How To Remove A Stuck Finger Ring

Good Morning,

Today we have a brief video on how to remove a stuck finger ring without cutting it off.  Thanks to Dr. Simon Carley and his colleagues at the Centre for Evidence Based Emergency Care at Manchester Metropolitan University for posting this video on you tube.






You don't have to be a patient to remove a ring.  We urge you to be careful and remind you that this is for information purposes.  Please don't go out and try to get your rings stuck on fingers just to try this technique.

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.

ARTISTS / ARTISANS WANTED

Happy Friday,

It is the weekend, and we are closer to opening Little Shop of Artists.  However we are still in search of Artists and Artisans to display their work at the store.

ARTISTS / ARTISANS WANTED

For Small Retail Venue

Display your Work

Little Shop of Artists

6713 Fairview Ave, Ste. B

Boise, ID, 83704

(Behind A-1 Video Exchange)

*$50.00 a month

Artists keep all sales monies

*Includes – Website Links, Gallery Photos, Radio and Newspaper Advertising, Class Space, Shop Business Cards, Other Business Amenities

Contact us at askus@littleshopofartists.com 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel and Little Shop of Artists would like to wish you a pleasant day.  

Dark Maille In The Studio

Good Morning,

Is it inappropriate to expect Children of the Night to be up at this hour?  Probably.

New items have appeared in the shop, and with a darker twist.  Subtle, surprising and unusual, these Chainmaille bracelets are woven with Gunmetal tone (over copper) and enameled Aluminum jump rings.  Part of the Captured Color Collection, they allow for an accent of color about the wrist while keeping the mystique of your attire in tact.

From Raven's Nook

Enchantress Chainmaille Bracelet

Wicked, wild, wonderful and sure to enchant even the darkest of hearts. This unusual and attractive bracelet is just right for those with a penchant for a darker wardrobe steeped in black and clothed mystery, this bracelet is no exception. Purple peers out through its cage of rings, the puzzle-like construction suggests they may be trying to free themselves from captivity, as they float, between ring and empty space. Great for a subtle pop of color at the office, a sleek and intriguing date night accessory, or perhaps and evening in stripy stockings at the local dance club. Whatever you choose, your outfit will catch the eye of many an admirer.

Makes an excellent adornment for Goth, Rocker, or Biker Fashions, Fantasy costumes, Film, Stage or Event attire.

8-1/4" total length, including clasp. Gunmetal tone (over copper) and enameled aluminum jump rings in Violet are woven in the Inverted Round Maille pattern and secured with a strong magnetic clasp that holds well during everyday activities and movements.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

*Customizable,may be made to desired length or color of choice. Multicolor request please add $5.00 or choose from our line of ready-to-wear selections currently available in the shop.

Free Shipping this item. Custom orders please allow 2 - 3 Days for shipping we will need time to create your item.

Siren Chainmaille Bracelet

Sing your own Siren Song in this stunning and subtle bracelet. Appropriate for Professional Office attire, Date Night or wandering long forgotten halls at twilight. Perfect for Goth, Rocker, or Biker fashions, or Film, Stage and Event costume design. You're sure to lure many an on-looker in this lovely and fun bracelet. Although associated with the sea, Sirens (Greek Mythology) are actually beautiful and dangerous half-women, half-bird creatures, that live on one of several Islands near Cypress. The daughters of the River god, Achelous, they lure sailors to their rocky shores with enchanting music and song. Although they lured mariners, for the Greeks the Sirens in their "meadow starred with flowers" were not sea deities, but "winged-daughters of the earth".


8-1/4" total length, including clasp. Gunmetal tone (over copper) and enameled aluminum jump rings in Olive Green are woven in the Inverted Round Maille pattern and finished with a strong magnetic clasp that hold well during those evening flights of fancy.

Arrives boxed ready for gift giving.

Customizable, may be made to desired length or clasp may be switched to toggle or Lobster Claw at customer request. Multicolor request please add $5.00, or take a look at our selection of ready-to-wear pieces available in the shop.

Free Shipping this item.

Custom orders, please allow 2 -3 Day shipping, we need time to create your item.

Have any questions? Contact the shop owner. 

 Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

  

Five Great Gifts For Giving List 11

Tuesday is here, and as usual we have five items that would make awesome gifts.

Today I am trying something a little different.  These items are taken from brand new artists on handmadeartists.com.  They are not part of the blog ring or any other feature.  These are artists that have caught my eye, not to mention make things that I covet!

Ladies, are you stuck for something to get the man in your life?  Check these out. Not only are they cool, they are very masculine, and come in a variety of items, including movie monsters, backhoes, Sports Figures and much more.  These sculptures are amazing and I would recommend just having a look at what else is in the shop.  Not only are these are awesome they are totally affordable!

From: Art From Steel

Chopper

Product Details:

 Note the wider ball bearing wheels at the back and the V twin engine made from cut off spark plugs. 

-  Expertly Hand-Made from recycled scrap metal

-  Dimensions : 9" X 4" X 4" (22 X 9 X 9 cms)

-  Weight : 2.3 lbs (1 kgs)

-  Extremely Limited Supply!

-  Note: This statue may vary slightly from photograph due to the scarcity of materials.

This artist has an incredible talent for the tiny!  Check out her other sculptures as well.

From: Electronic Girl

Red Pandas hang around unique gift for her cool gift for teenager mothers day gift

 

Product Details:

This adorable little Red Panda is just hanging around enjoying his time with you! This unique necklace will melt your loved one's heart instantly!!!
If a special someone loves red pandas, this is the coolest gift ever! This carefully designed {hand sculpted} wearable artwork was created with incredible attention to detail. The pictures do not do it justice.
This pendent comes with a 18" ball chain. Pendant is about 1" x 1". The purple flower is a Swarovski crystal.
Get him now! This necklace will go fast and will not be re-listed until another one is made. They are very labor intensive.
**Please read my shop policy's before making a purchase.
**note: since the panda has very fine details the appendages are delicate. I recommend being gentle when wearing this necklace. (aka: don't kick box while wearing it)
------------------------------------------------------------------
**all jewelry that leaves my shop is swabbed with antiseptic.
**yes, I have cats but they are not allowed near my jewelry components, in process pieces or finished pieces...as it would be a choking hazard.
**smoke free environment


These are truly unique, one of a kind and amazing affordable for the time and effort that must have gone in to making them.

From: Glitzy Glass Studio



Lampwork Boro Focal Glass Blown Vessel Bead Purple Blue Crystal Swirl by DeMarie SRA

Product Details: I made this lovely one of a kind glass blown lampwork boro hollow vessel in my glass torch. This vessel is very three dimensional with crystal swirls around the entire design, each swirl magnifies the shades underneath and captures the light. Your vessel can be used for essential oils, perfume or cremains if you desire.

The vessel is 3 inches tall and 1 1/2 inches wide. It has a custom glass stopper that fits snuggly in place
Size: 3 inches tall and 1 1/2 inches wide.
I have been making and loving glass work since 1993
All GG beads are properly cleaned, annealed and packaged. GG Boro beads are created using Northstar, Glass Alchemy and Momaka Rods. GG encased boro beads are wrapped with high quality crystal clear Pyrex Glass from Corning. GG beads are kiln annealed, carefully examined, and cleaned by ultrasonic power and then by hand.
Policy - I strive to always be available to meet my Bead Families needs . I can be reached via the web or phone at 951-239-1777 (California time) Please try not to call me at 3am - I get a bit grumpy 

Now here is something truly unique and different.

From: Jane Priser

Geometric Sunrise

Product Details:
Geometric Sunrise is an original pen drawing created by me, Jane Priser. This is the only one and there is no other. This sunrise scene is a fantastic and interesting abtract. Permanent marker upon sturdy Bristol paper. Free shipping within the U.S.!


ACEO stands for Art Card Editions & Originals. The standard size is 2.5 x 3.5 Inches. (Size of a sports trading card). They are highly collectible works of art that are the perfect size to collect and make wonderful gifts. To learn more, search ACEO on the web! 

From Norma's Bath and Body

orange sherbet soap float

Product Details:

 Mmmm.. how fun is this orange sherbet soap float. give as a nice gift. smells good enough to eat. display on the sink. your family and friends and guests will love it. comes with or without a straw.

If you need bulk to let me know!

 

Friday Links and Promotions

Happy Friday,

The weekend is here and promises to be a good one. 

I have been trying to think of something to post today, and because I am coming up short, I think I will share a date instead.

November 24th, 2012, is Shop Small Day!  Why just keep it to one day?  What not shop small all the time.  Just what does that mean? 

It means to shop your local and independent businesses.  I don't mean hit the mall with  the other lemmings at 5:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning for "Door-buster" sales.  I mean take your time and seek out Main Street, those fabulous little shops owned and operated by a person, not a giant faceless corporation.  Take your time and look on line at some of the wonderful and unique handmade goodies from Artists and Designers all over the country.  

This image was downloaded from the Facebook Fan Page for Shop Small Day.

Places to shop small:

handmadeartists.com
The Alchemists Vessel - Jewelry and Gifts
Studio RGC - Twisted Little Things

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

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

Jens Pind Chainmaille Photo Tutorial In My Studio

Good Morning,

Today in the studio I have been working on a new Chainmaille weave for a variety of items and the post is packed with photos.  The Jens Pind Linkage or JPL for short is a spiral weave and very much like a rope pattern.  The tight AR (Aspect Ratio) of the rings locks them into place and keeps the weave from unwinding.

The Jens Pind weave, in three colors, to show the pattern.  This is a favorite way to weave this pattern, the colors show off the spiral twist of the chain.

Each jump ring is placed through the two prior rings and lines up with the ring of the same color.  The jump rings must be linked precisely and in the correct position to achieve the zig-zag stacking effect.

Aspect Ratio is measured by dividing the Inner Diameter (ID) of the jump ring by the Wire Diameter (WD = gauge). It is important to convert the wire gauge into millimeters before dividing.  Yes, you have to do math!

AR = ID ÷ WD    
Example: 3.0  ÷ 1.024 = 2.92  
This would be equivalent to a 3.0mm ID 18 gauge wire jump ring, with an AR of 2.92

It is important to take this into account when working a weave pattern.  If the wire is too thick, the inner diameter will not be large enough for the number of the rings that need to pass through it, too thin or the ID too large, the weave (knit) will be too loose with an airy or lacy look.  Some Chainmaille patterns are very AR sensitive, as I have found out attempting the Jens Pind.  Not terribly complicated, but done with an incorrect AR and you a have an unattractive mess.

Two Color Jens Pind weave, although the rings look the same, they are not, the silver rings are 16g and the Brown are 18g, both rings are 10mm, however for some odd reason they both have an inner diameter of about 5.2.  The pattern has a more open weave then the three color chain in the same gauge.

You can see the contrasting rings through the weave, showing that the weave is a little loser than the three color example above.

As you spin or turn the chain the illusion of twisting or spiraling occurs.

Although the position of the rings never changes, they appear to twist through each other depending on the angle of view.

In order to show the detail, I have used 14 g, 16, and 18g, 10mm Anodized Aluminum jump rings purchased from a craft store in all of the example photos.  These have an ID of 5 (perhaps 5.2)  the AR is 5.2 ÷ 1.628 = 3.2 (3.19) This is a good AR for this particular Chainmaille weave. The correct or optimal AR is somewhere between 2.76 and 3.1

A good tight Jens Pind weave will be supple enough to move fluidly, making it ideal for bracelets, necklaces, and other ornaments and items.  Another word about Aspect Ratio, if the AR of any weave is too tight the chain will be stiff and unsuitable for much, including armor, decorative or other wise.  Placing the rings properly is crucial if the chain is to be flexible enough for wear or use.

 

Single color Jens Pind weave.  The chain can look different depending on whether you use multiple or single colors of jump rings.   I find the single color to be most attractive, but more difficult to weave without the color variation as a visual guide for the ring placement.

These are large chunky chains to show detail.  I dislike the rings I purchased, they are poorly cut, some have large burrs or Gargoyle heads and were unacceptable to use, some effort went into sorting and trying to clean them up before the project began.   Unfortunately I think another material or another supplier is in order.

Now that we have seen the different looks you can achieve lets take a quick look at how to make this pattern.  If you are just learning to weave (knit) maille, may I suggest learning the Half and / or Full Persian weaves before attempting the Jens Pind, it will make more sense if you are familiar with those patterns.

Instructions:
I have tried to be clear, concise and brief in my tutorial, I expect the pictures to be of more help than the written instruction.   I will be using Green, Blue and Purple jump rings as in the photo above for easy ring identification and to show the step by step placement of each ring as it is linked into place.

Materials: 
Twist Tie 
Lot and Lots of jump rings in the correct AR
Two Pairs of pliers (preferably Flat Nosed) 
Direction: "Up" = away from you, Down = towards you

 

1.  Close one ring (Green) and connect a twist tie to mark the beginning of the chain.



 



2.  Put one jump ring (Blue) through the first one, close it, and lay it flat against the first one.  This will determine how the spiral will form.



 
3.  Add a third jump ring (Purple), by passing it through the eye created by the first two rings and lay it flat against the second ring.


 



There are now three rings, Green, Blue, Purple (or 1, 2, 3).  The purple ring is in the correct position.







4.  Add a fourth ring (*Green), this ring should align with the first ring (The one with the twist tie).  Slide the ring up through the eye in the previous two rings (blue and purple) making sure it lies behind the first Green ring.  Close the ring.  *The pattern repeat begins.  You can see the zig-zag stacking begin.


 

5.  Rotate the chain so the Blue jump ring arcs over the work.  






  
 
6. Add the next ring (Blue).  Slide the ring down and through the eye of Green and Purple rings and UNDERNEATH (in front of) the previous Blue jump ring.

Each color of the rings must lay in the same direction, as the chain grows it will be easier to see where to place the next ring.  Each color ring goes through the same eye as the previous one of the same color.

7.  Rotate the chain so the Purple Ring arcs over the work.  Add the next ring (purple).  Slide the ring up and through the eye of the Green and Blue rings and behind the previous purple ring.  



The pattern is beginning to form and you can see how the jump rings are placed in relationship to each other.  The Chain needs to be turned to make sure that the rings are lined up in the right position and placed opposite each other.


8.  Continue with steps 4 through 7 adding each color (Green, Blue, Purple) of jump ring in order until your length of chain is complete. 





There are now seven rings total in the chain, and the third Green, Blue, Purple sequence begins.




 



Finish with a clasp or link together with a jump ring.  Here is a short length sample of the chain we just made, supple enough to make a circle.

 Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

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

Other Sources:

zlosk.com: Maille - Jens Pind Linkage Ring Calculator
Table of AWG Wire Sizes