Five Great Gifts For Giving - List J 2016

Good Morning,

Today and every Tuesday, we list five unique gifts from five unique shops around the web or your favorite Shopping sites.  Today's list comes from the neat folks of Etsy.

From: Sue's Arts
 

Hamsa Wall Hang Charm, Hanging Hamsa wall charm, hamsa, wall hamsa, home decor, wall decor, evil eye charm, house gift, home gift

Beautiful, unique and one of a kind all handmade hanging wall Hamsa.

Made out of stone.

Approx size:

Fish: 1" x 21/2"
Hamsa: 5" x 3"
Total length: 83/4"

The Hamsa as a home or business decor piece hung on a wall is a very common ornament in many Middle Eastern countries.

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 which makes it the perfect gift idea..

The Hamsa is a symbol that has been around for thousands of years with its many names Hamsa, Hamsa Hand (Arabic), Chamsa, Hand of God, Hand of Fatima, Hand of Miriam, Hamesh Hand (Hebrew) to name just a few - the meaning is for the most part the same, the five digits of the human hand protecting the user.

To a certain extent folklore and superstition are behind the Hamsa's popularity and for the most part it has nothing to do with the official Jewish religion.

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

CUSTOM ORDERS ALWAYS WELCOME

FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS

Thank you,

Suzan

 

From: Jackie Guttuso Designs

Cat art print, Archival 8 x 10" Print of acrylic cat painting, Cat decor, Black cat, Whimsical cat art collage, Whimsical bird, Funny bird

Cat art print, Archival 8 x 10" Print of acrylic cat painting, Cat decor, Black cat, Whimsical cat art collage, Whimsical bird, Funny bird

This whimsical 8 x 10" cat and bird art print is an archival reproduction of my original acrylic collage titled "Herman gets his feet wet. (But Stanley comes prepared)"

I printed it on archival Epson Velvet Fine Art paper using archival inks.
The paper is 100% cotton fiber and is textured matte.

It has a small white border that can be trimmed if you'd like. Please indicate in "note to seller" when ordering. The image measures 8 x 10" without the border. The paper is 8 1/2 x 11".

I left it unframed and unmatted so you can match colors to your decor, but you can get an idea of what it might look like matted and framed by viewing the photos above.

 

From: Bonelab

Dwarf Lionfish Kit

The ethereal lines and motion of the venomous dwarf lionfish are recreated in this 1:1 scale model kit. Produced in strong, flexible white plastic, Bonelab kits come precut in sheets - just punch out the pieces and assemble the model like a puzzle using the included instructions. The model comes with a clear plastic stand for mounting. No glue or special tools required for assembly.

aprox. 7x6x7" / 18x15x18cm assembled

 

From: The Alchemists Vessel

Dragonscale Bracelet Gargoyle Tower Aluminum Chain Maille Jewelry

Walk the lonely gables of the castle's roof and pet the gargoyles wearing this gorgeous and sensuous bracelet. No Princess in Training or Damsel Not So In Distress should be without at least one lovely chain maille item in her jewelry box. Light weight, and fun to wear this beautiful bracelet is the perfect accent for your favorite outfit. Looks great with the Tailored Business Suit or that cute Little Black Dress for date night, pair with your favorite pair of jeans for a casual yet colorful statement.

Terrific for Fantasy Film or Event attire, SCA, LARP, Stage, or Screen Costume needs.

Love this pattern, want it in different colors? We can do that. Contact the shop with your design idea today and let us create that special piece just for you. See our selection of Ready To Wear pieces in the shop, perhaps we have your favorite combination already.

Crafted from 18g Natural and Anodized jewelry grade aluminum, this piece is almost weightless and fun to wear. Finished with a matching Slide Clasp. Purple and iridescent Gunmetal rings play peek-a-boo beneath lovely high sheen natural (silver) aluminum rings.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Ask us about multi-item and wholesale discounts.

 

From: Mister Scribbles

Writing Journal, Journal, I knew who I was this Morning ,spiral notebook, Alice in Wonderland, Notebook, gift, Alice, Sketchbook, Quote, 

A perfect gift for Alice in Wonderland Fans, writers, doodlers, and just everyday notes and Scribbles!

WHAT'S INCLUDED
One "I knew who I was this morning but I've changed a few times since then" Notebook with Lined or Blank Pages

* If you would like a name at the bottom, Please put name for personalization on journal in "Message to Seller" at checkout!

JUST THE FACTS
* Hand Made
* Journal is 5.5" W x 8.5" L
* Listing is for Journal Only. Pencils NOT included.
* 50 sheets (100 front and back) of 24lb paper
* Cover is made from heavy weight card stock
* Back is a thicker sturdy chipboard
* Double wire spiral bound
* Can be personalized, JUST ASK! (bottom front cover)
* Only front cover can be printed

Want to double your pages? You can add that here.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/221778588/double-your-pages-in-one-notebook

Monitor colors can vary, paper colors should be close to the appearance on your screen but may vary slightly depending on your monitor settings.

Every Journal is handmade so slight imperfections can occur, further making your gift a unique one.

Also check out our pencil sets (Not Included), a great addition to your notebook Journal. Listing is for JOURNAL ONLY!

 

 

Thank you for taking a moment to stop in and have a look.  We encourage you to click through to these shops and see what else they have on the shelves. 

 

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

Shop Information: New Look New Site from Etsy

Good Morning,

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned, and tried to assist Etsy Vendors with the new shop design Etsy was to roll out, April, 05, 2016.  Instead I was greeted yesterday with an invitation to open a new website via Etsy's new partners "Pattern."  This is not the new shop design / look I was expecting to see.  

I want Etsy to be honest and up front. That is how I do business, and that is what I want. I don't want Etsy to manipulate me, or surprise me. That is not good business. If Etsy says they are rolling out the New Display Format on April 05, and instead, rolls out a New Website Program, it makes me uncomfortable. 

Since Etsy entered the NY Stock Exchange a year ago, the emphasis of Etsy has shifted from a truly "global handmade market place", and is now all about the numbers, and how things look to investors and share holders. 

Congratulations Etsy Vendor, you no longer work for yourself, you are now what amounts to an "Associate".  Your hard work has been erased and devalued in an attempt to curry favor on paper for those that have nothing to do with your business or your art-form.

I came across another vendor's worries and questions as well, and thought I might share them with you.  Their name has been withheld for privacy reasons.
 

This Newly introduced Patterns website is a way for Etsy to multiply the numbers, on paper, without having to expand their client base. Before you just jump into this website, because it is free for one month, think about this: 

*What are your priorities as Artist's and business people?

*On a stand alone Website, am I really interested in paying 3.5%, plus transactions fees, plus monthly fees?

(Information: To list on this new site it is as follows a one time $13.00 fee for a domain name (unless you have your own already, these can be purchased from other domain services for as little as $0.99), a $15.00 monthly service fee, as well as the $0.20 listing fee for each item listed in a shop.)  The seller's profit margin has dropped dramatically at this point as the seller will be paying any number of fees, including the percentage Etsy takes for the sale of the item. 

If the item is $30.00, a seller has paid .20 for the listing, the item is now 29.80, the seller pays the 3.5% of sale to etsy ($1.05), the item is now 28.75, the seller pays the $15.00 monthly fee, the item is now $13.75.  Fees have eaten over 50% of of the item's cost.  That's not good any way you add it. 

* Does Etsy's newly stated International Sales policies to EU countries, including "Seller pays all shipping fees when an EU Buyer requests a Return and Refund, including initial shipping'', impact the new website?

Will it be enforced?

*Does the Seller control the contents of their new website, or are listings criteria controlled by Etsy?

*Can a Seller list whatever they want, as they can on other free standing websites? and If so, how does that affect Etsy shops?

*Where is the New Format?

*What is Etsy doing to support the Sellers, and increase sales for the Sellers? 

The website is for Etsy, it creates higher numbers, and a new stream of monthly revenue for Etsy. For the Seller, it simply duplicates the sellers shop, which is not necessarily a boost for Sellers. I would rather see an actual increase in shop Sales, as a benefit for both Sellers AND for Etsy. When Sales increase, Etsy's revenue actually increases.

Sales should justify paying Etsy for marketing our shops, etc. This is something Etsy simply does not do.

This post in intended for information purposes only.  The Alchemists Vessel in no way endorses, condones, or encourages any action by the reader.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Finding your Target Market

Good Morning,

This morning I wanted to share some wonderful tips from another blog post on finding your Target and Niche Markets.  I have left out the personal story that accompanied the original post and have tried to leave it at just the tips.  Links are also included.  Originally posted by Brenda Lavell in August 2013, it has just been re-posted or circulated on Etsy as of last week. I hope you will find the information useful.

The Difference Between Target and Niche Markets

Target market is a group of potential customers who share characteristics related to your product. For instance, “knitters” could be my target market.

Niche market further defines a target market. For instance, “beginning female knitters who love Etsy, ages 20 to 35, living in New England” is more defined.

When you define and understand your niche market, you can target your marketing efforts to that group of people.

Narrowing Your Niche Market

Further defining your niche market is crucial to finding your actual ideal customers — those who will become true fans for your business and products. A true fan wants to hear everything about your business, including sales, tutorials, and new product launches.
Posting product links 24/7 to thousands of non-targeted social media followers is unfocused and not likely to attract very many buyers. However, offering Coupon Codes for your mailing list of ideal customers is targeted and very likely to result in many sales.
I don’t need to tell you that promoting your business all day long is exhausting — it’s a lot of work for little return. Promoting is about me me me — your products. Marketing is about you — your customers’ needs and problems. When you know who those customers are, you know or can more accurately guess their needs.

How to Find Your Ideal Customer(s)

A target market is a group of characteristics, not a person. You can personalize your target market by creating your very own ideal customer, a fictional character with individual, human characteristics — a true fan that  you make up on paper or just in your head.

Then, instead of marketing to a group of people, you market to just one person, your true fan.

Get the Ideal Customer Worksheet

To create this ideal person, you need to dive deep into this persona’s psyche. There really is no right answer to who this person is, as long as your creation makes sense (for example, “a super modern fashionista who doesn’t knit” does not make sense for my yarn shop). Use this target market worksheet template to help you create your own ideal customer.

Once you’ve created your ideal person to market to, make sure you truly understand your customer’s needs and problems. How do your products fulfill and solve both? Your marketing should successfully connect your ideal customer’s problems with your products.

Engaging With Your Ideal Customer(s)

Write everything specifically to your ideal customer, from product descriptions to blog posts to emails. Use your customer’s perspective and address his/her needs and problems in your own voice.

Let’s work through an example:

Jewelry is a huge category on Etsy. Jewelry lovers have different needs (for example, metal sensitivities) and problems (for example, the perfect earrings for a special date).

How do you connect with your ideal customer who is a true fan of your particular style and construction of earrings, while addressing both her needs and problems?

1. First, make sure your photos are truly stunning, and that your text and keywords are specifically written to your customer from his/her perspective, using your authentic voice. Success Tips: Read these photography pointers and How to Write Enticing Item Descriptions.
   
   
2. How do your policies and About page measure up? Make sure both are also primed for your ideal customer. Success Tips: Read Creating Policies That Work and Tips for Your Shop’s About Page.
   
   
3. Write blog or other social media posts that engage (about how you problem-solve, behind-the-scenes glimpses, etc.), with keywords specific to your customer and links to your products. Success Tip: Read these social media tips.
   
   
4. Use your mailing list to draw people back to those blog posts as well as to your products directly.
   
   
5. Balance links to your products with valuable content.

When your potential customer turns into a real customer, start building actual relationships. Learn about their interests and needs by talking with them via your Facebook business page or at craft shows. You’ll be able to further refine your niche market while turning one-off customers into repeat buyers.

I thought there was a “trick” to finding your target market, then learned that finding my target market is just a process. Defining my ideal customer was key, as well as effectively engaging via social media.

You can find your own target market by creating and engaging with your ideal customer — I’d love to hear your insights and questions in comments.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

How To Get Seious About Your Business

Good Morning,

This morning while checking my own on line sites and shops I came across this post on Etsy.  I used the copy and paste method to post it in its entirety, including links.  It's a short read, but very informative.  I think these things apply to any and everyone that has a hobby or career business in mind.

Story by Audrey Manning

Published on Jan 21, 2015 in Seller Handbook

Melanie Ann Green remembers clearly the moment when her hobby turned into a career. “I was sitting in the car with my dad talking about my ‘silly hobby’ when I realized that running my own creative business was what I wanted to do full time, and that nothing was going to stop me,” the Scarborough, England-based entrepreneur explains. Until that point, neither Melanie nor her father had considered her needle-felted bird shop, The Felt Menagerie, something that could become an actual job.
Eager to get started, she headed home to write out a five-year business plan. With that initial plan as her guiding vision, she started plotting out the steps required to reach her goals one at a time. Now, five years after that fateful conversation, Melanie’s shop has over 2,000 sales. She quit her day job at a local bookstore back in 2011, and hasn’t looked back since.
Taking your shop to the next level comes down to practically and emotionally preparing yourself for success. While the motivation to improve your shop must come from within, the following steps can help you create moments you’ll later look back on as critical turning points in your business’s growth.

1. Create a Designated Workspace

By devoting a physical space to your work, you give your creativity a home. “My first step in moving from a hobby to a business was carving out a permanent physical space to work,” says Tanya Duncan of Waldorf, Maryland-based quilt shop Spool and Thimble. Think outside the box and use your imagination to create a functional workspace where you can leave in-progress projects out until they are complete. While it may not be possible to dedicate a full room to your business, you can claim a nook of your own in the form of a desk, corner, re-purposed closet or garage.

You will do your best work in a space that’s not only functional, but also visually inspiring. 

When finding storage and organization solutions, be mindful of how things look and feel. If you’re happy with how your space looks, you’re more likely to show it off proudly on your About page and in person. “Treating my business as deserving of a physical presence enables me to bring clients into a professional-looking home studio, albeit one that has a dollhouse in the corner and crayons on the floor,” Tanya explains.

2. Creatively Visualize Your Own Success

We all think we want to be successful. But what does success really mean? If you had it, what would it look like? Would it mean reaching a set number of sales? Having your product featured on your favorite blog? Becoming an entrepreneurial role model for your kids?

Take a few moments to jot down the images (and words) that come to mind when you think about success. Meditate on these words and images until they form a clear picture. Next, imagine yourself experiencing this success. How would you feel — proud and prepared, surprised or possibly scared and overwhelmed? By creatively visualizing what being successful would look and feel like, you can then start putting together a plan for getting there.

3. Face Your Fears Head-On

If you find it difficult to picture your own success, fear could be getting in your way.  Some examples of common success blockers include fear of failure, fear of being judged by others, perfectionism and fear of success itself. Maybe you worry that true success would bring on a larger volume of orders than you could physically handle, cost you precious time with your loved ones or have a negative impact on your creativity. Whatever the fear, try to recognize it and acknowledge the role it’s playing in your business.

“Become a student of yourself,” suggests Heidi Ahmed, owner of the Columbus, Ohio watercolor shop Lost in Reverie. Heidi speaks from experience; she’s well aware of the role anxiety and fear can play in a shop’s growth. In the past, when people would ask Heidi about her shop, she would nervously start listing all the things she was accomplishing. She later realized this was her attempt to prove her business’s legitimacy not only to others, but to herself. “I came to dread the question, ‘What do you do?’ because the truth was that I was ashamed of my business,” Heidi admits. It was only when she faced her insecurities head-on that her confidence started to grow.

4. Develop a Business Plan

Laura Mays of Quincy, Illinois-based wedding invitation shop Lama Works credits her entry in a small-business competition as her real turnaround moment. “During the competition, we sat down with mentors and created a business plan — something I had never considered doing before,” Laura explains. “It made me put down on paper who I was, what I did and where I wanted to go in the future.”

The competition granted her second-place recognition and increased confidence. “It made me feel like a business, not just a hobby,” she says of the win. From then on, when people asked Laura what she did, she swapped saying, “Oh, I just make invitations,” for, “I own a wedding invitation business.” Check out How to Write a Creative Business Plan in Under an Hour for tips on getting started with a plan of your own.

5. Set Actionable Goals for Your Business

Once you have a grasp on what success looks like to you, the next step is to break it down into smaller, achievable goals. From there you can turn each goal into a series of tangible steps that you’ll tackle one by one. For example, if you want to introduce a new spring product line, you must find the time to create it. Instead of just thinking about it, carve out distinct time in your schedule to devote to product development and production.

While completing each smaller step, imagine yourself achieving your larger goals as a result. “I started seeing more success in my shop when I began setting specific goals and visualizing myself reaching them,” says Ontario resident Ann Turner, owner of the beach-themed jewelry shop Nautically Inspired.

While we’ve all heard stories of accidental success, most success stories require vision and planning in addition to hard work and drive. “You need the fire in your belly to take your shop to the next level,” says Stephanie Maslow-Blackman of New York jewelry shop Metalicious. “It’s up to you to make things happen.”

Was there a moment in your shop’s development when you decided to take things up a notch? Share your turning point in the comments below.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look

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

 

2015 Color of The Year - Marsala

Good Morning,

Please allow me to wish one and all a very Happy New Year.

Today we take a look at Pantone Color of the Year for 2015.  Pantone 18-1438 - Marsala.

There are no gemstones that match or resemble this color.  About as close as I can come is Mahogany Obsidian.

The funny thing is that Pantone can't seem to get it to be the same color or tone all the time either.

This sample has more brown tones and is a deeper / richer example of the color.  But does not match the tone above.

The Make-Up chain store Sephora has even gotten into the act with their eye shadow and lipstick lines.

This does not make for an attractive color, the poor model looks rather wounded.

However it does a make for interesting furniture accessories or an article of clothing.

All I can say is, "Good luck with that."  The Fashion Powers that be and others seem to extol the new as wonderful, anything new, it doesn't seem to matter what it is or what it looks like,  It's new therefore it is awesome.  

No. 

I'll say what we're all thinking, this is a terrible color.  It's ugly and isn't appropriate for fashion of any kind.  There, I said it.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

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

How Gold Chain Is Made (Video)

Good Morning,

Today I thought it might be interested to look at how Gold Chain is made.  We see them in the store, they are a staple of jewelry design, but just how are those chains we like to wear made?

The video  below takes a brief look at how Gold Chains are made. from actually mixing the metal to be melted and formed, to "pulling" the chain and making the different patterns, like Curb, Figaro, and other styles.




Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  

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

Reduce Reuse Recycle

Good Morning,

Do you ever find yourself staring at your crafting supplies and wondering where that pendant, string of beads or clasp went?  You know its in there somewhere, but where?  

Are you an impulse buyer?  Do you suffer from Shiny Syndrome?  "Ooh shiny, I will make this something with this."  Into the shopping cart it goes with no rhyme or reason, just a vague idea of "using it for something" and then placed with your crafting supplies, never to be seem again.

Do you have a love / hate relationship with your projects?  You love the materials, but attempt after attempt at creating a piece just doesn't seem to work?

Do you have items that haven't sold, and are sitting around collecting dust?  Today the blog shares some fun and simple ideas to get the juices flowing or at least the inventory pared down.  We won't talk about Cash Flow and inventory at the moment, that's for another post, but here are a couple of ideas for you.

Get Organized.  A couple of Plastic Containers, Tupperware, or old shipping boxes can make excellent compartments for your crafting supplies.  Findings, beads, clay, tools or what have you can be tucked in a box and returned to your closet or shelf readily available, and everything will be right where you left it.  Convenient and saves hunting for things you know you have around there somewhere.

Think / Plan.  Oh yes, that is very pretty, but what I am going to do with it?  Before your next crafting purchase take a moment to think about how you will incorporate the item into a project.  Do you have a project for the piece? Will you require more items to complete the project.  When do you intend to use the supply to make something?  These check list questions may help you decide whether or not you need a new supply, have a specific use or project for it.  Your crafting supplies and your wallet will thank you later.

Destash.  This is tough I know, you have spent money on the items, you intended to do something with them, but there they sit unused.  What to do with them?
Trade with another craftperson.
Compile Kits for making an item and sell them at an "at cost" price.
Create Sample Packs and pass them out the potential business contacts.
Offer a FREE GIFT with purchase.
* Check your local school or other programs that may be in need of supplies, and donate them.  In some cases the donation may be tax deductible.  Keep your receipts and ask the donation recipient for one, too. 
Host a Craft Afternoon.  Get your unused supplies together, invite your friends over and get to creating and having fun.  Of course your pals get to keep the stuff they make.

Art In The Yard.  Hold a Garage / Yard Sale, but instead of your typical garage sale items or finds, put your items out on display and see what happens.  Invite a fellow crafts person and have a little show all your own.

Flash Sales.  Hold a flash sale on your site or through a Flash Sales site like Hautelook.  What is a Flash Sale?  It is a sale of items that takes place for a limited time with limited selections, and item prices reduced up to 75%.  You don't have to cut your prices that much, but offering a sale is bound to get folks interested.  Try selling the earrings, or something else you have an over abundance of with a Flash Sale.

We hope you have found some of these suggestions useful or at least entertaining.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Hapy Mother's Day 2014

Good Morning,

Today The Alchemists Vessel takes a break and would like to wish Mothers, Mothers-To-Be, and Grandmothers a very Happy Mother's Day.

Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 11, 2014.  Don't forget to call your Mom and tell her you love her.

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

Studio News - Sites, There Will Be Changes

Good Morning,

Today we have a bit of news.

It came to my attention yesterday that my computer troubles go beyond a simple corrupted path or file and that there are Gremlins afoot.  

After speaking with an Applecare representative, we traced the problem and fixed the issue, sort of.  Part of the problem according to Apple is that my machine is old, and I should get a new one.  No, that is not happening.  

However during this technical difficulty I have also found that there are other things I need to do as well.

- The Official Website will be updated and given a fresh look.  Features will still include shopping, but other things like the tutorials may be demoted to a link.

Little Shop of Artists location is closed, and during the summer months we will be more like a vendor than a boutique.  Details have not been worked out, but more on this later.

I try not to get too personal here, but occasionally a discussion is necessary.  My physical issues continue to get worse and makes it very difficult for me to do anything on a regular schedule.  I am in hope that the next course of treatment will allow me to maintain a schedule and get things back on track

There are still lots of beautiful things in the shops.  If there is a page or something you would like to see on the website, all suggestions are welcome.

Thank you for stopping in, The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Hairstyles for 2014

Good Morning,

Today I thought it would be fun to take a look at one of our more chameleon-like accessories, our hair.

I have worn my hair in the same style since about 1985, after it finally grew out from a dye / perm job that went horrible awry.  I have it trimmed to keep it tidy, but I am not one for hair cuts.

Besides our clothes and outfits, and finding that perfect bracelet or cute pair of earrings that we just love that goes well with out wardrobe, our coif is just about the most important accessory we have.

This years styles for both young ladies and women over 40 is the cropped Bob.

Medium length and a bit shaggy with bangs

Or a sleek and sophisticated A-Symmetrical frame about the face, as worn by Kira Knightly.

And ladies, please do not do this.  You are not a rooster, this is just atrocious, and looks like you've been attacked by an angry horde of Flow-Bees.  Just no.

How to tame those tresses and keep the stray strands out of your face this season? Hair Bands (or "Hair Jewelry") is all the rage, as well big bows are back in, and you can never go wrong with a pretty scarf tied up in those love locks.

 Kat Denning in "Hair Jewelry" Headband

 

 Up Do Bun and Scarf

We hope you have found this brief look into 2014 hairstyles informative.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Great Gifts To Give List 42

Good Morning,


Tuesday's are usually devoted to five items from around the web that would make great gifts.  

Today, I want to share another type of gift, something you can give to help another in their time of need.  There are lots of worthy charities, causes and other local groups and organizations in your area that are happy to take a donation.

ASPCA
You can make a monetary donation on line (just 60 cents a day can help a dog or cat) or perhaps visit or call your local shelter and ask if there is anything they may need, Pet Food, blankets, toys, perhaps a small monetary donation for things like medicines.  Let's not forget those less fortunate this year.





ONE WARM COAT

This site is geared towards kids, not everyone has a coat to keep them warm, especially children as they grow out of them so fast.  The link will take you to the site map, where, if you wish, you may type in your zip code to find a place to make your own coat donation.  Warm your heart by warming up a child with a coat this year.


Toys For Tots 




From the site link you can make a monetary donation, ask for a toy for a child, or find / host a Toy Drive.

American Red Cross


There are many ways to assist, the link will take you to their "Ways To Help" page and find out how to:
Donate
Fund-raise
Talk / Teach / Host a Class
Volunteer
Get involved with a local group organization.
Every little bit helps.


This last one you'll have to do on your own.  Every once in a while lists are printed, published or put out somewhere for Seniors in Need, this could be anything from a bottle of lotion, to a warm blanket or any small item that may be beyond a Senior's means.  I encourage you to look though your local papers, open the phone book and find a hospice or other Senior Care facility, give them a call, make a note, then choose a Senior or several and purchase those small items that may be needed. It will make you feel good, and you will be giving the Senior a gift of more than just lotion.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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



 

What's New In The Studio?

Good Morning,

Today is usually reserved for new studio items and creations.  However with my plate overflowing with things to do and  places to go in preparation for the Harvest Market,  I have not had an opportunity to be creative.

Today we change that.

I saw someone's interesting art project, and it got me to thinking about how to make my own, only different.  Sometime ago I discussed a cool modeling and sculpting medium called Apoxie Sculpt.  This two part epoxy medium comes in a variety of colors and lends itself well to a variety of applications, sculpting, model fabrication, repair and other uses.

The sample pack I received is still full of wonderful colors and I have a neat idea, probably more difficult in the execution than in the planning and blue-prints in my head.

 It takes a while for the material to be ready for use.  After mixing the two parts together waiting for thirty to forty-five minutes is required.  The material is SUPER STICKY and will stick to anything you place it on, waiting the allotted time lets the material set and makes it a bit easier to work with.  We highly recommend using  gloves as the color tends to come off on your hands.

It is also very versatile, you can shape it, cut it, paint it, sand it and adhere it to things you want to decorate or create a unique piece entirely out of Apoxie Sculpt.  Which is what I intend to do, some wire, a wood base and I am good to go!

Example of shaped, textured, painted and sanded Apoxie Sculpt Pendant

We may from time to time pop in with progress pictures this is not an art project that can be finished in a day, but I am excited about the possibilities of what it might morph in to when it is complete.

What are we making?  That is a surprise.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Random Wanderings

Good Morning,

Happy Friday one and all.

Today the blog is brief with a quick update on the store, our schedule, and weekend festivities here in Boise.

The Shop is closed today, meeting with another artist in Meridian, a little town just outside of Boise, about thirty minutes up the road.  We we also be taking measurements today and running errands to purchase those things I am missing n order to complete the shelf installation at the shop.

Little Shop of Artists is locally owned and operated, everything in the store is handmade and crafted here in Idaho by talented artisans from all walks of life.  Why buy something off the rack when you can find unique beautiful and amazing things right in your own backyard, well down the block from your own backyard...  We are located at 6713 Fairview Avenue, Suite B, Boise ID, behind A-1 Video Game Exchange.

Also this weekend is the Boise Music Festival.

From 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Idaho Expo (that's the Fair Grounds).
I can't really suggest this as an outing for many reasons, but if you're looking for some fun in the sun it is something to do.  If you're going stop by The Delphi Oracles Booth and have your Palm or Cards read.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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