl wouldn't just adore wearing these slippers and roaring around as they chase the Snitch about the house?
 

Lion Head Slippers Crocheted for Children

I crocheted these adorable stuffed lion slippers for my newest grandson, and I also want to share them with you and your loved little ones.
I first made slippers for all my children when they were little, and after my grandson was born, I pulled out his fathers lion slippers and wanted to re-create them for the baby.  My son actually wore his slippers until he was 16, and as you can see by the picture, he can still fit into them.  I save most everything related to crafting, but I did not have the original pattern for these slippers, but after a short internet search, I found the book on a vintage shop.  It's a Leisure Arts Craft Leaflet by Sur Penrod dated 1986.  My son was thrilled to carry on this tradition with his son.
Let me create a new heirloom for your baby with made to order slippers.  You can choose from a lion, tiger, dog, bunny, cat, panda, bear, and mouse.  Each pair is made to order to fit your child, so please give me about 2 weeks to complete your order.  And at the time of check out, please leave me a comment with the measurement of the child's foot.  4 1/2" is small, 6 1/2" is medium, and 8 1/2" is large, but I can adjust the slipper to fit any foot size, (within reason). 


 How cool is this?

Vintage Geiger Counter Detect-Ore GC.111

I can't remember exactly when or where we first discovered this wonderful vintage geiger counter, but  I do believe it is from WWII.  There is a section where you can hook up a phone and a section where you can hook up a geiger counter, which leads me to believe that this is a multi-purpose item.  I could not find anything on-line that even remotely resembles this one.  So if you are a collector of war memorabilia, you need this for your collection.

 

Now here is something truly unique and different.

 

Yellow Abalone Shell Pendant Vintage

I found this beautiful yellow color abalone shell (I think) pendant at a local consignment shop, and quickly snatched it up.  It was dirty and tarnished, but still the golden color shone through, so I took it home and cleaned it up.  I strung it on a simple cord and ribbon necklace that measures 18" from end to end with a 2" extension.  The pendant itself measures 1 1/2".
There is no marking on the silver so I could not do much research on it, and since I am not a gemologist, I can not guarantee that the stone is abalone shell, but that is what other, more knowledgeable, jewelers have suggested.
Regardless, this is a beautiful piece of vintage jewelry.


What else does she have hidden away in her treasure trove?

Charm Bracelets and classic style jewelry is making a comeback this season and Debbi has gorgeous pieces in her shop.

copper angels beaded charm bracelet

Pretty copper angels playing their musical instruments hang from this brown and crystal beaded bracelet.  Using 6mm and 4mm chocolate brown beads and 4mm clear crystals, this bracelet measures 7 1/2".

 

These would be wonderful for dressy date night or the office.  Classic, chic and easily paired with everything in your wardrobe.

 

black tear drop with white pearls earrings

Beautiful black teardrop beads are accented with delicate white pearl beads and black bicone beads to create this classic and feminine fashion accessory every woman needs.  At 2 1/2" long, they stand out without overwhelming your complete "look", and utilizing hypo-allergenic nickle free plated lever back hooks, you don't have to worry about sensitivity.  You'll feel elegant with these earrings.

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope inspiration strikes to do a little Windows shopping and see what else this talented lady has in her shop.

 

You can find, follow and friend Yankee Burrow at the following links.

Yankee Burrow Shop

Blog

Twitter 

Google + 

Facebook

Pinterest 


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

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Five Great Gifts To Give List O14 - Fun in The Sun

Good Morning,

Today I have  chosen five unique items from five unique shops on The CraftStar.  Random items that I like or think might make neat gifts.  All are themed with Summer fun in mind. 

From: Yankee Burrow

crochet blue flower flip flops for summer

Very cute blue crochet flowers highlight the variegated colors crocheted onto the straps of these extra small flip flops.  they measure 9 1/4" from toe to heel, the perfect size for little kids, or big kids with little feet.

Author's Note: These come in several absolutely adorable styles for little ones!


From: The Ostrich Farm

Narwhal Plush w/ Bow - Sparkle Tooth - Medium - MADE TO ORDER (Choose Colors)

This Plush Narwhal is handmade from the softest cuddly plush fabric. Great as a stuffed toy, cuddle buddy, party favor, good luck charm, gift, etc.
Choose colors! Take a look at the color swatch image and let us know what colors you'd like for the body and belly of your narwhal. 
Dimensions (approximate): -tooth to tail: 10" -fin to fin: 6.5"
**** Please Note **** Our narwhals are MADE TO ORDER. All items are made and shipped within 7-10 business ays from date of purchase. If you need your narwhal sooner, drop us a line and we can work out the details.


From: Simple Elegance Bath and Body by Dasi

Simple Elegance Sage and Citrus Body and Room Spray, 1/3 oz

 This scent is a luscious blend of clary sage, crisp lemon and sparkling lime.

Using a body spray is an ideal way to add subtle fragrance to the body without going overboard. A body spray is lighter than a perfume or cologne, and it is often sprayed in various spots on the body after showering. Although body spray is applied more liberally than traditional perfume or cologne, it is still important to use in moderate amounts to prevent nasal irritation for others or overwhelming them with intense fragrances.

**Friend and Family Tested and Approved**

.•*´¨`*•♥•.•*´¨`*•♥•.Ingredients.•*´¨`*•♥•.•*´¨`*•♥•.

Distilled water, witch hazel, fragrance, color, glitter (optional)

 

From: Inspired By Karma

Fire Opal Jellyfish Necklace

For the lovers of sea!!  This is the perfect necklace for you!!  It's a Sterling Silver plate jellyfish pendant with inlaid Mexican fire opal and cubric zirconias and strung from a delicate Sterling Silver satelite chain.  
A little about Mexican Fire Opal
Fire Opal is a stone of luck, abundance, creativity and passion. It enhances intuition and helps you make better decisions by letting you trust your instincts. Fire Opal brings a zest for variety and spices up your life.
Primary Chakra(s): Sacral
Astrological sign(s):  Aries, Libra, Leo, Sagittarius, Pisces
Element: Fire/Water

Caring for your pendant: Because Fire Opals are relatively soft, and contain a fair amount of water, they should be cleansed in water to keep them hydrated.


From: The Alchemists Vessel
  
Sun Runner Chainmaille Anklet

Gorgeous, simple, stunning, and shiny.  Just right for a day in the sun.  An outstanding accessory for all your summer dresses or cute shorts and a top outfit.  Makes lovely band around the ankle and across the top of the foot.
Beautiful in 20g 14Kt Gold and Silver plated jump rings, woven in the  "Vipescale" pattern.  Total length 10-3/4", including the Gold-plated slide clasp.
Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.
Please see our selection of Ready-to-Wear pieces in the shop.
Ask us about multiple item and wholesale order discounts.


Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope inspiration strikes for a little window shopping.

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

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Featured Artists - How To Use The CraftStar Site

Good Morning,

Monday's post discussed a new venue The CraftStar.  Today I thought we would have a look at some of the other features and how to use The CraftStar site.

When you arrive at the site you will be greeted by the Greeting Page, scroll through the page or click Shop at the top of the page.

You will be taken to the Home Page

 Here is your navigation window into the site.  You May Search or share from the convenient links at the top left of the page.  If you're already a member / seller you can choose to login and Join The Discussion, see what's happening on the Forums or in your favorite Club Thread on the Chat Boards.

Here I would like to make a note:  The JOIN link is for sellers, you will be asked for a fee ($%.00 a month).  If you continue down the page you will see under the marquis the link Newsletter, if you would like to see what's going on, shop or just keep up to date on the latest events and sales sign up and you can cruise the site for free.

The Search Products bar is just that, type in an item you are searching for and be taken to a page full of your specific item.    Here I have searched for Bracelets.
















Click the SHOP button will switch you from a list of items to a list of shops, if you know which shop you're looking for you can find it here, or take a chance and click on a store you have not visited before or looks like it might be you style.

 The side bar menu is your best friend here on the site.
You may search, select and click your way through a variety of neat things to look at on site.

Collective: A shop with a theme, various artists will have an item ranging from jewelry to other handcrafted items. 

Sales - Check it out and see what is on discount or if that item you've had your eye on has been reduced.

Collections - Lists of favorite items by the members of The CraftStar

Shops - A quick way to hit the shop the list and see what's new or find your favorite.

Handmade - This is a block of recently listed handmade items for sale.

Vintage - This is a block of Vintage items recently listed for sale.

Supplies - Shops that sell things you need to make your goodies.

All items - every item that has been listed for sale on the site over the course of the day, week, month.

If you continue to scroll you will find block of items, videos, and a menu list of categories that you can click and visit shops or just look at the items.

Shop pages are easily navigated and many have featured items, like Yankee Burrow


 You can even find The Alchemists Vessel on The CraftStar

You may also find and follow The CraftStar on Facebook
Follow them on Twitter or add them to your Pintrest boards.  Window shopping is always fun and always free, and you never know when you're going to find that perfect item you just can't live without.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  We hope we have encouraged you to do a little looking and visit the site.

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





Monday, March 24, 2014

Introduction To The Craft Star

Hello,

The blog has been on hiatus for a while, but we are back posting and sharing the latest creations, fashion finds and events.

This morning I would like to introduce a new way to shop or sell on line.  Hand made or vintage items are welcome here, along with supplies and other neat ways to shop the selections avaiable from the individual stores hosted by the site:


  
Let's start by having a look at the Greeting Page

 Here you see the menu bar, at top left, as well as a convenient block of share buttons, including google +, twitter, and Facebook to the right.

Login - we'll get to that later.

Here is a neat way to shop with them, no logging in, no remembering a password, just press play on the video and watch an amazing selection of items roll by.  This particular feature video is called "Arm Candy" and features wonderful bracelets from different shops on the site.

Like what you see?  You may also click on individual photos below, and be taken to the item itself for purchase.

Here is the video (from you tube) shared below.  The Alchemist Vessel is also pleased to have the  Sea of Love Chainmaille Bracelet included in this unique promotional video.

 


Continue to scroll down the page, which by the way, has giant beautiful graphics, and photos, here you will find The CraftStar Favorites - Handpicked items the staff loves, and you will too.  Don't scroll too fast or you'll miss another cool feature the Live Sales Videos (more on that in a minute).















Once again The Alchemists Vessel is pleasantly surprised to see an item from the store featured  here.

Remember I mentioned that Live Sales Video. "Watch Live Video from The CraftStar", link.  allows you to watch four different creators, makers, and crafters talk about their items and buy them directly during the show at a discount!   How cool is that. 

Continue to scroll and you will find Buttons to join either the site or the newsletter, and The CraftStar Collections.  If you are familiar with Etsy, you will recognize these as Treasuries or if you're a fan of Handmade Artists you will recognize them as Highlights.  Put together buy the members of The CraftStar they are just that, collections of items from the various stores on the site.













Here you may click the Shop TheCraftStar button and browse the site.

Click the Become A Seller button to join the site and open  your own shop.  (Membership is $5.00 / month)

Click the Blog button to read their blog.

Click the Join Newsletter to become a non-seller member and shop or browse to your heart's content.  Free.

*Membership of any kind is NOT required to shop or buy from The CraftStar.

Continue to scroll to the end of the page and you will find the Featured Artist and more links to help you navigate the site.












We hope you'll stop by and have a look.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  We're glad to be back and that you are still with us.

NOTE:  All photos are screenshots of the Greeting Page, all logos, designs and links belong to The CraftStar.

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

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Five Great Gifts To Give List 39

Good Morning,


This morning we have five (5) gift ideas from some of the talented people on handmadeartists.com and other sites around the web.

From: The Alchemists Vessel

Diana - Sterling Silver and Genuine Amethyst Necklace Set 

Diana Sterling Silver and Genuine Amethyst Necklace
Diana Sterling Silver and Genuine Amethyst NecklaceDiana Sterling Silver and Genuine Amethyst Necklace 







Product Details:

18" long this sumptuous Amethyst necklace is just right for any goddess or Queen of the Castle. Amethyst is the Birthstone for February, and is associated with the Greek Goddess Diana. Matching earrings come with this piece.

Sterling Silver chain has been connected with genuine Amethyst beads on sterling silver wire, accented with sterling silver caps and spacer beads. Finsihed with a Sterling Silver Lobster Claw Clasp, may be changed to a spring clasp at no additional charge.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Sold as a set.

From: Micro Pendants
We Are All Stardust Necklace













Product Details:

ITEM: "We Are All Stardust" Pendant Necklace - 2mm Leather Cord - Sterling Silver Frame Pendant - No Jeweler Loupe

ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS
***Be sure to click the Contact link and let us know what Length and Color you want. Available Leather Colors: Black, Red, Lilac, Pink, Turquoise, and Green. These may vary at certain times. Lengths are 16", 18" or 20".

This piece is an inspirational pendant necklace featuring the text "We Are All Stardust" repeated to fill an almost 3,500 character area, approx. 2,275 are visible because of this pendant's slightly smaller size.

NOTE: The pendant text is too small to comfortably read with a standard magnifier you might have at home. A loupe with at least 20x magnification is recommended.

PHOTOS
An image of the text selection is provided so you can read the actual text. Notice the fascinating pattern this repeated text makes. The sample necklace and pendant photo(s) might contain a different text selection than that stated in the item title. Any blurriness in the closeup photo(s) is only in the photos and not in the actual pendant.

SPECS
-"We Are All Stardust" Pendant Necklace - 2mm Leather Cord w/Sterling Silver Findings and Sterling Silver Frame Pendant
-Silver Jump Ring
-Number of characters is 3,476. Approx. 2,275 visible.
-Pendant Dimensions: Outer (w/o loop): 16mm x 16mm, Inner: 12mm x 12mm.
-Pendant is lead-free and Made in the USA.
 

WHAT YOU RECEIVE
The necklace (with pendant) and a laminated postcard size version of your text selection. We'll include a couple of colored jump rings as well. If there is something specific you're looking for, let us know.

Site: The Craft Star

From: Yankee Burrow Creations
 

pink breast cancer awareness crochet scarf







I created this pink crochet breast cancer awareness scarf from a pattern by Timaryart on Craftsy.com. Crocheted in a single crochet with the ribbon made with popcorn stitches in pretty pink Canon Simply Soft %100 acrylic yarn. I finished the edge of the scarf with single crochets and so the total measurement is 4 1/2" wide by 56 1/2" long. In honor of my oldest sister who lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 50, and another sister who is winning her battle against breast cancer, $8.00 from the sale of this scarf will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

http://www.yankeeburrowcreations.com http://yankeeburrowcreations.thecraftstar.com http://yankeeburrowvintage.thecraftstar.com/ http://www.about.me/yankeeburrowcreations http://www.twitter.com/yankeeburrow http://www.facebook.com/yankeeburrowcreations http://pinterest.com/yankeeburrowcreations http://www.flickr.com/photos/yankeeburrowcreations/

Site: Etsy

From: Sue's Arts
 

Tree of life necklace, Tree of life charm, tree of life charm necklace, Judaica jewelry









Beautiful and unique large Tree of Life charm necklace on 18" silver plated chain.

The tree charm is about 21/4" in size.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG



From: Wire Witchery

Jumble Wreath Necklace

Jumble Wreath Necklace


This pendent is a designed to look like a Christmas wreath and is made with a random assortment of dyed freshwater pearls, Swarovski Crystals, Calcite, White Rivershell, Apple Green Chrysoprase, quartz, and seed beads to create a lovely jumble of holiday colors.

This item is on sale for a limited time and will not be re-listed when it expires. 



We would like to encourage you to do some shopping with these small businesses this year.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.


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

Monday, October 14, 2013

Harvest Market Reveiw

Good Morning,

Last Weekend was The First Annual Haunted Open House and Harvest Market.  A good time was had by all, an d for a first time out show, it wasn't too bad.



Little Shop of Artists would like to thank all those Vendors, Shoppers and Drive-By's for stopping in and having a look at the wonderful, unique and handmade items from:

Anvilkin Treasures
The Delphi Oracles
Blackbird Metalworks
The Alchemists Vessel
Wire Witchery
A-1 Video Game Exchange


We would like to invite you to Follow this blog, like the Facebook page or stop by and see us, Thursday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.  Schedule a visit on November 02. 2013, foro Shop Small Business Saturday, there will be some great deals on in store and ready-to-wear pieces.



We Teach:
 Jewelry-Making
Chainmaille Weaving
Knitting
Guest Instructors: Crochet and Wire Wrapping 

Services Include:
Light In-Store Repair
Up-Cycling / Re-Design
Custom Design Work

 Thank you for stopping in and having a look,

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



Monday, August 26, 2013

Little Shop of Artists: About The Shop

Good Morning,

Yesterday Little Shop of Artists held their first Open House, and it was a mild success.




Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery was on hand, and received lots of nice compliments on her jewelry, answered questioned and discussed techniques with a customer.  Another artist stopped in to talk about the possibility of displaying her items with us and a friend or two stopped in to see the shop and what was going on.

It was a pleasant day.

We offer a variety of unique one-of-a-kind unique hand made gifts and goods from the local artists, artisans and craft-people from the Boise and surrounding Treasure Valley, Idaho areas.

About the shop:

We are located
6713 Fairview Avenue, Suite B
Boise, ID
behind A-1 Video Game Exchange, we are just down the lot from the Game store.

We are a group of like-minded individuals who love and want to share / sell handmade, unique, quality goods, wares, and items to the public.  Currently the store's main inventory is jewelry, but we also carry handmade Knit and Crochet items, teach classes, and have DIY kits and items that may be made in store or taken home to be assembled later. 

Customers, Shoppers and Visitors are always welcome.

If you're an artists and would like to know more, please continue.

How The Shop Works:
We are not a traditional consignment shop as one might think of it.
In-store artists are: Independent Contractors / Participating Artists
Depending on display area Rent is $30.00 - $50.00 a month.
Artists keep all sales money accrued from the sale of their items
LSoA collects and pays all sales tax as required by the state of Idaho.  No percentage of artists sales are taken by or due to the shop.
There is no commitment - Artists may come and go as they please.

Shop Amenities:
Business Cards
Physical Location 
Website Links, Photos, Bio and more
Boise Weekly Advertisement (Display Ad)
On-line Classified Listing (Free)
Participation in any off-site show / market (all vendors will have items displayed for sale in the booth - taken from the shop)
*Other amenities to be announced / introduced.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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


 

Friday, August 16, 2013

Handmade Holidays

Good Morning,

Stop reading this like I am crazy.  Just because it is the end of August doesn't mean that for Artisans and Independent Sellers and Crafter's of all kinds that you get to have a vacation.  Oh no!

Now, right now is the perfect time to start your Holiday goods.  I know it sounds super daunting and very overwhelming, but if the task is done in manageable chunks, it can be fun and profitable too.

1.  Supply Inventory:  I know counting is not fun, especially if you work with multitudes of little tiny things.  I am not saying count every piece of everything in your Craft Room / Closet / Box, but take a general inventory.  Do you need more of this or that?  All your tools in good working order?  Alright then.



2.  Evaluate: Do you still have things from last year's season that did not sell?  Give them a good once over, why didn't the item sell?  Did something look wrong, can you tweak it or give it a fresh look?  Do things need to be cleaned?  Now is the time to do that.



3.  Decide:  Are you planning on attending a Craft Fair or other Holiday Event?  Do you know the details?  Do you have everything you need to attend the Fair or Show?  Does the Fair you are attending have a theme?  Now it the time to get that organized, displays, packing material, business cards, signage, etc.  What pieces will you take with you?  Will you work on a project at the show?



4.  Create:  Now that you know what you have in your supplies, and what's on the racks as it were, you can sit down and play with those supplies and create new and interesting pieces for the Holidays.



The Remaining Major Holidays

Halloween: Thursday, October 31st
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 28
Chanukah:  Wednesday, November 27, Sundown
Christmas: Wednesday, December 25
News Year's Eve: Tuesday, December 31st.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

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

Don't Forget SHOP SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY is November 03, 2013.  Stop by Little Shop of Artists for your Holiday Gift Giving needs, or shop your local independent businesses this year instead of the Big Box or Department Stores.  You'll be the person with the best presents!