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.

What's New In The Studio - Two New Items

Good Morning,

Today I would like to share two new items from The Alchemists Vessel.

Gothic Chocolate Necklace - $45.00

 Description:  Your Jewelry Box should be like a Box of Sweets, every time you open it something luscious and wonderful should be waiting for you.  This gorgeous double strand necklace is no exception, and is a simply sumptuous piece.  A confection for your clothes.
Hand strung on Sterling Silver Accu-flex beading wire, 99 Chocolate glass Pearls shimmer with a rich dark brown sheen, interspersed with Fresh Water Pearls from White Lotus Farms, accented with nickle free silver-tone metal set with Amethyst Swarovski crystals.
Approximately 18" long and finished with a easy to hook Clasp.
Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.



Red Queen Chainmaille Necklace Set - $50.00

 Description:
This gorgeous set comes complete with matching earrings.

Step into something powerful, regal, and understated with this lovely, light weight, chainmaille necklace.  Perfect for a night out on the town, rock concerts, special occasions, or a neat pop of color at the office.  Change the bead color for a fabulous bridal accessory.  Great for SCA, LARP, Cos-Play, Film / TV costuming needs, Fantasy Roll Playing or an evening in with your D&D Group.

Sterling Silver plated (over brass) wire has been hand-spun, cut and linked together in the European 4-in-1 pattern. Adorned with beautiful Czech glass silver beads in Ruby, and finished with a matching Heart-shaped Toggle clasp.

Customizable in a variety of Czech Glass Bead Colors.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

You may find these and more wonderful items on line with us at  
The Alchemists Vessel on The CraftStar

You may also find us on the web and social media sites, just follow the link below.  Please be kind enough to give us a Like on Facebook, or Follow is on Twitter.

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 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.



 

New Things and DIY Fun

Good Morning,

Due to unforeseen circumstances, like dental emergencies, Little Shop of Artists is closed today.  We will be open Thursday through Sunday!  Stop by and check out the new items in the shop, including hand-painted trinket boxes.

These simple, fun and cute little wood boxes lend themselves to any number of uses.  I found mine at an art supply store.

Materials:

Wood Box - 1
Paint Brush - 1 (Medium sized flat bristle for good coverage)
Sea Sponge / Stippler / Foam Headed Pouncer - pick one or use all
Two (2) Colors of Acryalic Paint (Artists Choice) - Three is a good maximum, don't want your box getting "muddy".
Water
Paper Towels (dry your brushes or remove excess paint)
News Paper (protect your work surface)
Gloss-Luster Finish Mod-Podge - Sealant 
Sandpaper (Optional) - Recommended if the wood is rough.

First find a box, any box will do.  Round, square, oval, hinged, not hinged, lid or no lid.  It should be wood or other paint-able surface.

If the surface of the box feels rough, sand it lightly with 120 Grit or higher sandpaper until it feels smoother beneath your finger.  Remember to sand with the grain of the wood.

I highly recommend using a base or sealer first.  I used Gesso, a product used to prepare the surface of canvas (in this case wood) for acrylic paint.

Welcome to the Studio or "The Dungeon" as my Mom likes to call it.  Pardon the mess, but I really do work here!

Using a brush, I painted the outside of the lid and sides of the box with a light coat of Gesso.

Next (and this is the fun part, it is messy, too, I love that!)

Choose a base color ( I chose black for this box) and with a Sea Sponge, "Stippler", or Foam Tiped "Pouncer" - Dab, daub, dot, blot, pounce, press, push, shmush and down right smash that chosen tool all over the box, until you have covered the surface and it is a pattern you like.



Remember to work quickly. Do not over wet the sponge or other tool, use just enough water to get the paint is moving. (Use news paper to protect your work surface).

Allow to dry thoroughly. Acrylic paint dries fairly fast, allow about ten to fifteen minutes in between coats, or touch test, if it is still tacky (sticky) to the touch allow it to dry a little more.

With your second color (I chose Crimson), fill your tool and go over the surface of your box until it is covered or it has the desired effect or pattern you like.



Allow you box to dry once again.

Last step, I recommend NOT skipping this, it not only seals the wood, but will help protect your pretty art work.

Using a clean brush, paint the exterior of the box with a light coat of Mod-Podge in Gloss-Lustre Finish. Allowing the box to dry thoroughly in between coats will assure no smudges or dragging of the paint will occur when finishing your box. Allow to dry one more time.

Your box, she is complete! You may if you so choose allow the box to dry and paint the bottom, or using a spray adhesive and a scrap piece of material adhere the material to the bottom of the box and cut it away until it is flush with the edges of the box. Line the inside with something if you like. Put your secret stash, treasure or basic stuff in your finished trinket box and tuck it on a shelf or a dresser or wherever might need a little a color in your world.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look. This box, and more are available at Little Shop of Artists.

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

V is for Vacation

Good Morning,

Today we change things up a bit.  The Blog Ring's featured theme is Vacation.  I think after this week I am going to need one, but won't ever get one again!  We are almost a week away from opening Little Shop of Artists, and I for one and very excited and looking forward to the first day of work.

Vacation, fun in the sun!  Lazy days with family and friends, time to relax, put your feet up and do things at a snail's pace, no need to hurry.  And it is almost impossible to hurry in my favorite Summer Vacation accessory, the Flip Flop!  And you won't find any cuter than the one's my friend Debbi at handmadeartists.com makes.

These look SUPER comfy and the flowers are the perfect touch of feminine to go with that cute summer skirt you've been dying to wear! 

From: Yankee Burrow Creations

crochet blue flower flip flops for summer

Product Details:
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, and are a cute addition to your summer wardrobe.
~created by Debbi~


And speaking of Flip Flops how about these adorable and very clever earrings.  Yes, you guessed it, they're Flip Flops.  I highly recommend checking out Pam's Shop, if you like Swarovski Crystals she is the lady to shop with!

From: A Bead Thing

Handwoven Swarovski Flip Flops

Product Details:

These cutsie flip flops are made using 4mm swarovski crystals in complementary colors with a few 11/0 seed beads for the little flower on top.  These are a delight to make and to wear, lightweight and will get you all kinds of "oooh where did you get those" comments.
I have several pair in inventory of varying color combinations and these can be special ordered as long as I have the colors in stock.

How about a completely different Flip Flop...  From a new shop on the site, these are called "Barefoot Sandals" and I have to say, they are rather a neat thing.  Like to go barefoot, don't want to be seen as barefoot?  Dress up your summer feet with these fun accessories.

From: Red Shoe Affair

  

Peach White and Tan Flower Barefoot Sandals

Product Details: 

 

Want to show off your feet this summer? You need to accessorize 

 

with these barefoot sandals!

 
This pair of barefoot sandals are crocheted from peach, brown 

and white cotton yarn and adorned with flowers. The sandals 

will wrap around your ankles at least once and are washer/dryer 

friendly. 
If you would like a pair of barefoot sandals in custom size or 

color scheme please email me at sales@redshoeaffair.com

Now you're all ready with your footwear, you can get out there and run your toes through the sand, splash in the waves, take a long and quiet walk through the local woods, hang out by the river and watch the fish swim by.  Ah Summer, get out there and have a good one!

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

 

Five Great Gifts to Give List 19

Good Morning,

Tuesday is here and we have five items from different shops on the Etsy site.

Starting off with a new store on the site.

From: Sheba's Gems

Large Silver Hoop Earrings with Leaf Charm and Turquoise beads, Minimalist Hoops, Leaf Charm Hoop Earrings, Turquoise and Silver Earrings

Thin minimal hoop earrings in silver and turquoise with beautiful leaf charms. Tribal chic - summer fun - hoop earrings.

The earring will fall approx. 4inches (10cm) from your piercing.

Components:
Silver plated surgical steel earwire 20mm (nickel/lead free)
Thin silver plated hoops 60mm
Silver plated leaf charm 20mm ( 4/5 inches )
Semi precious turquoise seed beads

Gift Wrapped - Estimated time of arrival 5-20 working days to most destinations. 

From Sue's Arts
  
Red Jade beaded bracelet, beaded bracelet, elastic bracelet

Gorgeous, elegant, sparkly and unique red Jade gemstone bracelet.

Bracelet is elastic and is about 7" in diameter. If you'd like it smaller or bigger just let me know, I don't charge extra for any adjustments.

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

Suzan ♥

From: Zlala959

green phantom quartz pendant No1315

If you want to make jewelry yourself, this item is a very good accessory.

material: green phantom quartz
size:Please see the picture. I put a quarter dollar coin beside the item when I take picture.
color and pattern: please see the picture.
condition: new and never been used.

If you have any questions about shipping, payment and return
policy, please check my shop policies.

From The Button Bird

Vintage Rose Brooch, Gold Flower Pin by Durberry Fifth Avenue

Vintage rose brooch, gold flower pin of beautiful gold tone metal, signed 'DFA' by Durberry Fifth Avenue. This brooch is in great vintage condition! It measures about 2 inches long.

Shipping: Jewelry will be wrapped in protective bubble wrap and mailed in a sturdy cardboard shipping box. Tracking is included with shipping cost.

From The Alchemists Vessel
  
Kahleesi Necklace Turquoise Copper and Bronze Set

Fit for any Queen Across the Sea, this gorgeous genuine Turquoise, mixed metal necklace and earring set is sure turn heads of all in the Realm, or at least a few co-workers at the office. Named after a character from the George R. R. Martin books and popular HBO series, Kahleesi is sure to please the biggest fans of *Game of Thrones. Perfect for Cos-Play cons, Fantasy Costuming, SCA events, Steam-punk Fashions, Dressy Occasions, or a night out on the town. This jewelry set is truly fit for Royalty. Matching earrings are included. High Fashion Fabulous or Fantasy Fantastic, you can decide, and your out fit will pop with a little something extra special.

Bronze and copper disks are hand cut, sanded, polished and antiqued for a cohesive design and attached with hand spun matching bronze and copper jump rings. Suspended from antiqued bronze chain and accented with two sizes of genuine Turquoise beads. Disks catch the light and shine complimenting the turquoise beautifully. Completed with a matching Lobster Claw clasp.

Chain is 18" long including clasp, swag hangs at 20 - 21"

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

*Pearls may be substituted for a fabulous and unique Wedding Jewelry Set.

Free Shipping on this item.

*This item is not affiliated with the HBO Series in any way.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  In hope that you may choose to see what else some of these shops may have to offer.

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