In The Studio - Malachite Earrings and Dragonscale

Good Morning,

Friday's are usually open for promotions and things that are happening around Boise.  Since it is Easter this weekend, and some festivites have been cancelled, there isn't much to promote.  So today's blog is short, and showcases two items currently being worked on in the studio.

Malachite and Sterling Silver Earrings.



These have not yet been listed for sale and I am not sure I am going to list them.  Large malachite oval cabochons have been set in Sterling Silver and are made for Pierced ears.   The materials were pre-cut and measured, and given to me as part of a job interview / skill assessment.  They measure 1" x 1/2".

This piece is not finished yet, and I am still in the process of deciding what to do with it.  At this length it would make half of a watch band, or I could continue for a full bracelet.  My concern is the weight,  silver plate over brass, makes for a dense and heavy piece.  Using 5mm and 3mm ID rings, makes for a pretty but weighty item.

Top down, the rings are stretched to their limit, to show the scale like pattern.

From different angles the piece has a different appearance, one of my favorite things about the weave.

The rings create a lovely and smooth chain, although it looks like it would be rough to the touch, it is actually very silky.

Viewed from the side the rings appear to Cris-cross, making a pretty X like pattern along the chain's edge.

The Cris-cross moves in the other direction on the other side.  Dragonscale is an intricate and beautiful weave, done in multiple or single colors, it is a conversation starter as well as a durable and functional weave.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

Lessons in Metal

Good Morning,

I know that Thursday's are usually devoted to an artist.  The blog  ring is on hiatus until next week, and I have run my friends to ground, asking for permission and verbiage to use.  They're shy.

So instead, this post is all about Metals, Heavy, Precious, Rolled, Filled, and Nickel.

Silver and the variations there of: one of my biggest pet peeves in the industry is Nickel.  Nickel is not Silver, it is not "Nickel Silver", there is NO Silver in Nickle what so ever.  Not even the tiniest elemental trace.  None, zero, zip, nada, nil.  Nickle is a copper alloy usually containing 60% Copper, 20% Zinc, and 20% Nickel, it may also contain Tin, also known as "Indian Silver" or "German Silver".  Nickel is toxic, and many people are allergic to Nickel and including the word "silver" is misleading and irresponsible.  Nickel is a white metal, like aluminum or tin.  Adding the word silver also allows sellers to up their price for a common and non-precious item.  Don't be fooled, Nickel is not and never will be silver of any kind, ever.

Silver and Sterling Silver - Silver depending on where you are in the world can be graded differently.  Sterling Silver however is always 92.5% Silver and 7.5% Copper (or other metals).  Silver in it's pure state is too soft to make functional items from, and is usually alloyed with other metals to strengthen it without changes its properties or the beauty of metal.  Three Nines Fine or Fine Silver is 99.9% silver and used mainly in the creation of jewelry.

Silver plated items are usually .15 to .25mm of Silver adhered to the surface of a base metal, usually copper or brass.   Rolled Silver or Rolled Gold have a thicker outer sheath of precious metal adhered to the base metal.  This type of plating lasts longer than the traditional plating methods.

Argentium - Argent is the Spanish word for Silver, Argentium is actually Sterling Silver that has had some of the copper content replaced with the metalloid germanium.  Germanium (Ge) is a chemical element appearing silver-grey in color.  The addition or replacement of copper aids in stopping the oxidation process of the metal and makes it less susceptible to tarnish.

Gold is weighed or measured in Karats.  Carats are used to measure gemstones.  I know a little confusing.  Karats refer to amount of actual gold a coin or piece of jewelry contains.  Pure gold is simply too soft to use in making or creating any kind of functional item and is usually alloyed with another metal to improve strength without marring the beauty of the natural metal.

24 kt - Pure Gold
22 kt to 10kt - are common for most jewelry
Rose gold contains 25% copper giving it is reddish or "rose" hue.
White Gold is usually alloyed with another white metal like palladium or  silver to give it the white color.

The world's consumption of available Gold today is counted as 50% used for jewelry, 40% investments and 10% industry (electronics, etc.)

Copper is one of the very first metals mined by man, and was principally mined on Cyprus in the Roman Era.  It has numerous uses, and makes beautiful jewelry.  From trade and artworks in the Ancient World, to modern uses today such as Copper Bottom Cooking pots, building materials, conductor of heat and constituent of various metal alloys.  When allowed to corrode, Copper will verdigris or turn green (patina), it is also found as a trace element in food and water and is important to all life, it is part of the respiratory enzyme complex, cytochrome c oxidase.   It is also used to create mirrors, and connected with the goddess Aphrodite and Venus, the alchemical symbol for copper is also the modern symbol for women, or the planetary sign for Venus.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

One Ringy Dingy, Two RIngy Dingy - New in the Shop

Happy Monday,

I took sometime off schoolwork for a little creativity.

Many of you have seen the first version of the Chainmaille rings that are available in the shop.  Did you know you can now custom order one in your favorite size or metal of choice?  These fun, fashionable and simple rings can be made just for you.

Single Jump ring design

Ring A Ding Sterling Silver Plated Chain Maille Ring

 

Simple, stunning and sturdy, and surprisingly smooth surface feel, this lovely chain maille ring is a wonderful addition to any jewelry box. Attractive and eye-catching the band slips over your finger easily and fits comfortably. Suitable for women, men or teens. Not meant to be worn during heavy work or lifting, with proper care and gentle treatment your ring will last a life time.

Created from 18g Sterling Silver plated wire, hand spun, cut and linked in a simple maille weave, the ring above is shown in an average US size 7-1/2 to 8. Measures 3/8" wide.

Also available in beaded styles.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Customizable in your preferred ring size and the metal of your choice.

*Precious Metal rings available per customer request only.

Double Jump Ring Design

Two Ringy Dingy Ring Chainmaille Sterling Silver Plated

 

This fun, fashionable and adorable Chainmaille ring will fascinate your friends! No beginning and no end, no elastic or clasp, the circle of interwoven jump rings creates an eternity band. It slips easily on and off the finger and fits comfortably when worn. Smooth and silky, it is a sturdy and strong piece. Not meant to be worn during heavy work with your hands, with proper care and feeding your ring can last a life time. Makes a terrific decoration and is perfect for those that like the look of maille but do not want to wear a big piece.

20g Sterling Silver plated Wire is hand spun, cut and linked in a version of the European weave. Customizable in your size. Sample shown is a US size 8. Band measure 3/8" wide.
Arrives boxed, boxed ready for gift giving.

Chainmaille Rings Custom Order

 

This Listing is used in place of the individual Chainmaille Rings currently listed for sale. Order here and include your

Ring Size

Ring Title - See Below *

Ring Material - includes, but is not limitied to 18g or 20g Sterling Silver Plated, Gold Tone, Bright Copper, and precious metals including Sterling Silver or Gold Filled, available upon request.

Ring Samples Shown Top to Bottom:

*Ring A Ding, 18g Single jump ring weave.

*Two Ringy Dingy, 20g Double jump ring weave

If you do not know your ring size you may try the following method.

Tie a piece of sting or twist tie around your finger loosely, allow it to fit, but slip on and off easily. (string or yarn works best)

Slide the string off your finger.

Cut the string just below the know and measure it against a ruler. The average size 7-1/2 to 8 ring will measure about 2-1/2" in length. If you require a larger ring, please indicate your ring size, or include the measurement in inches you took. This will ensure a proper and secure fit.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

In My Studio New Chainmaille Ring

Good Morning,

With the holidays over, and things almost back to the norm here I finally had an opportunity to sit down and make something.  It had to be a quick project, something I could complete inside a couple of hours.  This ring will be included in the projects for the E-Book "In Chains" currently in progress.

The solution was a Mini Maille Ring.  It didn't start out as one, but during the process of weaving, it insisted that it be small and round, and I had no other choice but to join the ends and create the small circle of maille.

This ring comes in two sizes of jump rings and has many variations.  It can be beaded, made in a variety of metals, and customizable in your ring size.

Simple, stunning and sturdy these rings are not meant to be worn during heavy lifting or hard work with your hands, but treated properly they can last life time.

Sample Ring:  US size 7-1/2 to 8 average ring size for most folks.
18 gauge Sterling Silver plated wire.  There is no elastic or clasp, the ring slips over your finger and fits comfortably.  It has a silky smooth feel against the skin and makes an attractive ornament.

The completed ring sits on a ring mandrel.

The finished ring, there is no stop or start, the band is joined in pattern and left as it is.  

 The ring like any other is a simple circle, instead of a solid strip of metal interlocked rings have been woven together.

Very pretty when worn.  A lovely decoration and perfect for those that like the look of maille but do not wish to wear a large piece.

Available in Sterling Silver Plated, Silver, Gold Tone, Copper, Merlin's Gold, and antiqued Copper and Bronze.  18 or 20 gauge wires, plain or beaded styles in single or double ring weaves.  Single ring weave shown in this post. 

*Precious Metals are available by request only.

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

Hello Tuesday.

Today as the schedule goes we have Five Gift Suggestions from the wonderful artisans of Etsy.

From Sues Arts

Chai Charm Necklace

Description: SOLD SEPARATELY PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHICH ONE YOU LIKE:

♥ RED or
♥ GOLD

Beautiful and unique "Chai" for "Life" charm collection necklace on 18k gold plated chain.

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

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

From:  Jackie Guttuso Designs

  

Christmas Tree Art, Original, Tree Art, Tree Collage, Holiday Art

Description: This whimsical collage of Christmas trees in a forest is an original, one of a kind piece and will be perfect for holiday decorating or in a nursery or would make a great Christmas gift. It was created with acrylic paint on professional grade heavy watercolor paper.

It has white border,approximately 1/8". It comes unframed and unmatted.  View photo samples for framing suggestions.

From: Dark Mountain Treasures

Dark Star Explosion Pendant and Chain

 

Description:  This is what it looks like when a singularity goes supernova. Black lampwork glass, genuine hematite and onyx, and silvertone metal beads randomly attached to a black chain, with a few charms and streaks of silver lightning disappearing into the swirling mass.

Necklace is 24.75 inches long from clasp-to-clasp and the chain is doubled for comfort while wearing, as the 5-inch pendant is heavy. The drop is 17 inches, including the additional pendant length.

From: Wire Witchery

Custom Bird's Nest Earrings Choose Your Color  

Description: These lovely bird's nest earrings are hand woven to be durable. When making them, I mimic the way a real bird would, weaving the wire together in a way so that it won't pull apart when you go to take them off. They are rest on surgical steel (hypoallergenic) posts.

These earrings make excellent bride's maid earrings, particularly for a spring wedding.

From: The Alchemists Vessel

Blue Streak Bracelet Chainmaille Sterling Silver Plated with Czech Glass Beads

Description: Micro Maille is named for it's size. At dimensions smaller than a dime, this stunning and feminine bracelet is an eye-catcher. Tailored enough for the office, great for date night, or that casual weekend out fit that needs a little jazzing up, the simple design will go with everything in your wardrobe.

8-3/4" long, this average length bracelet is made from Sterling Silver plated (over brass), wire, that is hand-spun, cut and linked in the European 4 - in 1 chainmaille pattern. Accented with Czech glass silver-lined beads in a gorgeous Sapphire blue. Finished with a solid Sterling Silver Lobster claw clasp

Customizable, may be made to desired length and in your favorite bead color or metal of choice.
*Precious metals are available upon customer request, please read the shop's policies for details.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you pleasant day.
 

Studio Syllabus for Today

Happy Wednesday,

Here we are the middle of the week, not quite the weekend and almost too late to start a work week project.  Today's post is short and sweet as I suddenly find myself with a multitude of things going on and all kinds of doings which require my attention.

Let's have a look at what I have been doing.  I offer a variety of  Chainmaille items, from Earrings to Watches and most stuff in between, and tried a new way to bead the Full Persian Weave and I am most happy with it.  Reminiscent of the "Dragons Back" pattern, "Leap Frog" incorporates one bead at alternating intervals down the length of chain.  Flexible for a comfortable fit,  substantial enough to make a nice statement piece, so in fashion this season. 

Length of Full Persian Beaded Maille

Beads appear to leap over one ring to another

Beads nestle in the V shape created by the rings

The chain may be turned so beads rest on top or face forward

This pattern is available in bracelets and watch bands, they are not heavy but do have a little weight.  Customizable in your favorite metal and bead color of choice.

Other bracelet patterns to choose from: 

Dragon's Back:  Shown with Emerald Czech glass beads silver-lined beads and Silver plated jump rings.

Beads are grouped together and ungulate through the chain.

Marching or Walking Beads

Beads walk across the surface of the chain.

Any and all patterns are available in the metal and bead color of your choice.

ANNOUNCEMENT:  Shop News

It is with much pleasure that I introduce Inspired Creations of Spokane, Washington.  After speaking with the owner, Alisha Reinbolt, yesterday, I have agreed to be a Consigned Artist in her shop.  She currently has 25 or so featured artists in her Brick and Mortar store.  If you are in the Spokane Valley area why not stop by and check out the Gallery.  
Location: 523 S. Pines
Spokane Valley, WA

Pretty in Pearl Earrings Class will be held at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft this Thursday (tomorrow) from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., there is still time to sign up! 1850 Milwaukee, Boise ID.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

 

In My Studio Project Pandemonium

Hello,

Wednesday greets Idaho a little grey today.  In hope that means more rain to clear some of the smoke from the fires that are still burning in the area.

I have several projects going on in the studio and sharing is always good.

After last weeks tutorial I couldn't help but try my hand at a Micro Maille version of the Jens Pind weave.  After working out an appropriate AR of 2.92 I have come up with pretty and sleek 7-1/2" length of Sterling Silver Plated (over brass) Chain.  I am unsure if I want to leave it at its current length or continue and create a necklace instead.  There are endless possibilities as I look at the unfinished piece.

Shown here wrapped around a quarter for size comparison.  This weave, like most, is supple, strong, and makes for lovely jewelry.

Hand cut jump rings have an angular or almost mitered end when snipped with wire cutters, this is called pinch cutting. 

After reading another post on a Forum, I began searching for something called Alcohol Inks.  These are nifty little inks that will color metal.  Shake the object up in a bag with a little of the ink or dab it on with a sponge applicator.  I practiced on two aluminum bells (any metal will work).   My friend, who is also a jewelry designer, graciously allowed me to try the pieces below for fun.  She too has recently discovered this interesting way to add a bit of color to her designs.

Red Bell

Purple Bell

This is a messy process, even thought the ink dries fairly quickly, your fingers will get inky, the table top will get inky, and your clothes will get inky.  You can even mix or ink over other colors to create really pretty effects.  The metal maintains a shine when the ink dries, a plus.  These bells really ring, too.

There are a couple of other projects in the works as well. Working on creating a complimentary something for the cast flower,  the next Flea Market is just around the corner, and preparations for that are happening as well.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant rest of the week.