Holiday Shop Guide II 2016

Good Afternoon,

Today I would like share another Handmade Holiday Shop Guide, this time the shops are from The CraftStar.

NOTE: There is no membership fee or sign up required for shoppers.

A nice alternative to etsy, every shop is unique and different, offering a variety of handmade good and supplies.

Some of my favorite shops may be found below.

Steampunk Beadery

50% off with coupon code AC50! Your home for Handmade Classic and Steampunk Jewelry.Each piece is unique and Hand Crafted.Steampunk Beadery showcases a One of a Kind romantic twist to Steampunk style,and also features many of your Classic Hand Crafted favorites. I am always thrilled to do custom work as well, feel free to send me a message if you have something in mind that is not featured. Thank you for spending your valuable time in my shop! 


Rock Hound Soap 

Rock Hound Soap offers handcrafted soaps inspired by nature. All soaps are handmade to order. This allows for my customers to make customization's and choose their own fragrance from 70 choices! 


Whispering Woods 

Welcome to Whispering Woods where we make handcrafted treasures that are unique and different. Preserving them into something that will last a life time. Custom orders are welcome. From using native woods and exotic woods for my wands and log boxes to handmade business card holders and my new line of custom made pens. I turn or carve each piece into a handcrafted treasure of beauty and mystique. Use only reclaimed wood gathered locally. No live trees are harmed, only what nature gives me to use. 


Annes Knits

I enjoy making scarves and shawls and hope you see something that you like. I will also make custom items. 50% from all sales goes to local animal rescues in Tucson. 


Noveena

 
I beadweave with seed beads for the sake of my sanity .....:) 


Thank you for stopping in and having a look. Encouraging you to stop by the shops and see what's on the virtual shelves.

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

Featured Artist: Steampunk Beadery

Good Morning,

Today I would like share a unique and interesting store Steampunk Beadery on The CraftStar.

These are some my favorite items in the shop, but please do not hesitate to click through and check out the virtual shelves.

 

Steampunk Cuff - Victorian Elegance Brass Cuff 

Shabby Chic meets Steampunk with this gorgeous brass cuff! 

Laden with venise trim,rhinestones and a hand-painted flower. This piece is a conversation starter for sure! 

Steampunk Vintage Necklace WWII Era - Steampunk Necklace

Gorgeous Steampunk Necklace reminiscent of WWII. It has gorgeous naturally aged WWII era links , surrounded by lush coppers, silvers and greens. Approx 16 inches long.

** ONE OF A KIND DESIGNS IN HANDMADE AND STEAMPUNK JEWELRY **

Dark Blue Butterfly Earrings by Steampunk Beadery 

 
Gorgeous brass butterfly earrings with seed beads! These hand-painted butterflies appear to float through the lovely embellished brass rings with a touch of elegance!

Many colors available in My Earrings Section!

Steampunk Necklace Three Tiered Cleopatra

 

**Steampunk Jewelry by Steampunk Beadery**

Simply Stunning Silver Cleopatra style handmade necklace! This gorgeous one of a kind features a three tiered flower center with vintage rhinestones and silver flower accents. Necklace is approx 17.5 inches long.

Vintage Button Bracelet - Handmade Jewelry

 

**Handmade Jewelry by Steampunk Beadery**

Beautiful vintage slide button centered in this gorgeous bracelet! Surrounded with small crystal and pearlized beads,this one of a kind piece really sparkles. Measures approx 7.5 inches.


Bonus Item
 

$20 GRAB BAGS

 

$20.00 Grab Bags! 
(Not associated with any other coupons or deals)
For $20 you will receive at least :
1 necklace
1 bracelet/cuff
2 pairs of earrings 

Minimum value of $80.00 !!


Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  We encourage you to visit the shop and see what else is available.


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

New items in the Store

Good Morning,

Today's blog is short ans sweet.  

A news item or two.

Yesterday, Sunday September 15, 2013, the front parking lot at the shop was repaved.  Little Shop of Artists will be open again Wednesday September 18th or, Thursday, September 19th, this week.

The shop will finally have a computer.   Although it is my personal laptop, services such as shopping an artists on-line shop or site can be done in-store.

We have several new items in the shop including two Fine Art photographic prints from Elton Nesselrodt, they are lovely riverside landscapes, matted and framed.

Autumn is here next week and the weather is turning as are the leaves.  The shop has ventured past jewelry and art-wear to hand-knitted items as well.  This is the very first item I have knit for sale.

"Camouflage" is now finished and for sale, if you have been knitting along with the project, the finishing steps and final touches will be discussed in Wednesday's blog.  Now available in the shop.
$30.00 Hand-Knit Acrylic Full Length His / Her Scarf




Shown here for length / pattern detail.  The scarf has been hand-washed and blocked, the ends taper as the triangles throughout the length of the scarf.

We are in hopes of having several pairs of these cute and feminine Wrist Warmers in shop soon.  Two styles are available "Ruffly Muffatees" and "Texters" - What the heck is a Muffatee?  If you remember your Beatrix Potter you will know that Benjamen's Bunny's Mother had to knit them for a living.  Well that doesn't explain what it is though.  Muffatees are short fingerless gloves of a short.  Many fashion-forward young ladies in the Goth and Steam Punk Fashion scenes will use socks, minus the foot for these fashionable and cute accessories.  In the Victorian era, layering clothes was essential to stay warm in the winter.  Trying to do things in mittens is next to impossible, but "muffatees" allowed you to keep your hands warm and your fingers free for work.

This pair is mine and an example of the Ruffly Muffatee.  They look great under a denim jacket as the ruffle peek-a-boo's from the cuff, and adds a pop to color to the otherwise sometimes dreary Winter attire and grey cloudy days.

Either style would make a great Christmas Gift.

Ruffly Muffatees: $24.00 / pair.

Texters are simple knitted tubes about 7" long with a knitted Thumb-Hole at one side, leaving fingers free for texting and keeping your hands warm at the same time.  Great for driving too.  Currently available in Turquoise (Mint Blue) Acrylic Yarn.

Texters: $20.00 / pair.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Caught Couture

Hello there,

Monday has arrived, bright and shiny here in lovely Boise, Idaho.  

Today I would like to share a new piece.  I try, on occasion to bring a sense of whimsy and fun into the pieces I create, and once in a while I find something unique and unusual that fits the description nicely.  The creative process being what it is, I do not always have an immediate use or idea for the odds and ends I tend to acquire.  They may sit around for months until inspiration strikes and the appropriate design is crafted.

This piece took a while, it fought me here and there, insisting that something wasn't quite right.  So back to the drawing board or bead board as it was... It was while watching an old movie on TV that the idea sprang into my head, and almost demanded that I stop what I was doing to sit at the workbench and work on the piece.  Thankfully I am not so flighty.

Available on either handmadeartists.com or etsy is this Steam-punk Styled Lariat necklace.  

Caught Couture

Chain shown with short tiered look

A play on the words Haute Couture (an item made especially with a specific theme, fit or design, made to order) it is designed as a Lariat, handcuffs, star and key charms adorn one end and maybe centered as a pendant, a second pair of handcuffs is attached to the other end of the chain, and acts as a stop.  This necklace has no clasp and fits easily over the head.  Over all length is 27", and may be worn two different ways.

Cluster the charms all together and let the necklace hang just below the breast (very Victorian), or adjust by gently pull the handcuffs in a downward motion, repositioning the pendant as a collar with a long lead or to desired length for a tiered look.

Charms shown clustered as a pendant

Created with antiqued bronze chain and charms, the handcuffs do not open.  The star and key lend a law enforcement theme to this cute necklace.  Would make a great accessory those in the branches of Law Enforcement.

Shown here with the drop pulled slightly longer.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  There are lots of other fun and whimsical items as well chainmaille and other fine jewelry selections in the shop.

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

Inspiration and Kahleesi Necklace

Good Morning,

Where does your inspiration come from?  Many people refer to a "Muse" or other sprite of thought for the idea that begins to spark in the mind and finally catches, turning in to a bright and shining beacon of a completed what have you.  Yea inspiration.

Mine comes from all over the place and no piece shows that more concisely than Kahleesi.  Inspired by museums, and ancient archeological finds, reminiscent of coins, and the lands of Geeks, Romans and Egyptians come to mind (for me) when looking at the piece.

The name for the piece is also inspired.  I racked my brain for quite a some time trying to come up with something that I thought fit the feel and was appropriate for necklace.  Things like "Cleopatra" and "Aphrodite", have been done and sometimes much to often.  Why not bring the piece into the modern world.  But it is not modern my brain whined!  It is, I argued back with myself.  This went on for a while.

I stared at this for what seemed like an eternity, and then  just by chance or out of boredom, I looked over to my bookcase and there in big bold black letters what did I read?  A Game of Thrones.  Hey now!  The hamster got back on the wheel and we ran the poor thing ragged pouring through the book for names.

"What's in a name"... (Shut up, Shakespeare!)

I was unaware that the books by George R.R. Martin had become such a popular HBO Series, and has an avid following of fans.   Now we're getting somewhere.  I have a source, a good reason, now I need an appropriate name... and how come everything is spelled weird!  After a bit of page flipping and description reading I settled upon the character's name of "Kahleesi" (at least I can spell it).

Created using Jeweler's Bronze (aka "Merlin's Gold"), Copper and genuine Turquoise beads.  The disks (coins) have been cut from sheet metal, jump rings and head pins are hand crafted using 20 and 18 gauge wire.  Genuine Turquoise beads in two sizes accent the antiqued bronze chain, the disks have been antiqued for a consistent design.

High Fashion or Fantasy.  This would be great for SCA events, Belly Dancers, Costuming, Cos-Play Cons, Steampunk Fashionistas, Boho Chic, Office attire or Date Night.  Light weight and fun to wear.  Appropriate for any Queen Across the Sea or closer to your own Realm of home.

Available at handmadeartists.com, matching earrings are included.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

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

Featured Artist - Jewelry by Lady Fatih

Happy Thursday,

As always it is my pleasure to share with you another wonderfully creative lady and talented artisan from the Handmade Artists site, and Forum.  Jewelry by Lady Faith

What Lady Faith has to say,

BIO:
When I was about 5 or 6 years old, my grandmother the manager of a ladies dress shop here in West Texas brought home a bag of broken jewelry for me to play dress up. I immediately began putting all kinds of things together and using safety pins to mend the broken necklaces. So began my jewelry making career. After a few necessary slowdowns and a couple of stops, I began my career again. I believe every woman should have pretty and fun jewelry. So I have designed and made this jewelry just for that woman. Some of the pieces are entirely handmade by me and are One of a Kind. Some are vintage pieces re-purposed for wear in today’s world. Visit and enjoy with me my journey of jewelry designing and making.

Her jewelry is really fun!  I am always impressed with another designer's take or vision on their pieces.  Beautiful and always unique, no two are ever alike.  Below are three of my favorite necklaces made by Lady Faith.

How cute is this?  The propeller is adorable.  Just right for understated Steam-punk fashions or a Flyboy's lady love.

The Flying Star

Product Details:  The Flying Star is a mixed metal pendant.  The star is hand forged, cut and textured in copper.  The industrial wheel is antiqued brass.  The industrial cog is antiqued silver toned metal.  The propeller is raw brass naturally oxidized.  The wheel, the cog and the propeller are riveted to the star.  The propeller turns, the cog turns and the wheel also turns.  The star is connected with a gun metal jump ring to a copper chain and the closure is a gun metal S hook and jump ring.  You will be the Flying Star with this pendant.  This moveable propeller will interest all that see it.  It is a fun piece for your work day or a fun evening out.  Good with dresses or jeans.

There is also a matching Propeller Ring.

This is fabulous, original, definitely One-of-A-Kind and perfect for SCA attendees, or medieval fashion fans.

 British Amethyst Beauty OOAK

Product Details:  This beautiful Amethyst Pendant, started is life in the form of a Brooch from Britian and found its way to Palma de Mallorca.  The Anglican Church was have its annual Christmas Jumble Sale in 1978 and I spotted it . For a few pestas I got this treasure with idea of repurposing it.  Well I finally got it done this year.  It is circa 40's to early 50's. It is marked .830 the way the British marked silver then and has a gorgeous faceted light colored amethysy bezel set in the center. It is hung from a ball chain of .925 sterling silver with a lobester claw closure that 22 inches and the pendant is 2 3/4 inches.  The entire piece is 24 3/4 inches long.

This is a truly unique artisan piece, it is one my favorite things in her shop.  I don't know what to say about this other than, WOW!

Fused Sterling Silver Necklace

Product Details:  This beautiful pendant is made of sterling silver with fused silver designs.  A sterling silver design has been fused on the pendant with a riveted brass bolt at the top.   This focal piece has sterling and copper dangles made with head pins of sterling silver and copper holding copper and sterling beads.  The chain is mixed metal of copper, silver toned metal and brass with a sterling and copper toggle.  The chain measures 22 inches with the focal being 3-3/8 inch long making the necklace a total of 25 3/8 inches long.  It is a one of a kind piece.

There are many more items in the shop ranging from earrings, and bracelets to vintage and re-purposed goodies for you to peruse.

We hope we have peaked your curiosity and you will stop by the shop Jewelry by Lady Faith, or you can always follow her on her blog.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

  

Star Steam Bracelet

Happy Monday!

December is here!  The winter's here in Idaho are interesting.  It can be pouring rain and lashing wind, power outages and storm warnings one moment, and sunny and bright the next.

This morning, after braving the weather and inconsistent power supply, I have one new item to share with you before it is back to the grind stone, I mean workbench.

Star Steam Bracelet Chainmaille and Charms

Star Steam Bracelet Chainmaille and Charms

 

Steampunk or Industrial Fashionistas will love this substantial and stunning chainmaille charm bracelet. Bronze charms, stars, gears, and disks encircle the cuff, interspersed with beautiful faceted bi-cone shaped glass beads in Amber and Brown. Makes a soft and lovely sound when worn. Light weight and comfortable.

8-1/2" total length and 3/4" wide, including clasp. "Merlin's Gold" or Jeweler's Bronze wire has been hand spun cut, antiqued and woven in a version of the European weave. Gears are sold as jewelry components and have never been used in any device or machinery that I am aware of. Disks are hand-drilled and sanded smooth. Each charm and bead is attached individually. Bi-cone beads are 6mm translucent amber and brown. Finished with a matching Toggle clasp.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving. 

There are lots of other things in the shop as well.  Remember to enter the coupon code HOLIDAY10 for 10% off your total purchase.  Many of the items in the shop have been reduced for a special Holiday Sale.  A wide variety of jewelry can found in the section $10.00 and Under, including natural semi-precious gemstone earrings, bracelets and necklaces, glass beaded jewelry sets and more!

Custom requests are always welcome, working with in your budget is one of our specialties.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Monday's New Shop Items

Happy Monday,

The beginning of the work week always brings me to new items in the shop.  We have some fun things to look at this morning and a brief introduction to Gems for Gents a new line of jewelry with a more masculine appeal.

For the ladies:

Something Scaly

These adorable earrings can add a little oomph to any outfit. Half smooth silver, half scaly, these awesome textured metal earrings are sure to catch the eye of your favorite serpent! Great for Goths, Rockers, Halloween Costumes or your favorite Snake Owner.

Silver metal donuts and genuine Jet beads make up this simple and short pair of earrings. Suspended from silver plated ear wires.

In the Mood for something Retro?

Seventies  

The Seventies were cool, hip and happening. Harken back to that fab era with these super groovy black and white circular earrings! Natural shell encircle genuine Jet beads for a fun retro look. Perfect for the office, a casual outfit or just for fun. Retro and Kitschy!  Great for 80's New Wave and Boho styles, too!

Natural Shell donuts and genuine 6mm Jet beads are threaded on silver plated findings suspended from silver plated ear wires.  Also available in Green Australian Jasper.

Very Hippie...

Citrine Triangles

These are plain, simple and very cute. I left them as unadorned as possible to show off the gorgeous yellow of the genuine natural Citrine beads.

Would be a great alternative to Topaz for a November Birthday.

Sterling Silver plated jewelry wire is threaded through the side drilled beads, twisted to hold a loop and attached to Silver plated ear wires.

Gems for Gents 

Although there is no specific Etsy Shop Section for these, there will be a dedicated page up shortly on The Alchemists Vessel website.  Bookmark it and check back for new items and deals only available on the site.

In an attempt to create a simple but handsome and elegant line of jewelry for men, these necklaces would be appropriate for women as well.   Many of our chainmaille designs are crafted with the male wearer in mind, however, one a smaller scale the patterns also make wonderfully delicate and feminine chains and earrings as well.

Below is the beginning of what we hope will expand in to a broader and more diverse line of masculine or unisex jewelry.

From the "I'm in the Band" Collection

Bass Solo

Part of our Gems for Gents line of jewelry, this masculine and attractive necklace is very handsome, and would be appropriate for women as well, it hangs at 18" total length. A beautiful flat oval Brecciated Jasper Bead is centered and framed by oval shaped Pyrite, the intermittent pattern of Jasper and Pyrite continue around the length of the necklace.

Genuine Brecciated Jasper (Red Jasper with Black Matrix), and Pyrite beads are strung on Tiger Tail beading wire and completed with a silver base metal Lobster Claw clasp.

Guitar-god

Oval coin shaped Black Onyx beads travel along the length of this 18" necklace, and are interrupted by the occasional flat oval pyrite bead. Masculine, bold and very dapper.

Genuine Black Onyx and Pyrite beads are strung on Tiger Tail beading wire, and finished with a Lobster Claw Clasp.

Hit The Lights

"Hit the lights!" The words every concert goer longs to hear, it means the show is starting! This masculine and handsome necklace would be perfect for the stage. Matte black Jet beads separate the unique type of Jasper called Camostone (it looks likes camouflage).

18" total length. Genuine Jet and Camostone (Jasper) beads are laced on Tiger Tail beading wire and finished with a Lobster Claw clasp.

 Metal

Genuine Jet and Pyrite beads chase each other along the 18 length of this heavy duty necklace. Masculine and handsome.

Genuine Jet and Pyrite beads are strung on Tiger Tail beading wire and completed with a Lobster Claw Clasp.


Mechanix

Masculine and understated is this very muted color genuine Hematite and Pyrite necklace. Perfect for the Mechanic, Warrior or Musician in your life. 18" long.

Genuine Hematite and Pyrite alternate around the 18" length of metal Tiger Tail beading wire. Finished with a Lobster Claw clasp.

Monster of Rock

Part of our Gems for Gents line of jewelry, this is a unique and sturdy necklace. Zoesite is a lovely green stone from Australia, occasionally it is encrusted with natural ruby inclusions across the stone's surface in a stunning mix of reds and purples against the green background of the Zoesite.

Perfect for your Man of Metal, or that special Zombie in your life, or it would make a fabulous addition to a Halloween themed costume or outfit.

Flat oval shaped genuine Pyrite separates clusters of Zoesite with Ruby beads along a strand of Tiger Tail beading wire, finished with a silver base metal Lobster Claw clasp.

Something for the Steampunk Dapper Dresser...


Bomber

A rare form of Tiger Eye is Pietersite.  This gorgeous brown and red stone has flecks of green, gold and blue and yellow running through in the bead in beautiful striations of muted color.  Resembling a well worn leather "Bomber" Jacket, this makes a bold and masculine piece.


World War II Air Force Bomber Jacket (Leather)

...and for the Bad Boy in Leather

Motorcycle

Simple and stream-lined, light weight yet looks tough, is this rugged Jet and Silver bead necklace.  Finished with a Lobster Claw Clasp.  Goth, Rocker, Vamp, Biker, fits any style, even the suited-work-day business man.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read this marvelous Monday.


The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful work week!